Des Plaines requires a permit to remove parkway (street) trees and may require permits for removal of significant trees on private property during development. The City Forester reviews requests and may require replacement plantings.
Parkway trees in the public right-of-way between sidewalk and curb belong to the City of Des Plaines and may not be removed, pruned, or damaged without written authorization from the City Forester (Public Works Department). On private property, healthy trees over a specified diameter (typically 10-12 inches DBH) generally require a permit when removal is associated with new construction, additions, or significant landscape change; routine homeowner removals of dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees usually do not require a permit but should be documented. Replacement planting is commonly required at a 1:1 caliper-inch ratio. Emerald Ash Borer-infested ash trees may be removed under a streamlined process. Improper removal of parkway trees may result in tree appraisal value charges (potentially thousands of dollars per tree).
Unauthorized parkway tree removal: $500 - several thousand dollars based on tree appraisal. Private-property violations associated with construction: $250-$1,000 plus replacement planting.
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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