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An Ordinance Updating the Village’s International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) from the 2009 Edition to the 2024 Edition
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Introduction
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Staff are proposing an ordinance to update the Village’s current property maintenance code from the 2009 version to the 2024 version.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the ordinance.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action.
• ID 25-271: A Study Session on Updating the Village’s International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) from the 2009 Edition to the 2024 Edition, and Proposed Changes to Chapter 22 (“Streets and Sidewalks”) to Adopt Regulations for Maintenance of Parkways Fronting or Abutting Parcels or Lots
• ORD 15-181: Amended Chapter 7 (“BUILDINGS”) of the Oak Park Village Code by adding a new Article 13 (“Property Maintenance Code”) and adopted the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code.
Background
In 2015, the Village Board adopted the 2009 IPMC with local amendments. At the time, the Village was moving from a local property maintenance code to the international standard code that aligned with the building codes that the Village was using at the time. While the Village has since updated its building codes, the property maintenance code has remained unchanged. With a decade passing since the review, staff identified the need to revisit the 2009 IPMC.
As staff reviewed the 2009 and 2024 codes, staff did not find substantial changes (see attached matrix). That said, building codes and property maintenance codes work together, with the IPMC frequently updated to align with more recent building codes. Since the Village has continued to update its ICC codes, updating the IPMC would be appropriate as well. Adopting the 2024 IPMC will result in enforcement in concert with the Village’s current building and fire codes. Moreover, using the 2024 IPMC version is necessary in order to benefit from the most up-to-date property maintenance standards and regulations. Finally, the proposed changes support the implementation of the proposed changes to the Parkway Planting Ordinance, advancing the implementation of both Board goals and the CROP plan.
The Board held a study session on the proposed changes on March 11, 2025. The proposed ordinance reflects changes based on that feedback. This includes updating the definition of cultivated garden to reflect Board feedback and align with changes made in the proposed parkway planning ordinance. It also includes revising the language in Section 302.12 to better reflect staff’s enforcement intent for rutted yards.
Timing Considerations
The proposed changes link with the proposed changes to the Parkway Planting Ordinance. The two ordinances should be adopted in unison to ensure effective implementation.
Budget Impact
The 2025 budget approved by the Board includes funding for 2024 IPMC books and additional staff training in GL# 1001.46212.101.550606.0000 and 1001.46212.101.530650.0000.
Staffing Impact
There is no staff impact for Neighborhood Services. The 2024 IPMC adoption would be similar to enforcing the 2009 IPMC.
DEI Impact
Adopting the most current IPMC code supports DEI efforts by fostering safer, more inclusive, and equitable environments for residents, visitors, and patrons. It covers all socioeconomic status, race, and background promoting equity by reducing disparities in housing quality. Transparent and updated standards can build trust among Oak Park’s diverse community by demonstrating the staff’s commitment to accountability and the well-being of residents.
Community Input
Staff brought forward the potential changes to the IPMC to the Business Codes Advisory Commission on January 18, February 15, March 21, and April 24, 2024. At the April meeting, the Business Codes Advisory Commission voted to recommend approval of the change.
In January 2025, Neighborhood Services sought community input via the Village’s communication channels about the proposed 2024 IPMC update. Staff sent notifications directly to the Chamber of Commerce, Oak Park Business Association Council, and members of the Building Owners and Managers Association. Staff also announced and held a 4-hour Open House session on January 22, 2025, at Village Hall to allow the opportunity for public feedback. There were general property maintenance questions presented during that time and no objections to the proposed 2024 IPMC update.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the ordinance.
Advantages:
• Implements the CROP plan
• Updates to current property maintenance standards
• Helps to create safer and healthier living conditions
• Supports DEI efforts by fostering an equitable living environment as a whole
• Results in uniformity enforcement standards with other updated building codes
• Implements the CROP plan
Disadvantages:
• Creates change for existing property owners in the Village
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board could choose not to adopt the ordinance.
Advantages:
• Minimizes change for existing property owners in the Village
Disadvantages:
• Compromises safety, as older codes may not address modern safety standards
• The 2009 IPMC does not align with other adopted building codes
• Properties maintained under outdated codes may negatively affect resale values and neighborhood appeal
Anticipated Future Actions
Upon adoption, the Village will be scheduling staff training to move forward with implementation, as well as education and outreach.
Prepared By: Tina R. Brown, Neighborhood Services Code Compliance Manager
Reviewed By: Jonathan Burch, Assistant Village Manager/Neighborhood Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. 2009 vs 2024 IPMC Comparison Matrix
2. Draft IPMC Ordinance