Flood Zones: Arlington Heights vs Skokie
How do flood zones rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Skokie, IL?
Skokie has fewer restrictions than Arlington Heights.
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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain development regulations under its municipal code consistent with 44 CFR and the Illinois Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. Most of Skokie lies outside mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, but portions along the North Shore Channel and historic drainage corridors include flood-prone areas. The Village participates in the FEMA Community Rating System.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| NFIP Participation | Yes, with CRS discount | - |
| Freeboard Requirement | 1 foot above BFE | - |
| Floodway Construction | Prohibited | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% of market value | 50% threshold |
| Compensatory Storage | 1:1 ratio required for fill | - |
| NFIP Participant | - | Yes |
| Freeboard | - | +1 ft above BFE |
| Main SFHA | - | North Shore Channel area |
| Urban Flooding | - | Sewer-driven events common |
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.
Skokie FAQ
Is my Skokie property in a flood zone?
Most of Skokie is not in a mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, but portions near the North Shore Channel are. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center by address. Urban flooding from sewer backups can affect properties outside mapped zones.
Do I need flood insurance?
Mortgages on properties in SFHAs typically require NFIP flood insurance. Properties outside SFHAs can still buy preferred-risk NFIP policies, and given Skokie's history of urban flooding, coverage is worth considering even outside mapped zones.
What can I do about basement flooding?
Skokie's overhead sewer conversion program and flood control improvements help many properties. Install a backwater valve, overhead sewer conversion, and sump pump with battery backup. Contact Public Works at (847) 933-8427 about resident assistance programs.
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