Lake Forest, Highland Park, and Libertyville require tree removal permits for trees 6-10 inch DBH and larger on private property. Waukegan and Gurnee manage parkway/right-of-way trees. The Lake County WDO requires tree preservation during development.
Municipal tree protection ordinances in Lake County vary: Lake Forest Code Ch. 97 requires a tree removal permit for any tree 6 inches DBH or larger on private property, with an arborist review for trees 12 inches+ and a tree replacement obligation. Highland Park Tree Preservation Ordinance (Code Ch. 102) requires permits for trees 10 inches DBH or larger and protects ravine corridor vegetation. Libertyville (Title 9) requires a permit to remove any tree 8 inches DBH on private property. Gurnee and Waukegan regulate only parkway trees and right-of-way trees through public works departments; residents cannot remove these. Unincorporated Lake County applies the UDO's landscape preservation provisions during development review, and the Watershed Development Ordinance requires tree preservation plans for disturbances 5,000+ sq ft. Dead, diseased (EAB-affected ash), or storm-damaged trees may qualify for expedited or exempt permits with arborist documentation. Illinois has no state tree-removal preemption.
Unauthorized removal in Lake Forest/Highland Park: $500-$5,000 per tree plus replacement at 2:1 caliper-inch ratio. Libertyville: $100-$1,000 per tree. Parkway tree removal without authorization: $500-$2,500 plus replacement cost.
Lake County, IL
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Lake County, IL
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Lake County, IL
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Lake County, IL
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Lake County, IL
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Lake County, IL
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See how Lake County's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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