Flood Zones: Arlington Heights vs Orland Park
How do flood zones rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Arlington Heights and Orland Park 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 →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
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.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| NFIP Participation | Yes, with CRS discount | - |
| Freeboard Requirement | 1 foot above BFE | - |
| Floodway Construction | Prohibited | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% of market value | 50% of value triggers |
| Compensatory Storage | 1:1 ratio required for fill | - |
| Mapped Zones | - | A, AE in SFHAs |
| Freeboard | - | 1 ft above BFE |
| Permit Required | - | All work in SFHA |
| Flood Insurance | - | Required for federal mortgage |
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.
Orland Park FAQ
How do I know if my Orland Park property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov, your title or insurance documents, or contact Village Public Works. Properties along Tinley Creek, Marley Creek, and Cal-Sag tributaries are most likely affected.
What can I do to my property if it's in a flood zone?
Construction, substantial improvement, fill, and grading require a floodplain development permit. New residential structures must be elevated to 1 foot above the base flood elevation. Substantial improvements trigger full compliance.
Do I need flood insurance?
If you have a federally-backed mortgage on a property in a Special Flood Hazard Area, your lender will require flood insurance under the NFIP. Even outside SFHAs, flood insurance is recommended in areas prone to local flooding.
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