Evanston, IL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Max plant height
- 3 feet in parkway
- Tree setback
- 15 ft from crosswalks/intersections
- Planting permit cost
- Free
- Maintenance commitment
- 3 years minimum
- Temp fencing allowance
- One 8-week period per year
Summary
Evanston caps what residents can plant in the street parkway: shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and annuals can't mature taller than 3 feet, new parkway trees must sit 15 feet from any crosswalk, and any parkway planting needs a free Public Works permit.
No tree shall be planted in parkways or other public places unless it is located at least fifteen (15) feet from any crosswalk or intersecting street or alley. It shall be unlawful to plant, install or maintain any shrub, perennial, ornamental grass or annual in the parkway of any street that matures at a height over three (3) feet and it shall be unlawful to plant or install any shrub, perennial ornamental grass or annual without first obtaining a permit from the Director of the Public Works Agency or his/her designee.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Under Section 7-8-4-1, no tree may go into a City parkway within 15 feet of a crosswalk or intersecting street or alley, and no shrub, perennial, ornamental grass, or annual that matures over 3 feet tall may be planted there without a permit. Planting permits are free, require a 3-year maintenance commitment, and site conditions like soil, sun, and utilities govern species choice. Temporary restoration fencing is allowed once a year, for up to 8 weeks, without a permit.
Violations & Fines
Planting a shrub, perennial, grass, or annual over 3 feet tall in a parkway, or planting a tree within 15 feet of a crosswalk, without first obtaining a Public Works permit is unlawful under Section 7-8-4-1(A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a small garden in the parkway strip in front of my house in Evanston?
How close to a corner can I plant a parkway tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evanston
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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle parkway planting.