Des Plaines's tree ordinances protect parkway trees, regulate species selection, address Emerald Ash Borer management, and require maintenance of trees affecting public ways. Diseased or hazardous trees on private property may be ordered removed by the City.
Des Plaines's tree-related ordinances cover several areas: (1) parkway tree protection prohibiting unauthorized removal, pruning, or damage; (2) approved species lists for new plantings to promote diversity and avoid invasive species; (3) Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Dutch Elm Disease management requiring property owners to remove or treat infested trees on notice from the City Forester; (4) clearance requirements obligating property owners to trim trees overhanging streets and sidewalks to provide vehicle and pedestrian clearance (typically 14 ft over streets, 8 ft over sidewalks); and (5) hazardous tree provisions allowing the City to require removal of dead or dangerous trees on private property. The Park District and Forest Preserves manage their own tree resources separately. Failure to comply with city orders may result in city-contracted removal at owner expense plus penalties.
Unauthorized work on parkway trees: significant fines based on tree value. Failure to remove EAB or hazardous trees on notice: $250-$1,000 plus city removal at owner expense (often $500-$2,000 per tree).
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.
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