Naperville, IL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Named nuisance weeds
- Jimson, burdock, ragweed, thistle
- Legal basis
- Declared nuisance citywide
- Exception
- Designated natural landscape areas
- Fine range
- $100-$500 per offense
Summary
Naperville declares jimson weed, burdock, ragweed, thistle, cockleburr and similar weeds a nuisance on any lot in the City, with narrow exceptions for designated natural landscape and preserve areas.
Any weeds such as jimson, burdock, ragweed, thistle, cockleburr or other weeds of a like kind, found growing in any lot or tract of land in the City are hereby declared to be a nuisance, and it shall be unlawful to permit any such weeds to grow or remain in any such place, except in designated natural landscape areas as described in Subsection 4-3-2.5 of this Section, other than City parkways and median strips so designated, or natural and buffer areas or preserves as provided under 525 Illinois Compiled Statutes 30/1 et seq.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 101).
Full Breakdown
Naperville Municipal Code § 4-3-2(1.1) names jimson, burdock, ragweed, thistle, cockleburr, or other weeds of a like kind growing on any lot or tract in the City as a nuisance and makes it unlawful to let them grow or remain. The ban doesn't reach City-designated natural landscape areas, City parkways and median strips so designated, or natural and buffer areas or preserves recognized under 525 Illinois Compiled Statutes 30/1 et seq., the state Natural Areas Preservation Act. A separate subsection sets an 8-inch height cap for weeds and grass generally.
Violations & Fines
Owners who let named nuisance weeds grow face a Notice to Abate, a $90 abatement fee plus City clean-up costs if they don't act within five days, and a fine of $100 to $500 per offense under § 4-3-2(7).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ragweed illegal to grow in Naperville?
Can I keep noxious weeds in a natural landscaping area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Naperville
How Naperville compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Naperville to another location·View the Illinois landscaping rules overview
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