Des Plaines, IL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Des Plaines has adopted property maintenance standards based on the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Owners and occupants must maintain exterior building components in good repair including roofs, walls, windows, doors, foundations, and paint. Yards must be kept free of accumulated trash, debris, junk, dismantled vehicles, dead vegetation, and other materials that constitute blight. Inoperable vehicles may not be stored on residential property in public view. Exterior surfaces must be properly painted or sealed to prevent deterioration. Graffiti must be promptly removed. Vacant buildings must be properly secured. Tall grass and weeds (typically over 8 to 10 inches) are a separate landscaping violation. Code Enforcement at (847) 391-5300 typically responds to complaints with an inspection, followed by a notice of violation specifying corrective action and a deadline. Failure to comply may result in fines escalated through administrative adjudication or, in extreme cases, the City performing the work and placing a lien on the property.