Elgin, IL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Elgin Municipal Code § 13.15.170(C)
- Protected trees
- Specimen trees or trees of special significance
- Required measures
- Higher poles, side-arm extensions or covered wires
- Damage remedy
- ISA formula sets compensation for damaged trees
- Non-utility trimming
- Needs a Chapter 13.20 tree trimming permit
Summary
Elgin's right-of-way vegetation rules let the city require utilities to protect 'specimen trees or trees of special significance' instead of trimming them for line clearance. Under § 13.15.170, the city can order higher poles, side-arm extensions or covered wires rather than cuts, and any non-utility tree trimming in the right-of-way still needs a city permit.
2.Damage to trees. Poor pruning practices resulting in damaged or misshapen trees will not be tolerated and shall be grounds for cancellation of the tree trimming permit and for assessment of damages. The city will require compensation for trees extensively damaged and for trees removed without authorization. The formula developed by the International Society of Arboriculture will be used as a basis for determining the compensation for damaged trees or unauthorized removal of trees. C.Specimen trees or trees of special significance. The city may require that special measures be taken to preserve specimen trees or trees of special significance. The required measures may consist of higher poles, side arm extensions, covered wires or other means.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
170 (Vegetation control) is where the city protects trees from utility line-clearance work. B). That permit must show the crew is experienced in accepted pruning practices and carries an expiration date so the work does not drag on; poor pruning that damages or misshapes a tree is grounds to cancel the permit and to assess damages, calculated using the International Society of Arboriculture formula for unauthorized removal or extensive damage. Subsection C is the specific specimen-tree protection: for a 'specimen tree or tree of special significance,' the city can require special construction measures instead of trimming, such as higher poles, side-arm extensions or covered wires, so the tree is preserved rather than cut back.
D). 15, including this vegetation-control section, are enforced under the chapter's own penalty clause plus the city's general fine schedule, and the city can also recover its costs and damages directly from the utility responsible.
Violations & Fines
Section 13.15.220 makes any violation of Chapter 13.15, including the vegetation-control rules, subject to fine under the city's general penalty ordinance (§ 1.20.020: $50 to $750, with each day a separate offense). A utility that damages or improperly removes a protected specimen tree also owes compensation calculated with the International Society of Arboriculture formula, and the city may cancel the utility's tree-trimming permit outright for poor pruning practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Elgin have a heritage or landmark tree designation program?
Can a utility company cut down a significant tree on the parkway without approval?
What happens if a utility damages a protected tree while doing line work?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elgin
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