Aurora's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Aurora, Illinois, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Stormwater Management

Aurora, Illinois regulates stormwater management citywide by adopting the Kane County Stormwater Ordinance by reference, with the city engineer as administrator and site-specific detention requirements for new development in Kane County.

Key details: Administrator: City engineer (§18-201). Fine range: $25 to $750 per day. Detention bonus: 110% storage, two named creek watersheds. Applies: Citywide, all four counties. Adopted by: Ord. No. O01-67 (2001).

Violating a stormwater permit condition draws a civil fine of $25 to $750 per day, plus possible permit revocation and a written stop-work order halting all site work.

Flood Zones

Aurora ties flood-hazard construction directly to Chapter 18 of the municipal code, and its Building and Residential Codes require the most restrictive of the local floodplain rules and adopted local floodway maps to control.

Key details: Governing chapter: Chapter 18, cross-referenced by Building Code. Controlling rule: Most restrictive requirement applies. Stormwater review: Kane County Stormwater Ordinance, city-run. Old floodway articles: Repealed 2001, Ord. O01-67.

Building in a mapped flood hazard area without meeting the floodplain and stormwater requirements blocks permit issuance and can void plan approval under the Building Code's flood-hazard provisions.

Erosion Control

Before issuing a building permit within any platted subdivision, Aurora, Illinois requires a signed grading agreement and certified storm sewer/detention systems, reviewed by the city engineer, under a citywide rule spanning Kane, DuPage, Will and Kendall counties.

Key details: Trigger: Building permit within platted subdivision. Required filing: Signed grading agreement with city engineer. Also certified: Storm sewer, detention basin, watermain, roads. Possible waiver: Lots with 120 ft or less frontage. Applies in: Kane, DuPage, Will, Kendall counties.

Constructing a public improvement without meeting these permit prerequisites is punishable under Aurora Code § 1-10's general penalty provision; selling or leasing a lot before a final plat is recorded carries the same penalty per lot.

The Bottom Line

Aurora's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Aurora is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Aurora can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.