Industrial noise in Des Plaines is regulated through Title 6, Chapter 6 of the City Code, the Zoning Ordinance's manufacturing-district performance standards, and Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) decibel limits at 35 Ill. Adm. Code Parts 900–901. Manufacturers must not exceed state limits at adjoining residential property lines.
Des Plaines has substantial manufacturing zones, particularly in the M-1 and M-2 districts near O'Hare and along Higgins Road, plus the industrial corridor by the Des Plaines River. Industrial noise is governed by a combination of City nuisance standards in Title 6 and Illinois Pollution Control Board rules (35 Ill. Adm. Code Parts 900–901), which set measured decibel limits at the receiving property line. Class A (residential) land is protected at 55 dBA nighttime and 61 dBA daytime at the boundary. The IPCB rules are enforceable by the Illinois EPA and through private civil action. Local nuisance complaints may be filed with Des Plaines Code Enforcement at (847) 391-5380. Report measured industrial violations directly to the Illinois EPA.
Local fines range from $250 to $1,000 per occurrence for industrial noise nuisance violations. State IPCB violations can trigger Illinois EPA enforcement action with civil penalties up to $50,000 per day.
Des Plaines, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
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