Oak Lawn vs Tinley Park
How do stormwater management rules compare between Oak Lawn, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Tinley 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 →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 | Oak Lawn | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | MWRD WMO | - |
| Permit Threshold | 0.5 acres disturbance | - |
| Volume Control | 1-inch retention | First 1 inch captured |
| Detention | Peak rate control | - |
| Local Grading | Oak Lawn Public Works | - |
| Governing Rule | - | MWRD WMO |
| Trigger | - | 0.5 ac disturbance |
| Release Rate | - | 0.15 cfs/ac (100-yr) |
| Illicit Discharge | - | Prohibited |
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.
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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