Chicago's Stormwater Management Ordinance (MCC 11-18) requires regulated developments to capture and manage stormwater runoff, including capturing the first half-inch from impervious surfaces. The 2024 Stormwater Manual provides detailed BMP guidelines.
Under MCC 11-18, regulated developments must submit a stormwater management plan to the Department of Water Management. The ordinance requires capturing one-half inch of runoff from all impervious surfaces using volume control BMPs, or achieving a 15% reduction in impervious surfaces for developments not directly discharging to waters. Authority is granted under MCC Sections 2-106-040, 11-16-300, 18-29-110, and 11-18-110. Approved BMPs include green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement, bioswales, cisterns, and native landscaping. The 2024 Stormwater Management Ordinance Manual provides updated technical guidance. Non-regulated residential properties are encouraged to use rain barrels and permeable surfaces.
Failure to submit or comply with a stormwater management plan may result in permit denial, stop-work orders, or fines of $500 to $1,000 per day for non-compliance.
Chicago, IL
Chicago Building Code Chapter 13-196 requires approved smoke alarms in every residential unit: at least one on each story (including basement), within 15 fee...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Landmark Commission approval is required only for perma...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflator-motor noise after hours is enforced under MCC Section 8-32 (noise), and sidewa...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance regulating residential holiday light display windows or brightness. Property maintenance complaints are handled under MCC Section 13...
Chicago, IL
Chicago requires Department of Buildings permits for outdoor kitchens with gas piping, electrical wiring, or plumbing under MCC Chapter 14A. Trade work must ...
Chicago, IL
Chicago has no ordinance specifically regulating residential smokers or wood-fired ovens. Smoke nuisance is enforced under Chicago Municipal Code Section 11-...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle stormwater management.
See how Chicago's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.