Leaf Burning Ban in Effect in Some Areas of County

Residents in unincorporated DeKalb County are reminded that they may be under a ban for the burning of leaves. While large portions of unincorporated DeKalb County have no regulations that restrict the burning of leaves and other yard waste on private property where the waste is generated, properties within 1,000 feet of a municipal boundary may be subject to the burning ban. All residents should be aware that by Illinois State law, the burning of leaves is prohibited on any unincorporated property that is within 1,000 feet of a municipality that bans such fires. The public concern is one of safety and health. For many citizens, the smoke and odors may not just be an annoyance, but can be a health hazard for those with asthma or other respiratory difficulties.

The burning of leaves is banned in the cities of Sycamore and Genoa and in the villages of Hinckley, Maple Park, and Waterman. This means that the burning of leaves and other yard waste is prohibited on all properties outside of those communities that are 1,000 feet or closer to the city boundaries. If burning occurs on such properties and a complaint is filed with the DeKalb County Sheriff, an officer may be dispatched to the property to instruct that the fire be extinguished. It is important that every resident of the County know whether or not the burning of leaves is lawful on their property.

DeKalb County has posted maps to their website to show the 1,000 foot area where burning is prohibited outside of a city’s boundary. These maps are for areas surrounding communities that have banned burning. The maps can be found here.

Residents living within a city’s limits should check with their city to determine adopted
regulations that apply. Any property owner in unincorporated DeKalb County who is uncertain whether the city prohibition on leaf burning applies to them should contact the DeKalb County Community Development Office at (815) 895-7188, or via email at
CommunityDevelopment@dekalbcounty.org. If citizens have complaints with someone burning in a non-burn area outside of city limits, they should call the Sheriff’s non-emergency number at 815-895-2155.