Stormwater Management: Des Plaines vs Orland Park
How do stormwater management rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Des Plaines and Orland Park have similar restriction levels.
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 →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park stormwater management is governed by the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) administered by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), as adopted and enforced locally by the Village. New development and substantial redevelopment must meet detention, water quality, and runoff volume standards. Smaller residential projects must manage runoff on-site without adversely impacting neighbors.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | MWRD WMO | - |
| Detention | 1 ac / 25,000 sf | - |
| Water Quality | 1/2 acre threshold | - |
| Watershed | Des Plaines River | - |
| Engineering | (847) 391-5390 | - |
| Governing Rule | - | Cook County WMO |
| Administered By | - | MWRD + Village |
| Permit Threshold | - | 0.5 acre disturbance |
| Volume Control | - | First 1 inch capture |
| Public Works | - | (708) 403-6350 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Orland Park FAQ
Who regulates stormwater in Orland Park?
The Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance administered by MWRD, as enforced locally by the Village. Public Works handles Village stormwater infrastructure.
Do I need a permit to add a patio or driveway extension?
Most small residential projects do not trigger WMO permitting (0.5-acre threshold) but must still manage runoff on-site and comply with Village drainage rules. Building permits cover small projects.
Where do I report a drainage problem?
Contact Orland Park Public Works at (708) 403-6350. Disputes between neighbors over stormwater diversion may also have civil remedies.
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See how Des Plaines and Orland Park compare on other ordinance categories.
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