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First Reading and Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 ("Building"), Article 12 ("Plumbing Code") of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt the 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code with Amendments as Recommended by the Building Code Advisory Commission
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First Reading and Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 ("Building"), Article 12 ("Plumbing Code") of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt the 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code with Amendments as Recommended by the Building Code Advisory Commission
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Introduction
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The Village periodically reviews, adopts, and amends building codes to attract construction growth by accepting current trends and implementing more modern approved materials and safer building practices. The Building Code Advisory Commission is recommending that the Village Board adopt the 2014 edition of the Illinois Plumbing Code with amendments to simplify and streamline the Village's building code process.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the ordinance. Please NOTE: This code was not presented at the previous Village Board meeting. Staff would request that the Village Board waive first reading and approve along with all the other codes submitted for consideration.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
* Modified the 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code on November 16, 2015 requiring WaterSense labeled fixtures.
Background
The Illinois Plumbing Code has been in effect since 2014 with no major modifications. However, numerous acts have been passed that impact the code as written, but the base code has not been modified to keep up.
While a municipality is required to follow the state-mandated Plumbing Code it is allowed to be modified based on community needs. One of the significant changes is under (410 ILCS 35/25) Section 25 titled the "All-gender single-occupancy restrooms." This act requires that any single stall restroom be gender neutral. The base code does still require a separate male and female restroom for any occupancy where there are 5 or more employees. This has caused numerous issues with businesses trying to open and trigger the two-restroom requirement, which it is not required based on total counts detailed in the code (Based on the ILPC numbers & ICC IPC which do not require an additional stall until you have 25 or people). The proposed amendment is to modify the number to 10 employees, and for small eateries up to 20 people maximum.
Timing Considerations
If approved, the codes would be effective as of January 1, 2026. This would allow staff time to host several educational seminars for contractors, architects and staff.
Budget Impact
Funds were budgeted in the books and subscriptions account (1001.46250.101.550606) in fiscal year 2025 to cover the expense of the new code books for staff.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
The Building Code Advisory Commission reviewed the proposed amendment on August 21, 2025.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Ordinance.
Advantages:
* This action can result in cost savings for small businesses that do not have to do major rework to install a second bath or look elsewhere for a suitable location.
Disadvantages:
* This action may lead to the possibility of some pushback from State Plumbing Board.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village could elect not to adopt the recommended code change and maintain the existing 2014 editions of the code.
Advantages:
* There would be no effect on construction costs, and permit operations would enforce the existing 2014 codes.
Disadvantages:
* Certain businesses will continue to look elsewhere as it can be impractical to add in a second bathroom.
Anticipated Future Actions
Staff must return to the board for a second reading.
Prepared By: Sean Lintow Sr, Chief Building Official/ Permits and Development Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance