Elgin, IL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 13.20.010 of the Elgin Municipal Code makes it unlawful to plant any tree or plant material in a public right-of-way, which includes the parkway between the curb and sidewalk, without first securing a permit from the department of public works; every planting must also match the specifications and receive the approval of the director of public works. The department of parks and recreation separately maintains suggested, non-mandatory tree guidelines on file for public inspection under § 13.20.005, which the code cross-references into the zoning title's landscaping standards.

Once a tree is planted in the right-of-way, Chapter 13.20's companion sections protect it: § 13.20.030 makes it unlawful to damage any tree or shrub in a public place, § 13.20.040 bars attaching signs or notices to it, and § 13.20.060 requires written permission from the director of public works before attaching any wire or rope to it. Anyone doing right-of-way work near a planted tree must take care to avoid injuring its roots and must notify utility companies before excavating (§ 13.20.070). If a permitted planting or any other right-of-way work disturbs the parkway or 'tree bank,' § 13.20.080 requires the person doing the work to restore the disturbed grass with sod, or seed if the city forester allows, within 30 days of final inspection, and to post a guarantee deposit of 5 percent of the estimated work cost or $100, whichever is greater, refunded once the city forester confirms the restoration; failing to restore within 5 days of written notice lets the city forester do the work and keep the deposit as liquidated damages.