​Goals

The update to the Kane County Stormwater Management Ordinance will provide a water quality benefit to the residents of the County through improved regulations and more consistency amongst communities as well as positive changes to reflect industry standards that will provide a holistic approach to stormwater management and the environment.

​The following are the general goals of the update:

  • Current SMO will be used as backbone for the update. It is not the intent of the update to start a new SMO from scratch.
  • Utilize State of Illinois Model Stormwater Ordinance and Community Rating System (CRS) Classifications and compare SMO to model Ordinance and Classifications suggesting updates as needed.
  • Review new NPDES and BMP requirements and add language to meet requirements. Consider approaches of surrounding Counties in development of Ordinance language.
  • Review Technical Manual and remove enforceable language. Incorporate where appropriate into SMO. Develop appropriate updates to Manual to serve as a reference document incorporating additional examples for detention calculations and BMP’s.
  • Evaluate Article IV, specifically Floodplain and Floodway standards with IDNR, State Floodplain regulations and the Illinois Floodplain Management Guide for conflicting and unclear language. Reduce the regulatory burden of compliance and confusion, particularly with respect to floodplain and wetland standards that exceed or differ from State and Federal requirements.
  • Develop and utilize Certified Community survey of Ordinance issues and Kane County Water Resource Ordinance markup to identify sections and language requiring updates to correct the numerous inconsistencies in terms, definitions, and regulatory standards that occur throughout the ordinance.
  • Work cooperatively with the Agricultural Subcommittee and incorporate developed criteria into Ordinance language.
  • Streamline the permit submittal and review requirements, particularly for minor and intermediate projects.
  • Ensure the regulations are consistent with State and Federal regulations.
  • Suggest updates, as appropriate, consistent with Kane County 2040 plan and Kane County Green Infrastructure plan.