Grading & Drainage: Des Plaines vs Orland Park
How do grading & drainage rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Des Plaines and Orland Park have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines requires that lot grading and drainage direct stormwater away from building foundations and not concentrate runoff onto adjacent properties. Grading plans are reviewed by Engineering as part of building permits, particularly in the City's flood-prone neighborhoods along the Des Plaines River.
View full Des Plaines rules →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park requires that grading and drainage on private property not adversely affect neighboring properties or Village streets and storm sewers. A grading permit may be required for substantial earthwork. The Village enforces drainage complaints under property maintenance and stormwater rules. Sump pump discharge to Village streets is regulated.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Slope | 6 inches in 10 ft | - |
| Grading Plan | Required | - |
| Sump to Sewer | Prohibited | - |
| Discharge to Lot | Prohibited | - |
| Engineering | (847) 391-5390 | - |
| Direction | - | Away from foundation |
| Sump to Sanitary | - | Prohibited |
| Downspout Distance | - | 5+ ft from foundation |
| Permit | - | Required for major earthwork |
| Public Works | - | (708) 403-6350 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can my downspout drain onto my neighbor's lot?
No. Concentrated stormwater discharge directly onto an adjacent property is prohibited. Discharge to splash blocks on your own property, drywells, or storm sewer connections is appropriate.
Can I connect my sump pump to the sanitary sewer?
No. Sump pump and downspout connections to the sanitary sewer are prohibited and contribute to combined sewer overflows. They must discharge above grade or to the storm sewer.
Do I need a grading plan to replace concrete?
Minor flatwork replacement maintaining existing grades typically does not require a grading plan, but new additions or significant grading changes do require plan review by Engineering.
Orland Park FAQ
Can I regrade my Orland Park property?
Minor lawn grading is fine, but substantial regrading or fill that affects drainage requires a building or grading permit. The result must not divert runoff onto neighbors or Village streets.
Where can my sump pump discharge?
To the lot surface, a rear-yard swale, or an approved storm sewer connection. Discharge to the sanitary sewer is prohibited. Discharge that creates ice hazards on sidewalks may be cited.
My neighbor's drainage is flooding my yard. What can I do?
Contact Code Enforcement at (708) 403-6150 to investigate. Concentrated runoff diversion is a code violation. Civil remedies may also be available for property damage.
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