Stormwater Management: Orland Park vs Skokie
How do stormwater management rules compare between Orland Park, IL and Skokie, IL?
Orland Park and Skokie have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Orland Park | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Rule | Cook County WMO | - |
| Administered By | MWRD + Village | - |
| Permit Threshold | 0.5 acre disturbance | - |
| Volume Control | First 1 inch capture | - |
| Public Works | (708) 403-6350 | - |
| 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.
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.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Orland Park and Skokie 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