Des Plaines requires that lot grading and drainage direct stormwater away from building foundations and not concentrate runoff onto adjacent properties. Grading plans are reviewed by Engineering as part of building permits, particularly in the City's flood-prone neighborhoods along the Des Plaines River.
Des Plaines requires positive drainage away from building foundations on all residential lots. The International Residential Code requires the ground to slope at least 6 inches in the first 10 feet from the foundation. Grading and drainage plans are reviewed as part of building permits for new homes, additions, and major site work. Plans must show existing and proposed grades, drainage patterns, swales, downspout discharge points, and connections to storm sewers where applicable. Concentrated stormwater discharge directly onto an adjacent property is prohibited. Sump pumps and downspouts must discharge to splash blocks, drywells, or storm sewers, not to the sanitary sewer (which is a code violation that worsens combined sewer overflows). Cook County and MWRD rules govern larger drainage modifications. Des Plaines's flood-prone neighborhoods, particularly those near the Des Plaines River, Farmers Creek, and Higgins Creek, are subject to additional floodplain construction standards including elevation and flood vent requirements.
Improper grading that floods neighbors may result in a notice from Des Plaines Engineering at (847) 391-5390 requiring corrective regrading. Connecting downspouts or sump pumps to the sanitary sewer is a code violation subject to fines and disconnection orders.
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines regulates amplified music under Title 6, Chapter 6 of the City Code. Amplified sound plainly audible at 75 feet during daytime, or audible at the...
Des Plaines, IL
Outdoor music in Des Plaines falls under Title 6, Chapter 6's amplified-sound provisions. Backyard gatherings with amplified music must comply with the 10 PM...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code Title 12 (Zoning) and Title 8 (Building) require residential driveways to be paved with approved hard-surface materials and meet width ...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines prohibits feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, and other wild animals that creates a nuisance or attracts dangerous wildlife. Bird feeding is general...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines City Code prohibits keeping horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other livestock in all residential and most commercial districts. Only tradi...
Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines is not located in any wildfire hazard zone. As a fully developed Chicago suburb in Cook County, the City has no wildland-urban interface designat...
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