Des Plaines does not maintain a formal heritage tree registry but protects mature parkway trees and significant private trees during the development review process. The Morton Arboretum's Champion Tree program tracks notable specimens regionally.
Unlike some Illinois municipalities, Des Plaines does not have a separate heritage or landmark tree designation ordinance. Protection for mature trees comes through (1) the parkway tree ordinance, which protects all trees in the public right-of-way regardless of size, and (2) site plan and subdivision review, where the Community Development Department may require preservation of significant existing trees during development. Trees of unusual size or species may qualify for the Illinois Big Tree Register or the Morton Arboretum Champion Tree program (regional, not regulatory). Property owners may voluntarily protect notable trees through private conservation easements. The Des Plaines Park District also manages and protects significant trees in district parks under separate management policies.
Damaging protected mature parkway trees: $500 - several thousand dollars based on tree appraisal. Construction damage to trees flagged in site plans: $1,000+ plus replacement.
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines regulates amplified music under Title 6, Chapter 6 of the City Code. Amplified sound plainly audible at 75 feet during daytime, or audible at the...
Des Plaines, IL
Outdoor music in Des Plaines falls under Title 6, Chapter 6's amplified-sound provisions. Backyard gatherings with amplified music must comply with the 10 PM...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code Title 12 (Zoning) and Title 8 (Building) require residential driveways to be paved with approved hard-surface materials and meet width ...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife. Bird feeding is general...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code prohibits keeping horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other livestock in all residential and most commercial districts. Only tradi...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines is not located in any wildfire hazard zone. As a fully developed Chicago suburb in Cook County, the City has no wildland-urban interface designat...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle heritage & protected trees.
See how Des Plaines's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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