Chicago encourages rainwater harvesting as part of its stormwater management strategy. The city's Stormwater Management Ordinance (MCC 11-18) promotes green infrastructure including rain barrels and cisterns as Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Chicago does not restrict residential rainwater harvesting and actively encourages it through the city's Water Agenda and stormwater BMP guidelines. The Stormwater Management Ordinance (MCC 11-18) requires regulated developments to reduce runoff volume by capturing the first half-inch of runoff from impervious surfaces using volume control BMPs, which can include rain barrels and cisterns. Illinois has no state-level restrictions on rainwater collection. The City of Chicago has distributed free rain barrels through various programs. The 2024 Stormwater Management Ordinance Manual provides detailed guidance on incorporating rainwater harvesting into site design.
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged, not penalized. Failure to comply with stormwater management requirements in MCC 11-18 for regulated developments may result in permit denial or stop-work orders.
Chicago, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Chicago's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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