Flood Zones: Des Plaines vs Orland Park
How do flood zones rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Orland Park.
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 →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and has adopted floodplain regulations consistent with FEMA standards. Development in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones A and AE on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map) requires a floodplain development permit. Lowest floor elevation must be at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Required for federal mortgage |
| Contact | Public Works Engineering: 847-391-5390 | - |
| Mapped Zones | - | A, AE in SFHAs |
| Freeboard | - | 1 ft above BFE |
| Permit Required | - | All work in SFHA |
| Substantial Improvement | - | 50% of value triggers |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Orland Park FAQ
How do I know if my Orland Park property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov, your title or insurance documents, or contact Village Public Works. Properties along Tinley Creek, Marley Creek, and Cal-Sag tributaries are most likely affected.
What can I do to my property if it's in a flood zone?
Construction, substantial improvement, fill, and grading require a floodplain development permit. New residential structures must be elevated to 1 foot above the base flood elevation. Substantial improvements trigger full compliance.
Do I need flood insurance?
If you have a federally-backed mortgage on a property in a Special Flood Hazard Area, your lender will require flood insurance under the NFIP. Even outside SFHAs, flood insurance is recommended in areas prone to local flooding.
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