Tips for Des Plaines residents navigating flooding cleanup

Floodwater from the Des Plaines River has started to recede in Des Plaines and was at 10.67 feet as of 8:45 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The river crested at 10.92 feet Friday, the highest on record.

As the cleanup begins, garbage collection in the city will be unaffected and resume as normal starting Monday. However, the collection of yard waste has been suspended until further notice.

Public works crews will help ARC Disposal with debris collection, along with the collection of sandbags in flood affected areas. Sandbags should be placed at the curb separate from other debris. Collection will continue until all bags have been recovered. Once the sandbags are removed, the streets will be swept to remove any remaining debris.

Residents are asked to put flood-damaged items out at the curb, but no household waste or electronic waste will be collected.

Residents should be aware that a permit is required for nearly all construction work, even if related to post-flooding repairs. That includes: electrical wiring, panels, conduit, or junction boxes; insulation; wall framing; windows; exterior doors; roofing; siding; fireplaces; boilers; water heaters; generators; fences; decks and stairs; concrete, asphalt, or paver brick driveways, sidewalks, patios, stoops, and stairs; demolitions; extensive interior remodeling work; fire sprinklers; grading changes, retention walls, or other landscaping involving topographical changes; low voltage alarms and phone wiring; mechanical systems (heating and air conditioning); new structures and any structural changes; plumbing (water heaters, etc.); sewer repairs or clean-outs; sheds; shoring and foundation repairs; signs, banners, and tents; swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.

The only work that does not require a permit is removal/replacement of carpet or tile, replacement of drywall (unless insulation also is being replaced), or replacement of cabinetry (unless plumbing or electrical work is involved).

For more information, call the Community Development Department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (847) 391-5380.

City officials are urging residents to report flood damages to their insurance companies, and to be careful when choosing contractors to clean up or repair their homes and businesses.

To avoid contractor fraud, residents should use reliable, licensed contractors, ask to see a license, or call the Community Development Department to find out whether the contractor is licensed to work in Des Plaines.

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Tips for Des Plaines residents navigating flooding cleanup