Oak Lawn vs Orland Park
How do stormwater management rules compare between Oak Lawn, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Orland Park has fewer restrictions than Oak Lawn.
Oak Lawn, IL
Cook County
Oak Lawn is subject to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) for stormwater and floodplain management. Development projects disturbing 0.5 acres or more require a WMO permit with detention, water quality, and runoff controls. Smaller residential projects follow Village grading and drainage rules.
View full Oak Lawn rules →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park stormwater management is governed by the Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) administered by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), as adopted and enforced locally by the Village. New development and substantial redevelopment must meet detention, water quality, and runoff volume standards. Smaller residential projects must manage runoff on-site without adversely impacting neighbors.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oak Lawn | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | MWRD WMO | - |
| Permit Threshold | 0.5 acres disturbance | 0.5 acre disturbance |
| Volume Control | 1-inch retention | First 1 inch capture |
| Detention | Peak rate control | - |
| Local Grading | Oak Lawn Public Works | - |
| Governing Rule | - | Cook County WMO |
| Administered By | - | MWRD + Village |
| Public Works | - | (708) 403-6350 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Oak Lawn FAQ
Do I need a stormwater permit for my home project?
Most residential lot projects disturb less than 0.5 acres and do not require an MWRD permit, but must comply with Oak Lawn's grading and drainage rules at building permit.
Who regulates stormwater in Oak Lawn?
MWRD administers the Watershed Management Ordinance for larger projects. Oak Lawn enforces lot-level grading, drainage, and downspout rules through its Building Department.
Can I discharge my sump pump to the street?
Sump discharge to the street or alley is typically acceptable where it drains to a storm sewer. Discharge directly onto neighboring property is not permitted. Check Oak Lawn Public Works for specifics.
Orland Park FAQ
Who regulates stormwater in Orland Park?
The Cook County Watershed Management Ordinance administered by MWRD, as enforced locally by the Village. Public Works handles Village stormwater infrastructure.
Do I need a permit to add a patio or driveway extension?
Most small residential projects do not trigger WMO permitting (0.5-acre threshold) but must still manage runoff on-site and comply with Village drainage rules. Building permits cover small projects.
Where do I report a drainage problem?
Contact Orland Park Public Works at (708) 403-6350. Disputes between neighbors over stormwater diversion may also have civil remedies.
Compare other topics
See how Oak Lawn and Orland Park 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