Does Peoria County, IL have its own flood zones ordinance?

No. Peoria County, IL does not appear to have a local flood zones ordinance, Illinois state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Illinois Compiled Statutes.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Peoria County

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

Heavy Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

FEMA flood zone rules in Peoria County, IL, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

SFHA zones: Elevate to base flood
State permit: IDNR floodway permit
Rule: Ill. Admin. Code Part 3700
Local driver: Illinois River floodplain
Insurance: Required in flood zones

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Peoria County, IL.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Peoria County, IL on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Peoria County and its cities enforce NFIP floodplain rules, and Illinois DNR requires a permit for construction in a regulated floodway. The Illinois River floodplain shapes the Peoria riverfront and low-lying neighborhoods.

City-specific rules exist: Peoria has its own flood zones rules that differ from Peoria County's county-level regulations. If you live in Peoria, check the city-specific page instead.

Construction in the floodway of any stream serving a tributary area of 640 acres or more in an urban area, or in the floodway of any stream serving a tributary area of 6,400 acres or more in a rural area, is subject to this Part and requires a permit from the Department.

Source: Illinois Compiled StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Peoria, Peoria Heights, Chillicothe, and unincorporated Peoria County take part in the National Flood Insurance Program, so buildings in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area must be elevated to or above the base flood elevation, and federally backed mortgages there require flood insurance. Separately, Illinois Administrative Code Part 3700 requires an IDNR Office of Water Resources permit for construction in the floodway of larger streams. The Illinois River floodplain drives this locally; record river crests have repeatedly flooded the Peoria riverfront and low-lying areas along the water. Fill and structures in the regulatory floodway are tightly restricted.

Violations & Fines

Building below base flood elevation, or placing fill and structures in a regulated floodway without the required permits, brings stop-work orders, removal and restoration orders, and retroactive compliance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my property in a flood zone?

Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or contact the City of Peoria or Peoria County planning office. Maps are updated periodically and your zone may have changed.

Do I need a state permit to build near the river?

If the work is in a regulated floodway, yes. Part 3700 requires an IDNR Office of Water Resources permit before construction on qualifying streams.

Sources & Official References

[1]Illinois Compiled Statutes

Other rules in Peoria County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Flood Elevation RequirementsSome Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSignificant Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Peoria County rules

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Flood Zones in Cities Across Peoria County

Peoria, IL