Flood Zones: Skokie vs Tinley Park
How do flood zones rules compare between Skokie, IL and Tinley Park, IL?
Skokie has fewer restrictions than Tinley Park.
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 →Tinley Park, IL
Cook County
Tinley Park participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain development regulations for areas mapped as Special Flood Hazard Areas on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Tinley Creek and its tributaries include mapped flood zones. New construction in the floodplain must meet elevation, floodproofing, and compensatory storage requirements. A floodplain development permit is required for any construction in the SFHA.
View full Tinley Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Skokie | Tinley Park |
|---|---|---|
| NFIP Participant | Yes | Yes |
| Freeboard | +1 ft above BFE | 1 ft above BFE |
| Main SFHA | North Shore Channel area | - |
| Urban Flooding | Sewer-driven events common | - |
| Substantial Improvement | 50% threshold | 50% value trigger |
| Floodway Fill | - | Prohibited |
| Compensatory Storage | - | 0-for-0 in fringe |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Tinley Park FAQ
Is my Tinley Park property in a FEMA flood zone?
Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov by entering your address. Areas near Tinley Creek and its tributaries have mapped SFHAs. The Village can also provide flood zone determinations.
Do I need flood insurance?
If your property is in an SFHA and you have a federally-backed mortgage, yes. Even outside SFHAs, flooding is possible and Preferred Risk Policies are relatively inexpensive.
Can I add an addition to my home in a flood zone?
Yes, with a floodplain development permit. If the work qualifies as substantial improvement (exceeds 50% of the structure's market value), the entire structure must be brought into full floodplain compliance including elevation.
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