1. WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?

Construction in the floodway of the rivers, lakes and streams of the state requires a permit from the Division of Water Resource Management. Construction includes such activities as building structures, channel modifications, bridges, culverts, dams, levees, grading, and other similar activities. The floodway is the channel area and the near channel floodplain area. The floodway can often be found on the local flood insurance map. If no floodway is shown, the Division will determine if the project is located in the floodway.

2. WHAT OTHER APPROVALS DO I NEED?

The standard joint application form includes copies for the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The Division will also notify the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the IDNR Office of Realty and Environmental Planning of the project. You should also contact your local governing body to determine if they have additional permit requirements.

3. WHAT IS A STATEWIDE PERMIT?

Some common constructions activities have been identified that have been determined to be permissible if the project meets certain limitations. For those activities, a statewide permit has been issued. All individual projects that are within the listed limitations for the permit are automatically authorized. If the applicant determines that his proposed work is within the limitations, his project is approved under the statewide permit and he does not need to contact the division for further approval. These permits cover only the IDNR permit requirements.

4. WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE COVERED BY STATEWIDE PERMITS?

Projects such as utility crossings, boat docks, maintenance dredging, outfalls, building additions and bridge replacements that are limited in scope and have little potential to obstruct flood flows are covered. For a list of the 14 statewide permits, or to download a specific statewide permit click here.

5. I NEED A PERMIT BUT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR A STATEWIDE PERMIT. WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

The application form and instructions are available from IDNR, the US Army Corps of Engineers and many local government building and zoning offices. To have an application package mailed to you call 217/782-3863. To request one by e-mail click here. For more information click here.

6. ARE DAMS DIFFERENT?

Yes. Due to the complex nature of dam projects, you should contact the division early in the design process. A preliminary design report should be submitted before an application. To view the instructions for the preliminary design report click here.

7. HOW MUCH DOES A PERMIT COST?

There is no application or issuance fee for an IDNR permit. For more complex construction projects, like dams and levees, the applicant may be required to obtain the services of an engineer and/or land surveyor. All costs related to the preparation of support documents are the responsibility of the applicant.

8. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A PERMIT?

The time required to review a permit application varies based on things like the complexity of the construction, the need to issue a public notice, the completeness of the initial application and other factors. Generally, the Division will respond to the initial application within 60 days. In some cases the initial response will include a permit.

9. DID MY NEIGHBOR GET A PERMIT?

To determine if construction projects have received the required authorization, you must send a written request to the Division. You should include the name of the property owner/permittee, a description of the work, and a detailed location map. We will research our records to determine if a permit has been issued, contact the property owner for more information or visit the construction site as necessary. State law prohibits the release of the name of a person who reports a violation.

10. WHEN DO I NEED FLOOD INSURANCE?

Flood insurance is available in all locations where the local government participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Standard homeowners' policies do not cover flood damage. All property owners, whether they live in an identified floodplain or not, should consider the purchase of flood insurance. Flood insurance is required for structures that are collateral for a federally insured mortgage. Other federal, state or local programs may require the purchase of flood insurance. To purchase flood insurance call your insurance agent or the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-638-6620.

11. HOW DO I TELL IF I AM IN A FLOODPLAIN?

Your local building official should have a map that shows the identified floodplains in your community. You can also order floodplain maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency by calling 1-800-358-9616. To go to the FEMA web site for more information click here.

12. HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Questions can be directed to the Division of Water Resource Management by phone or to e-mail any Division click here.