Kankakee County, IL Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Under Kankakee County Code § 109-53, a development permit from the county planning department is required before any development starts in a mapped floodplain in unincorporated Kankakee County, covering the Iroquois River, Kankakee River, Soldier Creek, Forked Creek and Rock Creek floodplains shown on the FEMA maps dated February 15, 2019. The application must include scaled site drawings, existing grade elevations, every proposed grade change, building locations and dimensions, and the elevation of the lowest floor of any building. The planning director compares the site elevation to the base flood elevation before deciding whether the parcel is regulated.

Within the floodway, § 109-80 bars any development that would raise flood heights or velocities, though it lists specific IDNR statewide-permit activities, such as minor boat docks, bank stabilization and utility crossings, that are treated as meeting that standard. Subdivisions, manufactured home parks and planned unit developments must also show the base flood elevation and floodway boundary and include an engineer's statement on drainage under § 109-82. 00 of coverage. Historic structures on the National or Illinois Register may get more permissive repair criteria if the work preserves their historic character.