Oak Lawn is subject to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Watershed Management Ordinance (WMO) for stormwater and floodplain management. Development projects disturbing 0.5 acres or more require a WMO permit with detention, water quality, and runoff controls. Smaller residential projects follow Village grading and drainage rules.
Oak Lawn is part of Cook County and under MWRD jurisdiction for stormwater management. The Watershed Management Ordinance requires permits for projects disturbing 0.5 acres (21,780 sq ft) or more and for floodplain/riparian area work. Requirements include detention for flood control sized to limit peak runoff; volume control (retention) of the first inch of runoff from impervious surfaces; water quality best management practices; erosion and sediment control during construction; and isolated wetland protection. Residential lot-level projects below WMO thresholds must still comply with Oak Lawn's grading and drainage rules including positive drainage away from foundations, no discharge onto neighboring properties, and disconnection of downspouts where feasible. The Village enforces lot-level grading at building permit inspection. Oak Lawn also coordinates with Cook County on combined sewer issues and participates in flood reduction programs. Residents can report localized flooding to Public Works.
Violating MWRD WMO requirements may result in stop-work orders, daily fines, and requirements to install compliant facilities. Village-level grading violations may result in code enforcement action with fines from $75 per day.
Oak Lawn, IL
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Oak Lawn, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle stormwater management.
See how Oak Lawn's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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