McHenry County, IL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- McHenry County Code § 17.60.020
- Permit trigger
- 5,000 sq ft of disturbance, or more
- Enforcing body
- McHenry County Stormwater Commission
- Max fine
- $750 per offense, per day
- Minimum fine
- $100 plus court costs
- Ordinance adopted
- September 15, 2020
Summary
McHenry County requires a stormwater management permit before any regulated development, land disturbing 5,000 square feet or more, work in a flood hazard area, or in a wetland, under the Stormwater Management Ordinance § 17.60.020. Violations run up to $750 per day, with a $100 court-cost floor.
No person, firm, corporation or governmental agency, unless specifically exempted, shall commence any regulated development without first obtaining a stormwater management permit. Unless it is specifically exempted...any activity that meets any of the following criteria, is considered regulated development: a. Any development that is located partially or completely in a flood hazard area; or b. Any development located partially or completely within the boundary of a wetland or waters; or c. Any development that hydrologically disturbs 5,000 square feet or more; or d. Any development that hydrologically disturbs 50% or more of a parcel...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-5: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. A25-0037, passed 8-19-2025 | State legislation current through ALS 2025 Pamphlet No. 1).
Full Breakdown
020A). No person, firm, corporation, or governmental agency may commence regulated development without first obtaining a stormwater management permit, unless specifically exempted. 020B defines regulated development broadly: any development located partially or completely in a flood hazard area or wetland, any development that hydrologically disturbs 5,000 square feet or more or 50% or more of a parcel, any development adding 20,000 square feet of impervious area since the ordinance took effect, and several other triggers tied to platting dates and prior permit conditions. 010). 030 streamline routine, smaller-scale work such as sidewalks, decks, seawalls, and minor culvert work, waiving the full application process where the applicable terms and conditions are met.
Violations & Fines
Failing to obtain a required permit, violating a permit condition, or violating a stop-work order is a violation subject to a fine of not more than $750 per offense, with each day of continued violation a separate offense; any guilty verdict carries a minimum fine of $100 plus court costs (§ 17.60.090A-B). The Enforcement Officer may also revoke the permit, require an after-the-fact permit application, order the site restored, issue a stop-work order, seek injunctive relief and attorney's fees, and record the violation against the property at the County Recorder of Deeds (§ 17.60.090C).
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers a stormwater permit requirement in unincorporated McHenry County?
Who enforces McHenry County's stormwater rules, the county or my township?
How much can I be fined for stormwater violations in McHenry County?
Are small projects like a deck or sidewalk exempt from a full stormwater permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
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