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A First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 (“Buildings”), Article 15 (“Pool Code”) of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt the 2024 International Code Council Swimming Pool and Spa Code as Recommended by the Building Code Advisory Commission
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Introduction
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The Village periodically reviews and adopts updated 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 2024 editions of the International Code Council with a decreased number of amendments to simplify and streamline the Village’s building code process.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• Adopted the 2021 International Existing Building Codes on June 20, 2023
• Adopted the 2018 International Existing Building Codes on September 21, 2020.
Background
On June 20, 2023, the Village adopted the 2021 edition of the International Code Council Building Codes. The International Code Council Swimming Pool and Spa Code was a newer code and had not been recommended until then.
The Village of Oak Park has published its own codes from 1916 to the 1960s. The codes evolved rapidly through the changing trends and new technologies. As the construction industry became more organized the three major regional code organizations across the United States ultimately merged into the International Code Council (ICC). Since the 1960s, the Village relied on the professional development of a code organization to provide a detailed and thorough code. Often, states adopt the International Code Council Codes. However, in Illinois, the responsibility of code adoptions is in the hands of the individual municipality, with the exception of the state-mandated Plumbing Code and Energy Code. Hence, staff is recommending these amendment today to update our existing codes through the Board’s approval of this recommendation.
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 new code books for staff.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
The Building Code Advisory Commission reviewed the proposed codes in fall of 2024. Their recommended amendments are reflected in the second attachment.
Staff Recommendation
Advantages:
• This is the most established and thorough International Code(s), which was created by hundreds of building officials, fire officials, design professionals, manufacturers, and/or other members of the general public. It has been compiled and published by the two major code organizations in the world. Adoption would prevent the Village from needing to create its own codes.
• By adopting the latest version of the newest codes, the Village can now apply the latest proven materials and techniques that involve the latest and most modern construction/installations.
Disadvantages:
• Adopting an updated version of the International Code(s) there may cause some unfamiliarity and confusion until unknowledgeable/uneducated contractors learn the newer code(s).
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village could elect to not adopt the recommended code changes and maintain the existing 2021 editions of the code.
Advantages:
• There would be no effect to construction costs, and permit operations would enforce the existing 2021 codes.
Disadvantages:
• The latest codes incorporate the latest technologies and construction materials into consideration. The proposed codes can also potentially result in a construction cost-savings to the property owner.
Anticipated Future Actions
Staff would return to the July 15th board meeting with a second reading.
Prepared By: Noemy Diaz, Administrative Officer of Development Services
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance
2. Fact Sheet