Evanston's property maintenance code requires owners to control weeds and maintain vegetation below 10 inches. The city treats overgrown weeds as a public nuisance and enforces compliance through its Code Enforcement division. Properties not brought into compliance within 7 days of notice may be abated by the city at the owner's expense.
Under Title 4 of the Evanston Municipal Code, property owners are responsible for controlling weeds, brush, and rank vegetation on their property. All vegetation other than cultivated plants, registered natural landscapes, and maintained ornamental gardens must be kept below 10 inches. The definition of weeds includes any uncultivated vegetation growing in an uncontrolled manner, including ragweed, thistle, burdock, jimsonweed, and similar species. Vacant lots, alleys, and areas adjacent to sidewalks are particular enforcement priorities. The city inspects properties on complaint and also conducts proactive sweeps during the growing season from May through October. When a violation is found, the owner receives a written notice to abate the condition within 7 days. If the owner is unresponsive or cannot be located, the city posts notice on the property. The city may abate the nuisance through contractor mowing and assess the cost against the property. Evanston's administrative adjudication system handles contested citations. The weed ordinance applies equally to residential, commercial, and vacant properties.
Initial notice gives 7 days to comply. Failure to comply results in city abatement with costs ($150-$300 minimum) billed to the owner and placed as a lien on the property. Fines range from $50 to $750 per violation. Properties with three or more violations in a calendar year may be placed on an enhanced inspection schedule.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle weed ordinances.
See how Evanston's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
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