McHenry County, IL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 8 inches (Crystal Lake)
- Cure period
- 7 days after notice
- City removal
- $250 first hour
- Additional hours
- $200 per hour
- County noxious weeds
- Clear within 150 feet
Summary
Crystal Lake caps weeds and grass at eight inches; owners get seven days after notice to cut, or the city cuts and charges $250 for the first hour plus $200 each additional hour. Unincorporated McHenry County requires clearing noxious weeds within 150 feet of property lines.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any property within the City to permit any weeds, grass, or plants, other than trees, bushes, shrubs, flowers, or other ornamental plants, to grow to a height in excess of eight inches.
Full Breakdown
Crystal Lake's Chapter 526 makes it unlawful to permit weeds, grass, or plants (other than ornamentals) to exceed eight inches, deeming anything taller nuisance greenery. The Director of Community Development may issue a written abatement notice requiring removal within seven days; if the owner fails, the city cuts and bills $250 for the first hour of removal activities and $200 for each additional hour or part thereof. In unincorporated McHenry County, the Public Health Nuisance Ordinance instead targets noxious weeds, requiring owners to eradicate all noxious weeds within 150 feet of any property line.
Violations & Fines
After a 7-day notice, Crystal Lake abates the weeds and charges $250 for the first hour plus $200 per additional hour to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass get in Crystal Lake?
What if I ignore the notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
How McHenry County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois landscaping rules overview
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