Flood Zones: Evanston vs Orland Park
How do flood zones rules compare between Evanston, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Evanston and Orland Park have similar restriction levels.
Evanston, IL
Cook County
Evanston participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and regulates construction in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas. New construction and substantial improvements in flood zones must elevate the lowest floor at least one foot above base flood elevation. Evanston's flood damage prevention ordinance exceeds minimum NFIP standards.
View full Evanston rules →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and has adopted floodplain regulations consistent with FEMA standards. Development in mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones A and AE on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map) requires a floodplain development permit. Lowest floor elevation must be at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Evanston | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Freeboard Requirement | 1 foot above BFE | - |
| CRS Participant | Yes — insurance discounts possible | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% of market value threshold | 50% of value triggers |
| Elevation Certificate | Required before occupancy | - |
| Community Dev | (847) 448-4311 | - |
| Mapped Zones | - | A, AE in SFHAs |
| Freeboard | - | 1 ft above BFE |
| Permit Required | - | All work in SFHA |
| Flood Insurance | - | Required for federal mortgage |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Evanston FAQ
How high must new construction be above the flood level in Evanston?
The lowest floor, including basement, must be at least one foot above the base flood elevation. This freeboard requirement exceeds the minimum NFIP standard and provides additional flood protection.
Does Evanston participate in the CRS program?
Yes. Evanston participates in the Community Rating System, which can provide flood insurance premium discounts to residents in SFHAs based on the city's floodplain management practices.
Can I renovate a building in a flood zone in Evanston?
Yes, but if the improvements equal or exceed 50% of the structure's market value, the entire structure must be brought into compliance with flood zone requirements, including elevation above BFE.
Orland Park FAQ
How do I know if my Orland Park property is in a flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov, your title or insurance documents, or contact Village Public Works. Properties along Tinley Creek, Marley Creek, and Cal-Sag tributaries are most likely affected.
What can I do to my property if it's in a flood zone?
Construction, substantial improvement, fill, and grading require a floodplain development permit. New residential structures must be elevated to 1 foot above the base flood elevation. Substantial improvements trigger full compliance.
Do I need flood insurance?
If you have a federally-backed mortgage on a property in a Special Flood Hazard Area, your lender will require flood insurance under the NFIP. Even outside SFHAs, flood insurance is recommended in areas prone to local flooding.
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