Skokie is a Tree City USA community with a strong forestry program. Parkway trees are village property and cannot be removed without Public Works authorization, while removal of significant private trees may require permits and replacement.
The Village of Skokie operates a comprehensive urban forestry program recognized by the Tree City USA designation. All parkway trees (between sidewalk and curb) are Village property and may only be removed or pruned by or with authorization from the Public Works Forestry Division. Private property tree removal regulations focus on significant trees — typically those exceeding a specified diameter at breast height (DBH) — and trees in protected areas. For larger private trees, a removal permit may be required, with replacement planting obligations. Tree removal during construction requires a tree preservation plan as part of site plan review. The Village responds to dead, diseased, or hazardous trees on public property through the Forestry Division. Residents may request parkway tree plantings and species recommendations.
Unauthorized parkway tree removal: $500-$2,000 per tree plus replacement cost. Private significant-tree violations: $250-$1,500 plus required replacement.
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 removal permits.
See how Skokie's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.