Rockford, IL Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

The city defines the flood protection elevation (FPE) as the base flood elevation (BFE) plus two feet of freeboard. Under Sec. 109-47, any new building, substantial improvement, or repaired substantially-damaged structure in the regulatory floodplain must have its lowest floor, including basement, at or above the FPE. Buildings can comply by fill, elevation on stilts/walls/piles, or an elevated crawlspace, and all electrical, heating, and utility equipment must also sit above the FPE. Non-residential buildings may instead be dry floodproofed to that same elevation if certified by a licensed engineer or architect. Manufactured homes and long-term travel trailers face the same elevation-or-tie-down requirements, and even accessory garages/sheds in the floodplain must be built of flood-resistant materials below the base flood elevation.