On the agenda: North Riverside meeting — Data Center (Dec 2)

Village of North Riverside, IL
Refuse, Recycling & Green Initiatives Committee
Agenda
December 2, 2024
7pm
(or Immediately after the 6pm Public Safety Committee Meeting)

Location: NR Board Room
Meeting and Public Comment Procedures:
The Refuse, Recycling & Green Initiatives Committee will meet in person. Public
comments shall be limited to no more than a total of 30 minutes. Persons
seeking to address the Committee shall be limited to 3 minutes. Public
comments are welcome on any topic related to the business of the Committee
during the portion of the meeting designated for public comments. Individuals
who wish to comment must first be recognized by the Committee Chair and then
identify themselves prior to speaking.

Committee of the Whole Structure:
Trustee Flores, Chairman
I.

Call to Order

II.

Roll Call

III.

Approval of Minutes
•

March 18, 2024

IV.

Public Comments

V.

New Business
1. Discussion of Tree City USA Program
2. Discussion of Municipal Gas Tax Rate Increase
3. Discussion of Adoption of Hazardous Mitigation Plan

VI.

Adjournment

Posted: November 25, 2024

MEMORANDUM
To: North Riverside Board of Trustees
From: Pete Hughes, Community Development Director
Date: 11-27-2024
Subject: Draft Tree Ordinance: Tree City USA
Purpose of the Tree Ordinance
Earlier this year, the Board expressed its commitment to the Village of North Riverside working toward
becoming a Tree City USA member. The proposed tree ordinance has been crafted to meet the required Tree
City USA standards and incorporate higher standards recommended by the Morton Arboretum. These
provisions will enable the Village to participate in local grant opportunities, supporting enhancements to its
urban forestry program.
The application deadline for the Tree City USA designation is December 31, 2024, and this ordinance will help
ensure we meet all required criteria.
Tree City USA Requirements
To qualify as a Tree City USA community, the Village must meet the following four core standards established
by the Arbor Day Foundation:
1. Tree Board or Department:
o The Village must establish a tree board or designate a municipal department responsible for tree
management.
2. Tree Care Ordinance:
o An ordinance must be in place that outlines the policies for managing trees in public spaces.
3. Community Forestry Program with an Annual Budget:
o The Village must allocate at least $2 per capita annually to urban forestry efforts.
4. Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation:
o An annual Arbor Day celebration and official proclamation are required.
Key Provisions of the Ordinance
The draft ordinance primarily focuses on the care and management of public trees while also addressing specific
situations involving private trees to promote community-wide tree health and safety. Key provisions include:
1. Permit Requirement for Private Tree Removals:
o Property owners must obtain a permit for tree removal on private property.

o

Removal must be performed by a licensed contractor, ensuring:
▪ Safe and professional removal practices.
▪ Proper disposal of diseased trees to prevent the spread of illnesses to healthy trees.
2. Maintenance of Private Trees and Shrubs Impacting Public Spaces:
o Property owners must ensure their trees and shrubs do not obstruct public rights-of-way, sidewalks,
or alleys.
Morton Arboretum Standards
The ordinance incorporates standards to meet Morton Arboretum Grant requirements, such as:
• A permitting process.
• Licensed arborists perform tree-related work.
• Recognition that trees are vital infrastructure
This year, the Village applied for a tree planting grant through the Morton Arboretum. If awarded, this grant
would provide funding for:
• New trees.
• Gator bags for tree watering.
• A watering tank for continued tree maintenance.
Looking ahead, in 2025, the Village could submit grant applications for a Tree Management Plan, Update to the
Tree Inventory, and additional planting grants.
Next Steps
• Incorporate Village Board Feedback
• Incorporate Morton Arboretum Final Feedback
• Hold an Arbor Day Ceremony and Make and Arbor Day Proclamation
• Adopt the Tree Ordinance
• Submit Tree City USA Application to Arbor Day Foundation and Illinois State Forester

Village of North Riverside
CHAPTER 12.20-TREE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION ORDINANCE; VILLAGE OF NORTH RIVERSIDE
TREE BOARD

12.20.010-Statement of Purpose for the Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance.
A. The Village of North Riverside (the “Village”) recognizes the critical role that trees play in
maintaining environmental health, enhancing community aesthetics, and contributing to the
overall well-being of its residents. The purpose of this Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance
(“Ordinance”) is to establish guidelines and standards for the protection, care, and management
of trees within the Village, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
B. Trees are vital to the ecological balance, providing essential benefits such as air purification,
temperature regulation, soil stabilization, and habitat for wildlife. Additionally, trees contribute
to the visual appeal and character of our community, increasing property values and fostering a
sense of pride among residents.
C. This Ordinance aims to:
1. Promote Sustainable Urban Forestry: Encourage the planting, preservation, and proper
maintenance of trees to sustain and enhance the Village's urban forest.
2. Ensure Safety and Public Welfare: Regulate tree management practices to mitigate risks
associated with diseased, hazardous, or improperly maintained trees, thereby protecting
public safety and infrastructure.
3. Foster Community Involvement: Engage residents, businesses, and community organizations
in the stewardship of trees, promoting awareness and participation in tree preservation
efforts.
Through the implementation of this Ordinance, the Village commits to protecting its tree canopy,
supporting biodiversity, and maintaining the natural beauty that defines our community. This
effort aligns with the Village's broader goals of environmental sustainability, public safety, and
enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
12.20.020-Statement of Value for the Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance.
The Village values its trees as essential assets and infrastructure that enhance environmental health,
community beauty, and public well-being. This Ordinance underscores its commitment to protecting and
preserving its urban forest, ensuring the safety and longevity of its trees. By promoting responsible tree
management and encouraging community involvement, it strives to sustain the natural beauty and
ecological balance that enriches the quality of life for all residents.

12.20.030-Applicability and Scope of the Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance.
This Ordinance applies to all public and certain diseased trees as determined by an Arborist within the
Village, encompassing a comprehensive framework for tree protection, preservation, management, and

care. It is designed to meet the standards set by the Morton Arboretum and other leading urban forestry
guidelines in Illinois. The Ordinance covers the following areas:
A. Protection and Preservation.
1. Scope: All public trees.
2. Preservation Requirements: Trees must be preserved during development or
construction activities. A tree preservation plan is required for any project that may
impact public trees, ensuring protective measures are in place before work begins.
B. Management and Removal.
1. Tree Management: The Village Tree Board, in conjunction with the Public Works Director
consulting with an Arborist, is responsible for the management of all public trees,
including planting, pruning, and removal as necessary for public safety and tree health.
2. Removal of Trees: The removal of any tree located on public property can only be done
by the Village.
C. Care and Pruning.
1. Pruning Standards: All pruning activities of public trees must comply with ANSI A300
standards for tree care operations. All property owners are responsible for maintaining
trees on their property to prevent obstruction of public rights-of-way (including sidewalks
and alleys) and to ensure safety.
D. Tree Selection and Planting Requirements.
1. Species Selection: A preferred species list is maintained by the Public Works Director and
is updated regularly. The preferred tree list only applies to public trees.
2. Planting Requirements: Trees planted within the Village must adhere to spacing and
location requirements as outlined in this Ordinance. Trees must be planted at appropriate
distances from curbs, sidewalks, utilities, and other trees to ensure healthy growth and
minimal disruption to public infrastructure.
This Ordinance ensures that all tree-related activities within the Village are conducted in a manner that
supports the health and longevity of the urban forest, contributes to environmental sustainability, and
aligns with community safety and aesthetic goals.
12.20.040-Definitions.
A. Arborist: An “Arborist” is a credentialed professional certified by the International Society of
Arboriculture who specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. Arborists are trained in the
science of arboriculture, which includes the cultivation, management, and study of individual
trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants.
B. Critical Root Zone: “Critical Root Zone” or “CRZ” is defined herein as the area around and below
the tree that contains the majority of its roots. The CRZ's radius is determined by the tree's
diameter at breast height (“DBH”). For every inch of DBH, the CRZ's radius extends one foot
outward from the trunk.
C. Diameter Breast Height (DBH): is a standard method for measuring the diameter of a tree trunk
at a height of 4.5 feet above the ground.

D. Heavy Equipment: “Heavy Equipment” is defined herein as self-propelled, self-powered or pulltype equipment and machinery primarily employed for construction, industrial, and forestry uses,
including but not limited to generators weighing 5,000 pounds or more, loaders, excavators, lifts,
and lights, among others in the same category.
E. Impact: Acts or conduct that cause impact to trees, as “Impact” is defined herein, are those acts
or conduct that threaten to or actually cause death or substantial injury to any tree, or that cause
a tree to become a hazard to public health or safety.
F. Large Trees: “Large Trees” are defined herein as those species that can exceed 40 feet in height
when fully grown. These trees require a minimum spacing of 40 feet between each other and
must be planted at least 4 feet away from curbs or sidewalks.
G. Medium Trees: “Medium Trees” are defined herein as those species that generally grow to 21 to
40 feet high at maturity. These trees require a minimum spacing of 30 feet between each other
and can be planted no closer than 3 feet from curbs or sidewalks.
H. Nuisance and Undesirable Trees: “Nuisance and Undesirable Trees” are defined herein as those
species identified as having weak wood, poor architecture, messy fruit and other features which
make them undesirable for installation in the public right of way or the urban forest.
I.

Park Trees: "Park Trees" are herein defined as trees, shrubs, bushes and all other woody
vegetation in public parks having individual names, and all areas owned by the Village, or to which
the public has free access as a park.

J.

Small Trees: “Small Trees” are defined herein as those species of tree that, at maturity, typically
reach a height of up to 20 feet. These trees require a minimum spacing of 25 feet between each
other and can be planted no closer than 2 feet from curbs or sidewalks.

K. Street Trees: "Street Trees" are defined herein as trees, shrubs, bushes, and all other woody
vegetation on land lying between property lines on either side of all streets, avenues, courts,
places, alleys, or ways within the Village.
12.20.050-Creation and Establishment of a Village Tree Board.
A. There is hereby created and established a Village Tree Board (“Tree Board”). The Tree Board shall
consist of all six (6) Trustees and the Village President.
B. The Chair of the Tree Board shall be appointed by the Village President; however, the Village
President may not serve as the Chair.
12.20.060-Term of Office.
The term for members of the Tree Board shall be concurrent with the term of office.
12.20.070-Compensation.
Members of the Tree Board shall serve without compensation.
12.20.080-Duties and Responsibilities.

A. It shall be the responsibility of the Tree Board to adopt an annual tree planting and maintenance
plan. The plan shall be prepared and coordinated by the Village Administrator and the Public
Works Director.
B. The Public Works Director or designee in consultation with an Arborist shall have the
responsibility of executing this Ordinance.
C. It shall be a goal of the Village to designate an Arborist on staff. The Public Works Director or
designee in the absence of having a certified Arborist on village staff will coordinate with a
certified Arborist when it comes to tree maintenance issues and removal issues.
12.20.090-Operation.
A. The Tree Board shall choose its own officers, make its own rules and regulations, and keep
meeting minutes. A majority of the members shall be a quorum for the transaction of business.
12.20.100-Street Tree Species to be Planted.
A. Prohibited Species (“Undesirable Species”): The Public Works Director shall maintain an official
list of Undesirable Species for planting on public property that is organized by small, medium, and
large size classes.
B. Authority of Public Works Director: The Village Public Works Director or designee is responsible
for approving all tree species planted on public property.
C. All new trees to be planted on public property shall conform to the American Standard for Nursery
Stock, ANSI Z-60.1.
D. Preferred species list. The Public Works Director shall maintain an official list of desirable tree
species for planting on public property that is organized by small, medium and large size classes.
12.20.110-Spacing.
A. Final placement and locations of public trees must be approved by the Public Works director or
designee.
B. The spacing of Street Trees will be in accordance with the three species size classes defined in
Section 12.12.040 of this Ordinance, and no trees may be planted closer together than the
following:
1. Small Trees, 25 feet;
2. Medium Trees, 30 feet; and
3. Large Trees, 40 feet;
C. Exception: Planting designs submitted by a licensed landscape architect and or Arborist may
deviate from the spacing requirement if documentation is provided demonstrating that the
proposed spacing will not Impact public infrastructure. These plans can be approved by the Public
Works Director in consultation with an Arborist or submitted to the Tree Board for consideration.
12.20.120-Distance from Curb and Sidewalk.
The distance trees may be planted from curbs or curb lines and sidewalks will be in accordance
with the three species size classes defined in Section 12.20.00 of this Ordinance, and no trees may
be planted closer to any curb or sidewalk than the following:
1. Small Trees, 2 feet;
2. Medium Trees, 3 feet; and

3. Large Trees, 4 feet.
12.20.130-Distance from Street Corners, Alleys, and Fire Hydrants.
A. No Street Tree shall be planted closer than 35 feet from any street corner, measured from the
point of nearest intersecting curbs or curb lines. This spacing requirement does not apply to
alleys.
B. Trees planted at alley intersections within Village Right of Way must be evaluated by the Public
Works Director to ensure the roadway visibility impact is not impacted.
C. No Street Tree shall be planted closer than 10 feet to any fire hydrant.
12.20.140-Utilities.
A. The Village reserves the right to deny any request to place a tree within the parkway that will
negatively Impact existing utility lines or Village infrastructure.
B. The Village will not plant under utility lines or permit planting under utility lines, except, Small
Trees may be allowed with written permission from the affected utility.
C. It shall be unlawful to attach any wire or other rope to any tree without permission of the Village.
D. Owners of any poles and wires in streets, alleys, or other public places in the Village shall, unless
otherwise agreed to, keep such wires and poles free from and away from any trees or shrubs so
far as may be possible and shall keep all such trees and shrubs properly trimmed.
E. Compliance with State Laws and Regulations: An electric utility shall conduct all tree trimming and
vegetation control activities in the right of way in accordance with applicable Illinois laws and
regulations and with such local franchise or other agreement with the Village.
12.20.150-Commercial and Residential Development Requirements (New Developments).
A. In the event of any site improvement which may Impact public trees, a tree preservation plan is
required and it must be approved by the Village prior to the start of any work or delivery of any
materials to the project area. The approved tree preservation plan shall be available on the
project area until a final certificate of occupancy is issued by the Village. The tree preservation
plan shall contain the following:
1. Tree survey of the project area. Only trees with 8” or greater DBH are required to be
surveyed.
2. A notation of trees to be removed and trees to be preserved.
3. A species list of trees within the project area that have a DBH in excess of 8”.
4. A description of the method of protection to be utilized in the project area for the
preservation of trees.
B. In instances where construction or site work requires the use of Heavy Equipment, the tress
preservation plan shall delineate the methods to be utilized to protect trees in the project area.
Tree preservation methods shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Protective fencing is required for protection of any tree to be preserved in place. Fencing
shall be installed at a minimum distance of one-foot, for every inch DBH of the tree, from
the trunk of the tree. In the instances of tree pits, fencing shall be located at the edge of
pavement.

2. All protective fencing shall be in place before any construction or material delivery takes
place. All protective fencing shall remain in place until the Village issues a final certificate
of occupancy.
3. No equipment or materials shall be parked, driven, or stored within the protective fencing
area or on the Critical Root Zone of any tree.
4. For projects requiring the use of Heavy Equipment, protective tree fencing shall be
required. This fencing shall be orange snow type fencing, a minimum of 4 feet in height
and held in place by metal posts driven into the ground no more than 10 feet apart. In the
instance of a project that will take place for more than one year, chain link fencing will be
required. Chain link fencing shall be six feet in height and held in place by metal posts
driven into the ground no more than 10 feet apart.
5. No tree shall be Impacted within the protective fencing area, including the tree canopy.
12.20.160-Public Tree Care.
A. The Public Works Director or Designee (with consultation of an Arborist) shall have the right to
plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys,
avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to ensure public safety or to
preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds.
B. The Tree Board may order the removal of any public tree or part thereof which is in an unsafe
condition or which by reason of its nature is damaging to sewers, electric power lines, gas lines,
water lines, or other public improvements, or is affected with any damaging fungus, insect, or
other pest.
C. It shall be unlawful to attach any sign, advertisement, or notice to any public tree within the
Village. The Village has the authority to remove any item affixed to a public tree.
D. All planting and maintenance of public trees shall conform to the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) A-300 "Standards for Tree Care Operations" and shall follow all tree care Best
Management Practices (BMPs) published by the International Society of Arboriculture.
E. Unless otherwise authorized by this Section, it shall be unlawful for any person to remove, injure
or undertake any procedure which will cause death, substantial damage, or create a hazard, to
any public property tree.
12.20.170-Planting within Village Right-Of-Way or on Village Property.
Planting on Village right-of-way or on Village property is prohibited unless otherwise permitted or
required by the North Riverside Municipal Code or statutes of the State of Illinois. This includes Trees and
shrubs. Only the Village is permitted to plant, trim, and maintain trees and shrubs on public property.
12.20.180-Pruning; Corner Clearance.
A. Privately owned trees that overhanging any street or right‐of‐way within the Village shall be
pruned by its owner so that the tree’s branches do not obstruct the light from any streetlamp,
obstruct the view of any street intersection, or Impact an ADA pathway. A clearance of eight feet
(8') above the surface of the sidewalk or fourteen feet (14’) above the surface of the street shall
be maintained at all times.
B. The Village shall have the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property when it interferes
with the proper spread of light along the street from a streetlight or interferes with visibility of

any traffic control device, sign, or public ADA pathway. The village also reserves the right to bill
costs associated with pruning of trees encroaching on the public ROW back to the property owner.
C. All shrubs (public or private) must not encroach and or impede sidewalks, alleys, and streets.
12.20.190-Removal of Infected Trees.
Pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-10-12, the Village shall provide for the treatment or removal of elm trees
infected with Dutch elm disease or ash trees infected with the emerald ash borer (Argils planipennis
Fairmaire) from any parcel of private property within the Village if the owners of the parcel, after
reasonable notice, refuse or neglect to treat or remove the infected trees. The Village may collect, from
the owners of the parcel, the reasonable treatment or removal cost. The Village hereby adopts and
incorporates the provisions of 65 ILCS 5/11-20-12 as if they were fully outlined herein.
12.20.200 Tree Permit Process for Planting within the Public Right of Way or Public Property
A. The Village of North Riverside does not issue individual permits for planting trees or shrubs on
Village property (right of way and public areas). Instead, the Village manages an annual tree
planting program to enhance greenery and promote a vibrant community environment.
1. Residents can contact the Public Works Department each year to inquire about the
possibility of planting a tree in the Village right-of-way near their home or business.
Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and planting is subject to the
availability of suitable locations. If the Public Works Department determines that a viable
planting site does not exist, a tree will not be planted.
B. No Person except the Public Works Director may perform any of the following acts without first
obtaining express permission from the Village:
1. Plant on Village-owned property, treat, prune, remove, damage or otherwise disturb any
tree, shrub, or other plant located on Village owned property.
2. Trim, prune, or remove any tree or portions there of if such tree or portion thereof is
reasonably may be expected to fall on Village Owned property and thereby to cause
damage to persons or property.
3. Place on Village owned property, either above or below ground level, a container for
trees, shrubs, or plants.
4. Damage, cut, tap, carve, or transplant any tree, shrub or other plant located on Village
Property.
5. Attach any rope, wire, nail, sign, poster, or any other man-made object to any tree, shrub
or other plant located on Village property.
12.20.210-Tree Removal Permit Process.
This permit process is designed to ensure responsible tree management and preservation within the
Village. The following outlines the procedures and requirements for obtaining a permit for tree removal.
A. Tree Removal within the Village Right of Way and other public areas.
1. The Village of North Riverside does not issue permits for the removal of trees within the
public right-of-way or public areas. The Village assumes responsibility for the
maintenance and care of public trees.
2. If residents or business owners have concerns about the condition of a specific tree
located within the public right-of-way, they must contact the Public Works Department.

The department will assess the tree’s condition to determine whether maintenance,
treatment, or removal is required.
B. Tree Removal Permit Requirement Private Property.
1. Permit Requirement: A permit is required for the removal of trees on private parcels
within the Village. A tree removal permit is valid for 6 months.
2. Application Process for Tree Removal Permit.
i. Application Submission: The property owner or authorized agent must submit a
tree removal permit application to the Community Development Department for
processing
ii. Submittal Requirements:
1. General Building Permit Application.
2. Description of number of trees proposed to be removed and reason for
removal.
3. Sketch plan showing location of the tree proposed to be removed.
4. Registered Contractor information.
5. Haul-away plan for debris.
3. Approval Process:
i. Verification of all information.
ii. Determination that there are not any utility providers that need to be notified.
iii. Collection of Fees.
iv. Issuance of Permit.
C. Permit Fees.
1. A tree removal permit fee is equal to the current general building permit fee.
D. Penalties for Non-Compliance.
1. Unauthorized Removal: Any tree removal conducted without an approved tree removal
permit is punishable by a fine between the amounts of $500.00 and $750.00.
12.20.210-Preferred Trees and Undesirable Trees.

A. Preferred trees species are those trees identified as suitable characteristics which make
them desirable for installation in the public areas and the urban forest.
B. Undesirable tree species are those trees identified as having weak wood, poor
architecture, messy fruit, and other features, which make them undesirable for
installation within public areas.
C. The Public Works Director maintains and updates the “Village of North Riverside
Preferred and Undesirable Tree List” in coordination with the Tree Board.
1. Scope: The preferred and undesirable tree lists are applicable to public trees and
do not regulate private trees.
12.20.220-Interference with Tree Board.
It shall be unlawful for any person to prevent, delay or interfere with the Tree Board, or any of its
agents, while engaging in and about the planting, cultivating, mulching, pruning, spraying, or
removing of any Street Trees or Park Trees as authorized in this Ordinance.

12.20.230-Contractor License and Bond
A. It shall be unlawful for any person or firm to engage in the business or occupation of removing
trees within the Village without first applying for and procuring a local contractor’s license. The
annual license fee shall be $225.00.
B. The issuance of a local contractor’s license shall require evidence of liability insurance in the
minimum amounts of $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage.
C. All Contractors providing tree removal or pruning services must be certified or licensed arborists
or be a firm that employs a certified/licensed arborist. A copy of the arborist certification or
license must be submitted with the contractor registration and any permit issued by the village
for the tree removal or pruning work.
12.20.240-Penalty.
Any person violating any provision of this Ordinance shall be subject to a fine not less than $100.00
unless a specific penalty is outlined in this Ordinance.
12.20.250-Severability.
If any section, provision, or portion of this Ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or
circumstance, is held to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction,
such holding shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remaining sections, provisions, or portions of
this Ordinance. The remaining parts of this Ordinance shall continue in full force and effect, and to
this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be severable. The Village hereby declares
that it would have adopted this Ordinance and each section, provision, or portion thereof, irrespective
of the fact that any one or more sections, provisions, or portions may be declared invalid or
unenforceable.

Exhibit A: The Village of North Riverside Preferred and Prohibited Tree Species List

PREFERRED TREE SPECIES LIST
Common Name

Size

Populus
tremuloides

Aspen, quaking

Large

Tilia americana
‘McKSentry

Basswood
AMERICAN SENTRYTM
(linden)

Large

Betula papyrifera

Birch, paper

Large

Aesculus flava

Buckeye, yellow

Large

Gymnocladus dioicus

Coffeetree, Kentucky

Large

Taxodium distichum

Cypress, bald

Large

Ulmus parvifolia

Elm, lacebark

Large

Ulmus ‘Morton Stalwart’

Elm, COMMENDATION

Large

Ulmus davidiana var.
japonica ‘Morton’

Elm, ACCOLADE

Large

Ulmus ‘Patriot’

Elm, Patriot

Large

Category

Large

Botanical Name

Botanical Name

Common Name

Size

Ulmus americana
‘Princeton’

Elm, Princeton

Large

Ulmus davidiana var.
japonica ‘Prospector’

Elm, Prospector

Large

Ulmus ‘Regal

Elm, Regal

Large

Ulmus ‘Morton Red Tip’

Elm-DANADA CHARM

Large

Ulmus ‘Morton Glossy’

Elm-TRIUMPH

Large

Ginkgo biloba (male only)

Ginkgo

Large

Celtis occidentalis

Hackberry

Large

Aesculus
hippocastanum

Horse-chestnut

Large

Tilia cordata

Linden, little-leaved

Large

Acer miyabei ‘Morton’

Maple-STATE STREETTM

Large

Acer x freemanii

Maple, Freeman’s

Large

Acer x freemanii ‘Marmo’

Maple, Marmo Freeman’s

Large

Acer rubrum

Maple, red

Large

Acer saccharum

Maple, sugar

Large

Acer saccharum ‘Morton’

Maple, sugar CRESCENDO

Large

Quercus macrocarpa

Oak, bur

Large

Quercus montana

Oak, chestnut

Large

Large

Category

Botanical Name

Common Name

Size

Category

Large

Quercus ellipsoidalis

Oak, northern pin (Hill’s)

Large

Quercus rubra

Oak, northern red

Large

Quercus palustris

Oak, pin

Large

Quercus imbricaria

Oak, shingle

Large

Quercus michauxii

Oak, swamp chestnut

Large

Quercus bicolor

Oak, swamp white

Large

Quercus ‘Crimschmidt’

Oak-CRIMSON SPIRE

Large

Platanus x
acerifolia

Planetree, London

Large

Liriodendron tulipifera

Tulip-tree

Large

SATINTM Betula
‘Madison’

Birch-WHITE

Medium Large

Prunus maackii

Cherry, Amur

Medium Large

Ulmus ‘Frontier’

Elm, Frontier

Medium Large

Ulmus ‘New Horizon’

Elm, New Horizon

Medium Large

Gleditsia triacanthos

Honey-locust

Medium Large

Gleditsia triacanthos f.
inermis

Honey-locust, thornless

Medium Large

Robinia pseudoacacia

Locust, black

Medium Large

Nyssa sylvatica

Tupelo (black gum)

Medium Large

Betula nigra ‘Little King’

Birch, river fox valley

Medium

Large

Oak, chinkapin

Medium

Quercus muehlenbergii

Size

Betula nigra

Birch, river

Medium

Aesculus x carnea

Horse-chestnut, red

Medium

Acer buergerianum

Maple, trident

Medium

Betula populifolia

Birch, gray

Small Medium

Aesculus glabra

Buckeye, Ohio

Small Medium

Carpinus caroliniana

Hornbeam, American

Small Medium

Syringa pekinensis
‘Morton’

Lilac, Peking CHINA SNOWTM

Small Medium

Syringa reticulata

Lilac, Japanese tree

Small Medium

Cercis canadensis

Redbud

Small Medium

Aesculus pavia

Buckeye, red

Small

Malus cultivars and
species

Crabapple

Small

Syringa pekinensis ‘Zhang
Zhiming’

Lilac, Peking BEJING GOLD

Small

Acer ginnala

Maple, Amur

Small

Amelanchier laevis

Serviceberry, Alleghany

Small

Amelanchier x grandi¾ora

Serviceberry, apple

Small

Category

Medium

Common Name

Small

Botanical Name

PROHIBITED/NUISANCE TREE TABLE
Botanical Name

Common Name

Nuisance Consideration

Betula Jacquemontii

White-Barked Himalayan Birch

Bronze birch Borer

Betula pendula

European white birch

Bronze birch borer

Betula platyphylla

Asian white birch

Bronze birch borer

Betula pubescens

Eurasian paper birch

Bronze birch borer

Fraxinus americana

White ash

Emerald ash borer

Fraxinus excelsior

European ash

Emerald ash borer

Fraxinus nigra

Black ash

Emerald ash borer

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Green ash

Emerald ash borer

Fraxinus profunda

Pumpkin ash

Emerald ash borer

Fraxinus quadrangulata

Blue ash

Emerald ash borer

Juglans cinerea

Butternut

Butternut canker

Pinus nigra

Austrian pine

Not suitable for region

Pinus sylvestris

Scots pine

Not suitable for region

Populus nigra

Black poplar, includes cultivar
‘Italica’

Canker

Ulmus americana

American elm

Dutch elm disease

Acer saccharinu

Silver Maple

Weak Wood, Prune to Storm
damage

Pyrus calleryana

Callery Pear

Weak Wood, Prune to Storm
damage

Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm

Dutch elm disease

MEMORANDUM

To: Mayor and Board of Trustees
From: Peter Hughes, Community Development Department
Date: November 27, 2024

Subject: Participation in the 2024 Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Purpose
The Village of North Riverside is a participating community in the 2024 Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan (CCMJHMP), a comprehensive framework designed to mitigate risks from natural
hazards and enhance community resilience. This memo provides an overview of the Village’s contributions and
goals within the plan.
Background
The CCMJHMP, updated every five years under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, has been approved by the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The 2024 update includes 125 jurisdictions, making it the largest hazard mitigation plan in the nation.
Participation enables North Riverside to apply for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program funds to
support critical mitigation projects.
Village Contributions
North Riverside developed a localized annex addressing hazards and mitigation strategies specific to our
community. These strategies are referred to as Action Items and are goals that the Village has, but may or may
not achieve. These Action items address:
1. Flood Mitigation
o Implementing permeable paver projects to reduce runoff and flooding.
o Educating residents on backflow preventers and overhead sewer systems.
o Planning long-term infrastructure improvements for stormwater management
2. Severe Weather Preparedness
o Routine tornado siren testing and awareness campaigns through social media.
o Targeted outreach for Severe Weather Awareness Week

3. Winter Weather Risk Reduction
o Preventive education on freezing pipe mitigation.
o Ensuring critical facilities remain operational during extreme winter events
4. Sewer and Stormwater Enhancements
o Long-term separation of combined sewer systems to reduce overflow risks.
o Development of a stormwater management master plan
Benefits
Adoption of the CCMJHMP ensures eligibility for FEMA funding and resources to implement the Village’s
mitigation strategies. It reflects our commitment to safeguarding public safety, protecting infrastructure, and
fostering sustainable development.
Next Steps
The Board is requested to adopt the 2024 CCMJHMP by resolution, formalizing our participation and enabling
the Village to access funding opportunities.
The complete plan is available for review:
•
•

Volume 1: Countywide Context and Hazards
Volume 2: Municipality Annexes and Action Plans

Attachments:
•
•

Cook County Executive Overview
Cook County Executive Summary

Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan Update
Executive Overview 2024
The Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
(CCMJHMP) was submitted to the Illinois Emergency
Management Agency (IEMA) for review and approval pending
adoption. FEMA guidance (Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000)
requires that the CCMJHMP be updated every 5 years. Cook
County Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS)
updated the 2019 CCMJHMP, which now includes 125
participating jurisdictions/partners, making Cook County’s plan
the largest in the nation. The planning area for the hazard
mitigation plan encompasses Cook County and includes the
incorporated and unincorporated jurisdictional areas of the
County and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of
Greater Chicago (MWRD) service area and Cook County Forest
Preserve. The result of these combined efforts has been to
produce an Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved
Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP).
Adoption of the CCMJHMP makes participants eligible to apply
for grants funds through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance
Program. FEMA requires that each participating partner adopt
the plan by resolution.
The following represent key elements from the 2024 CCMJHMP
update:
• 125 total jurisdictions/partners participated in the 2024
Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
(CCMJHMP).
• The hazard identification and profiling in the hazard
mitigation plan addresses the following natural hazards
considered to be of paramount importance within Cook

WHAT IS THIS
PLAN?
Mitigation is defined in this
context as any sustained action
taken to reduce or eliminate
long-term risk to life and
property from a hazard event.
Mitigation planning is the
systematic process of learning
about the hazards that can
affect the community, setting
clear goals, identifying
appropriate actions and
following through with an
effective mitigation strategy.
Mitigation encourages longterm reduction of hazard
vulnerability and can reduce the
enormous cost of disasters to
property owners and all levels
of government. Mitigation can
also protect critical community
facilities, reduce exposure to
liability and minimize postdisaster community disruption.

WHY IS THIS PLAN
SO IMPORTANT?
Adoption of the CCMJHMP
makes participants eligible to
apply for grants funds through
the FEMA Hazard Mitigation
Assistance Program.

•
•
•

County. It is important to note that the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires that all
“natural hazards” be addressed in this plan. They are dam or levee failure, drought,
earthquake, flood, severe weather, severe winter weather, tornado, and wildfire.
Over 1,500 mitigation projects were identified and updated by Cook County and
participating jurisdictions.
Two jurisdictions that had not previously participated in the 2019 CCMJHMP are now part of
the 2024 plan.
14 of the jurisdictions that opted not to participate in this year’s plan represent
jurisdictions that reside geographically in multiple counties and are participating in
neighboring county plans.

The CCMJHMP consists of 2 Volumes:
•
•

Volume 1 is the base plan that applies to all participants, providing context about Cook
County and the natural hazards that exist here.
Volume 2 consists of mitigation action items from each participating municipality and
Cook County. This volume describes the mitigation actions that will reduce the impacts of
natural hazards particular to each community and the County.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Kim Nowicki at
[email protected].

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2024 Cook County
Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
Executive Summary
Hazard mitigation is the use of long-term and short-term policies, programs, projects, and other
activities to alleviate the death, injury, and property damage that can result from a disaster. Cook
County and a coalition of 125 municipal planning partners prepared and updated the 2024 Cook
County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan in order to identify the risks posed by hazards
and find ways to reduce their impacts. The plan reduces risks for those who live in, work in, and
visit the County.

1. Cook County Profile
Cook County is located in northeast Illinois on the western shore of Lake Michigan. It is the most
populous of the 102 counties in Illinois, with a 2013 estimated population of 5.24 million, 2018
estimated population of 5.18 million, and 2023 estimate of 5.08 million, according to the U.S.
Census Bureau and World Population Review. In terms of area, it is the sixth largest county,
covering approximately 946 square miles. Cook County makes up roughly 40 percent of the
population of Illinois. The surrounding counties are Lake and McHenry to the north, Kane, and
DuPage to the west, and Will to the southwest. Lake Michigan is the county’s eastern border along
with the State of Indiana.
Cook County is the second most populous county in the United States, after Los Angeles County.
The county contains 135 municipalities, covering about 85 percent of the area of the county. The
remaining unincorporated areas are under the jurisdiction of the Cook County Board of
Commissioners, a 17-member board elected by district.
The economy of Cook County, IL employs 2.6 million people. The largest industries in Cook County
are Health Care & Social Assistance (365,461 people), Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
(278,012 people), and Manufacturing (244,952 people), and the highest paying industries are
Utilities ($86,405), Finance & Insurance ($82,016), and Professional, Scientific, & Technical
Services ($80,988).

1

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Based on U.S. Census Bureau estimates, per capita income in the planning area in 2018 was
$32,722 and has increased to $45,646 (in 2022 dollars) based on the ACS 2018-22. The median
household income (in 2022 dollars) is $78,304 based on the ACS 2022.
Cook County has experienced 22 hazard events since 1967 for which federal disaster declarations
were issued. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data is the primary
source utilized in the Hazard Mitigation Plan.

2. Participating Partners and the Planning Area
The responsibility for hazard mitigation lies with many, including private property owners;
business and industry; and local, state, and the federal government. Through multi-jurisdictional
partnerships, local jurisdictions within an area that has uniform risk exposure can pool resources
and eliminate redundant planning activities. Cook County opened this planning effort to all
municipalities within the County. The table, Planning Partners, lists the planning partners that
participated in the planning process and are covered under this plan. The planning area was
defined as all incorporated and unincorporated areas of Cook County as well as the incorporated
areas of cities that cross county boundaries. The planning area boundary is shown in the figure
below (Figure: Planning Area).

2

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Municipalities that are partially in Cook County and are participating in the mitigation planning
efforts of adjacent counties are also included in the table below. Future efforts are already
underway to include these jurisdictions in future updates of the plan. Two jurisdictions that had not
previously participated in the 2019 Cook County MJ-HMP are now part of the 2024 Cook County MJHMP.

TABLE: PLANNING PARTNERS
PLANNING PARTNERS COVERED BY THIS HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
North
Central
South
Arlington Heights
Bellwood
Alsip
Barrington
Berkeley
Bedford Park
3

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Buffalo Grove
Des Plaines
Elgin
Elk Grove Village
Evanston
Glencoe
Glenview
Golf
Hanover Park
Hoffman Estates
Inverness
Kenilworth
Lincolnwood
Morton Grove
Mount Prospect
Niles
Northbrook
Northfield
Palatine
Park Ridge
Prospect Heights
Rolling Meadows
Schaumburg
Skokie
South Barrington
Streamwood
Wheeling
Wilmette
Winnetka

Berwyn
Broadview
Brookfield
City of Chicago
Cicero
Countryside
Elmwood Park
Forest Park
Forest View
Franklin Park
Harwood Heights
Hillside
Hodgkins
Indian Head Park
LaGrange
LaGrange Park
Lyons
Maywood
McCook
Melrose Park
Norridge
Northlake
North Riverside
Oak Park
River Forest
River Grove
Riverside
Rosemont
Schiller Park
Stickney
Stone Park
Summit
Westchester
Western Springs

4

Blue Island
Bridgeview
Burbank
Burnham
Calumet City
Calumet Park
Chicago Heights
Chicago Ridge
Country Club Hills
Crestwood
Dixmoor
Dolton
East Hazel Crest
Evergreen Park
Flossmoor
Ford Heights
Glenwood
Harvey
Hazel Crest
Hickory Hills
Hometown
Homewood
Justice
Lansing
Lemont
Lynwood
Markham
Matteson
Merrionette Park
Midlothian
Oak Forest
Oak Lawn
Olympia Fields
Orland Hills
Orland Park
Palos Heights
Palos Hills
Palos Park
Park Forest

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Phoenix
Posen
Richton Park
Riverdale
Robbins
Sauk Village
South Chicago Heights
South Holland
Steger
Thornton
Tinley Park
University Park
Willow Springs
Worth
Not Participating in 2024
Cook County MJ-HMP
Barrington Hills
Bartlett
Deerfield
Deer Park
East Dundee
Roselle

Not Participating in 2024
Cook County MJ-HMP
Bensenville
Burr Ridge
Elmhurst
Hinsdale
Oak Brook

Not Participating in 2024
Cook County MJ-HMP
Frankfort
Woodridge

3. Plan Development and Organization
The 2024 Cook County MJ-HMP was updated by a planning team of Cook County Department of
Emergency Management and Regional Security staff and expert consultants, with guidance from a
steering committee representing the planning partners and other local stakeholders. The key
steps in updating the plan were as follows:
1. Determine the Planning Area and Resources
2. Build and Reconvene the Planning Team
3. Outreach Strategy
4. Review and Update Community Capabilities
5. Update and Conduct the Risk Assessment
6. Update the Mitigation Strategy
7. Keep the Plan Current
8. Review and Adopt the Plan

5

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
9. Create a Safe and Resilient Community

4. Mission Goals and Objectives
The defined mission for the 2024 Cook County MJ­HMP is to “Identify risks and sustainable,
cost­effective actions to mitigate the impact of natural hazards to protect the life, health, safety,
welfare, and economy of the communities of Cook County.” Mitigation goals were established as
follows:
1. Develop and implement sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally sound risk-

reduction (mitigation) projects.

2. Protect the lives, health, safety, and property of the citizens of Cook County from the

impacts of natural hazards.

3. Protect public services and critical facilities, including infrastructure, from loss of use during

natural hazard events and potential damage from such events.

4. Involve stakeholders to enhance the local capacity to mitigate, prepare for, and respond to

the impacts of natural hazards.

5. Develop, promote, and integrate mitigation action plans.
6. Promote public understanding of and support for hazard mitigation.

Thirteen objectives were established for the plan that meets multiple goals, serving as standalone measurements of the effectiveness of the mitigation action. Proposed mitigation actions
were evaluated in part based on how many goals and objectives they would help to fulfill.
1.

Eliminate or minimize disruption of local government operations caused by natural hazards
through all phases of emergency management.

2. Increase the resilience of (or protect and maintain) infrastructure and critical facilities.
3. Consider the impacts of natural hazards on future land uses in the planning area, including

possible impacts from climate change.
4. Integrate hazard mitigation policies into land use plans in the planning area.
5. Develop, improve, and protect systems that provide early warnings, emergency response

communications, and evacuation procedures.

6. Use the best available data, science and technologies to educate the public and to improve

understanding of the location and potential impacts of natural hazards, the vulnerability of
building types and community development patterns, and the measures needed to protect
life safety.

7.

Retrofit, purchase, or relocate structures in high hazard areas, including those known to be
repetitively damaged.

6

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
8. Establish partnerships among all levels of local government, the private sector, and/or

nongovernmental organizations to improve and implement methods to protect people,
including underserved and underrepresented groups, and property.
9. Provide or improve flood protection on a watershed basis with flood control structures and

drainage maintenance plans.

10. Strengthen codes and land use planning and their enforcement, so that new construction

or redevelopment can avoid or withstand the impacts of natural hazards.
11. Encourage mitigation through incentive-based programs, such as the Community Rating

System, Firewise, and StormReady programs.
12. Reduce natural hazard-related risks and vulnerability to potentially isolated and

underserved populations within the planning area and ensure mitigation strategies result in
equitable outcomes.
13. Encourage hazard mitigation measures that result in the least adverse effect on the natural

environment and that use natural processes.

5. Hazards Addressed
The steering committee considered the full range of natural hazards that could impact the
planning area and identified the following hazards as presenting the most significant concern:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Dam or levee failure
Drought
Earthquake
Flood
Severe weather
Severe winter weather
Tornado
Wildfire

Detailed risk assessments were performed for each of these hazards of concern. Also, a brief
qualitative review was conducted of technological and human-caused hazards of interest. Climate
Change was addressed for each hazard, as applicable.

6. Risk Assessment Methodology
Risk assessment is the process of measuring the potential loss of life, personal injury, economic
injury, and property damage resulting from natural hazards. It allows emergency management
personnel to establish early response priorities by identifying potential hazards and vulnerable
assets. The process focuses on the following elements:
•
•
•

Identify hazards—Use all available information to determine what types of disasters may
affect a jurisdiction, how often they can occur, and their potential severity.
Assess probability, extent, vulnerability, and impact —Determine the impact of natural
hazard events on the people, property, environment, economy, and lands of the region.
Estimate cost—Estimate the cost of potential damage that could be avoided by mitigation.
7

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The risk assessment for this hazard mitigation plan evaluates the risk of natural hazards prevalent
in the planning area and meets requirements of the DMA (44 CFR, Section 201.6(c)(2)).

7. Profiles of Cook County Hazards of Concern
The following hazards are addressed in the 2024 Cook County MJ-HMP. A brief description of each
hazard is included in this section of the Executive Summary.

7.1 Dam and Levee Failure

There are 44 dams in Cook County, all regulated by the Water Resources Division of the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Importantly, 23 of these dams are classified as “high" (11)
or "significant" (12) hazard, which means they have significant downstream populations at risk if the
dam should fail. Flooding as a result of a dam and levee failure would significantly impact
properties and communities in the inundation zones. There is no record of Federal Dam Disaster
Declarations in Cook County between 1956-2022.
According to the National Inventory of Levees, there are seven (7) major levee systems located in
Cook County (National Inventory of Levees). Although there is no history of levee failures in the
planning area, it should be noted that the State of Illinois experienced levee failures in 1993 and
2008. In 1993, 17 levee systems breached along the Mississippi River and the Illinois River just north
of where it meets the Mississippi River. Over 237,000 acres along the rivers were flooded.
Dam or levee failure can have severe impacts on property and critical infrastructure. These
impacts include:
•
•

•
•
•

•

Extensive Property Damage: The sudden release of water from a dam or levee failure can
lead to widespread flooding, resulting in significant damage to residential, commercial, and
industrial properties. This includes damage to buildings, homes, and vehicles.
Critical Infrastructure Damage: Flooding from dam or levee failures can severely impact
critical infrastructure such as bridges, roads, railways, and utilities (water and sewage
systems, electrical grids, gas lines). This not only causes immediate disruption but can also
lead to long-term economic impacts due to the time and cost associated with repairs and
reconstruction.
Environmental Contamination: Floodwaters can carry and spread pollutants and hazardous
materials from industrial sites, sewage systems, and other sources, leading to
environmental contamination of water, soil, and ecosystems.
Disruption of Services: Essential services such as healthcare, education, emergency
services, and transportation can be disrupted, affecting the wellbeing and daily life of the
community.
Economic Impact: The combined effect on property, infrastructure, and services can lead
to significant economic losses, both direct and indirect. The cost of repairs, loss of
business operations, and decrease in property values can have a lasting impact on affected
communities.
Recovery and Mitigation Costs: The financial burden of recovery and rebuilding can be
substantial. In addition to immediate repair costs, there is often a need for investing in
mitigation measures to prevent future incidents.

8

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Exposed Structures and Property Value
FEMA’s HAZUS-MH model estimated that there are 12,762 structures within the mapped dam
failure inundation areas in the planning area. It is estimated that $10.7 billion worth of buildingand-contents are exposed to dam failure inundation, representing 0.90 percent of the total
building value of the planning area.

7.2 Drought

Droughts originate from a deficiency of precipitation resulting from an unusual weather pattern. If
the weather pattern lasts a short time (a few weeks or a couple of months), the drought is
considered short-term. If the weather pattern becomes entrenched and the precipitation deficits
last for several months or years, the drought is considered to be long-term. Drought generally
affects large geographic areas, so drought descriptions in the hazard mitigation plan are usually
for the entire State of Illinois rather than the immediate planning area of Cook County.
Droughts are fairly common in Illinois. In the past century, the state experienced serious drought
periods from 1902 to 1915, from 1931 to 1934, and in 1954, 1964, and 1988. The 1930s had the greatest
frequency and severity of drought since drought recording using the Palmer Drought Severity
Index (PDSI) began in 1895. The worst case was the summer of 1934, with a statewide PDSI of -6.48,
followed by the summer of 1931 with -6.39 and 1954 with -6.09. All three of these events fall into the
category of extreme drought.
Recent events include drought in 1983 and 1988. In September 1983, all 102 counties were declared
state disaster areas because of high temperatures and insufficient precipitation during the
summer. In 1988, 54 percent of the state was impacted by drought-like conditions, resulting in
disaster relief payments to landowners and farmers exceeding $382 million; however, no state
declaration was made. Historical drought data for the planning area indicate there have been at
least seven (7) significant droughts in the last 115 years, which equates to a drought every 16 years
on average, or a minimum of a 6.25-percent chance of a drought in any given year.
Drought can have a widespread impact on the environment and the economy, although it typically
does not result in loss of life or damage to property, as do other natural disasters. The National
Drought Mitigation Center describes likely drought impacts as those affecting agriculture, water
supplies, and the risk of fire.
Scientists currently do not know how to predict drought more than a month in advance for most
locations. How long a drought lasts depends on interactions between the atmosphere and the
oceans, soil moisture and land surface processes, topography, internal dynamics, and the
accumulated influence of weather systems on the global scale.
Crucial issues associated with drought include the following:
•
•
•
•

Identification and development of alternative water supplies
Use of groundwater recharge techniques to stabilize the groundwater supply
The probability of increased drought frequencies and durations due to climate change
The promotion of active water conservation even during non-drought periods.

While drought is considered a low-risk hazard for Cook County, planners need to consider best
practices for land use policies to support water supply sustainability and increase the protection
9

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
of water resources. Utilizing these practices provides local municipality capability to protect
future development from drought.

7.3. Earthquake

An earthquake is the vibration of the earth’s surface following a release of energy in the earth’s
crust. Earthquakes tend to occur along faults, which are zones of weakness in the crust.
Earthquakes occur throughout Illinois, with most in the southern third of the state. Over 360
earthquakes have occurred in Illinois during the past 20 years, with 32 resulting in damage.
According to USGS, no fault zones are in Cook County; however, numerous reports highlight the
fault activity of the Des Plaines Crater located beneath the populated Des Plaines suburb of
Chicago. Fifteen events have been recorded in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties
since 1704. Cook County has experienced three earthquakes ranging from a magnitude of 3 to 4.9.
Since the 2018 Hazard Mitigation Plan, Cook County has not experienced any additional significant
earthquakes.
The actual movement of the ground in an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of injury or death.
Casualties generally result from falling objects and debris, because the shocks shake, damage or
demolish buildings and other structures. Disruption of communications, electrical power supplies
and gas, sewer and water lines should be expected. Earthquakes may trigger fires, dam failures, or
releases of hazardous material, compounding their effects. Any seismic activity of 6.0 or greater
on faults within the planning area would have significant impacts throughout the county.
Earthquakes of this magnitude or higher would lead to a massive failure of structures built on loose
soils. Levees and revetments constructed on such soils would likely fail, representing a loss of
critical infrastructure. These events could cause secondary hazards that would further damage
structures.
There is currently no reliable way to predict an earthquake at any given location with any
significant warning time. Research is being done with warning systems that use the low energy
waves that precede major earthquakes to give approximately 40 seconds notice that a major
earthquake is about to occur. The warning time is very short, but it could allow for someone to get
under a desk, step away from a hazardous material they are working with or shut down a computer
system.
Important issues associated with earthquakes include the following:
•
•

•
•
•

The public perception of the earthquake risk within the planning area is low. It can be
difficult to get the public to think about earthquake mitigation with little or no perceived
risk.
Most of the planning area’s building stock was built prior to 1975 when seismic provisions
became uniformly applied through building code applications. A building stock analysis that
looks at the potential fragility of the older building stock constructed without building code
influence would be beneficial in the identification of seismic mitigation projects.
More earthquake mapping is needed for the planning area.
Critical facility owners/operators should be encouraged to create or enhance continuity of
operations plans using the information on risk and vulnerability contained in the Cook
County hazard mitigation plan.
Geotechnical standards should be established that take into account the probable impacts
of earthquakes in the design and construction of new or enhanced facilities.
10

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
•
•

The County has over 6 miles of earthen levees and revetments on soft, unstable soil. These
soils are prone to liquefaction, which would severely undermine the integrity of these
facilities.
There are a large number of earthen dams within the planning area. Dam failure warning
and evacuation plans and procedures should be reviewed and updated to reflect the dams’
risk potential associated with earthquake activity in the region.

7.4 Flood
Flood Types and History

Flooding can occur in a number of ways, and many instances are not independent of each other and
can occur simultaneously during a flood event. The types of flooding considered for this plan include:
• Heavy rainfall
• Urban stormwater overflow
• Rapid snowmelt
• Rising groundwater (generally in conjunction with heavy prolonged rainfall and saturated
conditions)
• Riverine ice jams
• Flash floods
• Alluvial fan flooding
• Flooding from dam failure
• Coastal/Shoreline flooding
o Seiche
o Meteotsunami
o Coastal Erosion
Floods in Cook County are caused by rainfall from large frontal storms, which may be in
combination with some snowmelt, runoff, and ice jams. The principal contributor to flooding in the
area is the inadequate capacity of some of the natural stream channels to contain runoff resulting
from intense thunderstorm precipitation over the stream basins. Inundation of lands adjoining
stream channels has been aggravated over the years by the gradual accumulation of silt. The
buildup of sand bars and island channels has resulted in the loss of channel capacity. Another
factor lending itself to the poor flow characteristics of some portions of channels is the excessive
growth of brush, light timber, and aquatic vegetation.
From 2013 through 2022, 90 Riverine Flooding incidents occurred in Cook County and were
recorded by NOAA. This frequency averages nine flooding incidents annually and would indicate a
similar trend moving forward. From 2013 through 2022, 84 Urban/Flash/Stormwater Flooding
incidents occurred in Cook County and were recorded by NOAA. This frequency averages 8.4
flooding incidents annually and would indicate a similar trend moving forward.
According to NOAA, the frequency of flash flooding depends on seasonal weather patterns. Flash
flooding is typically caused by inadequate drainage following heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt and
is more likely to occur in spring when thunderstorms and snow melt are more prominent.
Urban areas (such as Chicago) are typically connected to municipal sewer systems (stormwater
and/or sanitary sewer). For this reason, it is more probable that flash flooding will occur within this
area.
11

COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Cook County experiences numerous episodes of river and urban flooding every year; massive
floods that can cause significant property damage typically occur every three to seven years.

Flood Mapping

Flood studies use historical records to determine the probability of occurrence for different river
discharge (flow) levels. The flood frequency equals 100 divided by the discharge probability. For
example, the 100-year discharge has a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given
year. The extent of flooding associated with a 1-percent annual probability of occurrence (the base
flood or 100-year flood) is used as a regulatory boundary by many agencies. This boundary is a
convenient tool for assessing risk in flood-prone communities. For most communities
participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), FEMA has prepared a detailed Flood
Insurance Study that presents water surface elevations for the 1- percent annual chance flood and
the 0.2-percent annual chance flood (the 500-year flood). The federal standard for floodplain
management under the NFIP is the 100-year floodplain. This area is chosen using historical data
such that in any given year there is a 1% chance of a “base flood (also known as 100-year flood or
regulatory flood). A base flood is one that covers or exceeds the 100-year floodplain. A 500-year
floodplain is an area with at least a .2% chance of flood occurrence in any given year. The
boundaries of the 100- and 500-year floodplains are shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
FEMA has mapped over 78 square miles of the 100-year floodplain and 99 square miles of 500-year
floodplain along 172 water courses within the Cook County planning area. This includes floodplains
within jurisdictions that intersect multiple counties. Whiles these maps do not cover all the flood
risks within the planning area, they do represent a large percentage of the risk. It should be noted
that mapping showing areas of urban flooding is limited in the County.

Flood Severity

The principal factors affecting flood damage are flood depth and velocity. The deeper and faster
flood flows become, the more damage they can cause. Shallow flooding with high velocities can
cause as much damage as deep flooding with slow velocity, is especially true when a channel
migrates over a broad floodplain, redirecting high-velocity flows and transporting debris and
sediment. Flood severity is often evaluated by examining peak discharges.
The worst-case scenario for flooding in the Cook County planning area has happened numerous
times in the past. It involves intense rainstorms that stall over the planning area, dropping rainfall
totals in excess 6 inches over 48 hours (this scenario is significantly exacerbated by the presence
of snowpack on the ground), which leads to both riverine and stormwater/urban drainage flooding
that can overwhelm flood response capabilities in the planning area. Significant roads can be
blocked, preventing critical access for many residents and critical functions. High in-channel flows
can cause water courses to scour, possibly washing out roads and creating more isolation
problems.

Flood Warning

The Cook County flood threat system consists of a network of precipitation gages throughout the
watershed and stream gages at strategic locations that continuously monitor and report stream
levels. All of this information is analyzed by agencies such as the Cook County Department of
Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) and Metropolitan Water Reclamation
District to evaluate the flood threat and possible evacuation needs.
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COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Floods are generally classed as either slow-rise or flash floods. Due to the sequential pattern of
meteorological conditions needed to cause serious slow-rise flooding, it is unusual for a slow-rise
flood to occur without warning. Slow-rise floods may be preceded by a warning time from several
hours, to days, to possibly weeks. Evacuation and sandbagging for a slow-rise flood may lessen
flood damage. Flash floods are more difficult to prepare for, due to the extremely short warning
time given, if any. Flash flood warnings usually require evacuation within an hour. However,
potential hazard areas can be warned in advance of potential flash flooding danger.

Participation in Federal Flood Programs

The NFIP makes federally backed flood insurance available to homeowners, renters, and business
owners in participating communities. Cook County entered the NFIP on April 15, 1981. The effective
date for the current countywide Flood Insurance Rate Map is August 19, 2008. In addition to the
County, most Cook County municipalities participate in the NFIP. As of August 2023, Cook County
had 12,083 flood insurance policies providing $2.644 billion in insurance coverage. According to
FEMA statistics, in the State of Illinois, there were 32,840 flood insurance policies providing over
$7.06 billion in insurance coverage.
As of March 17, 2022, there are twenty (20) communities in the planning area that also participate
in the Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary program that encourages floodplain
management activities that exceed the NFIP requirements. The CRS requires participating
communities to identify repetitive loss areas, where flood insurance claims have been paid
multiple times for individual properties. FEMA’s list of repetitive loss properties identifies 1,741
such properties in the planning area as of May 2024.

Issues

Important issues associated with flooding include the following:
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Modeling performed by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is considered to be the
best available flood risk data for the planning area, but it is not the basis of FEMA’s current
effective Flood Insurance Rate Map. The District’s flood hazard data should be formatted so
that can be used to support risk assessment and thus validate the best available data.
The planning area has a large percentage of policies and losses outside a mapped hazard
area. Basement flooding is a common problem.
The stormwater/urban drainage flooding risk is not mapped, which makes it difficult to
assess this hazard, other than looking at historical loss data.
The risk associated with the flood hazard overlaps the risk associated with other hazards
such as an earthquake. This provides an opportunity to seek mitigation alternatives with
multiple objectives that can reduce the risk for multiple hazards.
There is no consistency of land-use practices and regulatory floodplain management
within the planning area. It is unclear how potential climate change may impact flood
conditions in the planning area.
The concept of residual risk should be considered in the design of future capital flood
control projects and should be communicated with residents living in the floodplain.
More information is needed on flood risk to support the concept of risk-based analysis of
capital projects.
There needs to be a sustained effort to gather historical damage data, such as high-water
marks on structures and damage reports, to measure the cost-effectiveness of future
mitigation projects.
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COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
•
•
•
•
•

Ongoing flood hazard mitigation will require funding from multiple sources.
There needs to be a coordinated hazard mitigation effort between jurisdictions affected by
flood hazards in the county.
Floodplain residents need to continue to be educated about flood preparedness and the
resources available during and after floods.
The promotion of flood insurance as a means of protecting private property owners from
the economic impacts of frequent flood events should continue.
The economy affects a jurisdiction’s ability to manage its floodplains. Budget cuts and
personnel losses can strain the resources needed to support floodplain management.

7.5 Severe Weather

Severe weather refers to any dangerous meteorological phenomena with the potential to cause
damage, serious social disruption, or loss of human life. It includes extreme heat, lightning,
hailstorms, dense fog, and strong wind. Severe-weather events can happen anywhere in the
planning area. Severe local storms are probably the most common widespread hazard. They affect
large numbers of people throughout Cook County and the surrounding region when they occur. The
heat wave of July 1995 was one of the worst disasters in Illinois history, with over 700 deaths
statewide over five days.
Records from the National Climatic Data Center indicate approximately 1,410 severe weather
events (not including heat and excessive heat events) in the planning area between 1950 and 2023.
NCDC data from 1996 to 2023 also records 64 heat or excessive heat events.
The most common problems associated with severe storms are immobility and loss of utilities.
Roads may become impassable due to flooding or downed trees. Power lines may be downed due
to high winds. Lightning can cause severe damage and injury. A worst-case severe-weather event
would involve prolonged high winds during a thunderstorm. Such an event would have both shortterm and longer-term effects. Initially, schools and roads would be closed due to power outages
caused by high winds and downed tree obstructions. In more rural areas, some subdivisions could
experience limited ingress and egress. Prolonged rain could produce flooding and overtopped
culverts with ponded water on roads. Flooding could further obstruct roads and bridges, further
isolating residents.
Meteorologists can often predict the likelihood of a severe storm or other severe weather events,
which can give several days of warning time. The Chicago Office of the National Weather Service
issues severe storm watches and warnings when appropriate to alert government agencies and
the public of possible or impending weather events.
Important issues associated with severe weather include the following:
•
•
•

Redundancy of power supply throughout the planning area must be evaluated. The capacity
for backup power generation is limited.
Public education on dealing with the impacts of severe weather needs to be provided and
debris management (downed trees, etc.) must be addressed.
The effects of climate change may result in an increase in the frequency of extreme heat
events.

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COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

7.6 Severe Winter Weather

The severe winter weather hazard encompasses heavy snow, lake-effect snow, blizzards, ice
storms, sleet, cold/windchill, extreme cold temperatures and wind chill, frost/freeze, general
winter weather, and winter storms. Severe winter weather events can happen anywhere in the
planning area. NOAA identifies 181 of these severe winter weather events in the planning area from
1950 - 2023, excluding snowstorms classified as less than major snowstorms. The planning area
typically receives 34 inches of snow each year and can expect to experience exposure to a severe
winter weather event at least annually.
All events totaled $700,000 in property damage, 156 direct deaths and 8 indirect deaths, and 5
direct injuries and 3 indirect injuries.
Severe winter weather impacts can be significant. Roads may become impassable due to ice or
snow. Power lines may be down due to high winds or ice accumulation, and services such as water
or phone may not be able to operate without power. Physical damage to homes and facilities can
occur from wind damage or accumulation of snow or ice. Freezing rain can cause the most
dangerous conditions. Ice buildup can bring down trees, communication towers, and wires,
creating hazards for property owners, motorists, and pedestrians alike. Many severe winter
weather events in the planning area have resulted in the loss of life.
Meteorologists can often predict likely severe winter weather, giving several days of warning time.
The National Weather Service provides public warnings on storm, snow and ice events as
appropriate to alert government agencies and the public of possible or impending weather events.
Important issues associated with severe winter weather in the planning area include the following:
•
•

•
•

Heavy snow can lead to structural damage due to the weight of snow accumulation,
especially on roofs and overhangs. This can result in costly repairs and safety hazards.
The weight of snow and ice can down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power
outages. This disrupts heating and telecommunications and can cause further economic
losses. Redundancy of power supply must be evaluated as the capacity for backup power
generation is limited.
Extreme cold/wind chill can lead to property damage and critical infrastructure impacts
including frozen and burst water pipes.
Isolated and vulnerable populations are at significant risk.

7.7 Tornado

Tornadoes are the most violent of all atmospheric storms, and all of Illinois is susceptible to them,
including Cook County. The tornado season runs March through August, although a tornado can
occur in the state at any time. Many tornadoes have struck Cook County, including several within
the Chicago city limits. The F4-rated Oak Lawn tornado in April 1967 was one of the deadliest
tornadoes in the planning area, with 33 fatalities. The only F5 tornado to ever strike the Chicago
area was on August 28, 1990, which occurred in nearby Will and Kendall Counties. In total, 29 direct
deaths, 350 injuries, and 250 million in property damage was recorded.
Between 01/01/2014 and 12/31/2023 Cook County recorded 16 tornadic events over 3,652 days.

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COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. Winds can reach 300
mph, and damage paths can be more than a mile wide and 50 miles long. If a major tornado were to
strike within the populated areas of Cook County, the damage could be widespread. Businesses
could be forced to close for an extended period or permanently, fatalities could be high, many
people could be homeless for an extended period, and routine services such as telephone or power
could be disrupted. Buildings can be damaged or destroyed.
The local NWS office issues a tornado watch when tornadoes are possible in an area and a tornado
warning when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. The current average lead
time for tornado warnings is 13 minutes. The National Weather Service has established a goal of 15
minutes in its strategic plan. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance
warning is possible.
Important issues associated with tornadoes in the planning area include the following:
•
•
•
•
•

The older building stock in the planning area is built to low code standards or none at all.
These structures could be highly vulnerable to tornadoes.
Redundancy of power supply must be evaluated. The capacity for backup power generation
is limited.
The amount of the tornado zone that contains vacant, developable land is not known and
would be valuable information for gauging the future development potential of the tornado
zone.
Declining growth rate makes it difficult for code standards to have impacts on new
development. The planning area has insufficient suitable tornado shelters.
Public awareness of tornado response protocols is a concern, given the area’s many
visitors.

7.8 Wildfire

Wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in forests, grasslands, and other natural areas. Wildfires
can spread quickly, driven by factors like wind and dry conditions, and they often pose significant
threats to life, property, and the environment. These fires can be ignited by various sources,
including lightning, human activities, and other natural causes. Wildfires can result in widespread
devastation and require coordinated efforts for containment, suppression, and recovery.
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) employs several measures and tools to assess the
extent and intensity of wildfires. These include the acreage burned, which quantifies the size of
the affected area, with larger acreage indicating more extensive wildfires. Fire behavior indicators
such as the rate of spread, fireline intensity, and flame length offer insights into the wildfire's
intensity, with rapid spread and high-intensity flames signifying a more severe fire.
Although wildfires are not a major risk for Cook County, locations within the Forest Preserves of
Cook County may be vulnerable to this hazard. Air quality concerns from wildfires outside of Cook
County also pose a risk.
Wildfires can have significant life safety and public health impacts. First, wildfires produce smoke
and particulate matter that can degrade air quality over large areas, potentially leading to
respiratory issues, exacerbating pre-existing conditions, and causing symptoms such as coughing,
shortness of breath, and irritation of the eyes and throat.
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COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

8. Planning Area Risk Ranking
Risk rankings were performed by each planning partner to compare the probable impacts of
the hazards of concern. For each community, the rankings assessed the probability of each
hazard’s occurrence as well as its likely impact on people, property, and the economy. The
results of the countywide ranking, which were used in establishing mitigation action and
priorities, are summarized below.
Probability

Consequence

Total Risk

Probability
Factor

Sum of
Weighted
Extent
Factors

Sum of
Weighted
Vulnerability
Factors

Sum of
Weighted
Impact
Factors

Consequence
Score

Total Risk Score
(Probability x
Consequence)

Flood (Urban/Flash
Flood)

3

15

12

30

57

79

Severe Winter
Weather: Blizzards

3

15

16

24

55

77

Severe Winter
Weather: Snow

3

12

16

21

49

70

Severe Weather:
High Winds

3

9

16

16

41

60

Flood
(Riverine/Creek)

2

15

11

31

57

56

Severe Winter
Weather: Ice Storms

2

15

16

25

56

55

Severe Weather:
Extreme Heat

2

12

12

30

54

54

Tornado

2

15

6

30

51

51

Severe Winter
Weather: Extreme
Cold

2

12

12

20

44

45

Drought

2

12

12

18

42

43

Coastal/Shoreline
Flooding

2

12

6

23

41

42

Earthquake

2

9

16

16

41

42

Severe Weather:
Lightning

3

6

6

14

26

41

Severe Weather: Hail

2

9

11

16

36

38

Severe Weather: Fog

2

9

6

14

29

32

Wildfire

2

6

6

15

27

30

Hazard Event

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COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Dam and levee
failure

1

15

6

27

48

27

9. Mitigation Strategies
The heart of the mitigation plan is the mitigation strategy, which serves as the long-term blueprint
for reducing the potential losses identified in the risk assessment. The mitigation strategy
describes how Cook County and the participating jurisdictions will accomplish the overall purpose,
or mission, of the planning process. As part of the update process, mitigation goals and objectives
were reevaluated; and mitigation actions/projects were updated/amended, identified, evaluated,
and prioritized. Over 1,500 mitigation projects were identified and updated by the County and
participating jurisdictions.

10. Plan Maintenance Strategy
The hazard mitigation plan includes a formal process to ensure that the 2024 Cook County MJ-HMP
remains an active and relevant document and that the planning partners maintain their eligibility
for relevant funding sources. The plan’s format allows sections to be reviewed and updated when
new data becomes available, resulting in a plan that will remain current and relevant. The strategy
for ongoing maintenance of the plan includes the following components:
Plan Implementation—Plan implementation and evaluation will be a shared responsibility among all
planning partners and agencies identified as lead agencies in the mitigation action plans. Cook
County EMRS will assume lead responsibility for implementing the plan maintenance strategy.
Steering Committee—It is recommended that a steering committee remain a viable body involved
in key elements of the plan maintenance strategy. The steering committee will strive to include
representation from the planning partners, as well as other stakeholders in the planning area.
Annual Progress Report—The steering committee will convene to perform annual reviews. EMRS
will then prepare a formal annual report on the progress of the plan.
Plan Update—The planning partnership intends to update the hazard mitigation plan on a five­year
cycle from the date of initial plan adoption.
Continuing Public Involvement—The public will continue to be apprised of the plan’s progress
through the Cook County hazard mitigation website and by copies of annual progress reports
provided to the media. EMRS has agreed to maintain the hazard mitigation plan website, and each
planning partner has agreed to provide links to the website on their jurisdictional websites.
Incorporation into Other Planning Mechanisms—All municipal planning partners are committed to
creating a linkage between the hazard mitigation plan and their comprehensive plans by identifying
a mitigation action as such and giving that action a high priority. As information becomes available
from other planning mechanisms that can enhance this plan, that information will be incorporated
via the update process.

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COOK COUNTY 2024 MJ-HMP EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

11. Plan Adoption
The 2024 Cook County MJ-HMP was submitted for review and approval to the Illinois Emergency
Management Agency and FEMA in June of 2024. The 2024 update of the Cook County MultiJurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (CCMJHMP) was approved by IEMA and FEMA in July and has
been officially adopted by the Cook County Board of Commissioners. The next step in the process
is for all participating jurisdictions to officially adopt the plan through resolution. Every
participating jurisdiction must adopt the Cook County Plan through resolution within 1 year to be
officially recognized by FEMA as being part of the CCMJHMP.

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