Skokie permits residential rain barrels and cisterns for capturing rainwater from rooftops for outdoor non-potable use. Illinois's Rainwater Harvesting Act encourages rainwater collection, and the village supports it as a conservation practice.
Under Illinois's Rainwater Harvesting Act (415 ILCS 56/), rainwater harvesting is encouraged statewide for non-potable uses such as irrigation, garden watering, and car washing. Skokie permits residential rain barrels and cisterns connected to downspouts without a permit for typical single-family installations. Larger cisterns (over 500 gallons), underground storage, or systems connecting to indoor plumbing require Community Development review and may require plumbing permits. Rainwater must not be used for drinking, cooking, or bathing under Illinois code. Rain barrels must be covered to prevent mosquito breeding, maintained in good condition, and located on owner's property. MWRD (Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago) has offered discounted rain barrels to residents. Contact Community Development at (847) 933-8235.
Improperly installed or maintained rain barrels (uncovered, mosquito-breeding) may result in property maintenance citations and fines of $50 to $200. Installing large cisterns without required permits results in stop-work orders.
Skokie, IL
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Skokie, IL
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Skokie, 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 Skokie's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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