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Cook County, IL Noise Ordinances: Leaf Blower Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Noise cap: 65 dB(A) at 50 feet
Who it binds: sellers, lessors of new equipment
Territory: countywide except City of Chicago
Enforcer: Dept. of Environment and Sustainability
Fine range: $300 to $10,000 per day

Summary

Cook County caps the noise output of new powered lawn and garden equipment, including leaf blowers, sold or leased in the county at 65 decibels measured 50 feet away, under Code Sec. 30-452.

City-specific rules exist: Skokie, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Evanston, and Oak Park have their own leaf blower rules rules that differ from Cook County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

No person shall sell or lease, or offer for sale or lease, any powered equipment or powered hand tool that produces a maximum noise level exceeding the following noise limits at a distance of 50 feet: ... (4) Powered equipment intended for repetitive use in residential areas. Such equipment includes lawn mowers, small lawn and garden tools, riding tractors, snow removal equipment, general low horsepower (usually electric) hand power tools and the like. 65 db(A)

Source: Cook County Code Ch. 30, Art. V - NoiseView official code

Full Breakdown

Sec. 30-452 of the Cook County Code bars selling or leasing any powered equipment or powered hand tool intended for repetitive use in residential areas -- the ordinance lists lawn mowers, small lawn and garden tools, riding tractors, snow removal equipment and low-horsepower hand power tools, the category leaf blowers fall under -- that produces more than 65 db(A) measured 50 feet away, tested to SAE J952 and SAE J184. The seller, lessor or manufacturer's agent must certify compliance in writing to the Department of Environment and Sustainability. Under Sec. 30-6, Chapter 30 reaches the whole county except Chicago's corporate limits, so it covers unincorporated areas and the county's 130-plus suburbs, but not the city itself.

Violations & Fines

Selling or leasing a leaf blower over the 65 dB(A) limit draws a fine of $300 to $10,000 under Sec. 30-131(b); each day of continued violation counts as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cook County restrict what hours I can run a leaf blower?

No -- the Code doesn't set blower hours. It regulates the equipment itself, capping new powered lawn and garden tools sold or leased in the county at 65 dB(A) measured 50 feet away under Sec. 30-452.

Does this noise limit apply in Chicago?

No. Chapter 30, including this noise standard, applies countywide except within the City of Chicago's corporate limits, per Sec. 30-6 -- Chicago has its own separate code.

Sources & Official References

[1]Cook County Code of Ordinances - Municode

Other rules in Cook County

Quiet HoursSignificant Restrictions Construction HoursSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Barking DogsSome Restrictions Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningFew Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionLight Restrictions Fire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Cook County rules

How Cook County compares: Cities with the Strictest Leaf Blower Rules·Compare Cook County to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview

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Leaf Blower Rules in Cities Across Cook County

Chicago, IL Evanston, IL Oak Park, IL Schaumburg, IL Arlington Heights, IL Skokie, IL Des Plaines, IL Orland Park, IL Tinley Park, IL Oak Lawn, IL