Flood Zones: Des Plaines vs Skokie
How do flood zones rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Skokie, IL?
Des Plaines and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain development regulations under its municipal code consistent with 44 CFR and the Illinois Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. Most of Skokie lies outside mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, but portions along the North Shore Channel and historic drainage corridors include flood-prone areas. The Village participates in the FEMA Community Rating System.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Contact | Public Works Engineering: 847-391-5390 | - |
| NFIP Participant | - | Yes |
| Freeboard | - | +1 ft above BFE |
| Main SFHA | - | North Shore Channel area |
| Urban Flooding | - | Sewer-driven events common |
| Substantial Improvement | - | 50% threshold |
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.
Skokie FAQ
Is my Skokie property in a flood zone?
Most of Skokie is not in a mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, but portions near the North Shore Channel are. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center by address. Urban flooding from sewer backups can affect properties outside mapped zones.
Do I need flood insurance?
Mortgages on properties in SFHAs typically require NFIP flood insurance. Properties outside SFHAs can still buy preferred-risk NFIP policies, and given Skokie's history of urban flooding, coverage is worth considering even outside mapped zones.
What can I do about basement flooding?
Skokie's overhead sewer conversion program and flood control improvements help many properties. Install a backwater valve, overhead sewer conversion, and sump pump with battery backup. Contact Public Works at (847) 933-8427 about resident assistance programs.
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