As Fall approaches, many anticipate the delights of the season — cooler temps, beautiful colors, football. Some features of Autumn are less enjoyable, however, including the burning of leaves. For many, the smoke and odors are an annoyance, and can even be a health hazard for those with asthma or other respiratory difficulties. In large portions of unincorporated DeKalb County there are no regulations that restrict the burning of leaves and other yard waste on private property where the waste is generated. However, many of the municipalities in the County have local regulations that restrict or prohibit burning on properties within the corporate limits. Further, 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 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 will 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.
Residents who live within city limits should check with their city to find out what regulations on outdoors burning have been adopted. 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 Planning, Zoning, and Building Department at (815) 895-7188, or online at Planning@dekalbcounty.org
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