Flood Zones: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do flood zones rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates construction in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. The city's floodplain management ordinance establishes construction standards above base flood elevation.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines participates in NFIP. The Des Plaines River runs through the city and portions are in FEMA flood hazard areas. NFIP flood insurance required with federally backed mortgages in SFHAs.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Program | NFIP participant | - |
| Standard | Construction above Base Flood Elevation required | - |
| Enforcement | Dept. of Buildings + MWRD | - |
| Flood Map | FEMA FIRMs identify SFHAs | - |
| Key Areas | Chicago River, North Shore Channel, lakefront | - |
| NFIP | - | Des Plaines participates |
| Flood Risk | - | Des Plaines River and tributaries — portions in SFHAs |
| 50% Rule | - | Substantial improvement triggers full flood compliance |
| Flood Insurance | - | Required with federally backed mortgages in SFHAs |
| Contact | - | Public Works Engineering: 847-391-5390 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Is my Chicago property in a flood zone?
Check FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for your address. Areas along the Chicago River, North Shore Channel, and some lakefront sections are in Special Flood Hazard Areas requiring flood insurance and elevated construction.
Do I need flood insurance in Chicago?
If your property is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area and you have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. It is recommended for all properties near waterways regardless of zone designation.
Des Plaines FAQ
Is my property in a flood zone in Des Plaines?
Des Plaines participates in NFIP. The Des Plaines River runs through the city and portions are in FEMA flood hazard areas. NFIP flood insurance required with federally backed mortgages in SFHAs.
Do I need flood insurance in Des Plaines?
NFIP: Des Plaines participates. Flood Risk: Des Plaines River and tributaries — portions in SFHAs. 50% Rule: Substantial improvement triggers full flood compliance. Flood Insurance: Required with federally backed mortgages in SFHAs.
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