Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director of Development Customer Services
Agenda Item Title
Title
Building Code Update
End
Overview
Overview
The Village reviews and adopts updated building codes to attract construction growth by accepting current trends and implementing more modern approved materials and improved safer building practices.
End
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Recommendation
In January 2014, the Village adopted the 2009 edition of the International Code Council Building Codes. The Building Code Advisory Commission is recommending that the Village adopt the 2018 editions of the International Codes with a decreased number of amendments to simplify and streamline the building code process. The formal recommendation for adoption will be presented to the Village Board at a subsequent meeting. At this point, staff is recommending that a community education campaign be conducted prior to adoption of the new codes.
Body
Report
The Village of Oak Park Building Code Advisory Commission has spent over two years reviewing the 2018 International Code Council Building Codes and streamlining and reducing our amendments.
Oak Park has published their own codes from 1916 through the 1960’s. Building codes evolve rapidly through changing trends, new technologies, and natural disasters. As the industry became more organized, three major regional code organizations became prevalent throughout the United States, ultimately merging into the International Code Council (ICC). Since the 1960’s, the Village had relied on professional development of a code organization to provide a detailed and thorough code to abide by. Often states adopt the ICC Codes. However, in Illinois, the responsibility of code adoption is in the hands of the individual municipality.
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL: The ICC, a private member-focused association, is dedicated to developing model codes and standards on a three year cycle with the intent to safeguard health, property and public welfare. The codes evolve based upon past documented design failures, testing of new materials and methods voted upon by its membership, the building and fire officials, as well as the design professionals.
At least three developments are waiting for the adoption of the new codes prior to submission of their permit application because the new code allows for a stick build construction process for six story buildings that reduces costs. The Village’s current code does not allow for this construction type.
Prior to adopting a new code, staff recommends holding seminars with local contractors and architects outlining the code differences between the two editions in efforts to notify, educate, and prepare the public for this code adoption. Seminars will be scheduled remotely in June. The Code adoption will be presented to the Village Board in a July Board meeting.
Alternatives
Request additional information.