Understanding Building Codes in Illinois

• Overview

Are you up-to-date with the Illinois building code and how it integrates with local requirements?Most states in the U.S. have a state building code along with a uniform set of comprehensive statewide codes that are applied jurisdictionally at the state or local level. Illinois does not have a state building code, but instead relies on local jurisdictions to adopt their own codes. However, certain statewide codes (accessibility, elevator, energy, fire, health, plumbing, etc.) may take precedent over local requirements and are applied independently from each other. Identify these specific statewide codes and show how they are integrated with local "home rule" building codes to form the regulatory framework for construction projects in Illinois.

Authors

Agenda

Why State Building Codes and Not Federal Building Codes

• Constitutional Responsibility for Health, Safety and Welfare

• Regulatory Framework - State vs. Local

• Where Federal Laws Apply

Illinois State Codes

• Administrative Code

• Joint Committee on Administrative Rules - JCAR

• Home Rule

• Fire Codes

• Public Health Codes (IDPH)

• Elevator Code

• Plumbing Code

• School Code

• Accessibility Code

• Energy Code

• Swimming Pools

Local Building Codes

• Chicago

• Model Codes and Standards - ICC/NFPA

How to Conduct a Code Search

• Example: Village of Arlington Heights

• Example: Village of Romeoville

When There Is No Adopted Code

• Neighboring Jurisdictions

• Third Party Plan Reviewers