Winnebago County, IL Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Cutting deadlines
- Jun 1, Jul 15, Sep 1
- Minimum spacing
- 21 days apart
- Enforcer
- County highway department
- Exempt
- Prairie grasses, ornamental plants
- County cuts and bills
- After 15 days' notice
Summary
Winnebago County requires noxious weeds and mosquito-breeding vegetation to be cut down at least three times each year on a set schedule, or the county cuts it and bills the owner.
All weeds and vegetation declared a nuisance under section 50-292 shall be cut, pulled or sprayed and destroyed by the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or person in control of the plot of ground at least three times each year, once prior to June 1, once between June 1 and July 15 and once between July 15 and September 1, each cutting, pulling, spraying and destroying being at least 21 days apart.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64).
Full Breakdown
County Code Sec. 50-292 declares noxious weeds and vegetation that breeds mosquitoes or rodents a public nuisance, while exempting farm conservation land and maintained ornamental plantings or prairie grasses. Sec. 50-293 requires the owner, tenant, or occupant to cut, pull, or spray it down at least three times a year on a fixed calendar, once before June 1, once between June 1 and July 15, and once between July 15 and September 1, each cutting at least 21 days apart. The county highway department enforces the rule, and if an owner ignores it on a residential subdivision lot, the county can cut the lot itself after 15 days' notice and place a lien on the property for the cost.
Violations & Fines
Each day weeds remain uncut past the deadline is a separate violation under Sec. 1-11; unpaid county cutting costs become a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Winnebago County set a maximum grass height in inches?
Can the county cut my weeds without asking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winnebago County
How Winnebago County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Winnebago County to another location·View the Illinois landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.