Stormwater Management: Des Plaines vs Tinley Park
How do stormwater management rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Des Plaines and Tinley 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 →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Tinley Park is subject to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO), which regulates stormwater detention, volume control, floodplain, and wetland impacts. Development disturbing 0.5 acres or creating significant impervious surface triggers WMO permit review. The Village enforces local stormwater standards and illicit discharge prohibitions.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Tinley 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 | - | MWRD WMO |
| Trigger | - | 0.5 ac disturbance |
| Release Rate | - | 0.15 cfs/ac (100-yr) |
| Volume Control | - | First 1 inch captured |
| Illicit Discharge | - | Prohibited |
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.
Tinley Park FAQ
Who regulates stormwater in Tinley Park?
The MWRD Watershed Management Ordinance governs stormwater countywide, implemented locally by Tinley Park. Development over 0.5 acres or with significant impervious surface triggers WMO permits.
Do small home projects trigger stormwater review?
Typical home improvements like patios and small additions are usually below the WMO trigger, but cumulative impervious area increases may matter. Community Development reviews at permit application.
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Occasional residential car washing is generally acceptable, but soapy water should not be directed into storm drains that flow to Tinley Creek. Commercial or fleet washing on residential property is prohibited.
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