Environmental Rules in Springfield, IL (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Springfield, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
New Springfield subdivisions must be built with engineered surface drainage: storm sewers or open channels sized to the city engineer's standards, runoff capacity for a five-year storm, and stormwater detention where the city engineer determines it is necessary.
Springfield Subdivision Surface Water Drainage Rules
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL City Code § 153.161 (Ord. No. 804-10-93, § 1(Exh. A), 10-19-93)
All subdivisions shall be developed with adequate surface drainage. Surface water drainage improvements shall consist of storm sewers and/or open channels, inlets, catch basins and manholes designed and constructed to conform with standards established by the city engineer and shall adequately drain the area being developed including drainage from other areas which naturally drain through the a...
Erosion Control
Springfield requires an erosion control permit before any construction, land disturbance over 4,000 square feet, or excavation/fill of 200 cubic yards or more. The Office of Public Works, Department of Building and Zoning issues permits after review of a required erosion control plan.
Springfield Erosion Control Permit for Construction
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 154.06(a) (Ord. No. 105-3-12, § 1(Exh. A), 3-6-12)
(a)This chapter applies to the following types of land development or land disturbance activities. The following activities require an erosion control permit:(1)Building or construction on any land area.(2)Any land disturbing activity affecting a surface of 4,000 square feet or more.(3)Excavation and/or filling 200 cubic yards or more of ground, sand, or other excavation or fill material...(7)D...
Flood Zones
Springfield requires any building in the floodplain to sit at or above the flood protection elevation before construction, addition, or repair can proceed. The floodplain reviewer in the Building and Zoning Department issues development permits under City Code Sec. 150.05, and Sec. 150.07 sets the elevation, fill, and floodproofing standards a builder must meet to get one.
Springfield Floodplain Building Protection Rules
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 150.07 (Protecting buildings), Ord. No. 159-5-14, § 1(Exh. A), 5-6-14
In addition to the state permit and damage prevention requirements of section 150.06 of this chapter, all buildings located in the floodplain shall be protected from flood damage below the flood protection elevation. This building protection requirement applies to the following situations: (1)Construction or placement of a new building or alteration or addition to an existing building valued at...
Boat Dock Permits
Minor boat docks in a Springfield floodway are allowed without a separate city flood-height review only if they meet IDNR/OWR Statewide Permit Number 5. Docks that don't qualify need a full flood-height determination before the floodplain reviewer will issue a permit.
Springfield Floodway Boat Docks Need State Permit 5
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances § 150.06(a)(4) (Ord. No. 159-5-14, § 1(Exh. A), 5-6-14)
Except as provided in section 150.06(b) of this chapter, no development shall be allowed which, acting in combination with existing and anticipated development will cause any increase in flood heights or velocities or threat to public health and safety. The following specific development activities shall be considered as meeting this requirement:...(4)Minor boat docks meeting the conditions of ...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Springfield defines the flood protection elevation as the base flood elevation plus one foot of freeboard, and requires buildings in the floodplain to have their lowest floor built at or above that elevation. The floodplain reviewer enforces it through a development permit.
Springfield Requires 1-Foot Freeboard on Floodplain Builds
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances § 150.02 (definitions) and § 150.07(a) (Ord. No. 159-5-14, § 1(Exh. A), 5-6-14)
Flood protection elevation (FPE). The elevation of the base flood plus one foot of freeboard at any given location in the floodplain. ... In addition to the state permit and damage prevention requirements of section 150.06 of this chapter, all buildings located in the floodplain shall be protected from flood damage below the flood protection elevation.
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