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PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
FEMA ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, this amendment to Chapter 106 Floodplains of the Cook County Code of Ordinances to adopt the most recent Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) issued by FEMA, effective January 23, 2026, ensuring Cook County’s continued eligibility or participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Also, this amendment to Chapter 122 Subdivision Control to align with the revisions in Chapter 106 and remove responsibilities from the Superintendent of Highways and give them to the Department of Building and Zoning. The proposed amendment preserves community eligibility for federal flood insurance, mitigation grants, and disaster assistance, and;
WHEREAS, FEMA periodically updates Flood Insurance Studies and Flood Insurance Rate Maps to reflect new hydrologic, hydraulic, and topographic data. The revised FIS and FIRMs for Cook County and Incorporated areas will become effective on January 23, 2026. To remain in compliance with 44 CFR 60.3 Cook County must adopt the new FIS and FIRMS before the effective date, and;
WHEREAS, there is no fiscal impact associated with this amendment. Adoption of the updated FEMA floodplain mapping is a regulatory requirement for NFIP compliance and does not involve new county expenditures, and;
WHEREAS, the Building and Zoning department recommends that the Cook County Board of Commissioners approve the proposed amendment to Chapters 106 and 122 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances, adopting the Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps for Cook County, Illinois, and incorporated areas effective January 23, 2026, as issued by FEMA.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Chapter 106 Floodplains, of the Cook County Code is hereby amended as Follows:
Chapter 106 -FLOODPLAINS
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Sec. 106-2. Definitions.
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Sec. 106-4. Duties of the enforcement officials.
Sec. 106-5. Base flood elevation.
Sec. 106-6. Occupation and use of flood fringe areas.
Sec. 106-7. Occupation and use of designated floodways.
Sec. 106-8. Occupation and use of special flood hazard areas (SFHA) where floodways are not identified
Sec. 106-9. Permitting requirements applicable to all floodplain areas.
Sec. 106-10. Other development requirements.
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BE IT FURTHUR ORDAINED, by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, that Chapter 122 Subdivision Control, of the Cook County Code is hereby amended as Follows:
Chapter 122 - SUBDIVISION CONTROL
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Sec. 122-2. - Purpose
Sec. 122-3. - Definitions
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Sec. 122-7. Administration and enforcement
Sec. 122-8. Procedure and general requirements for subdivision plats.
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Sec. 122-10. Final subdivision record plats.
Sec. 122-11. Field inspection.
Effective date: This ordinance shall be in effect immediately upon adoption.
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