Cook County Chapter 126 protects significant trees on unimproved and partially improved land. Deciduous trees over 6 inches in diameter and evergreens over 10 feet tall are protected. Heavy fines apply for unauthorized removal.
The Cook County Tree Preservation, Landscaping and Screening Ordinance (Chapter 126) provides protections for significant trees in unincorporated areas. On unimproved or partially improved land, deciduous trees with trunk diameters exceeding 6 inches (measured at 6 inches above ground) and evergreen trees 10 feet or taller are protected and require removal permits. The ordinance aims to safeguard environmental conservation and maintain the tree canopy. Unauthorized removal of protected trees results in heavy fines and may require replacement plantings at specified ratios. The Commissioner of Building and Zoning administers tree preservation. The Cook County Forest Preserve District separately protects trees on its 70,000+ acres of preserve land. Development projects must submit tree preservation plans showing existing trees and proposed removals.
Unauthorized removal of protected trees: heavy fines ($100–$1,000+ per tree). Replacement plantings required. Development without tree survey: permit denial.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park's animal control ordinance prohibits dogs from barking excessively to the point of disturbing neighbors. Under Village Code, keeping an animal that ...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park regulates outdoor music under its general noise ordinance. Residents may play music outdoors during permitted hours but must keep volume at levels t...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park Village Code Chapter 23 establishes strict noise regulations. Quiet hours run from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 PM to 8:00 A...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park prohibits amplified music and sound systems that create unreasonable noise disturbing neighbors, particularly during quiet hours (9 PM–7 AM weekdays...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park is not located directly under major airport flight paths and does not have its own local airport. The Village does not maintain separate aircraft no...
Oak Park, IL
Oak Park permits leaf blower use during allowed construction and landscaping hours, generally 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday. Leaf blower use on ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle heritage & protected trees.
See how Oak Park's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.