Des Plaines prohibits obstruction of public sidewalks by signs, merchandise, vehicles, vegetation, or construction debris. Property owners must maintain ADA-compliant passage and trim vegetation overhanging the sidewalk.
Public sidewalks in Des Plaines must remain clear for pedestrian and accessible passage. Prohibited obstructions include sandwich-board signs in the right-of-way (without permit), merchandise displays extending beyond approved areas, parked vehicles blocking the sidewalk, low-hanging tree branches (under 8 ft clearance), construction equipment and dumpsters without permit, and accumulated trash or debris. Property owners must trim vegetation to maintain at least 8 feet of vertical clearance over sidewalks and clear branches obstructing pedestrian passage. ADA-compliant width (minimum 36 inches, preferably 60 inches) must be maintained. Construction projects requiring sidewalk closure need a public-way obstruction permit from Public Works with provisions for safe pedestrian routing, often via fenced walkway or street-side detour. Snow piles must not be plowed onto sidewalks.
Sidewalk obstruction: $100-$500 per occurrence plus immediate clearance order. Construction violations without permit: $250-$1,000 per day. Vegetation overgrowth: warning then $50-$250 plus city contractor trimming.
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Des Plaines, IL
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