Building Code
New Plumbing Code Passed!
Plumbing cost saving recommendations from the Compact have now been incorporated into the plumbing code. The ordinance was informed by the Alternative Plumbing Materials Pilot Program, which was created based on recommendations from the Compact and its partners. The Pilot program saved Chicago developers and property owners more than $38 million over the past four years.
Data acquired through the Alternative Plumbing Materials Pilot Program helped to inform changes to the Chicago Plumbing Code passed by the City Council in October. The amendments authorize expanded use of PVC for drain, waste, and vent piping for residential occupancies and will eliminate the need to apply for and receive an Alternative Code Approval Request (ACAR). The Chicago Department of Buildings has also released a code interpretation for the use of PVC in mixed-use buildings.
Developers will now be able to use cost-saving PVC pipes in residential and mixed-use buildings of up to 60 feet in height.
Building Code Modernization
The City of Chicago adopted a major update to the Chicago Building Code. The new code represents the first comprehensive revisions to the building code in 70 years and includes provisions to help owners do more rehab at lower costs, such as streamlining the permit process and adding more flexibility and options for construction materials.
Electrical Code Update
- Incorporates several commonsense, cost-saving changes, advocated for by The Preservation Compact and partners, including the expanded use of flexible metal conduit and new rules for the placement of electrical disconnect boxes.
- Clarifies that only the newly built walls and ceilings must comply with the new construction requirements in the Energy Code.
- Read more about the Electrical Code update here.
Related News
New Plumbing Code Passed!
New changes to the Chicago Plumbing Code offer significant cost savings for owners and developers of multifamily and mixed-use buildings!
The ordinance was informed by the Alternative Plumbing Materials Pilot Program, which was created based on recommendations from the Compact and its partners. The Pilot program saved Chicago developers and property owners more than $38 million over the past four years.
Read moreBuilding Code Clarification on Sprinklers
Even though the new Chicago building code that became mandatory on August 1, 2020 requires installation of an automatic sprinkler system for buildings with more than four stories, most multifamily rehab projects will not be required to do this. There is an exception for existing buildings that do not have adequate water supply available without the installation of a fire pump […]
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