Skokie's tree ordinances are among the more robust in the Chicago suburbs, reflecting its Tree City USA status. The Village manages a comprehensive urban forestry program with parkway tree protection, development-triggered preservation plans, and replacement requirements.
Skokie's tree regulations appear in the Village Code and zoning ordinance, covering parkway trees (Village property), tree preservation during construction, removal permits for significant trees, species selection, and replacement planting. The Public Works Forestry Division manages the urban canopy, conducts pruning cycles, responds to hazard tree reports, and implements the Emerald Ash Borer response program. Skokie has been a Tree City USA community for decades and celebrates Arbor Day annually. Community education through forestry workshops, tree sales, and parkway planting requests engages residents. The Village also enforces tree-related nuisance provisions, including removal of dead trees on private property that pose hazards to public rights-of-way or neighboring properties.
Range of penalties from $100 for minor pruning violations to $5,000+ for destruction of significant or parkway trees, plus restoration costs.
Skokie, IL
Aircraft overflight noise in Skokie is regulated by the FAA, not the Village. Skokie lies within the O'Hare International Airport noise corridor, and residen...
Skokie, IL
Skokie restricts lawn equipment use — including gas and electric leaf blowers — to 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunda...
Skokie, IL
Skokie enforces a village-wide overnight parking ban from 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM on all public streets. Residents and guests must obtain an overnight parking per...
Skokie, IL
Skokie Village Code Chapter 98 prohibits parking recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and campers on residential streets or in front yards. RVs and boats ...
Skokie, IL
Skokie prohibits parking of commercial vehicles over 8,000 pounds gross weight on residential streets and driveways overnight. Box trucks, semi-tractors, and...
Skokie, IL
Skokie limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots have additional sight-line restrictions at intersect...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle tree ordinances.
See how Skokie's tree ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
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