Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
🌍 Environmental Rules/Coastal Development

Coastal Development: Des Plaines vs Oak Park

How do coastal development rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Oak Park, IL?

Des Plaines and Oak Park have similar restriction levels.

Des Plaines, IL

Cook County

Few Restrictions

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 β†’

Oak Park, IL

Cook County

Few Restrictions

Coastal development regulations do not apply to Oak Park. The village is an inland suburb of Chicago located approximately 10 miles west of Lake Michigan with no coastal frontage. There are no coastal commission permits, dune protection rules, or shoreline setback requirements in Oak Park.

View full Oak Park rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactDes PlainesOak Park
Coastal ZonesNone in unincorporated area-
Shoreline SetbacksNot applicable-
Coastal PermitsNot required-
Lake MichiganAll shoreline in municipalities-
Coastal Regulations-Not applicable
Location-Inland, 10 miles from Lake Michigan
Water Concerns-Stormwater/flooding (Des Plaines River)
Primary Authority-MWRD for stormwater

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.

Oak Park FAQ

Does Oak Park have coastal development rules?

No. Oak Park is an inland suburb with no coastal frontage. Coastal development regulations do not apply here.

What water-related regulations affect Oak Park properties?

Oak Park's primary water-related concern is stormwater management and flood prevention related to the Des Plaines River watershed and the combined sewer system. See the village's stormwater management regulations.

Where can I find Lake Michigan coastal regulations?

Contact the Illinois Coastal Management Program or the specific lakefront municipality where the property is located. Oak Park itself has no coastal jurisdiction.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool