Environmental Rules in Lake County, IN (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Lake County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Lake County regulates stormwater and drainage through Ordinance 1500A, its 2024 Stormwater Management and Clean Water Regulations, adopted by reference into County Code § 52.01. The Lake County Health Department keeps two filed copies for public inspection and administers the standards countywide. A violation carries the code's general fine: up to $2,500 for a first offense and $7,500 for repeat offenses.
Stormwater Rules in Unincorporated Lake County
Some RestrictionsLake County, IN Code § 52.01 (Ord. 1274A, passed 4-11-2006; Ord. 1365C, passed 10-8-2013; Ord. 1500A, passed 10-8-2024)
The stormwater management and clean water regulations (of 2024) ordinance is adopted herein by reference as if appearing in total. Two copies of the same shall be filed in the office of Lake County Health Department for public inspection.
Flood Zones
Unincorporated Lake County requires a floodplain development permit from the Floodplain Administrator before any construction, grading, fill or structure placement begins in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area. New and substantially improved residential structures must set their lowest floor at least two feet above the base flood elevation, and violations accrue daily fines under the county zoning code.
Floodplain Development Permits in Lake County, IN
Some RestrictionsLake County, IN Code §§ 157.027, 157.071(B) (Ord. 2473, passed 3-8-2016)
A floodplain development permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this chapter prior to the commencement of any development activities in areas of special flood hazard. ... New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure (or manufactured home) shall have the lowest floor; including basement, at or above the FPG (two feet above the base flood elevat...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In unincorporated Lake County's Special Flood Hazard Areas, new or substantially improved residential structures must set the lowest floor, including any basement, at or above the Flood Protection Grade: two feet of freeboard above the base flood elevation. Non-residential buildings must meet the same mark or be floodproofed instead.
Base Flood Elevation & Freeboard in Lake County IN
Some RestrictionsLake County, IN Code § 157.071(B) (Ord. 2473, passed 3-8-2016)
(B) Residential structures. New construction or substantial improvement of any residential structure (or manufactured home) shall have the lowest floor; including basement, at or above the FPG (two feet above the base flood elevation). Should solid foundation perimeter walls be used to elevate a structure, openings sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movements of floodwaters shall be provi...
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