Added Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029.
Title 14A of the Municipal Code of Chicago may be referred to as the "Administrative Provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes" or "Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions." It is referred to throughout Title 14A as "this title."
This title, together with the Chicago Building Code, Chicago Conveyance Device Code, Chicago Electrical Code, Chicago Fire Prevention Code, Chicago Fuel Gas Code, Chicago Mechanical Code, Chicago Energy Conservation Code, Chicago Plumbing Code, Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code, and Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings may be referred to as the Chicago Construction Codes. Throughout this title the Chicago Construction Codes are referred to individually as "each code."
In this title and throughout the Chicago Construction Codes the entire Municipal Code of Chicago is referred to as "the Municipal Code."
The Chicago Construction Codes regulate the construction, demolition, maintenance, rehabilitation, relocation, and use and occupancy of buildings, structures, and adjacent outdoor areas.
The purpose of the Chicago Construction Codes is to establish minimum requirements for the protection and promotion of public health, safety, and welfare.
The requirements of each of the Chicago Construction Codes are interrelated and not intended to be applied separately. Each code listed in Sections 14A-1-101.4.1 through 14A-1-101.4.12, to the extent referred to in each of the Chicago Construction Codes, is part of the requirements of this title and each code.
The Chicago Building Code applies to the initial construction of buildings and structures and to other building- and property-related activities as specifically referenced in the other Chicago Construction Codes.
The Chicago Conveyance Device Code applies to the design, construction, installation, alteration, maintenance, and repair of conveyance devices and their components.
The Chicago Electrical Code applies to the installation and removal of: electrical conductors, equipment and raceways; signaling and communication conductors, equipment and raceways; and optical fibers cables and raceways, as further described in Section 14E-1-90.2.
The Chicago Fire Prevention Code applies to matters affecting or relating to protecting people and structures from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling, or use of specialized structures, materials, or devices; conditions unusually hazardous to life, property, or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and the maintenance and operation of fire protection and life safety systems.
The Chicago Fuel Gas Code applies to the installation and operation of gas piping from the point of utility delivery to the inlet connections of appliances, gas-fueled appliances, and related accessories.
The Chicago Mechanical Code applies to the installation, alteration, repair, and replacement of mechanical systems and equipment, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other energyrelated systems.
The Chicago Energy Conservation Code applies to all matters related to the design, construction, and rehabilitation of buildings for energy efficiency.
The Chicago Plumbing Code, applies to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances, where connected to a water or sewage system, excluding fire protection systems.
The Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code applies to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to, and relocation of existing structures.
The Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings establish minimum standards for equipment and facilities, light and ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety protection, and occupancy of existing structures and premises. This code also specifies the responsibilities of owners and occupants in relation to existing buildings and vacant buildings.
Added Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029.
Amended Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 3647.
The Chicago Construction Codes are subject to the general organizational and interpretive principles established in Chapter 1-4 of the Municipal Code. In case of a conflict between provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes and the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, the stricter provision governs.
Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement of the Chicago Construction Codes, the specific requirement controls. Where, in any specific case, different sections of the Chicago Construction Codes specify different materials, methods of construction, or other requirements, the more restrictive provision controls. The more restrictive provision is the one that provides the greatest restriction on construction or occupancy.
References to chapter or section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identified by number, within each code refer to the chapter, section, or provision of that code. Wherever a chapter, section, or subsection of the Chicago Construction Codes is cited or referred to, subordinate, consecutively numbered sections and subsections of the cited provision are included in the reference.
The external codes and standards referenced in the Chicago Construction Codes are incorporated into and made part of the requirements of each code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 14A-1-102.4.1 through 14A-1-102.4.2.
Where a conflict exists between the adopting ordinance and a provision of a model code incorporated into the Chicago Construction Codes by reference, the adopting ordinance controls. Where a conflict exists between provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes and a standard referenced in a model code, the provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes control.
Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of the Chicago Construction Codes, the provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes take precedence over the provisions in the referenced code or standard.
The lawfully-established use and occupancy of any building or other structure existing on the effective date of a given provision of the Chicago Construction Codes continues to be lawful, even if the building or other structure does not conform to requirements for a new building of similar use or occupancy.
Exception: The Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings, and provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes referenced in that code, apply to new and existing structures both prospectively and retrospectively.
Before initial legal occupancy, a building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied for its intended purpose in accordance with the laws in effect at the time of its completion must be brought into compliance with the provisions of the Chicago Building Code for new construction or with the requirements of a valid permit.
Added Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029.
Amended Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 3647.
The Department of Buildings is established pursuant to Chapter 2-22 of the Municipal Code.
As used in the Chicago Construction Codes, the terms "building official" and "authority having jurisdiction" mean the Commissioner of Buildings or the Commissioner's authorized representative.
In all cases where any action is taken by the building official to enforce the provisions of the Municipal Code, whether such action is taken pursuant to the express provisions of a particular section or in a case where discretionary power is given by the Municipal Code to the building official, such acts are done in the name of and on behalf of the City, and the building official in so acting for the City does not render himself or herself liable personally, and he or she is hereby relieved from all personal liability from any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any such act committed in good faith in the discharge of his or her duties, and any suit brought against the building official by reason thereof must be defended by the Corporation Counsel until the final termination of the proceedings therein. The building official is indemnified by the City from all costs or fees arising from such legal action.
Added Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029.
Amended Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 3647.
Amended Coun. J.9-14-21, p. 35949.
The building official is authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes. The building official may render interpretations of the Chicago Construction Codes and adopt policies and procedures to clarify the application of their provisions. Such interpretations, policies, and procedures must be consistent with the intent and purpose of the Chicago Construction Codes.
Exception: The building official may only render interpretations and adopt policies and procedures with respect to the Chicago Fire Prevention Code with the agreement of the fire code official.
The building official may establish compliance procedures to determine whether violations of the Chicago Construction Codes have been corrected.
The building official is authorized and directed to receive permit applications, review construction documents, and issue permits for the construction, rehabilitation, demolition, and moving of structures, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued, and enforce compliance with the provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes.
The building official is authorized to institute specialized permitting programs, including but not limited to programs for preliminary review of permit applications or to allow registered design professionals to certify compliance of construction documents with the Chicago Construction Codes, in accordance with Section 14A-1-104.4. The building official is authorized to establish fees for each specialized permitting program based on the direct and indirect costs to the City of operating the program. Users of specialized permitting programs must pay the program-specific fees in addition to fees otherwise provided for in the Municipal Code in order to participate in the program and before obtaining a permit.
Exception: The fire code official is responsible for permits provided for in the Chicago Fire Prevention Code.
The building official is authorized and directed to suspend and revoke permits as provided in Section 14A-4-413.
The building official is authorized and directed to examine, regulate, license, certify, or register the occupations and professions involved in or the construction, rehabilitation, demolition, or maintenance of buildings or structures and related building systems pursuant to the Municipal Code. The building official has all powers reasonable and necessary to carry out such duties, including, but not limited to:
- Preparing forms for applications for examinations.
- Preparing forms for license certificates and issuing them in conformity with the provisions of the Municipal Code.
- Preparing subject matter for examination.
- Preparing and giving uniform examinations to applicants for trade licenses that will test their qualifications in their respective occupations and professions.
- Grading all tests and examinations for trade licenses.
- Prescribing, where appropriate, standards for what constitutes a recognized college, university, or trade school and determining the conformance to such standards.
- Suspending or revoking any trade license issued under the provisions of the Municipal Code for cause as set forth in Section 14A-3-305, or pursuant to the child support compliance provisions of Section 4-4-152 of the Municipal Code, or upon determination by the building official that the licensee or registrant has violated any other provision of the Municipal Code or any of the statutes of the State related to the regulated or registered occupation; provided, however, that where the trade license suspension or revocation is based on Section 4-4-152 of the Municipal Code, the hearing must be administered pursuant to the rules of that section.
- Suspending the ability of any person to submit new applications or complete pending applications for a permit or other authorization issued by the Department of Buildings for cause as set forth in Section 14A-3-304.
- Keeping a full and correct detailed record of the official proceedings of the building official.
- Preserving all documents, books, and papers relating to examinations for trade licenses and hearings of complaints or charges; keeping a record of the names, ages, places of business and residences of all applicants for trade licenses and the disposition made of the applications; keeping an up-to-date record specifying names and addresses of trade license holders, including the dates of issuance of all such trade licenses; keeping a record specifying names, addresses, and dates of trade licenses suspended or revoked, the cause therefor, and trade licenses renewed.
- Reviewing the trade license fees set forth in the Chicago Construction Codes at least once every three years, as measured from January 1, 2009.
- Issuing a cease and desist notice to any person performing work or offering to perform work without first having obtained the proper trade license.
The building official is authorized to promulgate any rule reasonably necessary to carry out the powers and duties prescribed in the Chicago Construction Codes. The building official must give public notice of any proposed rule, before its effective date, by posting a public notice and the proposed rule on the Department's public website no less than ten days before the effective date of the proposed rule or proposed amendment to an existing rule. Such public notice must include information concerning where written comments may be directed.
The building official is authorized and directed to prepare and maintain all records necessary for the efficient and orderly conduct of the business of the Department of Buildings, including records of applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued.
The building official is authorized and directed to investigate and make recommendations, from time to time, to the Mayor, with respect to additions or revisions of the Chicago Construction Codes, as may be necessary or appropriate for the enforcement and regulation required by this title, and to make recommendations to the Mayor, with respect to permit fees set forth in the Chicago Construction Codes at least once every three years, as measured from January 1, 2009.
The building official is directed to make or oversee the inspections provided for in the Chicago Construction Codes. The building official is authorized to require that an inspection under the building official's jurisdiction and required by the Chicago Construction Codes be undertaken pursuant to the mandate of, rather than by, the building official. The building official may authorize such mandated inspections if, as a result of such inspections, documents are made available to the building official that enable the building official to conclude that the inspection has satisfactorily served its purpose. The building official is authorized and directed to investigate complaints made to the City and referred to the Department of Buildings which the building official deems to be both reasonable and within the jurisdiction of the Department of Buildings. The building official must prioritize investigations based upon considerations of public health and safety.
The building official is authorized and directed to issue any permits or grant any approvals relating to the construction, maintenance, rehabilitation, demolition, or relocation of buildings or other structures, including permits and approvals on behalf of any other department or office of the City, including the Department of Buildings, Department of Water Management, Department of Transportation, Department of Streets and Sanitation, Department of Planning and Development, Department of Housing, Department of Public Health, Department of Finance, the Fire Department, and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, and in such cases any reference in the Municipal Code to such other departments or offices, or the officials in charge of those departments or offices, may be considered a reference to the building official and the Department of Buildings.
Exception: Approvals granted by the Zoning Administrator and governed by Section 17-14-0202-O of the Municipal Code.
The building official is authorized and directed to exercise the powers and to perform the duties given to the building official in the Chicago Zoning Ordinance.
The building official is authorized and directed to exercise the rights, powers, duties, obligations, and responsibilities transferred from other departments and officials as provided in Sections 14A-1-104.10.1 through 14A-1-104.10.2.
The building official and the Department of Buildings assume all rights, powers, duties, obligations, and responsibilities of the former Department of Construction and Permits and former Executive Director of the Department of Construction and Permits. All personnel, books, records, property, and funds relating to the former Department are transferred to the Department of Buildings. The building official succeeds to the rights and duties of the former Executive Director under existing contracts, grant or loan agreements or programs, or other agreements or ordinances. All rules or regulations issued by the former Executive Director in effect as of January 1, 2007, will remain in effect until amended or repealed by the building official.
The building official and the Department of Buildings assume all rights, powers, duties, obligations, and responsibilities of the former Commissioner and Department of the Environment related to flood control, including:
- All personnel, books, records, property, and funds related to flood control.
- The administration of any federal, state, local, or private grant or loan programs, except to the extent prohibited by the grantor or grant agreement, related to flood control.
- The rights and duties under existing contracts, appropriations, grant agreements, redevelopment agreements, leases, indentures, or other agreements or ordinances related to flood control.
All rules or regulations issued by the former Commissioner of the Environment relating to flood control, in effect as of January 1, 2012, will remain in effect until amended or repealed by the building official.
The building official is directed to issue necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with the Chicago Construction Codes.
Exception: The fire code official is directed to issue necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with the Chicago Fire Prevention Code.
The building official is authorized to engage such experts as deemed necessary by the building official to advise on unusual or specialized technical issues that arise in the course of administering the Chicago Construction Codes.
City officials and their respective assistants charged with the administration of any of the provisions of the Chicago Construction Codes, when acting within the scope of their employment, are authorized to enter any building or premises and any and all parts thereof at any reasonable time, or at any time when such building or premises is occupied by the public in order to examine and assess its condition for compliance with the Chicago Construction Codes or to otherwise discharge their respective duties under the Municipal Code. It is unlawful for any person to obstruct or otherwise interfere with a lawful inspection conducted by such City officials or their respective assistants pursuant to this section.
Exception: Where the authority to inspect is limited by applicable law.
Added Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 100029.
Amended Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791.
Amended Coun. J. 9-14-21, p. 35949.
Amended Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722.
Beginning July 1, 2019, this Title 14A applies to all administrative, procedural, and enforcement matters within the jurisdiction of the building official related to applications for permit, building inspections, and construction, demolition, excavation, and rehabilitation work. On and after that date, this title supersedes conflicting provisions of the Municipal Code regarding these subjects.
The building official may, by rule, designate any provision of the Chicago Building Code, Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code, or Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings as an administrative provision and may specify an effective date earlier than as otherwise provided in Section 14A-1-105.
Beginning August 1, 2020, except as otherwise provided in Sections 14A-1-105.2.1 through 14A-1-105.2.7, all permit applications must be submitted and all construction work must be performed in accordance with Title 14B and all provisions referenced in that title.
Beginning August 1, 2019, the building official and fire code official may establish a program for the review of a limited number of permit applications, selected by the building official with the consent of the permit applicant, under the provisions of Title 14B for training and evaluation purposes. Where an application is reviewed under this provision, the permit and all work done pursuant to it are subject to all requirements of Title 14B.
Beginning December 1, 2019, any permit applicant may request permission from the building official to proceed under the provisions of Title 14B. Where such permission is granted, the permit and all work done pursuant to it are subject to all requirements of Title 14B.
Beginning December 1, 2019, the building official may designate, by rule, that specified types of work or permit applications, including but not limited to self-certified permit applications, must proceed under the provisions of Title 14B.
A permit applied for before August 1, 2020, based on all applicable construction requirements in effect on the date of application, may be issued and the permitted work may be built in accordance with those requirements if the permitted work is diligently pursued to completion.
On and after August 1, 2020, the building official may allow a permit application that seeks a minor revision to an issued permit applied for before August 1, 2020, to be issued and built in accordance with all construction requirements applicable to the previously-issued permit. The building official may designate, by rule, criteria for application of this provision.
On and after August 1, 2020, the building official may allow a permit application that seeks a permit for the second or subsequent phase of a construction project for which an issued permit for the first phase was applied for before August 1, 2020, to be issued and built in accordance with all construction requirements applicable to the previously-issued permit. The building official may designate, by rule, criteria for application of this provision.
The building official may, by notice posted on the City's public website, delay or advance the effective dates of Chapters 14B-17 and 14B-33, or portion of these chapters but in no case may the effective dates of these chapters be earlier than January 1, 2020, or later than January 1, 2021.
On and after December 1, 2019, except as otherwise provided in Sections 14A-1-105.3.1 and 14A-1-105.3.2, the accessibility-related provisions in Titles 14B and 14R apply to all construction and rehabilitation work. The building official is authorized to designate provisions of Titles 14B and 14R as "accessibility-related provisions" subject to this requirement.
A permit applied for before December 1, 2019, based on all applicable accessibility-related requirements in effect on the date of application, including requirements under state and federal law, may be issued and the permitted work may be built in accordance with those requirements.
On and after December 1, 2019, the building official may allow a permit application that seeks a permit for the second or subsequent phase of a construction project for which an issued permit for the first phase was applied for before December 1, 2019, to be issued and built in accordance with all construction requirements applicable to the previously-issued permit. The building official may designate, by rule, criteria for application of this provision.
On and after October 1, 2018, except as otherwise provided in Section 14A-1-105.4.1, Title 14C applies to all conveyance devices.
A permit applied for before October 1, 2018, based on all applicable requirements in effect on the date of application, may be issued and the permitted work may be built in accordance with those requirements.
On and after March 1, 2018, except as otherwise provided in Section 14A-1-105.5.1, Title 14E applies to all electrical work.
A permit applied for before March 1, 2018, based on all applicable requirements in effect on the date of application, may be issued and the permitted work may be built in accordance with those requirements.
Except as the building official
may otherwise provide by rule, the amendments made to
Chapter 18-28 of the Municipal Code by the amendatory
ordinance of 2021 are only applicable to projects permitted
under Title 14B in accordance with Section 14A-1-105.2 or
Title 14R in accordance with Section 14A-1-105.11. These
amendments, as a whole, are optional for permit applications
submitted before January 1, 2022 and mandatory for permit
applications submitted after that date.
Beginning June 1, 2019, except as otherwise provided in Sections 14A- 1-105.9.1 through 14A-1-105.9.3, all permit applications must be submitted and all construction and rehabilitation work must be performed in accordance with Title 14N and Section 14B-15-1515.
A permit applied for before June 1, 2019, based on all applicable energy conservation requirements in effect on the date of application, may be issued and the permitted work may be built in accordance with those requirements.
On and after June 1, 2019, the building official may allow a permit application that seeks a minor revision to an issued permit applied for before June 1, 2019, to be issued and built in accordance with all energy conservation requirements applicable to the previously-issued permit. The building official may designate, by rule, criteria for application of this provision.
On and after June 1, 2019, the building official may allow a permit application that seeks a permit for the second or subsequent phase of a project for which an issued permit for the first phase was applied for before June 1, 2019, to be issued and built in accordance with all energy conservation requirements applicable to the previously-issued permit. The building official may designate, by rule, criteria for application of this provision.
Except as the building official
may otherwise provide by rule, the amendments made to
Chapter 18-29 of the Municipal Code by the amendatory
ordinance of 2021 are only applicable to projects permitted
under Title 14B in accordance with Section 14A-1-105.2 or
Title 14R in accordance with Section 14A-1-105.11. These
amendments, as a whole, are optional for permit applications
submitted before March 1, 2022 and mandatory for permit
applications submitted on or after that date.
Beginning August 1, 2020, except as otherwise provided in Sections 14A-1-105.11.1 through 14A-1-105.11.7, all rehabilitation work must be performed in accordance with Titles 14B and 14R and all provisions referenced in those titles.
Beginning August 1, 2019, the building official and fire code official may establish a program for the review of a limited number of permit applications, selected by the building official with the consent of the permit applicant, under the provisions of Title 14R for training and evaluation purposes. Where an application is reviewed under this provision, the permit and all work done pursuant to it are subject to all requirements of Titles 14B and 14R.
Beginning December 1, 2019, any permit applicant may request permission from the building official to proceed under the provisions of Title 14R. Where such permission is granted, the permit and all work done pursuant to it are subject to all requirements of Titles 14B and 14R.
Beginning December 1, 2019, the building official may designate, by rule, that specified types of rehabilitation work or permit applications, including but not limited to self-certified permit applications, must proceed under the provisions of Titles 14B and 14R.
A permit applied for before August 1, 2020, based on all applicable construction and rehabilitation requirements in effect on the date of application, may be issued and the permitted work may be built in accordance with those requirements.
On and after August 1, 2020, the building official may allow a permit application that seeks a minor revision to an issued permit applied for before August 1, 2020, to be issued and built in accordance with all construction and rehabilitation requirements applicable to the previously-issued permit. The building official may designate, by rule, criteria for application of this provision.
On and after August 1, 2020, the building official may allow a permit application that seeks a permit for the second or subsequent phase of a rehabilitation project for which an issued permit for the first phase was applied for before August 1, 2020, to be issued and built in accordance with all construction requirements applicable to the previously-issued permit. The building official may designate, by rule, criteria for application of this provision.
The building official may, by notice posted on the City's public website, delay the effective date of Chapter 14R-13, but in no case may the effective date of Chapter 14R-13 be later than August 1, 2020.
The building official is authorized and directed to designate the effective date of Title 14X by notice posted on the City's public website no later than June 1, 2020. On and after this date, the provisions of Title 14X supersede any conflicting provisions in Titles 13, 15 and 18 of the Municipal Code. In the absence of such a designation, the effective date of the requirements in Title 14X is August 1, 2020, provided however that the requirements in Title 14X will apply to any building or structure built in accordance with the requirements of Title 14B or rehabilitated in accordance with the requirements of Title 14R upon occupancy and before the general effective date.