Pop. 89,078 · Lake County
Waukegan does not have a stand-alone short-term rental ordinance with a numeric overnight occupancy cap. STR operators must obtain a City business license through the Business Licensing Department, comply with the Waukegan Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) zoning rules adopted July 1, 2024, and meet the occupancy limits in the underlying Property Maintenance Code applicable to the dwelling.
Waukegan's Code of Ordinances does not impose a numeric liability insurance minimum specifically on short-term rental operators. Hosts must obtain a City business license and pass Fire and Building Department inspections, and platform-based hosts typically rely on Airbnb Host Liability Insurance and Vrbo Liability Coverage paired with a homeowner or landlord policy that covers short-term rental activity.
Waukegan requires a building permit for every carport, garage, shed, gazebo, and similar accessory structure (including replacements). Detached carports are governed by Section 9.03 (Accessory Structures) of the Unified Development Ordinance adopted July 1, 2024, must sit behind the principal dwelling's rear building line, may not exceed the principal building's height, and may not occupy more than 40 percent of the required yard.
Waukegan's 2024 Unified Development Ordinance governs accessory dwelling units. Illinois HB 2373 (2024) encourages ADU development statewide. Contact Planning & Zoning for specific ADU requirements.
Building permits required for all sheds in Waukegan. Sheds under 200 sq ft do not require a foundation or professional design. Sheds 200-600 sq ft need detailed plans and a foundation per the 2021 IRC.
Garage conversions in Waukegan require building permits and zoning compliance. Converted spaces must meet habitable space building code requirements. Required parking spaces must be maintained.
Lake County treats foundation-built tiny homes as dwellings subject to UDO minimum size and building code rules. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) treated as RVs; not allowed as permanent residences outside licensed RV parks.
Building permits are required for all residential fence installations in Waukegan, including replacements. Permit fees start at $75 minimum plus a $150 zoning review fee. Processing takes up to 21 business days.
Illinois Fence Act (765 ILCS 130) governs boundary fences in agricultural contexts. In residential Waukegan, fences may be built to the property line with posts facing inward. No state cost-sharing law for residential fences.
Waukegan allows residential fences up to 6 feet in side and back yards and 4 feet in front yards. Building permits required for all fences. Corner lot street-facing sides treated as front yards.
Lake County requires barriers around all residential pools, spas, and hot tubs per Illinois Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Code and 2018 IRC Appendix G. Minimum 48-inch fence with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Lake County UDO requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall. Engineered plans stamped by an Illinois PE required for taller or surcharged walls.
Lake County IL UDO and municipal zoning codes approve wood, vinyl, wrought iron, tubular steel and chain-link for residential fences, with chain-link often restricted in front yards and historic districts. Barbed wire and electrified fences are banned in residential zones. Materials must withstand Illinois freeze-thaw cycles. HOAs in Gurnee, Vernon Hills and Lake Forest often impose stricter standards.
Waukegan's UDO Section 11 governs tree preservation and landscape standards. Planting in public right-of-way requires written approval from the Director of Public Works or Planning & Zoning.
Waukegan requires all premises to be maintained free from weeds or plant growth exceeding 8 inches. Violations enforced by Code Compliance with potential liens for unpaid fees.
Water restrictions in Waukegan are managed by the city's water utility and Lake Michigan supply. Seasonal conservation measures may apply during drought conditions.
Waukegan requires permits for removing significant trees (12+ inches diameter at breast height). Heritage trees are protected. UDO Section 11.02 governs tree preservation.
Lake County actively encourages native Illinois prairie and woodland plants for stormwater management and pollinator habitat. Native plantings are exempt from grass-height nuisance rules when properly maintained.
Lake County permits artificial turf for residential lawns with proper drainage. No countywide permit is required for residential turf replacement, but subdivision HOA covenants may restrict front-yard use.
Rainwater harvesting is permitted throughout Lake County. Illinois has no statewide restriction on rain barrels or cisterns for non-potable use. The Illinois Plumbing Code (77 IAC 890) governs any connection to interior plumbing. Some municipalities offer rain barrel rebates.
Lake County enforces weed abatement. IL Noxious Weed Act (505 ILCS 100) requires destruction of designated noxious weeds. Vacant lots monitored closely.
Waukegan enforces an alternate parking ordinance year-round: odd side on odd days, even side on even days, 12:01 AM to 11:59 AM. No all-night parking on streets between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM per Section 21-119. Violations are $25.
Driveway construction and modifications in Waukegan require permits from the Building & Code Department. Curb cut permits required for new driveways per Section 18-184.
RVs are subject to Waukegan's overnight street parking ban (2-5 AM) and alternate parking ordinance. RV storage on private property governed by the Unified Development Ordinance zoning rules.
Commercial vehicle parking on Waukegan residential streets is restricted. The alternate parking ordinance and overnight ban apply to all vehicles including commercial trucks.
Lake County enforces Illinois Vehicle Code provisions on abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left 7+ days on public property or visibly inoperable on private property may be tagged and towed after notice.
Lake County encourages EV charging installation. Residential Level 2 chargers require an electrical permit from the county or municipal building department. Illinois HOA Act limits HOA restrictions on chargers.
Lake County has no countywide overnight parking ban on unincorporated roads, but seasonal snow-route restrictions apply. Most incorporated municipalities within the county impose 2 AM to 6 AM bans or require permits.
Home-based businesses in Waukegan are permitted as accessory uses in residential zones under the UDO. The business owner must be a permanent resident. One non-resident employee allowed. Operating hours 7 AM-9 PM for businesses with visitors.
Waukegan limits home-based businesses to one visitor (client, customer, or pupil) at a time. Parking must be accommodated in existing driveway or garage on the property.
Home-based businesses in Waukegan may display one nameplate sign not exceeding one square foot. No other exterior signage permitted. Sign permits issued by Building & Code Department.
Illinois Home-to-Market Act (410 ILCS 625/4) greatly expanded cottage food operations statewide in 2022. Lake County Health Department oversees registration for most non-potentially hazardous home-produced foods.
Home daycares in Lake County must be licensed by Illinois DCFS and comply with local zoning. Family daycare (up to 8 children) generally allowed in residential districts; group day care home (up to 16) needs special use permit.
Customary home occupations in unincorporated Lake County require a zoning certificate from Lake County Planning, Building and Development under Subsection 151.113(E) of the Unified Development Ordinance. The home occupation must be subordinate to the residential use, conducted by residents of the dwelling, and meet performance standards on employees, signage, parking, traffic, and outdoor activity. Bed and breakfasts may not exceed 50% of the floor area, are capped at five guest rooms, and require Lake County Health Department approval. Rural home occupations (greater intensity) are limited to lots of 80,000 sq ft or larger. Statewide, every business entity must register with the Illinois Secretary of State and the Illinois Department of Revenue (MyTax Illinois / REG-1) and collect 6.25% Retailers' Occupation Tax on taxable goods (35 ILCS 120).
Consumer fireworks are illegal statewide in Illinois under the Pyrotechnic Use Act (425 ILCS 35). Only sparklers up to 12 inches and novelty items are legal. Waukegan hosts official displays at the lakefront.
Open burning of refuse is prohibited in Waukegan per Illinois EPA regulations (415 ILCS 5). Recreational fires in approved containers allowed with conditions. Burning garbage, trash, and waste materials prohibited.
Portable fire pits and recreational fires are allowed in Waukegan with conditions. Fires must be in approved containers, not left unattended, and not produce noxious fumes. Maximum 3 feet diameter for recreational fires.
Lake County IL requires property owners to maintain lots free of excessive brush, weeds and combustible debris under UDO property maintenance standards and municipal nuisance codes. No statewide defensible space law exists; enforcement is by the Lake County Health Department, municipal code enforcement, and local fire districts. Illinois prairie and oak woodland fire risk peaks in spring and fall.
Lake County, IL is not a designated wildfire hazard zone. Illinois has no WUI code and no defensible space mandate. Primary wildland fire risk is grassland and forest preserve fires; open burning rules and IEPA regulations govern vegetation management rather than wildfire zoning.
Smoke alarm rules in unincorporated Lake County come from the Illinois Smoke Detector Act (425 ILCS 60), not the county. At least one approved smoke alarm is required within 15 feet of every sleeping room and on every story (including basements). Effective January 1, 2023 under Public Act 100-0200, every NEW alarm installed in a single- or multi-family dwelling must be a 10-year non-removable, non-replaceable sealed-battery alarm. Hard-wired interconnected alarms (post-1988 construction) and wireless integrated radio-frequency/Wi-Fi alarms are exempt from the sealed-battery rule. Carbon monoxide alarms are separately required within 15 feet of each sleeping room under 425 ILCS 135 (Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act).
Illinois regulates the storage, handling, and transport of liquefied petroleum gas statewide under the LPG Act, adopting NFPA 58 standards uniformly through the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Exotic and wild animals in Waukegan are regulated under Chapter 4 of the municipal code. Illinois has no statewide exotic pet preemption. Dangerous wildlife effectively prohibited.
Dogs must be leashed and under control in public areas in Waukegan per Chapter 4 of the municipal code and the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5). Dogs at large subject to impoundment.
Waukegan does not have a widely publicized breed-specific ban. Illinois has no statewide breed ban preemption. Dangerous and vicious dog provisions apply under state law (510 ILCS 5).
Beekeeping in Waukegan is regulated under zoning provisions. The Illinois Bees and Apiaries Act (510 ILCS 20) establishes state registration. Contact Planning and Zoning at 847-625-6878 for local requirements.
Illinois Wildlife Code and Lake County Code prohibit feeding of white-tailed deer and Canada geese. Coyote feeding is discouraged. Bird feeders must not attract nuisance wildlife or bears (rare but documented).
Lake County regulates livestock keeping in unincorporated areas. Western rural townships allow more agricultural activity while eastern suburban areas restrict livestock. Zoning determines what animals are permitted by property classification.
Illinois defines and criminalizes companion animal hoarding under the Humane Care for Animals Act, applying uniformly through state criminal code statewide.
Waukegan Municipal Code Chapter 11, Article II regulates excessive noise citywide. Sound audible at 50 feet or more from the source is prohibited on public ways and from motor vehicles. Construction noise exempt 7 AM-8 PM.
Construction, demolition, and repair noise is exempt from Waukegan's excessive noise ordinance between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Work outside those hours is subject to the noise ordinance.
Barking dogs that create excessive noise fall under Waukegan's general noise ordinance and Chapter 4 animal control provisions. Complaints handled by Waukegan Animal Control at 847-599-2690.
Lake County IL regulates amplified music through the UDO noise performance standards and municipal ordinances. Outdoor amplified events require special event permits. Ravinia Festival (Highland Park) operates under a long-standing conditional use arrangement. Home rule cities have broad authority under 65 ILCS 5 to regulate entertainment noise.
Lake County IL does not specifically ban leaf blowers in unincorporated areas. Use is governed by the general noise ordinance and UDO performance standards. Municipalities set stricter rules: Highland Park and Lake Forest restrict gas blower hours; Waukegan, Gurnee, Libertyville, Vernon Hills and Mundelein rely on general time limits. Illinois has no statewide equipment ban.
Aircraft noise in Illinois is governed exclusively by federal aviation law, leaving cities and the state without authority to regulate flight operations or in-flight sound.
Illinois sets uniform statewide decibel limits for stationary industrial and commercial noise sources through Pollution Control Board rules under the Environmental Protection Act.
Above-ground pools in Waukegan with a minimum wall height of 42 inches (3.5 ft) may be exempt from separate fencing requirements under Illinois state law. Building permits still required.
All swimming pools in Waukegan must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-locking gates. Building permits required for pool construction and pool fencing.
Swimming pool construction in Waukegan requires building permits and compliance with adopted building codes. Pool owners must maintain pools to prevent stagnant water and mosquito breeding.
Hot tub installations in Lake County require an electrical permit for the 240V circuit and must comply with barrier rules unless a locked ASTM F1346 safety cover is in place. GFCI and bonding mandatory per Illinois adopted NEC.
Lake County requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. Inspections required for electrical, plumbing, and barriers.
Waukegan participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps identify Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Des Plaines River and Lake Michigan shoreline. Lake County SMC oversees stormwater management.
Lake County enforces strict erosion and sediment control under the Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO) Article V. Any land disturbance over 5,000 sq ft requires a permit, SESC plan, silt fencing, and stabilized construction entrance per NPDES ILR10 rules.
Lake County WDO requires a Watershed Development Permit for any grading over 5,000 sq ft or 100 cubic yards of fill. Drainage must not redirect stormwater onto neighbors per Illinois civil law rule (reasonable-use doctrine).
The Lake County Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO), administered by the Stormwater Management Commission (SMC), applies countywide. Permits required for 5,000+ sq ft disturbance, floodplain work, or wetland impacts. Fox River, Des Plaines River, and Chain O'Lakes flood-prone areas enforce strict floodway standards.
Waukegan, Highland Park, and Lake Forest enforce strict Lake Michigan coastal bluff setbacks and IDNR Office of Coastal Management review. Lake County WDO also requires 100-ft riparian buffers along the Des Plaines, Fox River, and Chain O'Lakes.
Lake County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Article 8 sets minimum setbacks by zoning district. Unincorporated residential R-1 requires 40 ft front, 10 ft side, 40 ft rear; Waukegan, Libertyville, Gurnee, Highland Park, and Lake Forest have their own stricter municipal standards.
Lake County UDO limits residential lot coverage to 30-40% in R-1/R-2 districts. Municipalities like Highland Park and Lake Forest apply stricter impervious coverage ratios, and the Lake County Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO) triggers stormwater review at 15%+ impervious area.
Lake County UDO caps residential building height at 35 ft or 2.5 stories in R-1/R-2 districts. Lake Forest limits height to 30 ft in estate zones; Highland Park restricts ravine and lakefront heights to protect view corridors along Lake Michigan.
Solar panel installation requires a building and electrical permit in all Lake County municipalities. Permits typically issued in 2-4 weeks under streamlined SolarAPP+ or local review. Illinois follows 2020 NEC with required roof fire setbacks of 3 ft from ridges/edges.
Illinois Homeowners Solar Rights Act (765 ILCS 165) prohibits HOAs and CC&Rs from effectively banning rooftop solar. HOAs in Lake Forest, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, and Gurnee may impose reasonable aesthetic rules but cannot block installation outright.
Lake County IL recreational drone use follows FAA rules under 49 USC §44809 and the Illinois Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167). FAA registration required for drones over 0.55 lbs, 400 ft max altitude, TRUST certificate required. O'Hare Class B airspace restricts most of southern Lake County; Waukegan National Airport creates additional controlled airspace. Forest Preserves ban drone launches.
Lake County IL commercial drone operators must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. O'Hare Class B airspace, Waukegan National and Chicago Executive require LAANC authorization. Municipal filming permits required in Waukegan, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Gurnee. Illinois Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167) and Private Detective Act (225 ILCS 447) apply to surveillance/inspection work.
Lake County follows Illinois Forcible Entry & Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9). No just-cause requirement — landlords may non-renew month-to-month with 30 days notice. Evictions must go through the Lake County Circuit Court in Waukegan.
Rent control is BANNED in Lake County under the Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act (50 ILCS 825). No municipality — Waukegan, Libertyville, Gurnee, Highland Park, or Lake Forest — may cap rent. Market rates apply to all rentals.
Waukegan, North Chicago, Highland Park, and Zion require mandatory rental licensing and inspections. Libertyville, Gurnee, and Lake Forest do not require registration but enforce property maintenance codes. Annual fees $25-$100/unit.
Lake County IL municipalities contract with private haulers (Groot, LRS, Waste Management, Lakeshore Recycling Systems) for weekly curbside trash and single-stream recycling. Pickup days vary by city; bins must be curbside by 6-7 AM. Illinois Solid Waste Planning Act (415 ILCS 15) and Lake County Solid Waste Plan drive diversion goals.
Lake County IL municipalities require bins placed at the curb or alley with lids closed on collection day. Bins must be retrieved within 12-24 hours and stored out of view of the public right-of-way between pickups. Winter placement must not block plowed snow routes. HOAs in Vernon Hills and Gurnee often impose stricter storage rules.
Lake County IL municipalities offer scheduled bulk item pickup for furniture, mattresses, and white goods through their franchised hauler. Appliances with refrigerant (fridges, AC units) require EPA Section 608 freon evacuation tag. Electronics and household hazardous waste must go to SWALCO drop-offs. Construction debris is excluded.
Lake County IL municipalities mandate single-stream curbside recycling of paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum/steel cans and plastics #1-#5 through SWALCO-coordinated programs. Contaminated bins may be rejected at the curb. Commercial and multi-family recycling required under Lake County Solid Waste Plan. Plastic bags, food waste and styrofoam are not accepted curbside.
Lake Forest and Highland Park designate heritage/landmark trees, typically oaks, hickories, and specimen hardwoods 24+ inches DBH. Removal requires City Council or commission approval, rarely granted except for imminent safety hazards.
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.
Lake Forest requires 1:1 caliper-inch replacement for permitted removals (3:1 for heritage). Highland Park enforces 2:1 caliper-inch ratio. Libertyville requires replacement or fee-in-lieu to the tree fund. Replacements must use approved native species.
Garage sale signs allowed on private property in Lake County cities. Waukegan, Libertyville, and Gurnee prohibit signs on utility poles, traffic signs, and public right-of-way. Most caps: 4-6 sq ft, posted 24-48 hours before, removed 24 hours after sale.
Political signs are broadly protected as political speech under the First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Lake County and municipalities like Libertyville, Gurnee, and Highland Park allow unlimited quantity on private property; most cap size at 6-32 sq ft and prohibit right-of-way placement.
Lake County and its municipalities permit holiday decorations on residential property with minimal restrictions. Displays cannot obstruct sight lines, create fire/electrical hazards, or violate noise ordinances. Typical allowed window: 45 days before to 30 days after the holiday.
Several Lake County IL municipalities maintain no-knock registries; all honor posted 'No Soliciting' signs at the door. Solicitors who visit registered addresses or ignore signs face citation. Registries do not apply to constitutionally-protected religious, political or nonprofit canvassing under Watchtower v. Stratton (2002). Waukegan, Libertyville, Highland Park, Lake Forest and Vernon Hills operate formal lists.
Lake County IL municipalities require commercial door-to-door solicitors to obtain a peddler/solicitor permit, pass a background check, and carry photo ID badge. Hours typically 9 AM to sunset or 8 PM. Religious, political and nonprofit canvassing exempt under First Amendment and Watchtower Bible Tract Society v. Stratton (2002). Waukegan, Gurnee, Highland Park and Lake Forest all maintain permit programs.
Under 410 ILCS 705/55-25, Lake County municipalities may regulate or prohibit dispensaries. Waukegan and Gurnee permit dispensaries with conditional use approval and 250-1,500 ft school buffers. Highland Park allows limited dispensaries; Lake Forest and Libertyville have opted to restrict recreational sales.
Under the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705), only registered medical patients may grow cannabis at home — up to 5 plants in a locked, enclosed space. Recreational home cultivation is PROHIBITED for non-patients. Lake County municipalities cannot authorize recreational home grows.
Lake County municipalities restrict garage sale hours to daylight periods, typically 7 AM-7 PM or 8 AM-6 PM. Highland Park and Lake Forest enforce 8 AM start to protect residential quiet. All items and signs must be removed daily.
Lake County municipalities limit garage sales to 2-4 per household per calendar year. Waukegan allows 3 sales; Gurnee 3; Libertyville 3; Highland Park 2; Lake Forest 2. Each sale is limited to 2-3 consecutive days.
Most Lake County municipalities (Gurnee, Waukegan, Libertyville) do not require a permit for residential garage sales. Highland Park and Lake Forest require free registration. Unincorporated Lake County has no permit requirement; standard zoning applies.
Lake County IL municipalities restrict food truck vending to approved zones with minimum distances from brick-and-mortar restaurants (often 100-200 ft), schools and residential zones. Private property vending requires owner permission and zoning check. Waukegan, Libertyville, Highland Park and Lake Forest maintain specific food truck location programs; Gurnee and Vernon Hills focus on commercial corridors.
Lake County IL food trucks need a Lake County Health Department mobile food vendor permit and municipal business license for each city of operation. Annual vehicle inspection, certified food protection manager (410 ILCS 625), commissary agreement, and liability insurance required. Separate licenses may be needed for Waukegan, Gurnee, Highland Park, Lake Forest and Libertyville.
Lake County property maintenance codes require garage sale merchandise to be displayed neatly and removed daily after sale hours. Items left at the curb trigger property-blight citations. Signs must come down within 24 hours of sale end.
Lake County SWALCO coordinates waste management countywide. Residential trash and recycling bins must be stored out of street view between pickups and placed curbside only the evening before or morning of collection.
Lake County unincorporated property owners must maintain vacant lots with weeds and grass under 8 inches per Lake County Code Chapter 38 Nuisances. Code enforcement may abate and lien costs. Municipal ordinances apply inside Waukegan, North Chicago, and incorporated villages.
Lake County Property Maintenance Code enforces minimum standards against blight. Deteriorating exteriors, accumulated debris, overgrown lots, and vacant structures trigger 10-30 day compliance notices with daily fines.
Waukegan requires snow clearance within 24 hours; Highland Park 24 hours after snowfall ends; Lake Forest 24 hours; Libertyville and Gurnee 24 hours. Clear paths must be at least 36-48 inches wide. Unincorporated Lake County has no county-wide requirement.
Light trespass onto neighboring properties is prohibited under Lake County UDO §12.7 and municipal nuisance codes in Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Libertyville. Most cap spillover at 0.1 to 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines.
Lake Forest, Highland Park, Libertyville, and unincorporated Lake County require fully shielded (full-cutoff) outdoor fixtures under local zoning. Most adopt IES standards; Lake Forest caps fixture height at 15 ft in residential zones to protect lake views.
Lake County IL Forest Preserves close from sunset to sunrise under LCFPD Ordinance §7. Municipal parks in Waukegan, Libertyville, Gurnee, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Vernon Hills and Mundelein typically close at 10-11 PM. Lighted athletic fields may extend to 10-11 PM for scheduled use. After-hours presence is criminal trespass under 720 ILCS 5/21-3.
Lake County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Illinois sets a $15 statewide minimum wage under the Minimum Wage Law and permits home rule cities like Chicago to require higher local wages for covered employees.
The Paid Leave for All Workers Act guarantees up to 40 hours of paid leave annually for nearly every Illinois employee, with limited carve-outs for jurisdictions with existing ordinances.
Illinois requires 24 consecutive hours of rest each calendar week and a meal break for shifts over 7.5 hours under the One Day Rest in Seven Act, with stricter local rules permitted.
Illinois issues shall-issue concealed carry licenses through the Illinois State Police under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, with statewide preemption of local handgun carry rules.
Illinois preempts most local firearm regulation under the FOID Card Act and Wildlife Code, leaving home rule cities limited authority over assault weapons and certain narrow areas.
Illinois bans open carry of firearms in public under the Criminal Code, allowing concealed carry only by Firearm Concealed Carry Act licensees with limited exceptions.
Illinois law sets uniform rules for transporting firearms in vehicles under the FOID Card Act and Firearm Concealed Carry Act, preempting local handgun transport ordinances.
The Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act limits how employers may use E-Verify and bars mandates that exceed federal law, applying uniformly across all Illinois employers.
The Illinois TRUST Act and Way Forward Act bar state and local law enforcement from civil immigration enforcement, holding ICE detainers, or contracting for immigration detention.
Illinois protects agricultural land through the Agricultural Areas Conservation and Protection Act and limits county zoning over farms outside municipal boundaries.
The Farm Nuisance Suit Act shields established Illinois farms from nuisance lawsuits when the operation predates surrounding non-agricultural land uses by at least one year.
Illinois has not preempted local plastic bag regulation, allowing home rule municipalities to enact bans, fees, or recycling mandates under their general police power.
Illinois does not ban expanded polystyrene foodware statewide, but state procurement law restricts EPS use and home rule cities may impose local bans.
Illinois requires full-service restaurants to provide single-use plastic straws only upon customer request under Public Act 102-0532, with local governments free to add stricter rules.
Illinois prohibits sale of any tobacco, alternative nicotine, and electronic cigarette product to persons under 21 under the Prevention of Tobacco Use by Persons under 21 Act.
Illinois has no comprehensive statewide flavored tobacco ban, but home rule municipalities such as Chicago and Evanston may regulate flavored e-cigarettes under local police power.
Illinois requires retailers selling electronic cigarettes and e-liquids to obtain Department of Revenue licensing and follow age-verification, packaging, and tax rules statewide.