How Orland Park Handles Environmental Rules: A Practical Guide

Orland Park maintains 133 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with environmental rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Orland Park falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Stormwater Management

Orland Park stormwater management is governed by the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) administered by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), as adopted and enforced locally by the Village. New development and substantial redevelopment must meet detention, water quality, and runoff volume standards. Smaller residential projects must manage runoff on-site without adversely impacting neighbors.

Key details: Governing Rule: Cook County WMO. Administered By: MWRD + Village. Permit Threshold: 0.5 acre disturbance. Volume Control: First 1 inch capture. Public Works: (708) 403-6350.

Discharging concentrated stormwater onto neighboring property is a Village code violation with fines from $75 per day. Failure to obtain a WMO permit for development triggering review can result in stop-work orders and fines. Illicit discharges to the storm sewer (anything other than uncontaminated stormwater) are prohibited under the federal NPDES program and Village ordinance with significant penalties. Contact Public Works at (708) 403-6350.

Grading & Drainage

Orland Park requires that grading and drainage on private property not adversely affect neighboring properties or Village streets and storm sewers. A grading permit may be required for substantial earthwork. The Village enforces drainage complaints under property maintenance and stormwater rules. Sump pump discharge to Village streets is regulated.

Key details: Direction: Away from foundation. Sump to Sanitary: Prohibited. Downspout Distance: 5+ ft from foundation. Permit: Required for major earthwork. Public Works: (708) 403-6350.

Diverting concentrated runoff onto a neighboring property may result in fines from $75 per day. Discharging sump pumps to the sanitary sewer is a violation of MWRD rules with significant penalties. Sump pump discharge creating ice hazards on sidewalks may be cited. Contact Public Works at (708) 403-6350 or Code Enforcement at (708) 403-6150.

Flood Zones

Orland Park participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and has adopted floodplain regulations consistent with FEMA standards. Development in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones A and AE on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map) requires a floodplain development permit. Lowest floor elevation must be at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation.

Key details: Mapped Zones: A, AE in SFHAs. Freeboard: 1 ft above BFE. Permit Required: All work in SFHA. Substantial Improvement: 50% of value triggers. Flood Insurance: Required for federal mortgage.

Unpermitted construction in the floodplain may result in stop-work orders, fines from $150 per day, and required removal of non-compliant work. Substantially damaged structures may not be rebuilt without elevation compliance. Failure to maintain flood insurance on a federally-backed mortgage in a SFHA can trigger lender force-placed insurance. Contact Public Works at (708) 403-6350.

Compared to other cities, Orland Park takes a harder line on flood zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Erosion Control

Erosion and sediment control in Orland Park follows the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance and Illinois EPA NPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit. Sites disturbing 0.5 acres or more require erosion control measures including silt fence, inlet protection, and stabilized construction entrances. Smaller sites must still prevent sediment from leaving the property.

Key details: WMO Threshold: 0.5 acre disturbance. NPDES Threshold: 1 acre disturbance. Standard Controls: Silt fence, inlet protection. Track-Out: Must clean Village streets. Stabilization: Required on disturbed soil.

Failing to maintain erosion controls may result in stop-work orders, fines from $75 per day, and corrective orders. Mud and sediment discharged to Village streets or storm sewers may trigger environmental violations under the federal NPDES program with significant penalties. Contact Public Works at (708) 403-6350.

The Bottom Line

Orland Park'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 Orland Park is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Orland Park's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.