The Water Resources Division of the McHenry County Department of Planning & Development oversees the administration and enforcement of the countywide McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance.  Please use the following pages to assist in determining whether a permit is required for a project and where an applicant should submit the permit application.

Do I Need a Stormwater Management Permit?

The McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance regulates development throughout the county including residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial development, government projects, public roads as well as some home additions/alterations and the redevelopment of existing sites.

Certified Communities

Certified Communities have been delegated authority by the McHenry County Stormwater Management Commission under the McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance (SMO) to administer and enforce the SMO within their municipal boundaries.

Stormwater Management Permit Applications

A permit applicant can utilize the page to assist in submission of the Stormwater Management Permit.

General Permits

The documents on this page can be used to assist the applicant in submitting a permit application for a General Permit.

Flowcharts, Checklists & Other Guidance

Use these documents and checklists to assist an applicant determine if a project would require a Stormwater Management Permit and to help determine what information to submit to P&D for a permit submittal.

Stormwater Management Ordinance

The McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance includes the minimum countywide standards for regulated development.

Online Resources

Browse our online resources for more information.

Wetland Restoration Fund

The McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance allows for wetland mitigation through the Wetland Restoration Fund in some circumstances.  The Fund also serves as a competitive grant for creation, enhancement and restoration projects.

If you would like to contact the Water Resources Division with your permitting questions, please visit our office, call us at 815-334-4560, or e-mail the division at stormwater@mchenrycountyil.gov (email for regulatory questions or concerns).  Please do not use the e-mail to apply for permits, use the online portal here:  Permit Application - Stormwater Management Permits.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer