Flood Zones: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do flood zones rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights and Chicago have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Arlington Heights participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces a floodplain management ordinance. Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas along Salt Creek and its tributaries are subject to strict building restrictions including elevation requirements, flood-proofing standards, and prohibitions on certain types of development in the floodway.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates construction in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. The city's floodplain management ordinance establishes construction standards above base flood elevation.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| NFIP Participation | Yes, with CRS discount | - |
| Freeboard Requirement | 1 foot above BFE | - |
| Floodway Construction | Prohibited | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% of market value | - |
| Compensatory Storage | 1:1 ratio required for fill | - |
| Program | - | NFIP participant |
| Standard | - | Construction above Base Flood Elevation required |
| Enforcement | - | Dept. of Buildings + MWRD |
| Flood Map | - | FEMA FIRMs identify SFHAs |
| Key Areas | - | Chicago River, North Shore Channel, lakefront |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Arlington Heights?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or contact the Village Engineering Division at (847) 368-5800. Flood hazard areas in Arlington Heights are primarily along Salt Creek and McDonald Creek.
Can I build in the floodplain?
New construction in the floodplain must have the lowest floor elevated at least one foot above the base flood elevation. No new construction is allowed in the regulatory floodway. A floodplain development permit is required.
Do I need flood insurance in Arlington Heights?
Flood insurance is required by mortgage lenders for properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas. Even outside these zones, flood insurance is available and recommended. The Village's CRS participation may provide premium discounts.
Chicago FAQ
Is my Chicago property in a flood zone?
Check FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for your address. Areas along the Chicago River, North Shore Channel, and some lakefront sections are in Special Flood Hazard Areas requiring flood insurance and elevated construction.
Do I need flood insurance in Chicago?
If your property is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. It is recommended for all properties near waterways regardless of zone designation.
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