Hoffman Estates updates flood-hazard code to align with new FEMA maps effective Jan. 23, 2026

The Planning, Building and Zoning Committee voted Nov. 10 to amend section 10-8-1 of the Hoffman Estates Municipal Code to reference FEMA’s new flood insurance rate maps and studies for the Poplar Creek and Spring Creek watersheds, which become effective Jan. 23, 2026.

Director Wendersky explained the update is required by FEMA and that the village is taking the opportunity to reformat the flood-hazard chapter to match the state’s model ordinance. He said most wording remains unchanged but noted several substantive items where the village has discretion. One highlighted change would reduce the village’s existing compensatory storage replacement ratio from 1.5:1 to 1.1:1 in many cases; staff said the 1.1:1 ratio aligns with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District watershed management ordinance and that the MWRD requirement may take precedence in those cases.

On the compensatory storage question a trustee asked whether being more stringent or less stringent than the state would create conflicts with state rules; Wendersky replied the village can be more stringent in some areas and that, in practice, MWRD rules often govern. He also said retaining a local compensatory-storage requirement gives staff more leeway when negotiating site-specific agreements with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

The committee approved the ordinance by voice vote. The change will be incorporated into the municipal code and implemented when FEMA’s new maps take effect next year.