Champaign Local Research

What matters for project planning

Footing excavation is ground disturbance, and Champaign is the permitting authority for land-disturbing activity, which can require an approved stormwater control plan for qualifying projects. That makes the scale and siting of a deck a question worth settling before design rather than after. A deck also changes how a lot sheds water, so where a project alters drainage enough to need a new or modified connection to the municipal system, the city's stormwater-connection permit applies. Properties near the Urbana or Savoy boundaries should confirm which authority reviews them.

Official sources

• City of Champaign stormwater management
• Champaign County Stormwater Partnership

Verify the property, not just the city

Citywide context cannot establish a parcel’s flood zone, historic designation, permit requirements, soil conditions, or concealed construction. Confirm those items with the appropriate authority and selected provider before work begins.