Flood Zones: Arlington Heights vs Schaumburg
How do flood zones rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Schaumburg, IL?
Arlington Heights and Schaumburg 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 →Schaumburg, IL
Cook County
Schaumburg has significant flood risk areas along Salt Creek and its tributaries. The Village participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces FEMA floodplain regulations. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) face strict building requirements including elevation above base flood elevation, flood-resistant materials, and restrictions on basement construction. The Village's floodplain ordinance may exceed minimum NFIP standards through the Community Rating System (CRS).
View full Schaumburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Primary Flood Source | - | Salt Creek |
| NFIP Participant | - | Yes |
| Elevation Requirement | - | 1-2 feet above BFE |
| Basement Restriction | - | Below BFE limited to parking/storage |
| Floodway Fill | - | Prohibited |
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.
Schaumburg FAQ
Is my Schaumburg property in a flood zone?
Check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center or contact the Village Engineering Division. Properties near Salt Creek and its tributaries are most likely to be in a Special Flood Hazard Area. The Village can help you determine your property's flood zone designation.
Do I need flood insurance in Schaumburg?
Flood insurance is mandatory for properties with federally-backed mortgages in the Special Flood Hazard Area. Even outside the SFHA, voluntary flood insurance is recommended given Salt Creek flooding history. Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage.
Can I build an addition if my property is in the floodplain?
Yes, but the addition must comply with floodplain regulations including elevation above base flood elevation. A floodplain development permit is required. If the addition plus existing improvements exceed 50% of the structure's market value, the entire structure may need to meet current floodplain standards.
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