FEMA flood zone rules in Cook County, IL — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
Cook County has a Floodplain Ordinance governing development in FEMA-designated flood zones. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's Watershed Management Ordinance establishes countywide stormwater and floodplain standards including 100-year event design.
Cook County's Floodplain Ordinance regulates construction in FEMA-designated flood zones within unincorporated areas. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Watershed Management Ordinance, authorized by 70 ILCS 2605, establishes comprehensive countywide stormwater management regulations covering drainage, detention, floodplain management, wetlands, soil erosion, sediment control, water quality, and riparian area management. The design standard is the 100-year (1% annual chance) storm event. New construction in flood zones must be elevated above the base flood elevation. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) identify flood hazard areas. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas must maintain flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Cook County participates in the NFIP Community Rating System for reduced insurance premiums.
Building in flood zone without compliance: stop-work order, $100–$1,000 fine. NFIP non-compliance: loss of flood insurance eligibility.
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See how Cook County's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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