Flood Zones: Orland Park vs Skokie
How do flood zones rules compare between Orland Park, IL and Skokie, IL?
Skokie has fewer restrictions than Orland Park.
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 →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Skokie participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain development regulations under its municipal code consistent with 44 CFR and the Illinois Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. Most of Skokie lies outside mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, but portions along the North Shore Channel and historic drainage corridors include flood-prone areas. The Village participates in the FEMA Community Rating System.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Orland Park | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Mapped Zones | A, AE in SFHAs | - |
| Freeboard | 1 ft above BFE | +1 ft above BFE |
| Permit Required | All work in SFHA | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% of value triggers | 50% threshold |
| Flood Insurance | Required for federal mortgage | - |
| NFIP Participant | - | Yes |
| Main SFHA | - | North Shore Channel area |
| Urban Flooding | - | Sewer-driven events common |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Skokie FAQ
Is my Skokie property in a flood zone?
Most of Skokie is not in a mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, but portions near the North Shore Channel are. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center by address. Urban flooding from sewer backups can affect properties outside mapped zones.
Do I need flood insurance?
Mortgages on properties in SFHAs typically require NFIP flood insurance. Properties outside SFHAs can still buy preferred-risk NFIP policies, and given Skokie's history of urban flooding, coverage is worth considering even outside mapped zones.
What can I do about basement flooding?
Skokie's overhead sewer conversion program and flood control improvements help many properties. Install a backwater valve, overhead sewer conversion, and sump pump with battery backup. Contact Public Works at (847) 933-8427 about resident assistance programs.
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