Stormwater Management: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do stormwater management rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago's Stormwater Management Ordinance (MCC 11-18) requires regulated developments to capture and manage stormwater runoff, including capturing the first half-inch from impervious surfaces. The 2024 Stormwater Manual provides detailed BMP guidelines.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Stormwater management in Des Plaines is governed by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO), which Des Plaines administers locally. New development and redevelopment that disturbs more than a threshold area must provide on-site detention, water quality treatment, and erosion control. Des Plaines is in the Des Plaines River watershed and is highly flood-prone.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | MCC 11-18 | - |
| Volume Capture | First 0.5 inch from impervious surfaces | - |
| Alternative | 15% impervious surface reduction | - |
| Authority | Dept. of Water Management | MWRD WMO |
| Manual | 2024 Stormwater Management Ordinance Manual | - |
| Detention | - | 1 ac / 25,000 sf |
| Water Quality | - | 1/2 acre threshold |
| Watershed | - | Des Plaines River |
| Engineering | - | (847) 391-5390 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
What triggers stormwater management requirements in Chicago?
Regulated developments as defined in MCC 11-18 must submit a stormwater management plan. This generally applies to new construction and significant redevelopment projects that increase impervious surface area.
What BMPs does Chicago accept for stormwater management?
Approved BMPs include green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement, bioswales, cisterns, rain barrels, and native landscaping. The 2024 Stormwater Manual provides detailed design guidance.
Des Plaines FAQ
Do I need stormwater approval for a home addition?
Small residential additions are typically below WMO thresholds, but lot grading must still drain away from the foundation and not concentrate flows onto neighbors. Larger projects may trigger detention requirements.
Who regulates stormwater in Des Plaines?
The MWRD Watershed Management Ordinance is the controlling regulation, administered locally by Des Plaines's Department of Public Works/Engineering at (847) 391-5390.
Why does Des Plaines flood so often?
Des Plaines is located along the Des Plaines River and Higgins Creek with significant low-lying areas. The City participates in the NFIP and has invested in flood mitigation, but flooding remains a regional challenge.
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