Peoria County, IL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- 505 ILCS 100 (mandatory)
- Duty
- Eradicate listed noxious weeds
- Common target
- Canada thistle
- Authority
- IL Dept. of Agriculture list
- Non-compliance
- Abatement plus property lien
Summary
Beyond the ten-inch mowing cap, Illinois law makes controlling noxious weeds a legal duty. The Illinois Noxious Weed Law requires every Peoria County owner to eradicate listed species like Canada thistle, giving cities and the county authority to abate and lien.
Every person shall control the spread of and eradicate noxious weeds on lands owned or controlled by him and use such methods for that purpose and at such times as are approved and adopted by the Director of the Department of Agriculture.
Full Breakdown
Overgrown grass is a local nuisance; noxious weeds are a state obligation. The Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100) requires every person to control and eradicate designated noxious weeds, including Canada thistle and other species on the Department of Agriculture list, on land they own or control. Peoria, Chillicothe, and Bartonville fold this into their nuisance codes, and Peoria County mails abatement notices to owners of overgrown unincorporated lots, especially vacant parcels edging farmland and the river bluffs. Crews clear non-compliant properties and bill the cost back to the owner as a lien.
Violations & Fines
The city or county issues notice to control listed weeds. Ignore it and crews abate the property, charging labor and fees to the owner and recording any unpaid balance as a lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I legally required to remove weeds on my property?
Who decides what counts as a noxious weed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Peoria County
How Peoria County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Peoria County to another location·View the Illinois landscaping rules overview
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