Coastal Development: Elmhurst vs Naperville
How do coastal development rules compare between Elmhurst, IL and Naperville, IL?
Naperville has fewer restrictions than Elmhurst.
Elmhurst, IL
DuPage County
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program regulates Lake Michigan shoreline development, applying uniform permit requirements along the entire Illinois coast regardless of municipality.
View full Elmhurst rules →Naperville, IL
DuPage County
Naperville is not a coastal city. There are no coastal development regulations, Coastal Commission requirements, or shoreline setback rules. The city is located approximately 30 miles inland from Lake Michigan in DuPage and Will counties.
View full Naperville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Elmhurst | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | 615 ILCS 5/ Rivers, Lakes, Streams | - |
| Rule | 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3704 | - |
| OHWM | 581.5 feet IGLD85 | - |
| Agency | Illinois DNR Coastal Program | - |
| Federal review | CZMA consistency | - |
| Coastal Zones | - | None (30 miles inland) |
| Shoreline Setbacks | - | Not applicable |
| Coastal Permits | - | Not required |
| Waterways | - | DuPage River (flood plain rules) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Elmhurst FAQ
Do I need a permit for a Lake Michigan seawall in Illinois?
Yes. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources requires a permit under 615 ILCS 5 and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3704 for any shoreline structure, fill, or dredging on Lake Michigan submerged lands.
What is the Lake Michigan ordinary high water mark in Illinois?
The legal ordinary high water mark for Lake Michigan in Illinois is 581.5 feet IGLD85. Activities below this elevation typically require IDNR submerged lands authorization.
Does Illinois coastal law apply outside Chicago?
Yes. The Illinois Coastal Management Program covers all Lake Michigan shoreline counties, including Cook and Lake. Permits apply uniformly regardless of local municipal jurisdiction.
Naperville FAQ
Does Naperville have coastal development regulations?
No. Naperville is approximately 30 miles inland from Lake Michigan with no coastal zones. Coastal development regulations do not apply. Properties near the DuPage River are regulated under flood plain rules instead.
Are there shoreline setback requirements in Naperville?
Coastal shoreline setbacks do not apply. Properties along the DuPage River and tributaries are subject to FEMA flood zone regulations and DuPage County Flood Plain Management requirements.
Compare other topics
See how Elmhurst and Naperville compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool