Stormwater Management: Des Plaines vs Skokie
How do stormwater management rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Skokie, IL?
Des Plaines and Skokie 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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie is subject to the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) administered by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), which regulates development-related stormwater volume, detention, and water quality. The Village also maintains local sewer and grading rules. Development over 1/2 acre of new or redevelopment impervious area triggers full WMO review.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | MWRD WMO | - |
| Detention | 1 ac / 25,000 sf | - |
| Water Quality | 1/2 acre threshold | - |
| Watershed | Des Plaines River | North Branch Chicago River |
| Engineering | (847) 391-5390 | - |
| Regulator | - | MWRD / Cook County WMO |
| WMO Trigger | - | 0.5 acre impervious |
| Illicit Discharge | - | Prohibited |
| Sanitary Sewer | - | No downspout/sump connection |
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.
Skokie FAQ
Who regulates stormwater in Skokie?
The Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance is administered by MWRD. Skokie Public Works also enforces local grading, drainage, and sewer use rules.
Can I tie my downspout into the sewer?
No. Connecting downspouts or sump pumps to the sanitary sewer is prohibited and contributes to combined-sewer overflows. Downspouts should discharge to pervious areas or stormwater systems.
What if my neighbor's water floods my yard?
Report to Skokie Public Works at (847) 933-8427. The Village can investigate whether drainage modifications violate local grading rules. Civil remedies may also be available.
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