Oak Lawn vs Skokie
How do stormwater management rules compare between Oak Lawn, IL and Skokie, IL?
Skokie 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 →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 | Oak Lawn | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | MWRD WMO | - |
| Permit Threshold | 0.5 acres disturbance | - |
| Volume Control | 1-inch retention | - |
| Detention | Peak rate control | - |
| Local Grading | Oak Lawn Public Works | - |
| Regulator | - | MWRD / Cook County WMO |
| WMO Trigger | - | 0.5 acre impervious |
| Watershed | - | North Branch Chicago River |
| Illicit Discharge | - | Prohibited |
| Sanitary Sewer | - | No downspout/sump connection |
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.
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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