Flood Zones: Arlington Heights vs Tinley Park
How do flood zones rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Arlington Heights and Tinley 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 →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Tinley Park participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain development regulations for areas mapped as Special Flood Hazard Areas on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Tinley Creek and its tributaries include mapped flood zones. New construction in the floodplain must meet elevation, floodproofing, and compensatory storage requirements. A floodplain development permit is required for any construction in the SFHA.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| NFIP Participation | Yes, with CRS discount | - |
| Freeboard Requirement | 1 foot above BFE | - |
| Floodway Construction | Prohibited | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% of market value | 50% value trigger |
| Compensatory Storage | 1:1 ratio required for fill | 0-for-0 in fringe |
| NFIP Participant | - | Yes |
| Freeboard | - | 1 ft above BFE |
| 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.
Tinley Park FAQ
Is my Tinley Park property in a FEMA flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov by entering your address. Areas near Tinley Creek and its tributaries have mapped SFHAs. The Village can also provide flood zone determinations.
Do I need flood insurance?
If your property is in an SFHA and you have a federally-backed mortgage, yes. Even outside SFHAs, flooding is possible and Preferred Risk Policies are relatively inexpensive.
Can I add an addition to my home in a flood zone?
Yes, with a floodplain development permit. If the work qualifies as substantial improvement (exceeds 50% of the structure's market value), the entire structure must be brought into full floodplain compliance including elevation.
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