Coastal Development: Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do coastal development rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Evanston.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Cook County is not a coastal jurisdiction. There are no coastal development regulations, Coastal Commission requirements, or shoreline setback rules. Properties along Lake Michigan within Cook County are governed by the Illinois Coastal Management Program, but unincorporated Cook County has no Lake Michigan shoreline.
View full Des Plaines rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston strictly regulates development along its Lake Michigan shoreline. The lakefront is subject to setback requirements, public trust doctrine protections, and the Illinois Coastal Management Program. Construction near the shoreline requires multiple permits and environmental review. Evanston's lakefront parks and beaches are protected public assets.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Zones | None in unincorporated area | - |
| Shoreline Setbacks | Not applicable | - |
| Coastal Permits | Not required | - |
| Lake Michigan | All shoreline in municipalities | - |
| Shoreline Length | - | Approximately 4.5 miles |
| State Permits | - | IDNR Office of Water Resources |
| Federal Permits | - | USACE Section 404/Section 10 |
| Public Trust | - | Lakebed protected for public use |
| IDNR Contact | - | (312) 793-5947 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Does Cook County have coastal development regulations?
No. Unincorporated Cook County has no Lake Michigan shoreline. All coastal areas within Cook County fall within incorporated municipalities. Coastal development regulations do not apply.
Is there a coastal management program in Illinois?
Yes, the Illinois Coastal Management Program exists for Lake Michigan communities, but it does not create development permit requirements for unincorporated Cook County, which has no coastal frontage.
Evanston FAQ
Can I build a seawall on my lakefront property in Evanston?
Shoreline protection structures require permits from both the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Evanston may also require a building permit. Contact IDNR at (312) 793-5947 for state permit requirements.
Does the public trust doctrine affect lakefront property in Evanston?
Yes. The public trust doctrine protects the Lake Michigan lakebed and navigable waters for public use. Private structures cannot encroach on public trust lands. The boundary shifts with lake levels.
Does Evanston have a lakefront master plan?
Yes. Evanston's Lakefront Master Plan guides development, recreation, and conservation along the city's 4.5-mile Lake Michigan shoreline. Projects near the lakefront should be consistent with this plan.
Compare other topics
See how Des Plaines and Evanston 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