On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, Chicago adopted the first comprehensive update of its building code in over 70 years. The update modernizes the Chicago Building Code and incorporates parts of the International Building Code (IBC), which architects from around the country and around the world are more familiar with.
The code allows for more flexible building systems, giving architects and contractors more options on how to construct buildings. Aligning it with model codes also makes it easier to update the Chicago Building Code when those model codes are updated.
For small residential buildings — which I have a great interest in because of the prevalence of deconversions and limited new two and three-flat construction that have contributed to lowered neighborhood density— changes include being able to build small multi-family and mixed-use buildings using wood frame construction. Another example is that the minimum ceiling height in a basement dwelling unit is reduced which could increase the number of basements that are eligible to be converted to apartments (a kind of ADU).
The new Chicago building code will be voluntary in December and mandatory in August 2020. Read about more of new code’s benefits.
Questions about office and large apartment buildings should be directed to my colleagues at MAP Strategies, who are going to give seminars soon.
Other code changes
There are some other code updates that architects, developers, and contractors should know about:
- Proposed: A zoning text amendment that would waive the “conversion fee” when rezoning (from PMD/M to B or C) in Industrial Corridors when the project includes rehabbing a “character building”. The conversion fee is a function of the property area and average land acquisition and construction costs, so it is much more expensive than a typical zoning change. If you have a property in the North Branch Industrial Corridor or the Kinzie Industrial Corridor, get in touch and I’ll explain it to you, if not write a future blog post.
- The Illinois Accessibility Code was updated last fall, and accessibility architect Denise Arnold talked to me about the five changes that impact residential design and construction.
- “Bird Law” might become a design standard soon, which would require that transparent façades use shading or fritting, or some other product, to eliminate the reflectivity of glass that contributes to birds crashing.
- “Mural code” (not really a code) was updated to give building owners with blank walls, and funders, some more flexibility to hire muralists to paint and acknowledge the sponsor without it being considered a sign.