The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
The Village Board took action in March 2023 that will impact lawn maintenance and landscaping practices in Oak Park moving forward.
As of June 1, 2025, no gasoline-powered leaf blower may be operated in Oak Park at any time. There are limited exemptions for Police and Fire personnel responding to an emergency or to clear fallen trees and provide emergency clearance for public safety. The use of portable generators to power electric leaf blowers, or to recharge batteries, will also be prohibited.
All landscaping/lawn maintenance companies working within the Village must register as a contractor. To learn more about contractor registration, please contact the Permit Division at permits@oak-park.us. Any contractor owning or operating any lawn maintenance or landscaping business within the Village must obtain a license to do so. Information about obtaining a lawn maintenance license will be available and shared with local landscaping companies. To learn more about the business licensing process, lawn maintenance or landscape business operators are encouraged to contact the Village’s Development Customer Services department at business@oak-park.us.
Currently, gas-powered leaf blowers may be operated only between October 1-May 31. Electric leaf blowers may be used year-round. The operation of all equipment is allowed Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. These hours differ and are more restrictive than those listed in the Village Code’s noise ordinance, which applies between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The use of any leaf blower in excess of more than 65 decibels, as rated by manufacturer’s specifications, is also prohibited at any time under the current Village Code.
The actions taken by the Board in March aim to further help the community achieve its goals set forth in the Climate Ready Oak Park plan of decreasing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. More information about the plan is available at www.oak-park.us/climateready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is use of gas-powered leaf blowers being prohibited?
Sustainable landscaping and lawn maintenance practices are an important step that the community can take to reach its Climate Ready Oak Park goals of protecting biodiversity and community health. Among those commitments is the need to decrease community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, and to achieve net zero by 2050. More information is available at www.oak-park.us/climateready.
What health impacts do gas-powered leaf blowers have on the community?
The Environmental Protection Agency has shown that leaf blowers and other gas-powered lawn equipment expose workers and the public to high levels of toxic and carcinogenic emissions such as, benzene, butadiene, formaldehyde, and fine particulates. Children and the elderly are more vulnerable to the dust and toxic emissions created by gas-powered blowers. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Center of Disease Control (CDC) both reported on the dangerous health risks associated with exposure to these types of emissions. Some of the risks include cancer, lung disease, respiratory illnesses, and dementia.
When does the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers go into effect?
No gas-powered leaf blower shall be permitted to be operated in the Village of Oak Park on or after June 1, 2025. The use of portable gas-powered generators to power electric leaf blowers, or to recharge batteries utilized by leaf blowers, will also be prohibited.
To whom does the ban of gas-powered leaf blowers apply?
The ordinance is applicable to all Oak Park residents, building owners, lawn maintenance and landscaping contractors.
What are the requirements for a lawn maintenance/landscaping business?
Lawn maintenance and landscaping contractors who perform work in Oak Park are required to register with the Village. Contractors shall not be subject to the annual registration fee of $50 until 2025 and annually thereafter. Should a contractor operate a business within the Village boundaries, including a home-based business, then a business license shall also be required.
Are there exemptions to this ordinance?
The use gas-powered leaf blowers is permitted at the direction of Police or Fire personnel for the purpose of responding to an emergency in order to restore, protect, preserve or save lives or property from imminent danger of loss or harm; or to clear fallen debris in order to provide emergency clearance for public safety.
Are there current lawn maintenance equipment restrictions in place?
Prior to June 1, 2025, the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited between June 1 - September 30, 2023; and June 1-September 30, 2024. Gas-powered or electric equipment may only be operated Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Per the Village’s noise ordinance, the use of any leaf blower in excess of more than 65 decibels (dB) as rated by a manufacturer’s specifications.
