Stormwater Management: Arlington Heights vs Tinley Park
How do stormwater management rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Tinley Park has fewer restrictions than Arlington Heights.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Arlington Heights enforces comprehensive stormwater management regulations. Development and significant improvements must include stormwater detention or retention facilities. The Village participates in the MWRD stormwater management program and the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance applies. Grading and drainage plans are required for new construction and major renovations.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Tinley Park is subject to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO), which regulates stormwater detention, volume control, floodplain, and wetland impacts. Development disturbing 0.5 acres or creating significant impervious surface triggers WMO permit review. The Village enforces local stormwater standards and illicit discharge prohibitions.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| Detention Trigger | 2,500+ sq ft new impervious area | - |
| Design Storm | 100-year event | - |
| Watersheds | Salt Creek and Des Plaines River | - |
| MWRD Compliance | Required | - |
| Public Works Contact | (847) 368-5800 | - |
| Governing Rule | - | MWRD WMO |
| Trigger | - | 0.5 ac disturbance |
| Release Rate | - | 0.15 cfs/ac (100-yr) |
| Volume Control | - | First 1 inch captured |
| Illicit Discharge | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
When is stormwater detention required in Arlington Heights?
Detention is required when a project adds more than 2,500 square feet of new impervious surface area. The detention volume must accommodate a 100-year storm event as calculated per MWRD and Cook County standards.
Can I redirect my downspouts onto my neighbor's property?
No. Downspouts must discharge onto your own property in a manner that does not cause drainage problems for neighbors. Discharging water onto adjacent properties may result in a nuisance complaint and enforcement action.
Does Arlington Heights allow rain gardens for stormwater management?
Yes. The Village encourages green infrastructure including rain gardens, permeable pavers, and bioswales as part of stormwater management plans. These can help meet detention requirements while providing environmental benefits.
Tinley Park FAQ
Who regulates stormwater in Tinley Park?
The MWRD Watershed Management Ordinance governs stormwater countywide, implemented locally by Tinley Park. Development over 0.5 acres or with significant impervious surface triggers WMO permits.
Do small home projects trigger stormwater review?
Typical home improvements like patios and small additions are usually below the WMO trigger, but cumulative impervious area increases may matter. Community Development reviews at permit application.
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Occasional residential car washing is generally acceptable, but soapy water should not be directed into storm drains that flow to Tinley Creek. Commercial or fleet washing on residential property is prohibited.
Compare other topics
See how Arlington Heights and Tinley Park compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool