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Title:
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Second Reading and Approval of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 ("Buildings"), Article 5 ("Fire Code") of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt the 2024 International Code Council Fire 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 5 ("Fire Code") of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt the 2024 International Code Council Fire 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 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) Fire Code with fewer amendments to simplify and streamline the Village's building code process.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the ordinance. There are two ordinances proposed with this agenda item for consideration. A Commission recommended version and a staff recommended version.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
* Reviewed the first reading of the 2024 International Fire Code on June 17, 2025 - The Village Board asked staff to review specific portions of the proposed ordinance relative to when a fire sprinkler system is required. Staff has provided a response memorandum for Village Board consideration.
* Adopted the 2021 International Fire Code on June 20, 2023
* Adopted the 2018 International Fire Code on September 1, 2020
Background
The Village of Oak Park published its own codes from 1916 through the 1960s. The codes evolved rapidly through changing trends and new technologies. As the construction industry became more organized the three major regional code organization across the United States ultimately merged into the International Code Council (ICC). Since the 1960s, the Village has relied on professional development of 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 exception of the state-mandated Plumbing Code and Energy Code.
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 & 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, it aligns with the department's core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
The Building Codes Advisory Commission reviewed the proposed codes in fall of 2024. Their recommended amendments are reflected in the 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, 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 newer 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 enforce the existing 2021 codes.
Disadvantages:
* The latest codes reflect the latest technologies and construction materials into consideration. The proposed codes can also potentially 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 and Development Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance - Staff Recommended
2. Ordinance - Commission Recommended
3. Staff Response Memorandum
4. Presentation
5. IL Communities percentage
6. HFSC Flyers
7. US Experience with Sprinklers
8. Insurance Information