Illinois Statewide Rule

Illinois Lake Michigan Coastal Management Permit Requirements

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Illinois (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: 615 ILCS 5/ Rivers, Lakes, Streams
Rule: 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3704
OHWM: 581.5 feet IGLD85
Agency: Illinois DNR Coastal Program
Federal review: CZMA consistency

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Illinois General Assembly

Summary

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Program regulates Lake Michigan shoreline development, applying uniform permit requirements along the entire Illinois coast regardless of municipality.

It is unlawful to make any fill or deposit of rock, earth, sand, or other material, or any refuse matter of any kind or description or build or commence the building of any wharf, pier, dolphin, boom, weir, breakwater, bulkhead, jetty, causeway, harbor, or mooring facilities for watercraft, or build or commence the building of any other structure, or do any work of any kind whatsoever in any of the public bodies of water within the State of Illinois, without first submitting the plans, profiles, and specifications therefor, and such other data and information as may be required, to the Department of Natural Resources of the State and receiving a permit therefor signed by the Director of the Department and authenticated by the seal thereof.

Source: Illinois General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

Illinois operates a federally approved Coastal Management Program under the Coastal Zone Management Act covering Lake Michigan shoreline counties. The Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act (615 ILCS 5/) and Lake Michigan rules in 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3704 require IDNR permits for shoreline structures, fill, dredging, and submerged-lands activities below the ordinary high water mark of 581.5 feet IGLD85. Federal consistency review and IDNR permitting apply uniformly to all Lake Michigan coastal projects.

Violations & Penalties

Building seawalls, piers, or fill without IDNR permits, dredging Lake Michigan without authorization, or constructing below the 581.5-foot ordinary high water mark without permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a Lake Michigan seawall in Illinois?

Yes. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources requires a permit under 615 ILCS 5 and 17 Ill. Adm. Code 3704 for any shoreline structure, fill, or dredging on Lake Michigan submerged lands.

What is the Lake Michigan ordinary high water mark in Illinois?

The legal ordinary high water mark for Lake Michigan in Illinois is 581.5 feet IGLD85. Activities below this elevation typically require IDNR submerged lands authorization.

Does Illinois coastal law apply outside Chicago?

Yes. The Illinois Coastal Management Program covers all Lake Michigan shoreline counties, including Cook and Lake. Permits apply uniformly regardless of local municipal jurisdiction.

Sources

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