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Second Reading and Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 ("Buildings"), Article 1 ("Building Code") of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt the 2024 International Code Council Building Code as Recommended by the Building Code Advisory Commission
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Title
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Second Reading and Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 ("Buildings"), Article 1 ("Building Code") of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt the 2024 International Code Council Building 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 and electric 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 (ICC) Building Code with 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):
* Reviewed the first reading of the 2024 International Building Code on June 17, 2025
* Adopted the 2021 International Building Codes on June 20, 2023
* Adopted the 2018 International Building Codes on September 21, 2020
Background
The Village of Oak Park has published its own codes from 1916 through 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 has 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, except for the state-mandated Plumbing Code and Energy Code.
The proposed Building Code provides a comprehensive set of regulations for the design, construction, alteration and maintenance of buildings to establish safety standards.
Timing Considerations
If approved, the codes would be effective as of January 1, 2026. This would allow staff 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 apparent DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
The Building Code Advisory Commission reviewed the proposed codes in fall of 2024. The BCAC also further reviewed the proposed codes on August 21, 2025. Their recommended amendments are reflected in the attached ordinance.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Ordinance
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 public. It has been compiled and published by the two major code organizations worldwide. 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. This includes, but is not limited to, the EV Charger Systems and/or Solar Panel Systems.
Disadvantages:
* Adopting an updated version of the International Code(s) may cause some unfamiliarity until contractors learn the updated sections of the code(s).
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village could elect not to adopt the recommended code changes and maintain the existing 2021 editions of the code.
Advantages:
* There would be no effect on construction costs, and permit operations would continue to enforce the existing 2021 codes.
Disadvantages:
* The latest codes incorporate the latest technologies and construction materials into consideration. In some instances, the proposed codes can result in construction cost savings for the property owner.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Sean Lintow Sr, Chief Building Official/Permits & Development Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Director Development Services
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance