DuPage County, Illinois, Code of Ordinances

Chapter 8 BUILDING CODE

Chapter 8
BUILDING CODE1

1
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, adopted October 25, 2016, amended the Code by, in effect, repealing
and replacing former Ch. 8, §§ 8-100—8-132, 8-200—8-212, 8-300—8-315, 8-400, 8-500, 8-600, 8-700, 8-
800, 8-900, and 8-1000, with a new Ch. 8. Former Ch. 8 pertained to similar subject matter, and was enacted
by Ordinance 1948; and amended by Ord. No. B-001-85, adopted May 28, 1985; Ord. No. OBL-001-89,
adopted July 11, 1989; Ord. No. OBD-001-92, adopted November 24, 1992; Ord. No. OBD-001-97, adopted
July 8, 1997; Ord. No. OBD-001-98, adopted March 23, 1998; Ord. No. ODSB-01-00, adopted February 22,
2000; Ord. No. ODCB-01-02, adopted January 22, 2002; Ord. No. ODCB-01-04, adopted February 24, 2004;
Ord. No. ODCB-01-05, adopted October 25, 2005; Ord. No. ODBC-01-06, adopted November 28, 2006; Ord.
No. ODCB-0001-07, adopted November 13, 2007; Ord. No. ODCB-0001-08, adopted August 12, 2008; Ord.
No. ODCB-0001-09, adopted August 25, 2009; Res. No. DC-0001-11, adopted June 28, 2011; Res. No. DC-
0002-12, adopted August 14, 2012; and Ord. No. DC-O-0030-15, adopted August 11, 2015.
Note(s)—Unlike the other codification numbers, the Building Code is numbered on a one hundred (100) section
number basis. An eight (8) has been added to each section of the Building Code to denote "Chapter 8." In
addition, each section is divided into a subsection, which is numbered on a decimal basis (i.e. 8-100.1, 8-
100.2, etc.) The hundred series has been established by the Building Division of the Building & Zoning
Department and is preserved in the DuPage County Code.

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 Chapter 8 - BUILDING CODE
ARTICLE I. BUILDING CODE

ARTICLE I. BUILDING CODE

8-100: SCOPE.

8-100.1: TITLE.
These regulations shall be known as the DuPage County Building Code hereinafter referred to as "this Code."
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-100.2: PURPOSE OF CODE.

The purpose of this Code is to provide safety, health and public welfare through structural strength and
stability, means of egress, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation and protection to life and property
from fire and hazards incidental to the use, design, construction, alteration, relocation, removal or demolition of
buildings and structures.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-100.3: SCOPE.
These regulations shall control all matters concerning the construction, alteration, addition, repair,
relocation, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy and maintenance of all buildings and structures, and
shall apply to existing or proposed buildings and structures: except as such matters are otherwise provided for in
other ordinances or statutes, or in the rules and regulations authorized for promulgation under the provisions of
this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-100.4: REFERENCED CODES AND STANDARDS.

The codes and standards referenced in this Code shall be considered part of the requirements of this Code to
the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur between provisions of this Code and
referenced codes and standards, the provisions of this Code shall apply.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-100.5: CODE REMEDIAL.

This Code shall be construed to secure its expressed intent, which is to ensure public safety, health and
welfare insofar as they are affected by building construction, through structural strength, adequate egress
facilities, sanitary equipment, light and ventilation, and fire safety: and, in general, to secure safety to life and
property from all hazards incident to the design, erection, repair, removal, demolition or use and occupancy of
buildings, structures or premises.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-101: APPLICABILITY.

8-101.1: GENERAL.
The provisions of these regulations shall cover all matters affecting or relating to buildings and structures,
within unincorporated DuPage County and as set forth in section 8-100 of this article.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-101.2: EXEMPTIONS.
Exemptions: A building or structure shall not be constructed, added to, extended, repaired, removed,
relocated, demolished or altered, or the occupancy or use thereof changed in violation of these provisions. The
following activities, buildings and structures shall be deemed exempt from the application of this Code as hereafter
provided for:
1. Ordinary repairs and maintenance.
2. Re-roofing and/or residing where the installation of the new roofing and/or siding is over existing
roofing and/or siding. Maximum of two (2) overlay roofs permitted for a total of three (3) roofs
permitted.
3. Buildings and structures used for, or intended for use for agricultural purposes on tracts of land with an
agricultural use.
4. Nonconforming buildings and structures provided that such buildings or structures are not further
added to, altered, repaired, moved or relocated.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

8-101.3: MATTERS NOT COVERED.

Any requirement essential for structural, fire or sanitary safety of an existing or proposed building or
structure, or essential for the safety of the occupants thereof, and which is not specifically covered by this Code,
shall be determined by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-101.4: CONTINUATION OF UNLAWFUL USE AND OCCUPANCY.

The continuation of the occupancy or use of a building or structure, or part thereof, contrary to the
provisions of this Code, or to maintain, use or occupy any building or structure, or part thereof, constructed, built,
altered, added to, relocated, repaired or moved in violation of this Code, shall be deemed a violation and subject
to the penalties prescribed in section 8-117.4 of this article.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-101.5: OTHER REGULATIONS.
When the provisions herein specified for health, safety and welfare are more restrictive than other
regulations, this Code shall control; but in any case, the most restrictive requirements of either the Building Code
or other regulations shall apply whenever they may be in conflict.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-102: VALIDITY.

8-102.1: PARTIAL INVALIDITY.

In the event any part or provision of this Code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of
making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions thereof, which may or shall be determined to be legal;
and it shall be presumed that this Code would have been passed without such illegal or invalid parts or provisions.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-102.2: SEGREGATION OF INVALID PROVISIONS.

Any invalid part of this Code shall be segregated from the remainder of the Code by the court holding such
part invalid, and the remainder shall remain effective.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-102.3: DECISIONS INVOLVING EXISTING STRUCTURES.

The invalidity of any provision in any section of this Code as applied to existing buildings and structures shall
not be held to affect the validity of such section in its application to buildings and structures hereafter erected.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-103: EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES.

8-103.1: CONTINUATION OF NONCONFORMING USE.

The legal use and occupancy of any nonconforming building or structure existing on the date of adoption of
this Code or for which it has been heretofore approved, may be continued without change, except as may be
specifically covered in this Code, or as may be deemed necessary by the Building Official for the general health,
safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-103.2: CHANGE IN USE.

It shall be unlawful to make any change in the use, occupants or occupancy of any structure or portion
thereof which would subject it to any special provisions of this Code without approval of the Building Official, and
the Building Official's certification that such structure meets the intent of the provisions of law governing building

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construction for the proposed new use and occupancy, and that such change does not result in any greater hazard
to public safety or welfare.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-103.3: ALTERATIONS OR REPAIRS.

Existing buildings or structures altered or repaired, either by voluntary or by involuntary act that meets any
of the criteria below, as determined by the Building Official, shall upgrade all life-safety systems and features to
the current requirements of this Code. Alterations and/or repairs shall not cause an existing building or structure
to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building or structure.
1. Commercial:
a. Alterations and/or repairs affecting twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the floor area of the
existing structure as determined by the Building Official.
b. A project that increases or decreases the number of tenant spaces in a building.
c. Any change in use group.
d. A change in the operations of a use group that poses a greater risk to life-safety.
2. One and Two-family Dwellings: Where fifty percent (50%) or more of the existing floor area is being
remodeled, altered or demolished or where the square footage of the existing structure is increased by
fifty percent (50%) or more, the entire structure shall be constructed as new construction and shall
meet all the requirements for such as set forth in this Code. Where fifty percent (50%) or more of the
existing roofing or siding on the exterior is damaged the entire exterior shall be constructed as new
construction as determined by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

8-103.4: INCREASE IN SIZE.

If the building or structure is increased in gross floor area or number of stories, the entire building or
structure shall be made to conform with the requirements of this Code in respect to means of egress, fire
protection, fire suppression, light and ventilation and life-safety. (Exception: one- and two-family dwellings.)
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-104: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

Any new construction, reconstruction, interior or exterior alteration, modification or addition or similar type
building alteration shall be reviewed for building and zoning compliance including the Conditional Use zoning
review process as established in the County Zoning Ordinance as part of the building permit application process
where such work involves any development of buildings, structures and/or uses related to air pollutants, toxic
substances and explosive materials storage.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0068-18, 10-9-2018)

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8-104.1: PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS.
A. In the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 residence districts, the B-1, B-2 business districts, the O office district,
the O-R office research and I-1 light industrial districts, no persons shall cause or allow the emission of
particulate matter, through one or more stacks, vents, ducts, or chimneys into the atmosphere in excess of
one pound per hour per acre of property or five (5) tons per year per acre of property, whichever is less.
B. In the I-2 general industrial district, no persons shall cause or allow the emission of particulate matter,
through one or more stacks, vents, ducts, or chimneys into the atmosphere in excess of five (5) pounds per
hour per acre of property or ten (10) tons per year per acre of property, whichever is less.
C. Tests for particulate matter shall be conducted in accordance with state of Illinois air pollution control
regulations.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0068-18, 10-9-2018)

8-104.2: FUGITIVE PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS.

A. In the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7 residence districts, the B-1, B-2 business districts, the O office district,
the O-R office research and I-1 light industrial districts, no persons shall cause or allow the emission of
fugitive particulate matter, across lot lines which is visible by an observer looking generally toward the
zenith, beyond the property line. Total suspended particulate concentrations across lot line shall not exceed
twenty-five (25) micrograms per cubic meter above background. No outdoor stockpiling of powdered or
granular material subject to dusting is permitted.
B. In the I-2 general industrial district, no persons shall cause or allow the emission of fugitive particulate
matter, across lot lines which are visible by an observer looking generally toward the zenith, beyond the
property line. Total suspended particulate concentrations across district boundary lines shall not exceed fifty
(50) micrograms per cubic meter above background.
C. As part of any new construction, reconstruction, interior or exterior alterations, modifications or additions or
similar type building alterations shall be reviewed for building and zoning compliance including Conditional
Use review process as established in the County Zoning Ordinance as part of the building permit application
process where such work involves any development of buildings, structures and/or uses related to air
pollutants, toxic substances and explosive materials storage including but not limited to the following:
(1) Facilities emitting more than one hundred (100) tons per year, or five hundred fifty (550) pounds per
operating day of carbon monoxide, ethylene oxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, organic
material, sulphur dioxide or any other air contaminant designated by the State of Illinois as harmful to
human health.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0068-18, 10-9-2018)

8-104.3: STORAGE, HANDLING, TRANSPORT.

A. The use, storage, handling or transport of toxic substances shall comply with the requirements of applicable
State of Illinois rules and regulations.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0068-18, 10-9-2018)

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8-104.4: EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS STORAGE; CONDITIONAL USE.
A. Except by conditional use any building permit application involving the use and/or storage, utilization or
manufacture of materials or products in quantities exceeding five (5) pounds which decompose by
detonation shall be permitted.
(1) Such materials shall be stored, utilized, and manufactured in accordance with applicable rules and
regulations of the DuPage County Building Code and Zoning Ordinance.
(2) Materials which decompose by detonation include, but are not confined to, all primary explosives such
as lead azide, lead styphnate, fulminates and tetracene; all high explosives such as TNT, TNX, EMM,
PETN and picric acid; propellants and components thereof, such as dry nitrocellulose, black powder,
boran hydrides, hydrazine and its derivatives; pyrotechnics and fireworks such as magnesium powder,
potassium chlorate and potassium nitrate; blasting explosives such as dynamite and nitroglycerine;
unstable organic compounds such as acetylides, tetrazoles and ozonides including but not limited to
ethylene oxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, organic material, Sulphur dioxide; unstable oxidizing
agents such as perchloric acid, perchlorates, chlorates, and hydrogen peroxide in concentrations
greater than thirty-five percent (35%); and nuclear fuels, fissionable materials and products, and
reactor elements such as Uranium 235 and Plutonium 239.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0068-18, 10-9-2018)

8-105: RESERVED.

8-106: MOVED STRUCTURES.

8-106.1: COMPLIANCE.
Buildings and structures moved into or within the jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this Code
for new buildings and structures and shall not be used or occupied in whole or in part until the certificate of use
and occupancy shall have been issued by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-107: APPROVAL.

8-107.1: APPROVED MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT.

All materials, equipment and devices approved for use by the Building Official shall be constructed and
installed in accordance with such approval.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-107.2: PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN.

When there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out structural or mechanical provisions of this Code
or of an approved rule, the Building Official may vary or modify such provision upon application of the owner or
the owner's representative, provided that the spirit and intent of the law shall be observed and public welfare and
safety be assured.

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(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-107.2.1: RECORDS.
The application for modification and the final decision of the Building Official shall be in writing and shall be
officially recorded with the application for the permit in the permanent records of the Department of Economic
Development and Planning.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-107.3: USED MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT.

Used materials, equipment and devices may be used provided they have been reconditioned, tested and
placed in good and proper working condition and approved for use by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-107.4: ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT.

The provisions of this Code are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction
not specifically prescribed by this Code, provided any such alternative has been approved. The Building Official
may approve any such alternative provided the Building Official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and
complies with the intent of the provisions of this Code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the
purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this Code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire
resistance, durability and safety.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-107.4.1: RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATIONS.

The Building Official shall require that sufficient technical data be submitted to substantiate the proposed
use of any material or assembly, and if it is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory proof of
performance for the use intended, the Building Official may approve its use subject to the requirement of this
Code. The costs of all tests, reports and investigations required under these provisions shall be paid by the
applicant.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-107.4.2: RESEARCH REPORTS.

The Building Official may accept as supporting data to assist in the determination duly authenticated
research reports from approved sources for all materials or assemblies proposed for use which are not specifically
provided for in this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-108: PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES.

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8-108.1: SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.
Where applications for unusual design or magnitude of construction are filed or where code reference
standards in appendix A of this chapter require special architectural or engineering inspections, the Building
Official may require full time project representation by an architect or engineer. This project representative shall
keep daily records and submit reports as required by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-108.1.1: BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENT.

This special professional service requirement shall be determined prior to the issuance of the building permit
and shall be requisite for the permit issuance.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-108.1.2: FEES AND COSTS.

All fees and costs related to the performance of special professional services shall be borne by the owner.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-109: ENFORCEMENT.

8-109.1: BUILDING OFFICIAL.

The Building Official shall be the Director of Public Works & Operations or other such person as the Director
may designate. The Building Official shall administer and enforce the provisions of this Code. The Building Official
may employ such managers, deputies, officers and assistants as provided for by the County Board in the
implementation, administration and enforcement of this Code as necessary and may designate such persons to
perform various duties provided for in this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-109.2: RELIEF FROM PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

The Building Official, officer or employee charged with the enforcement of this Code, while acting for the
jurisdiction, shall not thereby be rendered liable personally, and the Building Official, officer or employee is hereby
relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act
required or permitted in the discharge of the official duties. Any suit instituted against any officer or employee
because of an act performed by that person in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions of this Code
shall be defended by the legal representative of the jurisdiction until the final termination of the proceedings. The
Building Official or any subordinates shall not be liable for costs in any action, suit or proceeding that may be
instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this Code; and any officer of the Public Works and Building & Zoning
Departments, acting in good faith and without malice, shall be free from liability for acts performed under any of
its provisions or by reason of any act or omission in the performance of official duties in connection therewith.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-109.3: APPLICATIONS AND PERMITS.
The Building Official shall receive applications and issue permits for the erection and alteration of buildings
and structures, inspect the premises for which such permits have been issued and enforce compliance with the
provisions of this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-109.4: BUILDING NOTICES AND ORDERS.

The Building Official shall issue all necessary notices or orders to remove illegal or unsafe conditions, to
require the necessary safeguards during construction, to require adequate exit facilities in existing buildings, and
structures, and to ensure compliance with all the code requirements for the health, safety and general welfare of
the public.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-109.5: INSPECTIONS.
The Building Official shall make all the required inspections, or the Building Official may accept reports of
inspection by approved agencies or individuals; and all reports of such inspections shall be in writing and certified
by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The Building Official may engage
such expert opinion as may be deemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues that may arise subject to
the approval of the appointing authority.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-109.6: CREDENTIALS.
The Building Official and authorized representatives shall carry proper credentials for their respective office
for the purpose of inspecting any and all buildings and premises in the performance of duties under this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-109.7: RULE MAKING AUTHORITY.

The Building Official shall have power as may be necessary in the interest of public health, safety and general
welfare, to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret and implement the provisions of this Code to
secure the intent thereof and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions;
but such rules shall not have the effect of waiving working stresses or fire resistive requirements specifically
provided in this Code, or violating accepted engineering practice involving public safety.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-109.8: DEPARTMENT RECORDS.

The Building Official shall keep official records of applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees
collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained in the official

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records so long as the building or structure to which they relate remains in existence unless otherwise provided by
other regulations.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-110: RESERVED.

8-111: MAINTENANCE OF UTILITIES, FIRE ALARM AND FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS.

8-111.1: MAINTENANCE OF UTILITIES.

During the course of new construction, repairs or alterations, whether or not a building permit has been
issued, the owner shall be responsible for maintaining all existing utility lines on his/her property including those
which may serve other properties.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-111.2: MAINTENANCE OF FIRE ALARM AND FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS.

During the course of construction, repairs or alterations and/or vacancies, whether or not a building permit
has been issued, the owner shall be responsible for maintaining all existing fire alarm and fire suppression systems
in proper working order.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112: PERMITS.

8-112.1: PERMIT REQUIRED.

It shall be unlawful to change the occupancy of, construct, add to, alter, relocate, remove or demolish a
building or structure, or excavate and or fill any tract of land, or to commence the construction, addition,
alteration, relocation, residing, re-roofing, removal or demolition of a building or structure or install equipment for
the operation of a building or structure including, but not limited to, water heaters, water softeners, water
filtration systems or commence the excavation and/or filling of any tract of land without first filing with the
Building Official an application in writing and obtaining a formal permit. The term "structure" shall include but not
be limited to swimming, therapeutic and decorative pools, decorative ponds, hot tubs, spas and hydromassage
bathtubs, whether permanently installed or storable and fences and signs.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

8-112.2: COMPLETION OF WORK HERETOFORE AUTHORIZED.

Nothing in this Code shall require changes in the plans, construction or designated use of a building or
structure of portion thereof for which a lawful permit has been heretofore issued or which has been actually
begun within one hundred eighty (180) days after this Code becomes effective.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

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8-112.3: CONTINUATION OF PERMIT.
Where no work has been started within one hundred eighty (180) days after the issuance of a permit, such
permit shall be void. A new permit, known as an amendment permit, must be obtained before any work may
begin. The amendment permit must reflect the current provisions of this Code. A fee according to the adopted
Building & Zoning Schedule of Fees shall be charged for the amendment permit. Where work has been started and
more than one hundred eighty (180) days lapses between required inspections, such permit shall be void. An
amendment permit will be required before any work may be resumed. Fees according to the adopted Building &
Zoning Schedule of Fees shall be charged for the amendment permit. A permit may not be transferred by the
person to whom it is issued, to another person, without the written approval of the Building Official. A fee
according to the adopted Building & Zoning Schedule of Fees shall be charged when such a transfer is affected.
Where it is shown that a hardship would occur in the foregoing requirements of this rule, the Building Official may
renew or extend the permit without payment of the fee. The Building Official may revoke any permit, or deny or
condition the issuance of an amendment permit, whenever the Building Official determines that a party has not
progressed with the completion of the permitted work in a reasonable and timely manner.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

8-112.4: RECORDED PROPERTY.

At the time of applying for a permit for erection of, alteration of, installation of, addition to, or moving of any
building or structure, the applicant shall submit to the Building Official a current plat of survey of the lot bearing
the seal of an Illinois registered land surveyor, or other Illinois licensed professional who has authority and
certification to seal such surveys, showing the dimensions of the same and the position to be occupied by the
proposed building or structure, or by the building or structure to be altered or added to, or by the building or
structure to be moved thereon, and the position of any other building(s) or structure(s) that may be on the lot,
including swimming pools, decks, patios, sheds, etc. The plat of survey shall indicate all recorded easements and all
attachments that could impact the proposed construction along with such other information and descriptive
material as may be required by the Building Official to judge compliance with this chapter.

8-112.4.1: REQUIRED SCALES.

Plats of surveys submitted shall be one of the following scales: one (1) inch equals ten (10) feet; one (1) inch
equals twenty (20) feet; one (1) inch equals thirty (30) feet; one (1) inch equals forty (40) feet; one (1) inch equals
fifty (50) feet.

8-112.5: WATER SUPPLY AND SEWAGE TREATMENT.

No permit shall be issued until satisfactory proof has been submitted that approved water supply and
sewage treatment facilities are available.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.6: ACCESS DRIVE AND CULVERT.

No permit shall be issued for work requiring the posting of a highway or culvert bond until satisfactory proof
has been submitted that approved cash bonds have been posted or a waiver thereof has been given by the
highway authorities having jurisdiction.

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 Exception: On such permits that are able to be issued immediately on site by field personnel and where the
proposed project will have no impact on access drives and/or culverts, a written notarized affidavit from the
property owner, assuring the above cash bond or waiver will be obtained from the highway authorities having
jurisdiction before any delivery of construction materials and/or commencement of construction, may be accepted
prior to the issuance of such permit.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.7: APPLICATION FORM.

An application for a permit shall be submitted in such form as the Building Official may prescribe. Such
application shall contain the full names and addresses of the applicant and of the owner, and if the owner is a
corporate body, of its responsible officer. The application shall also describe briefly the proposed work and shall
give such additional information as may be required by the Building Official for an intelligent understanding of the
work proposed.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.8: THOSE AUTHORIZED TO MAKE APPLICATION.

1. Applications shall be made by the owner or agent thereof except as otherwise provided for in subsection 4 of
this section.
2. If application is made by a person other than the owner it shall be accompanied by a notarized authorization
form, provided by the County, signed by both the owner and agent. The Building Official may accept, in lieu
of the County authorization form, the written authorization of the owner provided however that such
authorization shall be substantially in the following form:
The undersigned states that (he), (she), (we), (is), (are), the owner(s) of the following described property:

(Legal Description)
and that (he), (she), (we) authorize(s)___________
(Name of Agent) _______
to sign the application for a building and use permit to

(Description of Work)

Signature of Owner _______ Notary Public

Signature of Agent
3. If the owner is a corporation, the application for the building and use permit must be signed in the name of
the corporation, by an officer of the corporation authorized to sign such application or form.
4. The Building Official may waive the required owner authorization form whenever the proposed work is to a
building or structure comprised of three (3) or more individually owned units and that the owners of such
units are members of an owner's association responsible for the work sought to be permitted. In such cases,
the Building Official may accept, in lieu of owner authorization forms, an affidavit executed by an authorized
officer of the owner's association stating that the association is authorized by the owners to make

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 application for the proposed work pursuant to an agreement between owners and association and that the
owners have delegated responsibility for performing the proposed work to the association. The Building
Official may also waive the required owner authorization form whenever the applicant submits an affidavit
attesting that the applicant is duly authorized to undertake the activity for which a permit is sought and,
further, stating good cause why the applicant is unable to comply with the owner authorization requirement.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.9: INFORMATION REQUIRED.

For an electronic submittal a complete set of plans, drawings, specifications and calculations meeting the
architectural, mechanical, structural, electrical, energy conservation and fire protection requirements of the
Building Code and drawn to scale shall be presented to the Building Official for his approval before permit will be
granted. Plans shall specifically show design live loads and occupant capacities for all spaces and floors.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

8-112.10: LICENSED PROFESSIONALS.

No plans shall be approved for permit unless such plans are signed and sealed either by an architect licensed
to practice architecture, as provided by the Illinois Architectural Act, or by a structural engineer licensed to
practice structural engineering, as provided by the Illinois Structural Engineer Act, or by a registered professional
engineer licensed to practice professional engineering as provided by the Illinois Professional Engineering Act,
provided, however, that a person who signs and seals such plans shall be permitted to do so within the limitations
of the particular act under which he is licensed to practice, and provided further, that plans for installations which
involve the design of or changes in the supporting structure or which materially affect the structural loadings must
be signed and sealed by an architect or structural engineer duly licensed as aforesaid.
Exception: Buildings and structures exempted by Illinois Revised Statutes, Chap. 111, Par. 1303.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.11: CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WITH CODE.

It shall be unlawful for any architect or structural engineer or professional engineer or other person
permitted under the laws of the State to make drawings and plans, to prepare or submit to the Building Official, for
his approval, any final drawings or plans for a structure which does not comply with the requirements in building
provisions of this Code. It shall be the duty of the Building Official to require that all drawings and plans submitted
to him for approval, for any building or structure, shall be accompanied by a certificate of such architect or
structural engineer or professional engineer preparing such drawings and plans, that said drawings and plans
comply with the requirements in the building provisions of this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.12: PLANS AND PERMIT REQUIRED ON-SITE.

In all construction work for which a permit is required, the approved and stamped drawings and plans shall
be kept on file at the construction site while the work is in progress. Additionally, the permit shall be posted on the
site in a conspicuous location visible to the inspector and general public. Failure to meet these requirements shall
result in the issuance of a violation notice.

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(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.13: ALTERATION OF PLANS.

It shall be unlawful to erase, alter, or modify any lines, figures or coloring contained upon drawings or plans
bearing the approval stamp of the Building Official, or filed with him for reference. If during the progress of the
execution of such work, it is desired to deviate in any manner affecting the construction or other essentials of the
building from the terms of the application or drawing, notice of such intention to alter or deviate shall be given to
the Building Official and an amended plan showing such alteration or deviation shall be obtained before such
alteration or deviation shall be made.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.14: DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES.

1. Before a building or structure may be demolished, the owner or agent shall notify all utilities having service
connections within the building or structure such as water, electric, gas, sewer, and other connections and is
responsible for their respective service connections and appurtenant equipment, such as meters and
regulators being removed or sealed and plugged in a manner acceptable to the Building Official.
2. The plot plan shall show the buildings or structures to be demolished and the buildings or structures on the
same lot that are to remain. After demolition, the premises will be placed in a satisfactory condition free
from all unsafe or hazardous conditions.
3. Demolition of buildings or structures shall include the removal of all footings, foundations, floor slabs, debris,
concrete, and other debris and the restoration of established grades with clean fill only.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.15: ACTION ON APPLICATION.

The Building Official shall examine applications for permits, within a reasonable time after filing. If, after
examination for applicable County regulations, he finds no objections to the same and it appears that the
proposed work will be in compliance with the laws and ordinances applicable thereto, and the proposed
construction or work will be safe, he shall approve such application and issue a permit for the proposed work as
soon as practicable. If his examination reveals otherwise, he shall reject such application and notify the applicant.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.16: REVOCATION OF PERMIT.

The Building Official may revoke a permit or approval issued in any case where there has been a false
statement or misrepresentation in the application or plans on which the permit or approval was based, upon
notification of insufficient funds received for payment of fees or in any case where a permit or approval is issued in
error such that it would result in nonconformance with applicable law.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-112.17: APPROVAL OF PERMIT IN PART.
Nothing in this Code shall be construed to prevent the Building Official from issuing a permit for the
construction of part of a building or structure before the entire plans and detailed statements of said building or
structure have been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been
submitted for the same and have been found to comply with this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.18: PERMIT FOR MOVING BUILDING OR STRUCTURE.

1. Before a building or structure may be moved, the owner or agent shall notify all utilities having service
connections within the building or structure such as water, electric, gas, sewer, and any other connections
and is reasonable for their respective service connections and appurtenant equipment, such as meters and
regulators being removed or sealed and plugged in a manner acceptable to the Building Official.
2. The application shall contain a good and sufficient performance bond in accordance with the fee schedule
that the building or structure will be moved and the premises will be placed in a satisfactory condition free
from all unsafe or hazardous conditions.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-112.19: EASEMENT AREAS.

1. No permit shall be issued for work in an easement until the required easement affidavit has been submitted
and approved.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-113: CONDITIONS OF PERMIT.

8-113.1: PAYMENT OF FEES.

A permit shall not be issued until all required fees have been paid.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-113.2: COMPLIANCE WITH CODE.

The permit shall be a license to proceed with the work and shall not be construed as authority to violate,
cancel, or set aside any of the provisions of this Code, except as specifically stipulated by modification or legally
granted variation as described in the application.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-113.3: COMPLIANCE WITH PERMIT.

All work shall conform to the approved application and plans for which the permit has been issued and any
approved amendments thereto.

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(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-113.4: COMPLIANCE WITH PLOT PLAN.

All new work shall be located strictly in accordance with the approved plot plan.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-113.5: CHANGE IN SITE PLAN.

A lot shall not be changed, increased or diminished in area from that shown on the official plot site plan,
unless a revised plan showing such changes accompanied by the necessary affidavit of the owner or applicant shall
have been filed and approved; except that such revised plan will not be required if the change is caused by reason
of an official street opening, street widening or other public improvement.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-114: FEES.

8-114.1: GENERAL.
A permit to begin work for new construction, alteration, removal, demolition or other building operation
shall not be issued until the fees prescribed in this section shall have been paid to the Building Division or other
authorized agency of the jurisdiction, nor shall an amendment to a permit necessitating an additional fee be
approved until the additional fee shall have been paid.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-114.2: SPECIAL FEES.

The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition for all work done in
connection with or concurrently with the work contemplated by a building permit, shall not relieve the applicant
or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that may be prescribed by law or ordinance for water taps,
sewer connections, electrical permits, erection of signs and display structures, marquees or other appurtenant
structures, or fees of inspections, Certificates of Use and Occupancy or other privileges or requirements, both
within and without the jurisdiction of the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-114.3: NEW CONSTRUCTION AND ALTERATIONS.

The fees for plan examination, building permit and inspections shall be prescribed in subsection 8-114.3.1 of
this section and the Building Official is authorized to establish by approved rules, a schedule of unit rates for
buildings and structures of all use groups and types of construction.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-114.3.1: FEE SCHEDULE.
A fee for each plan examination, building permit and inspections shall be paid in accordance with the current
applicable fee schedule.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-114.4: ACCOUNTING.
The Building Official shall keep an accurate account of all fees collected; and such collected fees shall be
deposited monthly in the jurisdiction treasury, or otherwise disposed of as required by law.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-114.5: REFUNDS.
In the case of a revocation, abandonment or discontinuance of a valid building permit and no work has
begun, building fees may be refunded with the exception of the following. All plan examination and permit
processing fees and all penalties that may have been imposed on the permit holder pursuant to this Code shall first
be collected.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-114.6: FEE REDUCTION AND WAIVER.

An applicant may request for cause or in extraordinary situations a reduction of or waiver from paying all or
part of the fees required by this Code. Such request must be in writing and presented to the Building Official. The
Building Board of Appeals shall consider all such requests and may grant a fee reduction or waiver in whole or in
part.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017)

8-115: INSPECTIONS.

8-115.1: PRELIMINARY INSPECTION.

Before issuing a permit, the Building Official may examine or cause to be examined all buildings, structures
and sites for which an application has been filed for a permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, demolish
or change the use thereof.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-115.2: REQUIRED INSPECTIONS.

1. Inspections required under the provisions of this Code shall be made by the Building Official or his duly
appointed assistants. The Building Official may accept reports of inspection of recognized services, after
investigation of their qualifications and reliability. No certificate called for by any provision of this Code shall
be issued on such reports unless the same are in writing and certified to by a responsible officer of such
service.

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If an inspection has been scheduled and, in the opinion of the Building Official after arrival on the inspection site,
the job is not ready or has not progressed to a point where an inspection can be made properly or access is not
possible to perform the inspection, a re-inspection fee per the fee schedule may be charged. No further
inspections shall be made until such time as the re-inspection fee has been paid.
2. Owner or contractor is required to contact the Building Official at least one day in advance for all required
inspections. The following inspections shall be required:
a. Erosion Control: Before any excavation occurs and after all required soil erosion control measures have
been installed.
b. Footing: Before concrete is poured and after footing excavation has been completed and access drive
and culvert are installed.
Foundation Walls: Before concrete is poured and all forms and rebar are in place.
c. Backfill: Before backfilling and after footing drain tile and gravel has been placed and walls have been
damp-proofed or waterproofed. No backfill inspection shall even be scheduled until a spotted plat of
survey showing the exact location of the foundation on the lot and the elevation of the top of the
foundation has been submitted to and approved by the Building Official for all new buildings or when
required.
d. Pre-Pour Concrete Inspection: Before any concrete is placed for flat work including driveways, patios,
service walks, etc.
e. Under Slab: Before any concrete floor slabs are poured and after insulation, vapor barriers and/or wire
mesh are installed.
f. Under Slab Plumbing: After under slab plumbing is installed and before concrete floor slabs are poured
to be scheduled by the licensed plumbing contractor or plumber listed on the permit.
g. Under Slab Radon: After under slab radon system is installed and before concrete floor slabs are
poured.
h. Under Slab Electrical: After under slab electrical is installed and before concrete slabs are poured.
i. Framing: Before any insulation, vapor barrier, or wall finish is applied and after the framing fire-
stopping is completed.
j. House Wrap: After house wrap is applied, taped, and sealed and before installation of any exterior
cladding.
k. Plumbing: Before any insulation, vapor barriers, or wall finish is applied and after the rough plumbing
is completed to be scheduled by the licensed plumbing contractor or plumber listed on the permit.
l. Electrical: Before any insulation, vapor barriers, or wall finish is applied and after the rough electric is
completed.
m. HVAC: Before any insulation, vapor barriers, or wall finish is applied and after the rough HVAC work is
completed.
n. Radon: Before any insulation, vapor barriers or wall finish is applied and after radon piping system is
complete.
o. Electrical Service: At the time the electrical service is to be energized or reenergized.
p. Insulation: Before any interior wall finish is applied after insulation and vapor barriers are completed
and after required State of Illinois Energy Efficient Building Code requirements are met.
q. Fireplace (Masonry): After firebox is constructed and before construction of chimney.

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 r. Fireplace (Prefab): After firebox, chimney and fire stopping is installed and before concealing.
s. Grading: After property has been graded in compliance with the approved grading plans. After grading
is achieved and prior to requesting a final grading inspection, an as-built record drawing prepared and
sealed by a registered Land Surveyor or Illinois Professional Engineer shall be submitted for approval.
t. Plumbing Final: After all plumbing is completed.
u. Final Inspection: After all work is completed as proposed on approved plans, Illinois energy
requirements, and all other conditions of the permit.
3. Inspections shall be arranged on regular workdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Call for inspections at
least one (1) day in advance.
4. Any notices, stickers or tags affixed to the site or structure(s) by the Building Official shall not be removed
until authorized to do so by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

8-115.2.1: APPROVED INSPECTION AGENCIES.

The Building Official may accept reports of approved inspection agencies which satisfy the requirements as
to qualifications and reliability.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-115.2.2: PLANT INSPECTION.

When required by the provisions of this Code or by the approved rules, materials or assemblies shall be
inspected at the point of manufacture or fabrication in accordance with subsection 8-115.2.3 of this article, and
any other applicable sections.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-115.2.3: INSPECTION REPORTS.

All inspection reports shall be in writing and shall be certified by the licensed authority, or responsible officer
of the agency or the individual when expert inspection services are accepted. An identifying label or stamp
permanently affixed to the product indicating that factory inspection has been made shall be accepted in lieu of
the aforesaid inspection report in writing if the intent or meaning of such identifying label or stamp is properly
substantiated.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-115.3: FINAL INSPECTION.

Upon completion of the building or structure, and before issuance of the certificate of use and occupancy
required in section 8-119 of this article, a final inspection shall be made. All violations of the approved plans and
permit shall be noted and the holder of the permit shall be notified of the discrepancies.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-115.4: RIGHT OF ENTRY.
In the discharge of duties, the Building Official or authorized representative shall have the authority to enter
at any reasonable hour any building, structure or premises in the jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this
Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-115.5: JURISDICTIONAL COOPERATION.

The assistance and cooperation of police, fire, and health departments and all other officials shall be
available as required in the performance of duties.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-116: WORKMANSHIP.

8-116.1: GENERAL.
All work shall be conducted, installed and completed in a workmanlike and acceptable manner so as to
secure the results intended by this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-117: VIOLATIONS.

8-117.1: UNLAWFUL ACTS.

1. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to build, erect, construct, alter, extend, repair,
remove, relocate, demolish, use or occupy any building or structure or equipment or component thereof
regulated by this Code, or to cause or allow same to be done, in conflict with any provision of this Code or in
conflict with any permit or order issued by the Building Official or any plan or specification approved, or
without the appropriate permit having been first issued or revised.
2. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation owning, having possession of, or exercising control
over any property, or building or structure located thereon, to permit, allow or consent to the use or
occupancy of any building or structure or equipment or component thereof that has been built, erected,
constructed, altered, extended, repaired, removed, relocated, or demolished in conflict with any permit or
order issued by the Building Official or any plan or specification approved thereby or in violation of any
provision of this Code.
3. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation owning property to permit or allow any building or
structure or equipment or component thereof that has been built, erected, constructed, altered, extended,
repaired, removed, relocated, or demolished without a permit, or in conflict with any permit or order issued
by the Building Official or any plan or specification approved thereby, or in violation of any provision of this
Code, to continue to exist in such status or condition.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-117.2: NOTICE OF VIOLATION.
1. The Building Official shall issue a notice of violation of this Code or of any order herein authorized in any
manner reasonably calculated to give the property owner actual notice, or in any of the following manners:
1) by posting a copy on the subject property in a conspicuous place, or 2) by personally delivering a copy to
the person, firm, or corporation responsible for the unlawful act or omission or condition which forms the
basis for the violation, or 3) by personally delivering a copy to any adult who resides at, occupies, uses,
leases, manages or maintains the property on which the violation is located, or 4) personally delivering a
notice of violation to any owner in title to the property on which the violation is located, or 5) mailing a copy
of the violation notice to the "owner of record" at the last address to which a tax bill was mailed, as indicated
by the most recent Tax Assessor's records. If a notice, or order, is issued in accord with subsection 1 of this
paragraph, or if the party the notice of violation was issued to in accord with subsections 2 and/or 3 of this
paragraph is not the property owner, the Building Official shall also mail a copy of the notice to the "owner of
record" as indicated the latest Tax Assessor's records at the last address to which a tax bill was mailed by
certified mail, receipt requested. In cases where the violation involves an unsafe building or structure that is
in risk of collapse, or which poses a fire hazard, as determined by the Building Official, the Building Official
need not comply with notice of violation requirements as a condition for seeking emergency relief from a
court of competent jurisdiction. In the event that a piece of certified mail sent under this section is refused,
rejected, or fails to be delivered, but is not rejected based on an incorrect address, notice may be achieved
by mailing a copy of the violation notice, first class mail, postage prepaid, to the last address to which a tax
bill was mailed, as indicated by the most recent Tax Assessor's records. Should such first class mail not be
returned, this manner of service shall be said to give the property owner actual notice of the violation.
2. A Notice of violation shall contain the following:
a. The name of the party to whom it was issued to, if known; and
b. The name of the property owner and, if applicable, the tenant and/or occupant, and/or party
exercising control over the subject property; and
c. A brief statement setting forth the type and nature of the violation; and
d. The section, or sections, of the Code violated and, if applicable, the identity of any order, permit, plan
or statement of specifications violated; and
e. The date and time the violation was observed; and
f. The address of the property on which the violation was observed; and
g. A statement directing the discontinuance the illegal action or condition and abatement of the violation;
and
h. A statement informing the violator, and owner, that he/she/it may contest the notice of violation by
requesting in writing and within fourteen (14) days of issuance of the notice, an administrative appeal
before a Hearing Officer or an administrative appeal board; and
i. A statement directing the violator to undertake the following acts within fourteen (14) days, excepting
instances when an administrative appeal has been requested;
(i) To pay a fee for a requested inspection to the Building & Zoning Department in an amount of one
hundred dollars ($100.00); and
(ii) To apply to the Building Official for any necessary permit(s), or revise or amend any previously
issued permit, or previously approved plan, drawing or specifications, as applicable; or

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 (iii) To undertake appropriate repairs and/or maintenance to correct a property maintenance code
violation and, upon completion thereof, to contact the Building Division to schedule a repair
verification inspection.
j. A warning that if the violator fails to comply with the Code and perform as directed by the notice of
violation, within the time therein specified, the County will institute appropriate legal proceedings
against the violator including a statement that the Code authorizes the court to assess fines of up to
one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), plus additional court costs, per day, for each day a violation remains
uncorrected, which fines and costs may be assessed in addition to other remedies at law including a
court enjoining further violations and ordering the offender to cease, correct, repair, abate or
otherwise remedy the offending condition.
3. If a party to which a notice of violation has been issued requests an extension of time to comply with the
Code, or perform any act set forth in the notice, the Building Official may allow an extension of time for such
compliance or act, which extension shall not be less than fourteen (14) days, nor more than forty-five (45)
days. The Building Official may not extend the period of time in which a party may request an administrative
hearing.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-117.3: PROSECUTION OF VIOLATION.

If the notice of violation is not complied with, or an administrative appeal is not sought within the time
period herein specified, the Building Official may request the County's legal counsel to institute the appropriate
proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation to enforce any provision of this Code or
any order issued pursuant thereto, to require the removal or termination of the unlawful use or occupancy of any
building or structure, or equipment or component thereof, or to require the remediation of any condition to or of,
any building or structure, or equipment, or component thereof existing in violation of any provision of this Code or
of any order made pursuant thereto, and to seek the assessment of a fine and court costs as authorized by this
Code.
The Building Official may request that the County's legal counsel immediately institute an appropriate legal
proceeding without first issuing a notice of violation, or awaiting its compliance or the bringing of an
administrative appeal by its recipient when the legal action is to restrain, correct or abate any of the following:
1. An unsafe building condition presenting an immediate risk to the public's health, safety or welfare; or
2. The failure to comply with a "Stop Work" order issued by the Building Official; or
3. When the accused violator has been previously cited for the same violation on at least two other
occasions during the previous three hundred sixty five (365) days, and the time for bringing an appeal
in those earlier matters has lapsed; or
4. If in a prior legal proceeding to enforce a provision of the Code the court made a finding that an
ongoing condition or act has not been brought into compliance with the Code; or
5. Whenever the offending condition or act violates the Illinois Criminal Code; or
6. Whenever the offending condition or act constitutes a public nuisance, or violates some other County
regulation, for which the alleged violator has been given notice of but failed to rectify, or cease, within
the time specified by the other notice, if any.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-117.4: VIOLATION PENALTIES.
Any person who violates any provision of this Code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof,
or who shall erect, construct, alter or repair a building or structure in violation of an approved plan or directive of
the Building Official, or a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this Code shall be guilty of an offense
punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than one thousand dollars
($1,000.00). Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. The imposition of any
sentence shall not exempt the offender from compliance with the requirements of this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-117.5: ABATEMENT OF VIOLATION.

1. The imposition of the penalties herein prescribed shall not preclude the County's legal counsel from
instituting appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct, or abate a violation, or
to prevent illegal occupancy of a building, structure or premises or to stop an illegal act, conduct business or
use of a building or structure on or about any premises.
2. Whenever the Building Official determines that a party seeking a permit, approval or amendment under this
Code is in violation of some other provision of this Code, or of any other County ordinance, or and approved
plan or statement of specifications of the County, or any County issued permit or license, or has not paid a
previously charged fine, cost or fee, the Building Official may withhold grant any such permit to such party
until all county violations have been corrected or fines, costs or fees paid.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-118: STOP WORK ORDER.

8-118.1: NOTICE TO OWNER.

Upon notice from the Building Official that work on any building or structure is being prosecuted contrary to
the provisions of this Code, or in an unsafe and dangerous manner, such work shall be immediately stopped. The
stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property involved, or to the owner's
agent, or to the person doing the work, or posted on the subject property; and shall state the appropriate Code
section(s) in violation.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-118.2: UNLAWFUL CONTINUANCE.

Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work
order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be
liable to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) or more than one thousand dollars ($1000.00) per
day.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-119: CERTIFICATE OF USE AND OCCUPANCY.

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8-119.1: NEW BUILDINGS.
A building or structure hereafter erected, shall not be used or occupied or furnished in whole or in part until
the certificate of use and occupancy shall have been issued by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-119.2: BUILDINGS HEREAFTER ALTERED.

A building or structure hereafter enlarged, extended or altered to change from one use group to another, or
to a different use within the same use group, in whole or in part, and a building or structure hereafter altered for
which a certificate of use and occupancy has not been heretofore issued, shall not be occupied or used until the
certificate shall have been issued by the Building Official, certifying that the work has been completed in
accordance with the provisions of the approved permit.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-119.3: NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES.

Upon written request from the owner of a nonconforming building or structure existing on the date of
adoption of this Code, the Building Official shall issue a certificate of use and occupancy, provided there are not
violations of law or orders of the Building Official pending, and it is established after inspection and investigation
that the alleged use of the building or structure has heretofore existed. This Code shall not require the removal,
alteration, or abandonment of, or prevent the continuance of, the use and occupancy of a nonconforming building
or structure unless such use is deemed to endanger public safety and welfare.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-119.4: CHANGES IN USE AND OCCUPANCY.

After a change of use has been made in a building or structure, the reestablishment of a prior use that would
not have been legal in a new building of the same type of construction is prohibited unless the building complies
with all applicable provisions of this Code. A change from one prohibited use, for which a permit has been granted,
to another prohibited use shall be deemed a violation of this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-119.5: TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY.

Upon the request of the holder of a permit, the Building Official may issue a temporary certificate of use and
occupancy for a building or structure, or part thereof, before the entire work covered by the permit shall have
been completed, provided such portion or portions may be occupied safely prior to full completion of the building
or structure without endangering life or public welfare. Said temporary certificate shall expire on a date certain to
be determined by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-119.6: CONTENTS OF CERTIFICATE.
When a building or structure is entitled thereto, the Building Official shall issue a certificate of use and
occupancy. The certificate shall certify compliance with the provisions of this Code and the purpose for which the
building or structure may be used in its several parts.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-120: UNSAFE STRUCTURES.

8-120.1: UNSAFE STRUCTURES OR BUILDINGS.

All buildings or structures that are or hereafter become unsafe, as defined in section 8-127.4 of this article,
shall be taken down and removed or made safe and secure, as the Building Official may deem necessary and as
provided in this section.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-120.2: NOTICE OF UNSAFE STRUCTURE.

If an unsafe condition is found in a building or structure, the Building Official shall serve on the owner, agent
or person in control of the building or structure, a written notice describing the building or structure deemed
unsafe.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-120.3: RESTORATION OF UNSAFE STRUCTURE.

A building or structure deemed unsafe by the Building Official may be restored to safe condition provided
change of use or occupancy is not contemplated nor compelled by reason of such reconstruction or restoration,
except that if the damage or cost of reconstruction or restoration is in excess of twenty-five percent (25%) for
commercial, and fifty percent (50%) for residential, of the floor area as deemed by the Building Official, exclusive
of foundations, such structure shall be made to comply in all respects with the requirements for materials and
methods of construction of structures hereafter erected.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-120.4: POSTING UNSAFE NOTICE.

Notice of unsafe structure shall be sent by registered or certified mail to the last known address of the owner
of the property involved or to the owner's agent, and a copy of the unsafe notice shall be posted in a conspicuous
place on the premises. Such procedure shall be deemed the equivalent of personal notice.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-120.5: DISREGARD OF UNSAFE NOTICE.
Upon refusal or neglect of the person served with an unsafe notice to comply with the requirements of the
order to abate the unsafe condition, the legal counsel of the jurisdiction shall be advised of all the facts and shall
institute the appropriate action.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-120.6: COST OF CORRECTIVE WORK.

All costs incurred by the County in the performance of corrective work to rectify the violation shall be paid
from the treasury of the County on certification of the Building Official. The state's attorney shall institute
appropriate action against the owner of the premises where the unsafe building or structure is or was located for
the recovery of such costs to render such building or structure safe and secure.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-121: EMERGENCY MEASURES.

8-121.1: VACATING STRUCTURES.

When, in the opinion of the Building Official, there is actual and immediate danger of hazardous conditions
or materials in a building or structure, failure of collapse of a building or structure or any part thereof which would
endanger life or when any structure or part of a structure has fallen and life is endangered by the occupation of
the building or structure, the Building Official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the
inmates and occupants to vacate the same forthwith. The Building Official shall cause to be posted at each
entrance to such building or structure a notice reading as follows:
Not Approved for Occupancy
It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such building or structure except for the purpose of making the
required repairs or demolishing the same.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-121.2: TEMPORARY SAFEGUARDS.

When, in the opinion of the Building Official, there is actual and immediate danger of collapse or failure of a
building or structure or any part thereof, or a condition which would otherwise endanger life, the Building Official
may cause the necessary work to be done to render such building or structure or part thereof temporarily safe,
whether or not the legal procedure herein described has been instituted.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-121.3: ACCESS RESTRICTION OF STRUCTURES AND THE PUBLIC WAY.

When necessary for the public safety, the Building Official may temporarily close sidewalks, streets,
structures, and places adjacent to such unsafe structures and prohibit the same from being used.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-121.4: EMERGENCY REPAIRS.
For the purposes of this section, the Building Official shall employ the necessary labor and materials to
perform the required work as expeditiously as possible.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-121.5: COSTS OF EMERGENCY REPAIRS.

Costs incurred in the performance of emergency work shall be paid from the treasury of the jurisdiction on
certification of the Building Official. The legal counsel of the jurisdiction shall institute appropriate action against
the owner of the premises where the unsafe building or structure is or was located for the recovery of such costs.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-121.6: TEMPORARY REPAIR DUE TO NATURAL DISASTER.

In the event of a natural disaster the homeowner may make temporary repairs to a residential structure to
insure property conservation and occupant safety. The temporary repair shall be followed by an application for
permit within seventy-two (72) hours of the event and no further work may commence until such time that a
construction permit is issued.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-122: SUPERVISION.

8-122.1: REQUIREMENTS.
Each building, other than single-family residential construction, shall be constructed under the supervision of
an architect or engineer who meets the requirements set forth in section 8-108 of this article, and who shall be
responsible for its erection in accordance with the building codes and the approved plans and specifications.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-123: RESERVED.

8-124: APPEAL OF BUILDING OFFICIAL'S DECISION.

8-124.1: APPEAL OF BUILDING OFFICIAL'S DECISION.

Application for appeal may be made when an aggrieved party feels that the intent of the Code has been met,
a code requirement has been incorrectly interpreted, or that substitute design, protective assemblies and/or
systems will provide an equally good or better form of construction. At no time shall an appeal request a full or
partial waiver of any life safety system that is prescribed by this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-124.2: PROCEDURE.
1. The aggrieved party shall make an appeal to the Building Official in writing clearly stating the reason(s) for
the appeal request.
2. The County Development Committee of the DuPage County Board shall serve as the Building Board of
Appeals, and application for appeal shall be made to the Chairman of this Committee within ten (10) days of
the Building Official's decision.
3. Both the aggrieved party and the Building Official shall be permitted to give testimony, call witnesses and
present evidence to the Building Board of Appeals.
4. The chairman shall administer all oaths and may, at his discretion, place a time limit on all testimony.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-125: OFF SITE CONSTRUCTION.

8-125.1: REQUIREMENTS.
Off-site construction of components, sections, modules, and buildings may be permitted for installation
within DuPage County if the following criteria have been met:
1. The individual manufacturing plant has been approved for this purpose by the Building Official.
2. The manufacturer submits detailed plans and specifications on each component of the total assembly
in accordance with the section concerning information for permit application including appropriate
fees.
3. The manufacturer will provide a certificate that the approved plans were followed.
4. Each building will be inspected as necessary by the Building Official. Excess costs for inspections
outside DuPage County will be borne by the manufacturer. If desired by the Building Official, in lieu of
his inspections, the manufacturer shall provide a certificate from an independent organization
approved by the Building Official indicating that the construction did in fact, follow the plans submitted
and approved.
5. The manufacturer agrees upon request to open wall sections or other concealed areas as necessary for
inspection by the Building Official on the site.
6. The manufacturer agrees to in plant inspections at any time deemed desirable by the Building Official.
There will be no additional cost to that enumerated above.
7. Method for on-site installation shall be approved by the Building Official. The building official will
observe all on site installations.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-126: RECYCLING AND REFUSE CONTAINERS.

8-126.1: RECYCLING AND REFUSE CONTAINERS.

All new or existing multi-family units or commercial/industrial facilities expanded beyond twenty-five
percent (25%) of the present physical value shall provide space for the placement of separate and clearly marked

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refuse and recyclable materials containers located adjacent to one another, and said shall be indicated on site
plans.
Recyclable materials containers shall provide sufficient capacity for the weekly collection of recyclable
materials which may include, but are not limited to, glass, aluminum, tin, newspaper, and plastics.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-127: DEFINITIONS.

8-127.1: SCOPE.
The terms herein defined shall be used to interpret all the applicable provisions of this Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-127.2: RULES.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the purpose of this Code, be interpreted in
accordance with the following rules:
A. Words in the singular number shall include the plural number and the plural shall include the singular.
B. Words used in the present tense shall include the past tense and the future tense.
C. The word "shall" is mandatory while the word "may" is permissive.
D. The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter.
E. The word "person" shall include a firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, company or
corporation as well as an individual.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-127.3: TERMS NOT DEFINED.

Where terms are not defined, they shall have their common dictionary definition except when such term is
defined in other codes in which case the meanings ascribed in the other codes shall apply.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-127.4: GENERAL DEFINITIONS.

Accessory building or structure: A building or structure which:
1. Is subordinate in floor area and use to the principal building or structure; and
2. Contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of occupants in the principal building or
structure; and
3. Is located on the same zoning lot, parcel or land as the principal building or structure; and
4. An accessory building, structure or use may be either detached or attached from/to the principal
building or structure.

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 Accessory building, attached: An accessory building which is connected to a principal building by a party wall
or a linkage building and which is constructed pursuant to all applicable building, zoning and drainage regulations
for a principal building.
Accessory building, detached: An accessory building, which is surrounded by open space on the same lot as a
principal building and which is not connected to the principal building. For purposes of this Code, an accessory
building which is connected to a principal building by a breezeway or other open-air passageway structure shall be
considered detached.
Addition: An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.
Alteration: As applied to a building or structure means a change or rearrangement in the structural parts or
in the means of egress; or an enlargement, whether by extending on a side or by increasing in height; or the
moving from one location or position to another.
Approved: Approved by the Building Official or other authority having jurisdiction.
Approved agency: Is an established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or
furnishing inspection services, when such agency has been approved by the Building Official.
Area (floor surface measurement): The horizontal projected floor area inside of exterior enclosure walls or
between exterior walls and fire walls.
Areaway (form of construction): An uncovered subsurface space adjacent to a building.
Attic: The space between the ceiling beams and the roof rafters.
Attic, habitable: A habitable attic is an attic which has a means of access and egress and in which the ceiling
area has a height of seven and one-third (7⅓) feet above the a c floor and is not more than one-third (⅓) the area
of the floor next below.
Basement: That portion of a building having one-half (½) or more of its height below the average grade of
the adjoining ground.
Berm: An earthen mound designed to provide screening of undesirable views, noise reduction, etc.
Breezeway: A roofed over open-air passageway connecting a building, structure or use to another building,
structure or use.
Building: A structure enclosed within exterior walls or fire walls, built, erected and framed of component
structural parts, designed for the housing, shelter, enclosure and support of individuals, animals or property of any
kind. This definition shall also include signs, fences, retaining walls, swimming pools and other recreational
facilities.
Building, detached: A building surrounded by open space on the same lot as a principal building.
Building, principal: A non-accessory building in which the primary use is conducted on the lot.
Change of use: An alteration by change of use in a building heretofore existing to a new use group which
imposes other special provisions of law governing building construction, equipment or means of egress.
Cover crop: Plant species included in a seed mix that become established quickly and prevent soil erosion
and weed infestation until more permanent plants can become established. The plants may be annuals or short
lived perennials.
Dead load: Means the weight of all permanent construction including walls, floors, roofs, partitions,
stairways and of fixed service equipment.
Dwelling unit: A dwelling unit includes a group of rooms arranged, designed, used or intended for the
exclusive use as living quarters for one (1) family and which includes a complete kitchen and bath facilities

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permanently installed. A garage for the sole use of the occupants of the dwelling unit shall be considered part of
the dwelling unit when properly separated with fire resistive construction as required elsewhere in this Code.
Dwelling unit, multiple-family: A dwelling unit which has another dwelling unit or any other occupancy
located above or below it in whole or in part and not properly separated by fire resistive walls shall be classified as
a multiple-family building or as multiple-family dwelling occupancy in a mixed use building. A multiple-family
building shall also include a building which has a common entrance which opens onto a common hall or
passageway by which the occupant may gain access to their individual units.
Dwelling unit, single-family: A dwelling unit detached from any other building or, where attached, separated
by a structurally independent two-hour minimum fire resistance rated wall without openings or penetrations.
Elevation certificates: A form published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or its
equivalent, that is used to certify the base flood elevation and the lowest elevation of usable space to which a
building has been constructed.
Excavation/filling: Except as hereinafter provided, excavation and/or filling shall mean any changing of the
grade or sub-grade of a tract of land by cutting, scraping, grading, trenching, digging, filling in or otherwise
reshaping the natural contour of the ground. The following shall not be construed as excavation/filling:
A. Any cutting, grading, trenching, digging or backfilling of any foundation of a building or structure for
approved construction.
B. Top dressing in an area of existing homes, where the top dressing does not change the drainage
patterns. Does not disturb an area greater than five percent (5%) of the lot area or two thousand
(2,000) square feet, whichever is smaller and does not exceed five (5) cubic yards of fill.
C. Repairs to existing septic sites under the supervision of the DuPage County Health Department, in
which the area of ground disturbed is less than five thousand (5,000) square feet, shall not require the
issuance of a Stormwater Management permit.
D. Cutting, grading, trenching, digging or backfilling of any septic site as part of new construction shall be
reviewed for drainage as part of the building permit application, but shall not require a drainage review
by the Building & Zoning Department where the area of ground disturbed is two thousand (2,000)
square feet or less.
Existing building or structure: A building or structure lawfully constructed, built, or erected for which a
certificate of use and occupancy has been issued. A preexisting building or structure shall be deemed an "existing
building or structure."
Exitway: That portion of a means of egress which is separated from the area of the building from which
escape is to be made, by walls, floors, doors, or their means which provide the protected path necessary for the
occupants to proceed with reasonable safety to the exitway discharge or exterior of the building.
Fire resistance rating: The time in hours or fractions thereof that materials or their assemblies will resist fire
exposure as determined by fire tests conducted in compliance with recognized standards.
Gross floor area: The complete floor area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls.
Habitable space: Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments,
closets, halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable space.
Hardship: That situation or circumstance that causes or entails suffering or privation.
Landscape screen: A visual and physical buffer consisting of plant materials, berms, fences and/or walls, or
any combination thereof which obscure a higher intensity zoning district or use from a lower intensity zoning
district or use.

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 Landscape yard: An area of ground contained within a required yard of a zoning lot including paved areas
required for pedestrian or vehicular access, which is required to be landscaped for the purposes of screening and
buffering a development site from a less intensive zoning district or use.
Linkage: Any portion of an attached accessory building which connects an attached accessory building to a
principal building and meets the following requirements:
A. Is constructed pursuant to all applicable building, zoning and drainage regulations for a principal
building; and
B. Is less than twenty (20) feet in length; and
C. Is less than six (6) feet in width.
Native plants: Plants that are inherent and original to an area or ecological region. Plants which have not
been introduced from another region or continent. Naturalized species from areas outside the region are not
considered native.
Nonconforming building or structure: Any lawfully established building or structure on the effective date of
this Code or any amendment thereto which does not conform to the applicable provisions established by this Code
or the amendments thereto.
Occupancy and/or use: Occupying and/or using a building or structure including decorating, furnishing,
inhabiting, using for storage or otherwise utilizing in the manner intended for such building or structure, excluding
any occupancy or use incidental to construction or the installation of permanent fixtures and equipment or storage
thereof.
Occupant: Any person who inhabits, resides in, works in, or uses a particular building or structure shall be
deemed an occupant of said building or structure, excluding those persons who enter into a building or structure
incidental to the construction thereof.
Ordinary repair and maintenance: Routine or basic repairs, maintenance, upkeep, replacement and
servicing required due to the normal use of a building or structure and necessary to sustain a level of efficiency
and/or appearance. Such work shall not include the cutting of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or
cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or
rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements, or the replacement of more than twenty-
five percent (25%) of a building or structure's roofing or siding; nor shall ordinary repairs and maintenance include
the addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain
leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electrical wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health,
safety and welfare.
Ornamental tree: A deciduous tree planted primarily for its ornamental value, or for screening. May be any
size at maturity, but will tend to be smaller than a shade tree.
Parking lot island: An area of ground within the boundary of any parking lot that has curbing adjacent to all
paved areas. Parking lot islands are used for traffic control and provide space for landscaping which helps screen
and shade parking lots.
Party wall: A wall on an interior lot line used or adapted for joint service between two (2) buildings.
Plant average functional size: The mature height and spread typical of a category of plants, such as low
shrubs, evergreen tree, shade trees etc.
Plant preservation credit: Credit given for the preservation of existing vegetation meeting the functional
requirements of this Code, in lieu of required new landscaping.
Radon gas: A naturally occurring chemically inert, radio-active gas that is not detectable by human senses.
Repair: All repairs not herein defined as "Ordinary Repairs And Maintenance."

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 Repetitive loss: Flood related damages sustained by a structure on two (2) separate occasions during a ten-
year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on the average, equaled or exceeded
twenty-five percent (25%) of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred, in accordance with
the Building Code and the Countywide Stormwater and Flood Plain Ordinance (CSFPO).
Required: Shall be construed to be mandatory by provisions of this ordinance.
Roof covering: The covering applied to the roof for weather resistance, fire resistance or appearance.
Semi-crawl space: The crawl space portion of a building where the depth below the above floor joists to
inside finished grade is less than twenty-four (24) inches and the difference between the inside finished grade and
adjoining ground is twelve (12) inches or less.
Shade tree: A deciduous (or, rarely, an evergreen) tree planted primarily for its high crown of foliage or
overhead canopy.
Shrub, low: Any shrub that attains a mature height of less than five (5) feet when left unpruned.
Shrub, tall: Any shrub that attains a mature height of five (5) feet or more when left unpruned.
Stormwater basin: A manmade pond or impoundment designed to detain, store and release stormwater.
1. A dry basin is designed to release stormwater.
2. A wetland basin is designed to retain less than three (3) feet of water or maintain saturated soils on the
bottom, which are suitable for wetland plants.
3. A wet basin or pond is designed to maintain surface water areas of three (3) or more feet in depth. A
basin can be designed to have both dry and wet features.
Story: That part of a building comprised between a floor and the floor or roof next above.
Substantial damage: Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cumulative percentage of
damage during the life of the building equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure
before the damage occurred regardless of actual repair work performed elevated pursuant to the Building Code
and the CSFPO. The actual value of any labor, services and materials provided at cost or donated shall be included
in this determination elevated pursuant to the Building Code and the CSFPO. This term includes repetitive loss
buildings elevated pursuant to the Building Code and the CSFPO. (See definition of Repetitive Loss.)
Substantial improvement: Any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or improvement of a structure
taking place during the life of the building in which the cumulative percentage of improvements equals or exceeds
fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started pursuant to
the Building Code and the CSFPO.
• "Substantial improvement" is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or
other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external
dimensions of the building. This term includes structures, which have incurred repetitive loss or
substantial damage, regardless of the actual work done pursuant to the Building Code and the CSFPO.
• Exemption: Projects for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health,
sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions
pursuant to the Building Code and the CSFPO.
Temporary easement agreement: A document allowing DuPage County or its agent access to property for
the purpose of completing the required landscaping in the event that the owner or petitioner does not install
required plant material or does not replace dead plants as required by this Code.
Transition yard: A required yard on a zoning lot which usually acts as a buffer between two (2) land uses of
different types or intensities and which shall provide a landscape yard in accordance with section 37-4.19,

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"Landscaping," of the DuPage County Zoning Ordinance. A transition yard shall be located on the zoning lot with
the higher intensity use.
Turf grass: Grass as planted, by seeding or sodding, to establish a lawn that is usually maintained by mowing.
Unsafe structure: Any building or structure which constitutes a fire hazard, or is in danger of collapse,
explosion, or otherwise threatens the public health, safety or welfare, or which has become deficient in adequate
exit facilities, or which involves an illegal or improper use, occupancy or maintenance, or any vacant building or
structure unguarded, unsecured or open and accessible to the public at door or window. Any excavation, fill or
accumulation of debris shall be deemed a structure within the meaning of section 8-120.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017)

8-128: DRAINAGE REGULATIONS.

8-128.1: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

A. Development on a lot or parcel of land including but not limited to new principal buildings or structures,
additions thereto or new or existing accessory buildings or structures including for same buildings and
structures or lot or parcel grading changes shall meet all requirements of the Building Code and the CSFPO.
B. Sump pump, downspout and gutter discharges:
1. Sump pump, downspout and gutter discharge lines shall be directed to a vegetated swale of sufficient
length to allow dissipation before discharge exits site and a minimum of ten (10) feet from any
property line and shall not directly tie into a storm sewer except as allowed under Section 128.1.B.2.
2. Sump pump, downspout and gutter discharge lines may be tied to storm sewers if sewer drains to a
stormwater detention facility serving the subdivision.
3. In all instances, sump pump, downspout and gutter discharge lines shall not be directed in a manner
that negatively impacts drainage on a neighboring property.
C. All required erosion control measures specified on grading plans approved and certified are to be installed
and maintained in accordance with procedures and standards for urban soil erosion and sedimentation
control in the Illinois Urban Manual as amended by the CSFPO.
D. Stripped surface areas shall be protected from soil erosion within fifteen (15) days after final grade is
reached. Stripped areas not at final grade that will remain undisturbed for more than fifteen (15) days after
initial disturbance shall be protected from erosion. Temporary cover shall be maintained continuously until
permanent cover is established.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-128.2: PLAN REQUIREMENTS.

A. Minimum Plan Requirements:
1. Title block that includes the project name, sheet number, date of preparation, and latest revision date.
2. North arrow.
3. Graph or bar scale.
4. Legal description and tax parcel number (PPN or PIN).

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 5. Legend identifying all standard symbols used on the plan sheet.
6. Plan must be prepared by an Illinois Registered Professional Engineer. Include name, address,
telephone number and seal of registered engineer.
7. Delineation of all existing and proposed easements for utilities, drainage, and conservation.
8. Bench mark tied to the County (NGVD) datum. For sites located in flood hazard areas, tie benchmark to
the FIRM datum.
9. Existing and proposed contour lines at one-foot interval tied to bench mark.
10. Drainage arrows along lot lines and wherever else appropriate.
11. The topographic survey shall extend one hundred (100) feet beyond all property lines.
12. Finished grades at least one-half (0.5) foot below top of foundation.
13. Side and rear lot line swales at a minimum one percent (1%) slope. Drainage swales require a one
percent (1%) minimum slope along property lines. These swales shall be contained on the lot being
developed, or where applicable, a defined mutual (shared) swale may be used (with the lowest point of
the swale being contained on the lot being developed).
a. Four (4) cross-section drawings will need to be provided along with both main property lines that
reference the following: All existing and proposed foundations, spot elevations at the top and
bottom of the swales (lowest point being contained on the property being developed) and spot
elevations at the property line and onto the neighboring property. In addition, these cross-
sections need to include the existing grade through the area.
b. Any grading being proposed on a neighboring property will require a letter both signed and
notarized by the legal owner(s) of the property allowing grading changes. Depending on the
amount of grading changes being proposed on that property, a separate grading permit may be
required.
14. Maximum earth slopes - three (3) horizontal to one (1) vertical.
15. Proposed top of foundation elevation (and lowest opening elevation), including the top of foundation
elevations (and the lowest opening) of existing structures within one hundred (100) feet of the project
site.
16. The location and direction of all proposed sump pump and downspout discharge lines. Sump pump and
downspout discharge lines shall be directed to a vegetated swale and shall not directly tie into a storm
sewer. This requirement may be waived by the Building Official where the storm sewer discharges
directly into an on-site stormwater facility. In all instances, sump pump and downspout discharge lines
shall not be directed in a manner that negatively impacts drainage on a neighboring property. The
outlet for every sump pump and downspout shall be located at least ten (10) feet from any property
line.
17. Top and bottom elevations of the proposed retaining wall, along with a cross-section detail for the
proposed design. Walls twenty-four (24) inches or more in height require the certification of a
registered Illinois Architect or Structural Engineer. Manufacturer's specification sheets are required for
walls that are pre-engineered (e.g. pre-cast inter-locking wall system, etc.). Depending on type of wall
system, height, etc. the above certification may also be required, along with as-built drawings of the
installation.
18. The locations and elevations (as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency National
Flood Insurance Map) of all Zone A floodplains within one hundred (100) feet of the proposed
development.

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 19. The delineation line with wetland submittals for properties containing wetlands or properties within
one hundred (100) feet of wetlands. Delineation of off-site properties will not be required. Wetland
submittals must be prepared in accordance with the standards found in the CSFPO.
20. The location of all easements for the proposed development.
21. Driveway slope may not exceed eight percent (8%).
22. Location of soil stockpiles remaining on the site for more than three (3) days.
23. Sediment and erosion control plan designed using the procedures and standards for urban soil erosion
and sedimentation control in the Illinois Urban Manual as amended by the CSFPO.
24. The location and elevation of all existing and proposed stormwater/drainage facilities within one
hundred (100) feet of the property (e.g. swales, ditches, catch basins, inlets, storm sewers, field tiles,
culverts).
25. Indicate pipe, slope, length, elevations and type of material for all proposed storm lines.
B. In addition development on a lot or parcel of land including but not limited to new principal buildings or
structures and additions thereto or new accessory buildings or structures and additions thereto or lot or
parcel grading changes shall meet shall comply with the following sediment and erosion control plan
requirements:
1. Site development that requires stormwater detention facilities or has potential impacts to a special
management area (includes but not limited to the following: floodplain, riparian areas, wetlands or
developments within one hundred (100) feet of a wetland) will require additional information as found
in the CSFPO.
2. The plan shall indicate sedimentation controls for all existing and proposed storm water structures.
3. The plan shall indicate erosion control measures designed to protect adjacent properties and public
rights of way. Such measure to be installed before any earth movement and/or ground breaking.
4. The plan shall indicate erosion control measures designed to protect ditches, swales, and other sloped
areas where storm water velocity can cause erosion.
5. The plan shall indicate sediment and erosion control provisions for soil stockpiles.
C. The sediment/erosion control plan will need to include the following:
1. Proper sediment protection (e.g. silt fencing) to be properly installed along the downslopes of the site.
Other acceptable and practical methods may be used.
2. The location of the construction entrance.
3. The location of the topsoil stockpile, including the backfill stockpile location. This is to be located as to
not create a negative impact on the neighboring properties. Provide a notation if no stockpile is to
remain.
4. Proper storm inlet and street inlet protection. Geotextile filter fabric required to be installed under all
inlets.
5. Culvert sedimentation protection.
6. Temporary and permanent stabilization method(s) (e.g. erosion control matting/blanket installed on
steep slopes, sod, hydro-seed, seed/mulch combination) where the mulch has been cultivated into the
soil.
7. Rip-rap should be used on the outlet side of flared end sections in order to dissipate flows.

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 8. Ditchchecks of rock or straw/haybales should be considered within swales of excessive drop.
9. Sediment basin/traps should be considered as a settlement area before a storm structure/facility.
10. The location of cement wash-off areas shall be placed away from special management areas
(floodplains/floodways, riparian, wetlands and wetland buffers), stormwater facilities and other related
conveyance systems.
D. Requirements for Final Grading Approval and Security Bond Release:
1. Four (4) copies of a record drawing showing the as-built topography to be submitted to the Building &
Zoning Department. The site will be inspected within three (3) to five (5) working days after the
drawing is received.
2. The record drawing must be prepared, signed and sealed by a registered Illinois Land Surveyor
(Professional Engineer when required) and should be prepared to the same standards as the approved
topographic/grading plan.
3. The record drawing grading shall match the approved grading plan.
4. Submitted record drawing as-built topographic shall reflect the actual finished grading. This is to
include the location of all downspouts and sump pump discharge lines and reference the benchmark
used in the approved grading plan.
5. Swales/berms shall be properly installed as per the approved grading plan.
6. All storm lines (driveway culverts, storm inlets and outlets, catch basins and flared-end sections) shall
be free of debris and sediment.
7. All vegetation shall be established (e.g. sod, hydro-seed or seed with an acceptable matting blanket
material). Should a final grading inspection be scheduled without vegetation being established, a re-
inspection will be required for the vegetation prior to any approvals being issued.
E. Development on Properties Within the Floodplain and Floodway Requirements:
1. The director or his designee shall be responsible for the general administration and enforcement of this
section including but not limited to the following:
a. To make determinations on Floodplain and Floodway designation and check all new development
sites to determine whether the sites are in a special flood hazard area (SFHA) per the standards
and requirements of the Building Code and the CSFPO.
b. To make determinations as required by FEMA to determine if any structure has substantial
damage and insure that any modification of those structures comply with the requirements of
the Building Code and the CSFPO.
c. To make determinations relative to a substantial improvement and insure that those structures
comply with the requirements of the Building Code and the CSFPO.
d. To make determinations relative to repetitive loss on a property and insure that the property
complies with the requirements of the Building Code and the CSFPO.
2. Pursuant to the requirements of FEMA, any development in the floodplain must obtain an elevation
certificate.
3. Where a development, structure or property has substantial damage, has or will have substantial
improvement or is the subject of repetitive loss regulations, the director or his designee shall require
that the development, structure or property comply with the requirements of the Building Code and
the CSFPO, including but not limited to the following:

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 a. Elevate, relocate, demolish or floodproof. Floodproof only non-residential structures.
b. Obtain an elevation certificate.
4. The director or his designee shall be responsible to maintain for public inspection in the permit files
any documentation including elevation certificates relative to all determinations made by the director
or his designees relative to development in the floodplain and or floodway including substantial
damage, substantial improvement and repetitive loss to said structures and property per the
requirements of the Building Code and the CSFPO.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-129: LANDSCAPE REGULATIONS.

8-129.1: GENERAL.
1. To require landscaping for screening and buffering of subdivisions, planned developments, developments
granted zoning relief, and all developments other than single-family residences to reduce the impact of such
developments on adjacent properties.
2. To encourage the preservation of existing trees and other vegetation which are in healthy condition,
especially mature plant material and plants indigenous to the region, which are an important element
characterizing the high quality of life in the County.
3. To encourage the design and location of buildings, parking lots, drainage facilities and other improvements in
such a way as to maximize the preservation of existing trees and other desirable vegetation.
4. To grant plant preservation credits for existing trees and other desirable vegetation which meet landscaping
requirements.
5. To regulate the clearing and disturbing of land during the planning and site development process so as to
preserve existing trees and other desirable vegetation when a tree preservation plan has been approved and
plant preservation credits have been given.
6. To require the use of native vegetation in and around stormwater basins to help filter stormwater runoff,
reduce basin erosion and sedimentation, aid in the removal of nutrient and other contaminants from
stormwater, and discourage large numbers of nuisance waterfowl in and around stormwater basins.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-129.2: APPLICABILITY.
1. The requirements shall apply to the following projects requiring a permit in unincorporated DuPage County.
a. All applications for subdivision approval or zoning relief.
b. All projects having been granted zoning relief.
c. All projects having one or more transition yards.
d. All projects having parking lot areas of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or larger.
e. All projects, other than projects on lots that contain single-family residences, having existing trees of at
least three (3) inches in diameter measured four and one-half (4½) feet above the ground.

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 f. All projects granted reduction of required yards by conditional use procedure with shared parking
facilities.
g. All projects that utilize up to twenty percent (20%) yard reduction for parking, circulation or loading.
h. All projects having parking lots of four (4) or more spaces located less than forty (40) feet from a
residential property or street right-of-way line.
i. All projects having open off street loading areas less than forty (40) feet from a residential property or
street right-of-way line.
j. All projects having outdoor storage areas of goods, products, materials, supplies, machinery,
equipment or commercial vehicles.
k. All automobile service stations.
l. All projects having outdoor trash containers.
m. All projects having stormwater basins.
n. All principal arterial office use projects.
o. All private school play areas that are adjacent to residential properties.
2. The following projects are exempt from the requirements:
a. All projects on lots that contain single-family residences that do not have any transition yards, or
existing zoning relief.
b. All projects (other than lots which contain single-family residences) that do not have any circumstances
in subsection 8-129.2 (section 1) of this section.
3. Existing conditions on developed sites that are not in conformance with the requirements of the DuPage
County Zoning Ordinance, section 37-4.19, "Landscaping," that are otherwise lawful on August 13, 1991, may
be continued as a matter of right. Any lawful exceptions of nonconforming uses that involve any of the
circumstances in subsection 8-129.2 (section 1) of this section shall be subject to the requirements of this
Code.
4. Alternative compliance. Certain project conditions may justify approval of alternative methods of compliance
within these requirements. Conditions may arise where normal compliance is impractical or impossible or
where maximum achievement of the County objectives can only be obtained through alternative
compliance.
a. Requests for alternative compliance will be considered for any application to which the requirements
of the ordinance apply when one (1) or more of the following conditions are present:
(1) Existing topography, soil, vegetation or other site conditions are such that full compliance is
impossible or impractical; or improved environmental quality would result from the alternative
compliance.
(2) Space limitations, unusually shaped lots or prevailing design practices in the surrounding
neighborhood may justify alternative compliance for infill sites and for improvements or
redevelopment in older developed areas.
(3) A change of use on an existing site increases the screening required to more than is feasible to
provide.
(4) Safety considerations make alternative compliance necessary.
b. Requests for alternative compliance shall be accompanied by sufficient explanation and justification,
written and graphic, to allow appropriate evaluation and decision.

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 c. A proposed alternative compliance measure must be equal to or better than normal compliance in
terms of quality, effectiveness, durability, hardiness and ability to meet the landscape standards of the
Code.
d. Alternative compliance shall be limited to the specific project under consideration and shall not
establish precedents for acceptance in other cases.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-129.3: SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS.

1. A tree survey of the site to be developed shall be submitted prior to site plan review and concurrent with the
submittal of any permit or project application for zoning relief, a subdivision, or when a transition yard exists
on the property, or a transition yard is created through allowed yard reduction on the property.
a. Tree survey preparation.
(1) For a single-family detached lot or two-lot subdivision: The tree survey may be prepared by the
property owner on a site survey, identifying the trees and other prominent vegetation on the
site.
(2) For all nonresidential development and subdivisions: all single-family subdivisions of three (3) or
more lots; all two-family developments and all multiple-family developments: The tree survey
shall be prepared by an arborist, forester, horticulturalist, landscape architect, landscape
designer, landscape contractor, or other professional able to correctly locate and identify trees
and other prominent vegetation on the site.
b. The plan shall include the following:
(1) All existing trees of three (3) inches or larger in diameter measured four and one-half (4½) feet
above the ground, their species and condition.
(2) The outline of existing masses of other vegetation which may include trees less than three (3)
inches in diameter and shrubs.
(3) All trees of twelve (12) inches or larger in diameter measured at four and one-half (4½) feet
above the ground, on all adjacent properties within twenty-five (25) feet of the property line.
2. The landscape plans is to be prepared and stamped by a registered Landscape Architect, licensed in the State
of Illinois, for all nonresidential development and subdivisions; all single-family subdivisions of three (3) or
more lots; all two-family developments and all multiple-family developments.
The landscape plan shall be submitted on a separate sheet and shall include the following information:
a. Site elements: The landscape plan shall show:
(1) Title block including the name and street address of the project, designer's name, scale of the
plan (no smaller than one (1) inch equals fifty (50) feet for plans with trees only; and no smaller
than one (1) inch equals twenty (20) feet for plans with shrubs and smaller plants), north arrow
and date of the plan.
(2) Property lines.
(3) Name, location, right-of-way and paving widths of all abutting streets.
(4) Note zoning and use of all abutting properties; location of buildings on abutting properties within two
hundred (200) feet of property lines.

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 (5) Natural features such as ponds, lakes and streams; delineation of one hundred-year floodplain and
wetland boundaries.
(6) Existing and proposed stormwater basins.
(7) Required landscaped yard widths.
(8) Location, height, dimensions, and use of all existing and proposed buildings and other structures,
including parking lots, sidewalks, and other paved areas, fences, walls, and recreational equipment.
(9) On sites where trees and other vegetation are to be preserved, the plans shall identify construction
access, storage areas, work areas, and protective fencing around trees and other vegetation. These
elements shall also be shown on the site grading plan.
b. Planting elements: The landscape plan shall show:
(1) Existing trees and areas of other vegetation to be removed, locations noted, trees three (3) inches or
larger in diameter measured at four and one-half (4½) feet above the ground, and a list of species.
(2) Existing trees of three (3) inches or larger in diameter measured at four and one-half (4½) feet above
the ground, to be preserved, including locations noted, diameter, and a list of species.
(3) Outline of existing masses of other vegetation, which may include trees less than three (3) inches in
diameter and shrubs, to be preserved,
(4) Show on submittals the methods and details for protection of existing vegetation during construction.
(5) Location and keyed labels of all proposed plants.
(6) Location of all proposed areas to be seeded and/or sodded.
(7) Plant list or schedule to include key symbols, quantity, correct botanical and common names, size and
condition of all proposed plants.
(8) Location and description of other landscape improvements, such as earth berms, screens, sculptures,
fountains, street furniture, signs, lighting and paved areas.
(9) General and specific notes to indicate or explain the design and construction procedures to be used.
c. Specifications, maintenance and management plans for stormwater basins.
(1) Provide written specifications for planting procedures.
(2) Provide a written landscape management and maintenance plan for the three-year native planting
establishment period.
(3) A written perpetual maintenance and management plan shall be incorporated into subdivision
covenants or stormwater basin easement language outlining practices required to properly maintain
native plantings.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8.129.4: REVIEW PROCEDURE.

1. The plan will be reviewed for compliance with the DuPage County Zoning Ordinance and with any ordinance
approved by the County Board that grants specific zoning relief on the subject property.
2. Any subsequent alteration of the approved grading plan that affects existing or proposed landscaping shall
require that a new landscape plan be submitted highlighting specific landscape changes from the previous
plan.

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3. Upon satisfying the landscape plan conditions of this Code, the DuPage County Zoning Ordinance and any
ordinance granting specific zoning relief on the subject property, a detailed cost estimate prepared by a
recognized landscape architect or landscape contractor shall be submitted for approval. The estimate shall
include the cost of all new landscaping, and replacement value of trees and other vegetation being
preserved. Replacement value shall be determined by the cost of replacing each tree or shrub with a new
tree or shrub to meet the required landscape points.
4. The applicant shall also be required to sign a temporary easement agreement prior to the issuance of any
permits.
5. Upon the receipt of the landscape bond, the signed temporary easement agreement, and the approval of the
tree preservation measurements on the site by the County when tree preservation is required, the applicant
will have completed the landscape submittal requirements of the ordinance.
6. Inspection of the applicant's property will be conducted by the County after the installation of all materials
by the applicant and again after at least one (1) year has passed.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-129.5: GENERAL LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS.

1. All plants shall conform to the "American Standards For Nursery Stock," latest edition, and shall be installed
according to the current standards of the American Association of Nurserymen.
2. Plant Availability and Hardiness: All plants used in landscape plans shall be hardy in USDA zone 5.
3. Deciduous shade and street trees shall be fully branched, and have a minimum caliper of three (3) inches,
except for single lot residential development, which shall have a minimum caliper and two and one-half (2½)
inches as measured six (6) inches above ground level. Specimens shall be properly pruned to maintain a
natural form.
4. Ornamental trees shall be fully branched, and have a minimum caliper of two and one-half (2½) inches for
single lot residential development, which shall have a minimum caliper of two (2) inches, as measured six (6)
inches above ground level. Specimens shall be properly pruned to maintain a natural form and effective
screening.
5. Evergreen trees shall have a minimum height of eight (8) feet, except for single lot residential development,
which shall have a minimum height of six (6) feet. Trees shall be fully branched to the ground.
6. Columnar evergreens shall have a minimum height of four (4) feet and shall be fully branched to the ground.
7. Tall shrubs shall be supplied in five-gallon or larger containers, or balled and burlapped. Plants shall measure
at least thirty-six (36) inches in height and shall be fully branched to the ground. Shrubs shall be properly
pruned to maintain effective screening.
8. Low shrubs shall be supplied in two-gallon or larger containers for residential development, or five-gallon or
larger containers for nonresidential development. Plants shall measure at least eighteen (18) inches in height
or spread for residential development and at least twenty-four (24) inches in height or spread for
nonresidential development.
9. Ground cover plants shall be planted so that an effective covering is obtained within two (2) growing
seasons, or a maximum spacing of one (1) foot on center, in all directions.
10. Plant materials, including deciduous trees and evergreen trees, shall not cause a hazard. Landscape plant
material overhanging walks, pedestrian or bicycle paths and seating areas shall be pruned to a minimum
height of eight (8) feet; and to a minimum height of twelve (12) feet over streets and highways, and above
parking lot aisles and spaces.

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11. Parking Lot Plantings:
a. No shrub or tree shall be planted closer than two (2) feet from any curb.
b. Low shrubs planted in parking lot islands shall be maintained at a height not exceed three (3) feet, in
order to keep sight lines clear.
12. Plantings shall conform with section 37-4.5-3, of the Zoning Ordinance to keep the vision triangle clear at all
vehicle intersections.
13. Maintenance Responsibility:
A. The owner of the property, or subsequent owners, shall be responsible for the maintenance of all
landscape materials. Any plant materials which die shall be replaced forthwith in compliance with the
approved landscape plan.
B. Fences, walls and other barriers shall be maintained in good repair.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-129.6: PRESERVATION OF TREES AND OTHER VEGETATION.

Trees and other vegetation which will be preserved as part of an applicant's approved landscape
preservation plan shall be subject to the following requirements:
1. Clearing and Tree Removal:
a. Upon approval of the landscape preservation plan for a permit or a development, the applicant
shall refrain from clearing and removing trees and other vegetation from the site until all
required approvals and permits have been applied for and received from the County.
b. Exemption, Notification and Plan Revision.
(1) Trees identified for preservation on the landscape preservation plan which pose an
immediate safety hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, buildings, other site
improvements or utility lines, including damage caused by storm, fire, or other injury, may
be removed at any time.
(2) The applicant shall notify the County within forty-eight (48) hours of the tree removal
work.
(3) The landscape preservation plan shall be revised, and new trees required to meet the
landscape screening requirements of this section shall be added to replace any plant
preservation credits formerly provided by the removed trees.
2. Protection: Root area, trunks and branches of trees and other vegetation identified for preservation
shall be protected during any work activity on the site. The applicant and his contractor shall conform
to the following requirements:
a. All grading, storage of materials and trash, parking or equipment or vehicles, dumping of liquids,
and direction of construction runoff shall be prohibited within five (5) feet of any existing tree
drip line or shrub/ground vegetation line.
b. A sturdy, continuous, temporary fence of at least four (4) feet in height shall be erected prior to
site clearing and grading operations. The fencing shall be secured to posts driven into the ground.
The fence lines shall be five (5) feet or more from all existing vegetation drip lines and shall be
maintained until all construction work has been completed.

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 c. The applicant or developer/contractor shall hire a professional arborist to prune trees identified
to be saved to compensate for root loss during conservation, remove dead or damaged branches,
and remove low hanging branches which conflict with access into the site.
3. Replacement: Trees identified on the approved landscape plan for preservation which are
inadvertently or intentionally destroyed, or are dying or dead, as determined by the County at any time
up to and including the second landscape inspection, shall be removed and replaced with new
plantings in the following manner:
a. Replace the total caliper of dead or dying trees with trees of the minimum size as specified by
this Code or in accordance with subsection 8-129.2.4, "Alternative Compliance," of this article.
b. Replacement trees shall be located in the areas identified for preservation on the approved
landscape plan or as allowed by subsection 8-129.2.4, "Alternative Compliance," of this article.
4. Plant Preservation Credits: Plant preservation credits (PPC) may be applied for when plants in the
required landscape yards are retained to perform required screening and buffering. The landscape
requirement will be waived to the extent that the plants meet the requirements of the specific case as
determined by the County.
a. Each tree or masses of trees and shrubs preserved in the areas of a required landscape yard shall
meet the following requirements:
(1) The tree masses of trees and shrubs shall be alive and in a healthy condition.
(2) Trees three (3) inches to five (5) inches in diameter measured four and one-half (4½) feet
above the ground shall receive one hundred (100) landscape points.
(3) Trees six (6) inches to eight (8) inches in diameter measured four and one-half (4½) feet
above the ground shall receive one hundred thirty-five (135) landscape points.
(4) Trees nine (9) inches to eleven (11) inches in diameter measured four and one-half (4½)
feet above the ground shall receive one hundred seventy (170) landscape points.
(5) Trees twelve (12) inches or larger in diameter measured four and one-half (4½) feet above
the ground shall receive two hundred (200) landscape points.
(6) Masses of trees under three (3) inches in diameter and shrubs in landscape yards may
receive up to one hundred percent (100%) of the points required for that portion of the
landscape yard if one-third (⅓) of the landscape points in all landscape yards are
evergreens.
(7) Trees or masses of trees or shrubs shall perform the required screening function for the
landscape yards as determined by the County.
b. Procedure for Obtaining Credits: All areas to be preserved shall be labeled on the landscape plan.
Include photographs to verify existing vegetation areas. Note any pruning or other work on the
plan. The applicant will be notified in writing as to the extent of the credit. As a condition of the
PPC, all plants shall be protected during construction, as required in subsection 8-129.6.2 of this
article.
c. Existing landscaping on the site of a principal arterial office use project shall be preserved and
maintained.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-129.7: LANDSCAPE SCREENING.
Landscape screening is required in all transition yards and other areas as follows:
1. A partial landscape screen is required where:
a. A nonresidential use or district abuts a nonresidential use or a nonresidential district if the
adjacent lot is vacant.
b. A two-family or multi-family use abuts a non-single-family detached residential use or non-single-
family detached residential district if the adjacent lot is vacant.
c. A use in a nonresidential district that utilizes the fifty percent (50%) yard reduction by conditional
use abuts a nonresidential district.
d. A non-single-family detached use that utilizes the twenty percent (20%) yard reduction for
parking, circulation or loading abuts a non-single-family detached use or a non-single-family
district if the adjacent lot is vacant.
e. A single-family detached zoning lot is granted a variation or conditional use, when abutting any
nonresidential use or any nonresidential district if the adjacent lot is vacant.
f. There is a principal arterial office use. Screen around the structures on the property.
2. A full landscape screen is required where:
a. A nonresidential use or district abuts a residential use or any residential district if the adjacent lot
is vacant.
b. A two-family or multifamily use abuts a single-family detached use or a single-family detached
district if the adjacent lot is vacant.
c. A use in a nonresidential district that utilizes the fifty percent (50%) yard reduction by conditional
use abuts a residential district.
d. A non-single-family detached use that utilizes the twenty percent (20%) yard reduction for
parking, circulation or loading abuts a single-family detached use or a single-family detached
district if the adjacent lot is vacant.
e. A single-family detached zoning lot is granted a variation or conditional use, when abutting any
residential use or any residential district if the adjacent lot is vacant.
f. There is a principal arterial office use. Screen driveways, parking areas and outdoor trash
containers on the property.
g. A yard reduction of up to twenty percent (20%) is utilized for parking, circulation or loading.
h. Parking lots of four (4) or more spaces are located less than forty (40) feet from a residential
property or street right-of-way line.
i. Open off street loading areas are located less than forty (40) feet from a residential property or
street right-of-way line.
j. Outdoor storage areas of goods, products, materials, supplies, machinery, equipment or
commercial vehicles, other than sales yards, are located.
k. Outdoor trash containers are located.
l. Play areas of private schools are adjacent to residential properties.

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 3. Planned use or conditional use developments with mixed uses shall provide the minimum required
landscape yard between areas of differing uses as defined above.
4. Landscape Yards: Required landscaping may include fences, walls and berms in addition to plant
materials. Determine the type and number of plants and other features required by the following:
a. Number of Points Required for:
(1) A Partial Landscape Screen: Points required = the length of the landscape yard in linear
feet multiplied by 5.
(2) A Full Landscape Screen: Points required = the length of the landscape yard in linear feet
multiplied by 8.
b. Number of Plants Required: Trees and shrubs have been given a point value as follows:
Low shrubs: 10 points
Tall shrubs: 15 points
Columnar evergreens: 25 points
Ornamental trees: 50 points
Evergreen trees: 100 points
Shade trees: 100 points
5. Plant Selection:
a. The proposed landscaping shall function so that maximum effective screening is provided. Both
overhead and lower screening and buffering are required to meet the requirements.
b. Plant selection shall include a variety of plant types where possible.
c. Fences, walls and berms, where allowed, shall be used to increase effective screening. Trees and
shrubs should be used on berms and in front of fences and walls.
d. Plant selection shall include evergreens for at least one-third (⅓) of the total required points in
each landscape yard.
6. Solid Screening Fences or Walls:
a. Solid screening fences or walls of at least six (6) feet in height, where allowed, may contribute up
to fifty percent (50%) of the required landscape points for a full or partial landscape screen on
non-single-family residential lots and up to one hundred percent (100%) of the required points
on single-family residential lots.
b. Screening fences or walls of less than six (6) feet in height but no less than four (4) feet in height,
which are at least fifty percent (50%) open, where they are allowed, may contribute up to
twenty-five percent (25%) of the required landscape points for a partial or full screen.
7. Berms:
a. Berms are required in all front and corner side landscape yards for all non-single-family
residential developments when adjacent to parking lots, storage and loading areas, except where
in conflict with required drainage, detention/retention areas, wetland preservation and
mitigation areas, tree preservation areas or vision clearance easements.
b. Continuous or staggered berms may contribute up to fifty percent (50%) of the total landscape
points for that portion of a landscape yard. Berm heights of at least two and one-half (2½) feet
will receive credit based on the following:

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 (1) Berm height in feet × 10 = % of points credited (0.5' increments)
EXAMPLE: 100' long berm @ 2.5' high × 10 = 25% of points credited for that landscape
yard.
(2) Berm heights of five (5) feet or more shall be credited a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of
the points required for that portion of the landscape yard.
(3) When berms are used in combination with fencing for required screening, credit will be
given for either the berm or the fence, but not for both.
8. Outdoor Storage Areas and Outdoor Trash Containers: Except for open sales lot, all outdoors storage
areas of goods, products, materials, supplies, machinery, equipment or commercial vehicles, and
outdoor trash containers, shall be enclosed with a fence, masonry walls or landscape screen or any
combination thereof, which shall result in a full landscape screen to a height of not less than six (6) feet
above grade.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-129.8: PARKING LOT LANDSCAPING.

The following requirements apply to all parking lot landscaping:
1. Parking lot interior landscaping shall be provided for all parking lots of ten thousand (10,000) square
feet or larger.
2. Interior landscaping shall occupy at least ten percent (10%) of the area of the parking lot, and shall be
evenly distributed within the parking lot.
3. Shared parking facilities on two lots granted by conditional use procedure shall provide a minimum of
ten percent (10%) interior landscaping on both lots.
4. Planting islands shall be placed in all parking lots as follows:
a. End islands shall be provided at each end of all parking bays, except where corner islands are
provided.
b. Intermediate islands shall be evenly spaced and distributed throughout the parking area in order
to meet the ten percent (10%) landscaping requirement.
c. Center islands may be provided between head-in parking for the full length of every other
parking bay, unless there are three (3) or fewer parallel aisles of parking, to meet the ten percent
(10%) landscaping requirement.
d. Corner islands shall be provided at the end of two (2) perpendicular parking bays when these
bays are at the edge of the parking lot.
e. Drive islands may be provided between circulation drives and parking bays to meet the ten
percent (10%) landscaping requirements.
5. Minimum dimensions of planting islands, including a six-inch curb:
a. End islands shall be a minimum width of nine (9) feet and minimum length of thirty-six (36) feet
(forty-five (45) feet with a center island) for a double bay of parking.
b. Intermediate and half end islands shall be a minimum width of nine (9) feet and minimum length
of eighteen (18) feet. In the case of angle parking, the perpendicular from the center of the
parking bay to the aisle shall be the minimum length.

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 c. Corner islands shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) feet square, except in the case of angle
parking, where the perpendicular length of the stall from the centerline of the parking bay shall
be the minimum dimension.
d. Center islands between head-in parking and drive islands shall be a minimum width of nine (9)
feet, and the same length as the parking bay.
6. A curb shall be provided for all parking spaces adjacent to planting or pedestrian areas to prevent
vehicle overhang, except in the case of handicapped access ramps.
7. Landscaping is required in parking lots for screening, reduction of glare and to provide shade, which
prevents heat buildup. Shade trees, high branched ornamental trees and ground cover plants and/or
turf grass shall be used. Low shrubs may be required for additional screening. The minimum
requirements are as follows:
a. Nine-foot wide intermediate islands: At least one (1) tree, and ground cover plants and/or turf
grass.
b. Eighteen-foot corner islands: At least one (1) tree, and ground cover plants and/or turf grass.
c. Nine-foot wide center and drive islands: At least three (3) trees per one hundred (100) linear
feet, and ground cover plants and/or turf grass.
d. Nine-foot wide half end islands: At least one (1) tree, and ground cover plants and/or turf grass.
Provide at least seven (7) low shrubs when the islands is not adjacent and is forty (40) feet or
more from a landscape yard.
e. Nine-foot wide end islands: At least two (2) trees, and ground cover plants and/or turf grass.
Provide at least fifteen (15) low shrubs when the islands is not adjacent and is forty (40) feet or
more from a landscape yard.
f. Nine-foot wide end plus center island: At least two (2) trees, and ground cover plants and/or turf
grass. Provide at least twenty (20) low shrubs when the islands is not adjacent and is forty (40)
feet or more from a landscape yard.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-129.9: PROHIBITED PLANTS.

The following plants shall not be planted as a part of meeting the screening and parking lot landscaping
requirements:
1. TREES:
Botanical Name Common Name Remarks
Acer Negundo Box-elder Weak wood, invasive roots, self-
seeds, Box-elder bug
Acer Saccharinum Silver Maple Weak wood, invasive roots, self-
seeds, disease
Ailanthus Altissima Tree-of-Heaven Weak wood, twig litter, self-seeds,
invasive root
Betula Pendula European Birch Disease, fatal borer insects
Catalpa species Catalpa Weak wood, leaf & twig litter, self-
seeds, disease
Eleagnus species Russian, Autumn Olive Weak wood, short lived

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 Fraxinus Americana White Ash, Autumn Purple Ash, Emerald Ash Borer
Rosehill White Ash, Skyline White
Ash
Fraxinus Pennsylvanica Green Ash, Clump Green Ash, Emerald Ash Borer
Marshall Seedless Green Ash,
Sherwood Glen Green Ash, Summit
Green Ash
Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo (female) Offensive smelling fruit, seeds (Male
varieties acceptable)
Gleditsia Triacanthos Thorny Honeylocust Large thorns, seed pods (Thornless
and seedless varieties acceptable.)
Juglans species Butternut, Black Walnut Large fruit, difficult to grow plants
under
Maclura Pomifera Osage-Orange Large fruit, thorns
Morus species Mulberry Weak wood, fruit, self-seeds,
invasive
Malus Domestica Apple Large fruit, disease, insects
Plantanus Acerifolia London Plane Tree Aggressive roots, crowds out native
under story plants, heavy litter with
oversized leaves, fruit and twigs
Plantanus Occidentalis Sycamore Aggressive roots, crowds out native
under story plants, heavy litter with
oversized leaves, fruit and twigs
Populus species Poplar, Aspen, Cottonwood Weak wood, short-lived, litter,
Poplar self-seeds, disease
Prunus species Cherry, Peach, Plum Large fruit, disease, insects, short-
lived
Pyrus Communis Pear Large fruit, disease, insects
Quercus Palustris Pin Oak Crowds out native under story
plants
Rhamnus Frangula Buckthorn Weak wood, fruit, seed spread by
birds, invasive
Robinia species Black Locust Weak wood, twig litter, self-seeds,
invasive
Salix species Willow Weak wood, invasive roots, short-
lived
Sorbus Aucuparia European Mountainash Disease, fatal borer insects
Ulmus Americana American Elm Fatal diseases, insects, self-seeds,
invasive
Ulmus Pumila Siberian Elm Weak wood, disease, insects,self-
seeds, invasive
Shrubs/Herbaceous Plants:
Coronilla Varia Crownvetch Invasive, intolerant of other plants
Lonicera Japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Very invasive, crowds out native
understory plants
Lythrum Salicaria Purple Loosestrife Very invasive, replaces native plants
in wetlands
1
Polygonum Cuspidatum Japanese Knotwood Very invasive, replaces native plants

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 in sum
Rosa Multifora Multiflora Rose Very invasive, thorns

Note:
1. Also known as Fallopia japonica, false or Mexican bamboo.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-130: BUILDING OPERATIONS.

A. Night Operations: No construction or alteration operations shall be carried on prior to 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00
p.m., if such produces loud or annoying noises. Construction and/or alteration operations shall not be
permitted on Sundays if such produces loud or annoying noises.
B. Sidewalks: No sidewalk shall be obstructed in course of building operations and whenever a removal of a
sidewalk is required, such work shall not be done until a special permit is secured from the authority having
jurisdiction.
C. Street Use: It shall be unlawful upon any street, parkway, or sidewalk within the county to deposit or store
any building materials, tools, apparatus, or structure designed or intended to be used in the erection,
construction, alteration, or repair of buildings.
1. It shall be unlawful to mix mortar, concrete or any other material upon the surface of any sidewalk or
pavement in the County, or to wash any vehicle or machine incidental to construction on any street
right-of-way.
2. Except as otherwise provided in the ordinance of this County, the person to whom a building permit is
issued shall at all times during the life of the permit, maintain that portion of the street, parkway and
sidewalk and a sidewalk abutting upon and adjacent to the lot or tract upon which such building is
erected, in a safe condition and clear of all building materials, rubbish, dirt or snow. He shall at no time
obstruct the gutter, or waterway of any lot or street so as to prevent the passage of water along the
same, and if the gutter shall be shaded or covered so that ice accumulates therein, he shall clear the
gutter so as to allow water to pass freely at all times.
D. Temporary Restroom Facilities: The owner or the owner's representative of a temporary building or building
under construction, which is not yet occupied for its intended purpose, shall ensure that employees working
on the construction site have access to restroom facilities which meet the following requirements:
1. Toileting facilities shall be enclosed and discharged into a sanitary sewer. In lieu of connecting to a
sewer, the sanitary facility may be a portable, enclosed, chemically- treated tank-tight unit.
2. If individual portable units are used, separate toileting facilities are not required for males and females.
Toileting facilities shall be provided based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Construction Sanitation Standards, which are as follows:
a. For twenty (20) employees or less, one (1) toilet facility shall be provided.
b. For twenty (20) employees or more, one (1) toilet facility and one (1) urinal per forty (40) workers
shall be provided.
c. Hand cleansing units shall be provided.
d. All units shall be pumped and cleansed regularly to ensure adequate working facilities.

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 e. For nonresidential temporary buildings or non-residential buildings, the restroom facilities shall
be located within three hundred (300) feet of the entrance of the building under construction.
f. For residential temporary buildings or residential buildings, the restroom facilities shall be made
readily available in nearby areas.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-131: BUILDING ADDRESSES.

Prior to the issuance of a certificate of use and occupancy each structure which has been assigned an address
shall permanently affix such address to the building so that the address is visible from the main street. Address
characters shall be in Arabic numerals and shall be at least six (6) inches in height and mounted on a contrasting
background other than glass. Such address shall be maintained visible and legible.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-132: NOISE STANDARDS.

Regulations concerning noise are hereby adopted by reference pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code Title
35 Subtitle H entitled "Noise," chapter II entitled "Environmental Protection Agency Part 951" and measurement
procedures for the enforcement of 35 Illinois Code 900 and 901.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

ARTICLE II. MINIMUM PLANNING REQUIREMENTS

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION, REPAIR AND CONVERSION OF BUILDINGS FOR
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES INCLUDING DUPLEX AND TOWNHOMES

8-200: LIGHT AND VENTILATION.

A. General:
1. Install windows in outside walls to provide natural light and ventilation in all habitable rooms.
2. Windows in habitable rooms, whose areas provide the light and ventilation necessary to comply with
the following requirements are considered required windows. All windows in addition to these, and
also windows in rooms other than habitable rooms, are considered non-required windows.
3. The area of glazed portions of doors located in exterior walls may be included when necessary in
determining compliance with the above requirements.
4. Where window or drain openings are provided below grade, protect with metal window wells.
5. Where duct type range hoods are provided, ducts shall be constructed with nonflexible galvanized
steel or stainless steel and shall discharge to outside air. An attic or crawl space shall not be considered
outside air.
B. Habitable Rooms: Rooms designed to be used for living, sleeping, eating or cooking, including basement
areas with the finished floor three (3) feet six (6) inches or less below grade.
1. Required light and ventilation in each habitable room include windows, sliding glass doors and other
exterior doors with glass area.

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 2. Total glass area: Not less than eight percent (8%) of floor area of room.
3. Ventilating area: Not less than four percent (4%) of floor area of room.
C. Borrowed Light and Ventilation Between Rooms:
1. Unless separately lighted and ventilated by windows which provide the required area, the floor area of
two (2) habitable rooms may be combined in computing required light and ventilation area.
2. The common wall between such rooms shall contain an opening or openings which shall provide
enough light and ventilation to meet the requirements for habitable rooms.
D. Bathrooms and Water Closet Compartments: Provide ventilation by one (1) of the following means:
1. Window or skylight. Openable windows or skylights located in exterior walls or roofs with the light and
vent areas, not less than three (3) square feet.
2. Vents in or near ceilings with continuous duct connection to outside air in an approved method, with
mechanical exhaust, one CFM per square foot.
E. Open Basements: Provide light and ventilation by windows or door, in exterior walls with both glazed and
ventilating area not less than two percent (2%) of the floor area.
F. Crawl Spaces:
1. All crawl spaces under houses and other unexcavated spaces under porches, breezeways and patios or
other appendages shall be ventilated by openings in the foundation walls. A minimum of one (1)
square foot of vent opening per one hundred fifty (150) square feet of crawl space floor shall be
provided. The vents shall be located so as to provide cross ventilation and shall be separated no less
than one-half (½) the distance of the longest diagonal of the crawl space.
2. No vents required for crawl spaces if open to the ventilated basement, provided the net total area of
ventilation openings is one (1) square foot ventilation for each one hundred fifty (150) square feet of
the crawl space area and arranged for cross ventilation.
G. Attic and Other Enclosed Spaces:
1. To eliminate the problem of moisture condensation on roof framing in cold weather and to permit the
escape of heat in hot weather, ventilation of all spaces is required.
2. For gable roofs, where screened louvers are provided, the net area of the opening shall be one (1)
square foot of vent per one hundred fifty (150) square feet of area of the area of the ceiling below.
3. Hip roofs shall be provided with soffit vents and shall have either roof vents near the peak, or shall
have a ridge vent if the ridge is long enough to provide the required ventilation. The net area of
ventilation shall be one (1) square foot of vent per three hundred (300) square feet, distributed equally
between the soffits and the ridge.
4. For flat roofs or cathedral ceilings, blocking and bridging shall be arranged to prevent interference with
movement of air. Such roofs may be ventilated along overhanging eaves on the basis of net area of
opening equal to one (1) square foot per two hundred (200) square feet of the area of the ceiling
below.
5. In all cases where soffit or eave vents are installed, approved deflectors shall be used to ensure that
insulation does not cover or reduce the effectiveness of the soffit vents.
H. Furnace Rooms: Heater room, enclosed room or area where the central heat and water heating devices are
located.

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 1. All fuel fired heating units shall be installed in strict compliance with the manufacturer's specifications
or installation requirements. Installation of gas units and the installation of oil burning units shall
comply with the International Fuel Gas Code as adopted. Manufacturer installation manuals shall be
available on sites at time of inspection.
2. Combustion air in unconfined spaces may be provided by normal infiltration if the volume of the space
is no less than fifty (50) cubic feet per thousand (1,000) Btu/h of the total input rating of all appliances.
3. Combustion air in confined spaces may be provided by openings to adjacent areas as long as the
adjacent areas meet the requirements of unconfined spaces. At least two (2) openings shall be
provided and shall be located within twelve (12) inches of the top and twelve (12) inches of the bottom
of the space. Each opening must provide a minimum of one square inch per thousand (1,000) Btu/h of
the total input rating of all appliances and shall be no less than one hundred (100) square inches in
area.
Exception: Where fuel fired heating units are located in attic spaces, required combustion air shall be
provided directly from the outside, not the adjacent attic space.
4. Fuel fired heating units located in attic spaces shall be enclosed in a minimum one-hour rated
enclosure, sufficiently insulated to prevent the freezing of condensate lines, drains, etc.
I. Artificial Light and Ventilation: In place of the means for natural light and ventilation, alternate
arrangements of windows, louvers or other methods and devices may be used if approved by the Building
Official (see section 8-107 of this chapter).
J. Safety Glazing: Safety glazing shall be provided for glass located in the following areas:
1. Swinging or sliding ingress and egress doors (including storm doors).
2. Fixed or openable panels located within twenty-four (24) inches of a door and whose bottom panel is
located less than sixty (60) inches above the floor.
3. Fixed or openable windows or panels with a surface area larger than nine (9) square feet, with a
bottom edge less than eighteen (18) inches above the floor and a top edge greater than thirty-six (36)
inches above the floor.
4. All windows in stairways.
5. Doors and enclosures for bathtubs, showers, hot tubs, spas, whirlpools, saunas or steam rooms. This
shall include exterior windows within these compartments where the bottom edge of the window is
located less than sixty (60) inches above the drain inlet.
a. Exceptions to Safety Glazing.
Leaded, faceted or decorative glass panels.
Panels in doors or adjacent panels through which a three-inch sphere is unable to pass.
Louvered windows or jalousies no thinner than three-sixteenths ( 3/16) inch and no longer than
forty-eight (48) inches.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-201: SPACE REQUIREMENTS.

A. Living Unit: Each unit, except an efficiency apartment, shall provide at least one (1) bedroom, one (1)
bathroom, and space for living, dining, cooking, storage, utility and heating as follows:
1. Living, Dining, Cooking:

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 Minimum Area Square Feet
a. Living, dining when in 1 room 220
b. Living, only in 1 room when dining space is provided 190
in kitchen or separate room
c. Kitchen, cooking only (including space occupied by 72
equipment)
Provide at least 30 square feet of additional area,
usable for dining purposes when dining space is
included in the kitchen.

2. Sleeping:
Minimum Area Square Feet
a. When only 1 bedroom is provided 144
b. When 2 or more bedrooms are provided, the major 120
bedroom shall contain
c. All other bedrooms 100

3. Bathroom:
a. Size: Adequate for water closet, lavatory and tub or shower. The water closet may be located in a
separate compartment adjoining the bathroom.
4. Utility Rooms:
a. Utility Room Without Water Heater and Furnace: Each such utility room must be of sufficient
size so that a clear, unobstructed space of not less than three (3) feet can be maintained in front
of both the washer and the dryer. No water softener, laundry tub or other fixture shall be
installed so as to obstruct the required clear space.
b. Utility Room with Water Heater and Furnace: Each such utility room must be of sufficient size to
meet the requirements set out in subsection A.4.a of this section and in addition, each such
utility room must be of sufficient size so that a clear, unobstructed space of not less than three
(3) feet can be maintained in front of the water heater and a separate clear, unobstructed space
of not less than three (3) feet can be maintained in front of the furnace. The water heater and
furnace must each be not less than three (3) feet from the front of any appliance located in the
utility room. No water softener, laundry tub or other fixture shall be installed so as to obstruct
the required clear space. The requirements in subsection D, "Space For Heating Units," of this
section must also be satisfied.
5. Hallways: Minimum width three (3) feet.
B. Additional Habitable Rooms: See subsection 8-200.B of this article.
1. Minimum floor area one hundred (100) square feet.
C. Bedroom Closets:
1. Provide each bedroom with at least one closet or wardrobe having a minimum:
a. Depth: One (1) foot ten (10) inches.
b. Floor Area: Five (5) square feet.
c. Height: Six (6) feet.

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D. Space For Heating Units:
1. Provide a separate, uninhabited space within the building for the heating unit or system.
2. Provide three (3) feet working space in front of unit for maintenance and repair.
3. All equipment must be installed in strict compliance with manufacturer's installation requirements and
applicable standards.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-202: HABITABLE BASEMENT ROOMS.

Comply with requirements for habitable rooms with respect to privacy, light, ventilation and floor area.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-203: PORCHES, DECKS, TERRACES, AND LANDINGS.

Minimum dimensions shall be at least eighteen (18) inches larger than the arc described by the door or doors
which open onto a porch, deck, terrace or landing. In the case of exterior doors, it shall be assumed that a storm
door or screened door will be installed. Where interior doors open over landings, the landing shall be a minimum
width and depth to the door it serves.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-204: PRIVACY AND ACCESS.

A. Access:
1. Egress:
a. Exits Required: Not less than two (2) exits opening directly to the outside at grade level shall be
provided from each dwelling unit. Exiting through a garage and/or below-grade man doors shall
not be included in the exit door calculation.
b. Emergency egress openings: Every sleeping room shall have at least one (1) operable window or
exterior door approved for emergency egress or rescue. The units must be operable from the
inside to a full clear opening without the use of separate tools. Where windows are provided as a
means of egress or rescue they shall have a sill height of not more than forty-four (44) inches
above the floor.
All egress or rescue windows from sleeping rooms must have a minimum net clear opening of
five and seven-tenths (5.7) square feet. The minimum net clear opening height dimensions shall
be twenty-four (24) inches. The minimum net clear opening width dimension shall be twenty (20)
inches.
Exception: Grade floor window may have a minimum net clear opening of five (5) square feet.
(1) Attics: Provide access to attics having a clear height of over thirty (30) inches by means of
scuttles, minimum twenty (20) inches by thirty (30) inches disappearing or built in
stairways. (Attic access in attached garage ceilings must maintain the required one-hour
fire resistive rating.) Scuttles permitted in walk-in closets ceilings, provided scuttle is free
from obstructions.

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 (2) Basementless Spaces: Provide access from inside or outside, opening size not less than
twenty (20) inches by thirty (30) inches.
(3) Basements: Provide direct access to outside at grade by a door, or an escape window
having an openable area at least two (2) feet wide and thirty (30) inches high, sill not more
than forty-four (44) inches above floor. Escape windows to be provided with exterior metal
window well with a thirty-six-inch projection from foundation and at least as wide as
escape window. Provide egress ladder in window well required for all basement bedroom
egress windows or where deemed necessary by the Building Official. (Escape windows may
be provided with approved security protection.)
B. Privacy:
1. Bedroom Privacy:
a. At least two (2) bedrooms to have access to a bathroom without passing through another
habitable room.
b. Each bedroom to have access to bathroom without passing through another bedroom.
c. Each habitable room to have access to each other habitable room without passing through a
bedroom unless approved by the Building Official.
2. Non-acceptable Bathroom Arrangements:
a. Bathroom opening directly into a kitchen.
b. Bathroom providing sole access to any other room.
c. Bathroom in the basement as the only one (1) serving a living unit.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-205: CEILING HEIGHTS.

A. Minimum Ceiling Heights: (Measured from top of finished floor to underside of finished ceiling.)
1. Basement: Seven (7) feet zero inches clear under joists.
2. Habitable Basement Rooms: Seven (7) feet zero inches clear under joists.
3. Main Floor of Any Living Unit: Seven (7) feet six (6) inches clear under joists for at least seventy-five
percent (75%) of the floor area.
4. Areas Other Than Main Floor of Any Living Unit: Seven (7) feet six (6) inches clear; under sloping roofs,
seven (7) feet six (6) inches for not less than fifty (50) percent of floor area having five (5) feet or more
headroom.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-206: DOORS.
A. Exterior Doors:
1. Minimum Sizes:
a. Main Entrance Doors: Three (3) feet zero inches wide openable area.

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 b. Service Entrance Doors: Two (2) feet eight (8) inches wide; includes other exterior doors other
than main entrance.
c. Height: Six (6) feet eight (8) inches.
B. Interior Doors:
1. Provide a door for each opening to a bedroom, bathroom and toilet compartment.
2. Minimum Sizes:
a. All Habitable Rooms: Two (2) feet six (6) inches wide by six (6) feet eight (8) inches high.
b. Bathrooms: Two (2) feet four (4) inches wide by six (6) feet eight (8) inches high.
c. Powder Rooms: Two (2) feet zero inches wide by six (6) feet eight (8) inches high.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-207: STAIRWAYS.
A. Design and Location: Provide for safety of ascent and descent; install proper artificial light in addition to any
natural light; and provide an easy run by proper proportioning of tread width to riser height.
1. Headroom: Continuous clear headroom measured vertically from front edge of tread to a line parallel
with stair run, minimum six (6) feet eight (8) inches.
2. Width:
a. Main Stairs: Minimum two (2) feet nine (9) inches clear of handrail.
b. Other Stairs: Minimum two (2) feet six (6) inches clear of handrail.
3. Treads: Minimum width, nine (9) inches clear or tread above.
4. Rise: Eight (8) inches maximum. All riser heights to be same in any one (1) story.
5. Winders: Tread width eighteen (18) inches from converging end shall at least equal tread width
on straight stair run unless width of tread at converging end is six (6) inches or more.
6. Spiral Stairways: Spiral stairways are permitted, provided the minimum width shall be twenty-six
(26) inches with each tread having a seven and one-half-minimum tread depth at twelve (12)
inches from the narrower edge. All treads shall be identical, and the rise shall be no more than
nine and one-half (9½) inches. A minimum headroom of six (6) feet six (6) inches shall be
provided.
Exception: Spiral stairways shall not be permitted for use as the main stairs or sole stairway to a
basement.
7. Handrail: Install continuous handrail with return to wall on at least one (1) side of each run on all
stairways extending at grasp level on lower floor or landing to grasp level on upper floor or
landing without interruption by any means necessitating a change in handhold while traversing
said stairway run. The grasp level shall not be less than thirty (30) inches or more than thirty-six
(36) inches tread and shall remain a constant height paralleling the stair run and any side
directional change shall not be greater than thirty (30) degrees from the direction of the stair run
viewed vertically. Maximum width and depth of handrails shall be two and one-half (2½) inches
unless shaped to provide a secure handhold, provide clearance of not less than one and one-half
(1½) inches between handrail and the wall, partition or guardrail to which they are attached.

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 8. Guardrail: Provide around all stairways of more than two (2) risers. Porches, balconies or raised
floor surfaces located more than twenty-four (24) inches above the floor or grade below shall
have guardrails not less than thirty-six (36) inches in height. Handrails and guardrails on open
side of stairways, porches, decks and balconies shall have intermediate rails or ornamental
closures which will not allow passage of an object six (6) inches or more in diameter.
9. Stair Stringers:
a. Provide solid bearing at top and bottom and cripple in mid-span of stairs more than five (5)
risers.
b. Effective depth of wooden stringers, minimum three and one-half (3½) inches.
c. Open Basement Stairs: Minimum stringer thickness, two (2) inches.
d. Third Stringer: Install if treads are less than one and one-eighth (1⅛) inches thick and stair
is more than two (2) feet six (6) inches wide.
10. Provide exterior stairs when the sill of any first floor exterior door is more than twelve (12) inches
above finished grade. Wood construction shall be pressure treated or rot resistant species and
supported by concrete piers, wing walls or foundation a minimum of forty-two (42) inches below
grade.
11. Under stair protection: Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have walls, under stair
surface and any soffits protected in the enclosed side with half-inch gypsum board.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-208: FIRE WALLS BETWEEN ATTACHED DWELLING UNITS.

Each duplex or townhouse dwelling unit shall be separated from adjoining dwelling units by a two (2) hour
solid masonry fire wall or constructed by means of a listed design as approved by the Building Official. Said wall
shall contain no openings or penetrations and shall be sufficiently structurally independent so that a failure of
structural members on either side will not allow collapse of the fire wall.
On duplex or townhouse buildings with roofs of combustible construction, parapets are required on fire
walls, shall be similar construction to the fire wall and shall extend eighteen (18) inches above the highest point of
any roof within ten (10) feet of the fire wall.
Exception: The fire wall may terminate even with the roof sheathing if approved fire-treated roof sheathing
is used on each side of the fire wall for a distance of not less than four (4) feet.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

8-209: MINIMUM WIDTH.

The width of any duplex or town house dwelling measured between the interior finished surfaces of party
walls or end walls shall be not less than twenty (20) feet.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-210: RADON CONTROL.

A radon control system capable of lowering the emission of radon gas in a dwelling shall be required for all
new one- and two-family dwellings. Design and installation methods shall be acceptable to the Building Official.

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(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-211: AUTOMATIC FIRE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION.

A. Smoke Detectors Required: Smoke detectors shall be installed in each bedroom, outside of each separate
sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, in all furnace rooms and on each additional story of
the dwelling, including basements and cellars but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In
dwellings or dwelling units with split-levels, a smoke detector need be installed only on the upper level,
provided the lower level is less than one (1) full story below the upper level, except that if there is a door
between levels, then a detector is required on each level. All detectors shall be connected to a sounding
device or other detectors to provide, when actuated, an alarm which will be audible in all sleeping areas. All
detectors shall be approved and listed and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions. When additions, repairs or substantial alterations requiring a permit occur, or when one (1) or
more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the entire building shall be provided with
smoke detectors located as required for new dwellings.
B. Carbon Monoxide Detectors Required: A carbon monoxide detector shall be installed within fifteen (15) feet
of every room used for sleeping purposes.
C. Power Source: Power source for required detectors to be 110-volt with battery back-up.
D. Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems: Applicant must supply a letter from the local fire department/fire district,
prior to the issuance of any new residential home or addition permit, indicating compliance with their fire
codes or ordinances.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-212: HEATING REQUIREMENTS.

A. Provide heating unit capable of heating dwelling from minus ten (−10) degrees to seventy two (72) degrees
Fahrenheit at fifteen (15) miles per hour outside wind with heat loss calculated in accord with American
Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers Standards.
B. Heating unit shall be constructed and installed in strict accordance with the applicable current published
standard requirements and recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association, National Board of
Fire Underwriters, American Standards Association, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Labeling and listing by the following shall be accepted as conforming with equipment design standards:
Underwriters Labs, Inc., American Gas Association, or American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
C. Meet all requirements of the Illinois Energy Efficient Building Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

ARTICLE III. MINIMUM CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, ALTERATION, REPAIR AND CONVERSION OF BUILDINGS FOR
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES INCLUDING DUPLEX AND TOWNHOMES

8-300: GENERAL.
A. Construction Materials and Methods: These requirements specify minimum acceptable construction
materials and methods. Other materials and methods not specified herein may be approved for use by the

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 Building Official upon the submission of evidence satisfactory to him that their performance in use will be at
least equivalent to that of the materials and methods specified herein. It may be required that such evidence
include adequate reports and test data from a recognized testing laboratory, or proven and authoritative
service records, or analysis of performance made in accordance with well-established principles of
mechanics. When special conditions exist or arise during construction, which necessitate additional
precautions, the Building Official may require work in excess of these requirements. The Building Official may
require tests in accordance with acceptable standards at expense of owner.
B. Loads:
1. All parts of dwellings and accessory buildings and structures shall be designed, constructed and
maintained to support safely their own weight and all other loads and forces to which they may be
subjected. When special conditions exist or arise during the construction, which necessitate additional
precautions, the Building Official may require work in excess of these requirements.
2. Assumed minimum live loads (uniformly distributed) for design purposes.
a. Floor Joists: Design deflection - L/360. Design to support at least a forty (40) pound live load and
a ten (10) pound dead load.
b. Ceiling or Attic Floor Joists: Design deflection - L/240. When the roof pitch is steeper than three
(3) in twelve (12), and the clear height is the attic is greater than thirty (30) inches; the ceiling
joists must be designed to support at least a twenty (20) pound live load and a ten (10) pound
dead load.
c. Roof Rafters: Design deflection - L/180, cathedral ceilings - L240. Design to support at least a
thirty-pound live load and a seven-pound dead load when not supporting a ceiling load. When
supporting a ceiling load (cathedral), design for at least a thirty-pound live load and a fifteen-
pound dead load. Roofs that are subject to snow drift loads shall require more stringent design
values.
3. Wind Loads:
a. Basic Wind Speed Design: Ninety (90) miles per hour (mph).
b. On Vertical Faces: Twenty (20) pounds per square foot horizontally, any direction.
c. Roof or Parts with Slopes Greater than Thirty (30) Degrees: Twenty (20) pounds per square foot
design wind load.
d. Lifting Force: Twenty (20) pounds per square foot. To prevent sliding or overturning, anchor
roofs to walls and columns, and walls and columns to foundations.
C. Reserved.
D. Thermal Insulation and Vapor Barriers:
1. Minimum Insulation Requirements:
a. Reference the current Illinois Energy Efficient Building Code for insulation requirements as
adopted in Article V of this ordinance.
b. General: Flexible insulation (blanket and batt), loose fill insulation, reflective insulation, rigid
insulation (structural and nonstructural), foamed or sprayed insulation, or other types of
approved insulating material, including vapor barriers and breather papers or other coverings
which are a part of the insulation, incorporated in construction elements shall be installed and
used in a manner that will not increase the fire hazard characteristics of the building of any part
thereof. Insulation and component parts of ceiling, roof, wall, and floor assemblies shall be
installed in accordance with manufacturer's recommendation.

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 c. Unheated Crawl Spaces: Provide vapor barrier ground cover with a perm value of less than 1.0
extend up exterior perimeter foundation walls a minimum of four (4) inches and lap twelve (12)
inches. Insulate all heating supply and return ducts and fittings, domestic hot and cold water
piping with materials having a minimum R-value of eight (8).
d. Heated Crawl Spaces: Provide vapor barrier ground cover with a perm value of less value of less
than 1.0, extend up exterior perimeter foundation walls a minimum of four (4) inches and lap
twelve (12) inches.
2. Vapor Barriers:
a. Perm Value Water Vapor Transmission: Perm value is a measure of the ability of a material to
retard the flow of vapor transmission to less than 1.0 perm.
b. Materials: Install independent vapor barrier or one integral with insulating materials. All vapor
barriers installed shall be a perm value of less than 1.0 perm.
Effective vapor barrier materials are:
(1) Six (6) mil thick polyethylene.
(2) Foil back gypsum lath or gypsum board.
(3) Asphalt laminated paper.
(4) Aluminum foil.
(5) Paint coatings, approved for the purpose, may be substituted for membrane types of vapor
barrier, where other types of vapor barriers were not installed during construction when
permitted by the Building Official.
c. Where Required: All ceilings, roofs, walls, basement floors, attached garage floors, crawl spaces,
semi-crawl spaces and floors that separate heated spaces from unheated spaces. All vapor
barriers shall be installed on the warm side in winter of insulating materials. The vapor barrier
shall be fitted tightly around electrical outlet boxes, registers, or framed openings, repair rips or
tears in the vapor barrier.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-301: EXCAVATION.
A. Foundations, Trench Walls and Piers:
1. Extend to solid ground. Do not place on filled ground unless approval is granted by building official
based upon accepted engineering practices.
2. Excavated material shall not be placed in seepage field area.
3. Excavated material shall not obstruct the flow of natural drainage.
4. Subsurface drains encountered shall be joined to affect uninterrupted flow.
5. Bottom of footings: Not less than three (3) feet six (6) inches below finished grade, except where
placed on solid rock.
6. Remove all debris, sod, tree stumps and other organic matter within area occupied by dwelling.
7. Extend bottom of footing to undisturbed, inorganic earth or place footings on a controlled, engineered
fill. If deemed necessary by the Building Official, an independent testing laboratory shall provide the
specifications and testings.

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 8. Protect against freezing. No concrete shall be placed on frozen ground.
B. Crawl Spaces: All crawl space areas shall have a minimum clearance of at least twenty-four (24) inches below
bottom of floor joists and inside grade. The grade inside shall be leveled and covered with a four-inch layer of
crushed stone or gravel. Semi-crawl spaces may be permitted when approved by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-302: GRADING AND BACKFILL.

A. Backfill:
1. Excavated materials are not permitted for backfill within the building foundation walls, except as
approved by the Building Official.
2. Foundations and structures must be protected from damage during backfill.
3. Do not use debris for backfilling (see section 8-304.D.4 of this article).
4. No frozen material to be used as backfill.
B. Damp-proofing and Waterproofing:
1. Damp-proof basement and crawl space walls on exterior from finish grade to outside edge of footing
before placing footing tile and gravel.
a. Concrete Walls Cast In Place: Apply at least one heavy coat of undiluted hot tar, asphalt or
method acceptable to the Building Official.
b. Waterproofing compound mixed in concrete acceptable when approved by Building Official.
c. Or other methods as approved by the Building Official.
C. Grading: Grading or drainage or both shall be performed so that water will drain away from the building on
all sides and off the lot in a manner which will provide reasonable freedom from erosion and pocketed
surface water. Construction such as walks, driveways and retaining walls shall be installed so that they will
not interfere with drainage. All sidewalks, driveways, patios and other flat work shall have the top of the
finished surface four (4) inches minimum below the top of the foundation wall and be pitched one-quarter
(¼) inch per foot away from the building.
D. Trees: Where applicable, street trees shall be installed in accordance with the DuPage County Subdivision
Regulations (see chapter 31).
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-303: MASONRY MATERIALS.

Masonry materials described below apply to all masonry and concrete work.
A. Cement:
1. Portland cement.
2. Prepared masonry cement for mortar.
3. Pozzolanic materials, such as fly ash, will not be substituted for any portion of cement without
the knowledge and consent of the Building Official. When used as a replacement for cement,

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 manufacturer's recommendations will be followed and subjected to testing by an approved
laboratory.
4. Portland cement, air entraining.
5. Portland blast furnace slag cement.
B. Aggregate:
1. Sand: Clean, hard and sharp, free from harmful materials, graded according to intended use.
2. Coarse Aggregate:
a. Crushed stone or gravel: Hard, strong crystalline rock, properly graded, clean and free from
shale or other soft material.
b. Lightweight aggregate.
C. Water: Clean and free from harmful material.
D. Lime:
1. Hydrated lime.
2. Quick lime, slake thoroughly.
E. Brick:
1. Face brick: Hard burned, quality at least equal to grade B.
2. Common brick:
a. Selected hard burned common brick may be used for facing or exterior and interior walls.
b. Salmon or soft brick may be used in interior walls when not exposed and for backup work.
3. Fire brick: See appendix A of this article.
4. Concrete brick: See appendix A of this article.
F. Structural Hollow Clay Tile:
1. Sound, kiln burned units, free from defects.
2. Load bearing tile.
3. Non-load bearing tile.
G. Concrete Masonry Unit: Sound and thoroughly cured.
H. Stone:
1. Rubble and cut stone: Good quality building stone.
2. Cast stone.
I. Flue Lining: Glazed fire clay and vitrified tile, free from cracks and other defects.
J. Glass Block: See appendix A of this article.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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8-304: CONCRETE WORK.
A. General: Concrete shall reach a minimum compressive strength of three thousand (3,000) PSI within twenty-
eight (28) days.
1. Materials: See section 8-303 of this article.
2. Maximum Slump: Six (6) inches.
3. Calcium chloride may be used as an accelerator and shall be introduced in solution as part of the
mixing water. Calcium chloride shall not exceed one percent (1%) mixed at the plant per ASTM D98-87.
4. All concrete shall be air entrained, six percent (6%) plus or minus one percent (1%). Air entraining
admixtures shall conform to ASTM C260-86.
B. Quality of Concrete:
1. Job Mix: Minimum cement proportions, by volume. One (1) part Portland cement, two and one-half
(2½) parts sand, three (3) parts coarse aggregate (¾" to 1" maximum size).
2. Commercial Ready Mix:
a. Minimum Portland Cement Content: Five (5) bags/cubic yard.
b. Mixing period shall not exceed beyond one and one-half (1½) hours per batch.
3. Exposed Concrete (Driveways, Sidewalks, Curbs and Gutters, Patios, Stoops, Etc.):
a. Minimum Portland Cement Content: Six (6) bags/cubic yard for three-quarter-inch to one-inch
maximum size aggregate.
b. Maximum Slump: Four (4) inches.
c. Maximum Water Content: Including moisture in the aggregate: six (6) gallons per bag of cement.
C. Forms:
1. Double forms required for all basement concrete foundation walls.
2. Side forms required for footings where soil conditions prevent sharp cut trenches.
3. Build tight, straight, plumb, and brace rigidly.
4. Forms to be oiled prior to placement.
5. Stepped foundations - forms shall not cantilever more than six (6) inches beyond the excavation below
to allow for proper bearing.
6. Wood footing forms, form ties and braces shall be removed prior to backfill.
D. Placing:
1. Place continuously unless otherwise allowed by the Building Official.
2. When not placed continuously, provide a bulkhead with keyway and dowels. Clean, score, and wet the
top surface of the concrete before continuing.
3. Spade, rod or vibrate thoroughly. Concrete shall not be pulled with a vibrator.
4. Concrete shall not be placed on standing water, frozen ground or snow. Bottom of footing shall be
cleaned of all soft soils and organic materials.

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 5. Where ambient outside air temperature is twenty (20) degrees and rising as determined by the
Building Official, placed concrete shall be protected from freezing until cured by methods acceptable to
the building official. Where ambient outside air temperature is between zero (0) degrees and twenty
(20) degrees placed concrete shall be adequately protected with an external heat source until cured.
No concrete shall be placed where the ambient outside air temperature is zero (0) or below.
E. Curing and Protection: Concrete shall be protected from drying or freezing and shall be cured in accordance
with ASTM C309-89.
F. Loading: Allow sufficient time for strength of concrete to develop before subjecting to loads or traffic.
G. Reserved.
H. Footings:
1. General:
a. Design for proper distribution of superimposed loads.
b. Material: Cast in place concrete.
c. Bear on solid, unfilled ground.
d. Reinforce with steel bars where footings cross or bear on filled trenches or other unstable soil.
e. Footing dimensions listed below are based upon soils or average bearing capacity three thousand
(3,000) pounds per square foot. For soils of lesser bearing capacity where unusual loading
conditions exist, larger footings will be required.
2. Wall Footings: Minimum dimensions for spread footings shall be eight (8) inches deep by sixteen (16)
inches wide, except that masonry veneer on frame and solid masonry walls shall be ten (10) inches
deep by eighteen (18) inches wide.
a. Omission of footings for one- or two-story buildings of frame or frame with brick veneer or one-
story solid masonry containing no basement or crawl space is permitted where soils permit.
b. Footing must be keyed a minimum of two (2) inches into undisturbed soil, or shall be interlocked
to the soil by other approved methods.
c. Provide two-inch by two-inch keyway in the top of the footing underneath the centerline of the
wall.
3. Pier, Post and Column Footings (Interior):
a. Minimum Area: Six and one-quarter (6.25) square feet (thirty (30) inches by thirty (30) inches)
thickness: twelve (12) inches minimum.
4. Chimney Footings:
a. Dwellings; minimum thickness, twelve (12) inches; minimum projection each side, six (6) inches.
b. Pour integral with wall footing when chimney occurs in outside wall or inside bearing wall.
c. Material: Concrete cast in place.
I. Footing Drain Tile:
1. Required on the outside of all footings, minimum diameter, four (4) inches, where there is a basement
or crawl space.
2. Cover tile with twelve (12) inches gravel or crushed stone containing no fine particles.
3. Connect to an approved outlet.

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 4. Provide drains in all window wells and below grade stair landings. Connect drains to drain tile with T-
joints.
J. Concrete Foundation Walls Cast in Place:
1. General:
a. Materials: See section 8-303 of this article.
b. Walls Supporting Frame Construction: Extend concrete not less than six (6) inches above
adjoining outside finished grade.
c. Walls Supporting Masonry Veneered Wood Frame: Extend foundation of that wood portion of
wall is not less than six (6) inches above outside finished grade.
2. Minimum Thickness:
a. Not less than eight (8) inches, or that of wall supported, whichever is greater for wood frame
structures without masonry veneer.
b. Supporting porch slabs, steps and one story accessory wood frame structures without basement;
minimum eight (8) inches.
c. Interior walls not subject to lateral pressure six (6) inches minimum.
d. All other walls, ten (10) inches minimum.
3. Girder Pockets: Provide four (4) inches end bearing on main wall for girder. Form pocket for wood
girder one (1) inch wider than girder.
4. Sill anchor bolts to be installed:
a. Diameter, one-half (½) inch minimum.
b. Minimum length, ten (10) inches (minimum of seven (7) inches embedded in concrete).
c. Provide washer under nuts on bolts.
d. Spacing, not more than eight (8) feet on center; minimum two (2) bolts in each piece.
5. Anchorage for Intersecting Walls and Slabs: Provide dowel bar anchorage for porch and terrace slabs,
concrete or masonry steps and wing walls, which adjoin foundation walls. For basementless portions
and attached garages, embed four (4) one-half-inch round hooked bars four (4) feet long in main wall,
two (2) near top and two (2) near bottom of attached wall. Where new foundation walls adjoin existing
foundation walls, they shall be attached with a minimum of four (4) one-half-inch round dowel bars at
each point of attachment.
6. Chimney Foundations: Start at level of lowest foundation wall footings.
7. If special or unforeseen soil conditions warrant, the Building Official may require either reinforcement
of wall or increased thickness.
8. Damp proofing and waterproofing.
K. Concrete Floor Slabs on Ground:
1. Construction:
a. Fill Under Slabs: Gravel, sand, screenings, or crushed rock, minimum thickness four (4) inches.
Earth under-fill thoroughly leveled and free from vegetable matter thoroughly tamped. No floor
slab to be placed in water or on a soft, wet sub-grade.
Basements must be pumped dry at least twenty-four (24) hours before floor is poured.

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 b. Wire Mesh Reinforcing: Six-inch by six-inch #10 required in all slabs used for driveways or garage
floors. Overlap joints and tie every four (4) feet.
c. Bottom of Slab: Not lower than top of footing. Provide at least four-inch bearing on footing.
2. Cement Floor Finish:
a. Finish basement slab with steel trowel.
b. Integral finish on concrete slab.
3. Slabs on ground used as base for floors or as a finish floor in habitable rooms:
a. Minimum thickness, four (4) inches.
b. Provide vapor barrier directly under slab, at least six (6) mil thick polyethylene.
4. Basement Floor Slabs: Minimum thickness, four (4) inches. Provide vapor barrier directly under slab, at
least six (6) mil thick polyethylene.
5. Required Garage Floor, Sidewalks and Driveway Slabs: Minimum thickness, four (4) inches.
6. Stoops, Terraces and Porch Floor Slabs:
a. Minimum thickness, four (4) inches.
b. Install flashing between slabs and all wood construction. (See subsection 8-311.F of this article.)
c. Wing wall support with #4 rebar required for concrete stoops.
7. Slabs on ground used to support interior bearing walls or partitions: Thicken to at least ten (10) inches
for a width of twenty (20) inches.
8. Pea gravel shall not be used for fill under unconfined slabs such as sidewalks, stoops, etc.
L. Pre-engineered Foundation Systems:
1. Pre-engineered foundation systems shall be permitted where acceptable to the Building Official.
Required detailed plans and design specifications shall bear the seal and signature of a registered
Illinois Architect or Structural Engineer.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017)

8-305: MASONRY WORK.

A. General:
1. Construction Methods and Materials: See section 8-303 of this article.
2. Mortar:
a. All mortar must conform to the requirements of ASTM C270-89.
b. All grout must conform to the requirements of ASTM C476-83.
c. Re-tempering Mortar: Mortar that has stiffened on the mortar board due to evaporation should
be re-tempered to restore its workability by thorough remixing and by the addition of water as
required. All mortar shall be used within two (2) hours after initial mixing.
3. Joints:
a. Maximum thickness five-eighths (⅝) inch. Joints for decora ve stone work may be increased by
one-quarter (¼) inch.

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 b. Solid Masonry Units: Fill joints solid.
c. Hollow Masonry Units: No through mortar joints.
d. Fill all joints solid both sides of wall.
4. Bonding:
a. Walls of Solid Masonry Units. Solid masonry bearing and nonbearing walls shall be bonded in
accordance with one of the following methods:
(1) Bonding With Headers: The facing and backing shall be bonded with a header course
consisting of alternate through header and stretcher every seventh course, or one (1)
through header in every two hundred forty (240) square inches, uniformly placed
throughout wall.
(2) Bonding with Metal Ties: The facing and backing shall be bonded with corrosion resistant
metal ties conforming to requirements of subsection F.4 of this section for cavity walls.
There shall be one metal tie for not more than each four and one-half (4½) square feet of
wall area. Ties in alternate courses shall be staggered. The maximum vertical distance
between ties shall not exceed sixteen (16) inches, and the horizontal distance shall not
exceed thirty-two (32) inches. Walls so bonded shall conform to the thickness (excluding
cavity), height, and mortar requirements for cavity walls.
b. Masonry Walls of Hollow Units: Where two (2) or more hollow units area used to make up the
thickness of a wall, bonding shall be in accordance with the recommendations of ACI 530-
88/ASCE 5-88.
c. Stone Walls:
(1) Ashlar Masonry: Ashlar masonry, bond stones uniformly distributed shall be provided to
the extent of not less than ten percent (10%) of exposed faces.
(2) Rubble Stone Masonry: Rubble stone masonry twenty-four (24) inches or less in thickness
shall have bond stones with a maximum spacing of three (3) feet vertically and three (3)
feet horizontally, and if the masonry is of greater thickness than twenty-four (24) inches,
shall have one bond stone for each six (6) square feet of wall surface on both sides.
d. Intersecting concrete and masonry walls shall be anchored and bonded together in an approved
manner.
5. Closed Cell Hollow Units: Use for rough openings, corners, and wall intersections. Filling exposed ends
of cells shall not be an acceptable means of finishing.
6. Protection: Provide frost protection acceptable to the Building Official when temperature falls below
freezing, except that no masonry work shall be done in temperatures below twenty (20) degrees
Fahrenheit. (Protection as outlined by ACI 530.1-88/ASCE 6-88 for hot or cold weather shall be
considered acceptable practice.)
7. Loading: Allow sufficient time for strength of mortar to develop before subjecting to loads.
8. Wetting Clay Masonry Units: All clay brick having absorption rates (determined in accordance with
ATM specifications C67-73) in excess of 0.025 ounce per square inch per minimum shall be wetted
sufficiently so that the rate of absorption does not exceed this amount.
B. Piers:
1. Exterior Walls: Piers supporting exterior walls acceptable only for detached accessory buildings,
carports, open or screened porches and decks with or without roof and other non-inhabitable spaces.

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 2. Materials: Masonry units or cast in place concrete. (See section 8-303 of this article.)
3. Minimum Sizes in Inches:
a. Masonry: Twelve (12) inches by twelve (12) inches.
b. Plain concrete: Eight (8) inches by eight (8) inches or eight (8) inches round.
4. Maximum Spacing:
a. Exterior walls piers supporting floor joists: Eight (8) feet on center.
b. Exterior wall piers in line parallel to joists and interior piers: Twelve (12) feet on center.
5. Height: Minimum height above grade, six (6) inches.
6. Hollow Masonry Units: When of hollow masonry units, cap with at least four (4) inches solid masonry
or concrete.
7. Support: Anchor bolts or dowels, approved brackets or equivalent to be installed for post support.
8. Exceptions: Piers may be omitted from detached, freestanding, unroofed decks when approved by
Building Official.
9. Support Posts: Support posts shall not be embedded in concrete.
C. Exterior Masonry Walls Above Grade: (See section 8-303)
1. Materials: Masonry or cast in place concrete.
2. Minimum thickness, eight (8) inches, except that walls in one-story dwelling and one story private
garages may be six (6) inches thick when not over nine (9) feet in height, except that the height to the
peak of a gable may be fifteen (15) feet.
3. Maximum height for eight (8) inches thickness: twenty-two (22) feet from grade to eaves; or thirty (30)
feet from grade to ridge in gable ends. For greater heights, minimum thickness twelve (12) inches
except top twenty-two feet.
4. Backing, when used, solid or hollow masonry units, minimum thickness.
a. Bonded to facing, four (4) inches.
b. Tied to facing with sheet metal ties, eight (8) inches.
5. Furring when interior finish is applied, one (1) inch nominal wood strips. Spacing as permitted for
interior finish (see section 8-313). Bituminous waterproofing materials on masonry not acceptable for
plaster base. Install horizontal furring strips at ceiling and floor to form fire stops and prevent
convection.
6. Lintels: Size to be determined by span in each case. No concentrated loads over non-reinforced lintels.
a. Lintels may be:
(1) Pre-cast concrete and brick reinforced.
(2) Stone.
(3) Masonry arch.
(4) Steel.
b. Support on minimum four (4) inches of solid masonry.
7. Rafter plate anchor bolts to be installed.

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 a. Diameter, one-half-inch minimum. Length, fifteen (15) inches embedded at least twelve (12)
inches in wall.
b. Provide washer under nuts on bolts.
c. Spacing, not more than eight (8) feet on center.
8. Radiator Recesses:
a. Construct at time wall is built.
b. Maximum recess depth, four (4) inches in eight-inch walls, eight (8) inches in twelve-inch walls.
c. Back and side of recess to be waterproofed and insulated.
d. Width under windows not greater than rough opening.
9. Vertical Chases:
a. Construct at time wall is built.
b. Maximum length for chases where net wall thickness is eight (8) inches or less, four (4) feet.
c. Maximum chase depth, four (4) inches.
d. Back and side of chase to be plastered with one-half (½") inch of Portland cement mortar.
10. Horizontal Chases:
a. Not acceptable unless wall thickness is at least four (4) inches greater than thickness required
under subsection E.2 of this section.
b. Maximum depth, four (4) inches.
D. Masonry Veneer:
1. Minimum Thickness of Material:
a. Architectural terra cotta (cellular) 3 inches
b. Architectural terra cotta (flat slabs) 1¼ inch
c. Brick 2 inches
d. Stone (natural) 2 inches
e. Stone (cast artificial) 1½ inches
f. Clay tile (structural) 1¾ inches
g. Clay tile (flat slabs) ¼—1 inch
h. Marble slabs 1 inch
i. Pre-cast stone facing ⅝ inch
j. Structural glass 11/32inch

2. Masonry Veneered Wood Frame Construction. Veneer applied over sheathing with air space between.
a. Air Space: One (1) inch minimum between masonry veneer and sheathing.
b. Base Flashing: Copper or approved equal extending over top of foundation wall from outside
face of wall and not less than twelve (12) inches up on sheathing. Felt paper not acceptable as
base flashing.
c. Sheathing Cover: Apply water resistant building paper or saturated asphalt felt over sheathing.
Lap base flashing at least four (4) inches.

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 d. Bonding: Corrosion resistant metal ties spaced not more than sixteen (16) inches on center
vertically and thirty-two (32) inches on center horizontally: When other than wood board
sheathing is used, secure ties through to studs with corrosion resisting nails of length sufficient to
penetrate wood at least one (1) inch.
e. Lintels: Size to be determined by materials and span in each case. Bearing, at least four (4)
inches. Arches permitted.
f. Weep Holes: See subsection F.6 of this section.
E. Cavity Walls:
1. Thickness: The minimum thickness of the inner and outer wythes of cavity walls shall not be less than a
nominal four (4) inches, and the nominal out to out dimension of the wall shall not be less than ten (10)
inches.
2. Height: The maximum height of ten-inch cavity walls and the width of the cavity shall conform to the
requirements of subsection E of this section.
3. Mortar Joints: All masonry units shall be laid in a full head and bed mortar joint. The mortar used in
cavity wall construction shall conform to the requirements of "Portland cement mortar" or "cement
lime mortar" (see subsection A.2.a and b of this section).
4. Bonded Facing: The facing and backing of cavity walls shall be bonded with three-sixteenths-inch
diameter non-corrosive steel rods or metal ties of equivalent stiffness embedded in the horizontal
joints. There shall be one (1) metal tie for not more than each four and one-half (4½) square feet of
wall area. Ties in alternate courses shall be staggered, the maximum vertical distance between ties
shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches, and the maximum horizontal distance shall not exceed thirty-
six (36) inches. Rods or ties bent to rectangular shape shall be used with hollow masonry units laid with
the cells vertical; in other walls the ends of ties shall be bent to ninety (90) degree angles to provide
hooks not less than two (2) inches long. Additional bonding ties shall be provided at all openings,
spaced not more than three (3) feet apart around the perimeter and within twelve (12) inches of all
openings.
5. Flashing: Non-corrodible flashing shall be placed over the top of all openings, at window sills and at the
bottom of the cavity. Felt paper not acceptable as base flashing.
6. Weep Holes: Weep holes shall be provided in the head joint in the first course immediately above all
flashing. The weep holes shall be spaced not more than thirty-three (33) inches on centers and every
effort shall be made to keep the cavity clean of mortar droppings. When wicks of one-quarter-inch
fiberglass rope or similar materials are used, weep holes shall be spaced not more than twenty-four
(24) inches on centers.
7. Furring: See subsection D.5 of this section.
F. Masonry Chimneys:
1. Construction:
a. Masonry chimneys for residential type appliances shall be constructed of solid masonry units or
reinforced concrete with walls not less than four (4) inches thick in addition to lining or rubble
stone masonry not less than twelve (12) inches thick.
b. Chimneys shall be designed, anchored, supported and reinforced as required in this article.
Chimneys shall not support any structural load other than their own weight unless designed to
act as supporting members. Chimneys in wood frame buildings shall be anchored laterally at the
ceiling lines and at each floor line which is more than six (6) feet above grade, except when
entirely within the framework of the building.

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 2. Effective Flue Area:
a. Minimum diameter for house heating flue, eight (8) inches. For fireplaces, effective area not less
than one-tenth ( ⅒
) of fireplace opening.
b. Exceptions in flue sizes and combination of flues are allowed for listed appliances installed in
accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
3. Liners, Wythes, Walls:
a. Masonry chimneys for residential type appliances shall be lined with fireclay flue lining not less
than five-eighths (⅝) of an inch thick, or with liner of other approved material that will resist
corrosion, softening or cracking from flue gases.
b. Fireclay flue liner shall be installed ahead of construction of the chimney as it is carried up and
carefully bedded one on the other in refractory mortar, or the equivalent, with close fitting joints
left smooth on the inside (bell ends up).
c. Liners shall be separate from the chimney wall and the space between the liner and masonry
shall not be filled; only enough mortar shall be used to make a good joint and hold the liners in
position.
d. Where two (2) adjoining flues in the same chimney are separated only by flue liners, the joints of
the adjacent flue liners shall be staggered at least seven (7) inches.
e. Where more than two (2) flues are located in the same chimney, masonry wythes (partitions) at
least four (4) inches wide and bonded into the masonry walls of the chimney shall be built at such
points between adjacent flue linings that there are not more than two (2) flues in any group of
adjoining flues without such wythe separation.
4. Corbeling: Masonry chimneys shall not be corbeled from a wall more than six (6) inches nor shall a
masonry chimney be corbeled from a wall which is less than twelve (12) inches in thickness, unless it
projects equally on each side of the wall. In the second story of a two story building of single-family
occupancy, corbeling of masonry chimneys on the exterior of the enclosing walls may equal the
exterior wall thickness. In any case, the corbeling shall not exceed one (1) inch projection for each
course of brick.
5. Inlets: Every connector inlet to any masonry chimney shall enter the side thereof and shall be of metal
net less than no. 24 manufacturer's standard gauge (0.024 inch) or five-eighths (⅝) inch thick refractory
material.
6. Cleanout Openings: Cleanout openings shall be provided in chimneys connected to appliances burning
solid fuel. Cleanout openings shall be equipped with ferrous metal doors designed and constructed to
be closed when not open for cleaning purposes.
7. Termination (Height):
a. Masonry chimneys for residential type appliances shall extend at least three (3) feet above the
highest point where they pass through the roof of a building and at least two (2) feet higher than
any portion of a building within ten (10) feet.
b. Flue lining shall project four (4) inches above the top of the chimney cap. Chimney cap to be a
minimum of two (2) inches thick and sloped to the outside edge.
c. Raincap and spark arrestor required at point of termination.
8. Factory Built Chimneys: Factory built chimneys are factory made, approved, listed chimneys and shall
be installed in strict accordance with the terms of their approval and listing and the manufacturer's
instructions.

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G. Fireplaces:
1. General: Fireplaces, barbecues, smoke chambers and fireplace chimneys shall be of solid brick or
reinforced concrete or other approved materials and shall conform to requirements of this section and
section 8-303 of this article. Filled concrete block or cinder block shall be considered unacceptable.
2. Construction:
a. Structural walls of fireplaces shall be at least eight (8) inches thick solid block in addition to a
lining of low duty refractory brick at least two (2) inches thick laid in fire clay mortar with three-
sixteenths-inch maximum joints, or the equivalent, or other approved lining as provided.
b. When ash dump is provided, empty into moisture resistive concrete or masonry chamber
provided with metal cleanout door.
c. The firebox shall be twenty (20) inches in depth and will be permitted to be open on all sides
provided all fireplace openings are located entirely within one room.
Exception: Rumford fireplaces are permitted, provided that the depth of the fireplace be at least
twelve (12) inches and at least one-third (⅓) of the width of the fireplace opening, and that the
throat be at least twelve (12) inches above the lintel and be at least one-twentieth ( 1/20) the
cross sectional area of the fireplace opening.
d. Each fireplace shall have an independent flue free from other openings or connections, and the
first section of flue lining must start at the centerline of the fireplace opening.
3. Lining: The lining shall extend from the throat of the fireplace to a point at least four (4) inches above
the top of the enclosing masonry walls.
4. Clearance: The distance between fireplace and combustibles shall be at least four (4) inches, and such
combustibles shall not be placed within six (6) inches of the fireplace opening. Wood facings or trim
normally placed around the fireplace openings may be permitted when conforming to the
requirements of this section; however, such facing or trim shall be furred out from the fireplace wall at
least four (4) inches and attached to noncombustible furring strips. The edges of such facings or trim
shall be covered with a noncombustible material. Where the walls of the fireplace are twelve (12)
inches thick, the facings or trim may be directly attached to the fireplace.
5. Smoke Chamber: All walls including back walls shall be at least eight (8) inches in thickness.
6. Areas of Flues, Throats and Dampers: The net cross sectional area of the flue and of the throat
between the firebox and the smoke chamber of a fireplace shall be at least that required by subsection
G.2 of this section. Damper openings shall be at least, when fully opened, equal to the required flue
area and shall be of not less than No. 12 manufacturers' standard gauge (0.105 inch) metal.
7. Lintel: Masonry over the fireplace opening shall be supported by a noncombustible lintel.
8. Hearth: Every fireplace shall be constructed with a hearth of brick, stone, tile or other noncombustible
material. For fireplaces with an opening of less than six (6) square feet, the hearth shall extend not less
than sixteen (16) inches in front and not less than eight (8) inches on each side of the fireplace opening.
For fireplaces with an opening of six (6) square feet or more, the hearth shall extend not less than
twenty (20) inches in front and not less than twelve (12) inches on each side of the fireplace opening.
Such hearth shall be supported on trimmer arches of brick, stone, tile or concrete not less than four (4)
inches thick or other equally strong and fire resistive materials. All combustible forms or centering shall
be removed after completion of the supporting construction.
9. Exterior Air: Masonry chimneys shall include an air intake capable of providing a sufficient amount of
combustion air from the exterior of the dwelling. The exterior air intake shall be covered with a
corrosion-resistant screen of one-quarter (¼) inch mesh and shall be located at the base of the firebox.

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 10. Other Type Fireplaces: Other fireplaces not conforming to the requirements of this section shall be
subject to approval by the building official prior to installation. Imitation fireplaces shall not be used for
the burning of gas, solid, or liquid fuel.
11. Approved Factory-Built Fireplaces: May be installed and shall conform to the applicable portions of
this Code. Factory-built fireplaces shall bear the seal of a nationally recognized testing or inspection
agency, and be installed in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations. Firebox enclosures and
chimney chase enclosures shall be lined with minimum five-eighths-inch drywall.
H. Glass Block:
1. May not use a load bearing units.
2. Maximum Size of Un-subdivided Panel: Area one hundred forty-four (144) square feet; length twenty-
five (25) feet; height twenty (20) feet.
3. Provide for expansion.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017)

8-306: STRUCTURAL STEEL AND IRON.

A. Structural Steel Construction:
1. The design, fabrication, and erection of structural steel for building shall conform to the requirements
of the "Specification for the Design, Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steel for Buildings" of
American Institute of Steel Construction.
2. Bearing:
a. Concrete walls, minimum bearing four (4) inches.
3. Bearing Plates:
a. Design to distribute load, minimum thickness, five-sixteenths ( 5/16)inch.
b. Bed in non-shrink mortar.
c. Plates may be omitted under wide flange type steel beams if width of flange provides sufficient
bearing area so that allowable compressive stress of supporting materials is not exceeded.
B. Columns:
1. Material:
a. Standard shape, steel or cast iron.
b. Concrete filled steel pipe, new material, standard weight or heavier.
c. Other column materials as approved.
2. Bases and Caps: Steel or cast iron.
a. Caps: Rivet, bolt or weld to steel girders; spike or lag screw to wood girders.
b. Bases: Anchor by bolts or embed column in concrete.
3. Shims, metal, maximum height two and one-half (2½) inches (loose shims not acceptable).
C. Light Gauge Cold Formed Steel Construction:

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 1. The design of light gauge cold formed steel construction shall conform to the "Specification For The
Design Of Light Gauge Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members," of American Iron and Steel Institute,
1962 edition.
D. Open Web Steel Joist Construction:
1. The design, fabrication and erection of open web steel joist construction shall conform to the "Load
Tables And Weight Table For Steel Joists And Joist Girders," adopted by the Steel Construction and
Steel Joist Institute, 1988 edition.
E. Welding:
1. Details of welding technique, inspection of welding and qualification of welding operators shall
conform to the recommendations of the "Standard Code For Arc And Gas Welding In Building
Construction," of the American Welding Society, AWS D1.1. All structural welding to be
performed by a certified welder.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-307: WOOD CONSTRUCTION.

A. Lumber:
1. Stress Grade Lumber: Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Code, "National Design
Specifications for American Forest and Paper Association" (AFPA), shall be accepted as good
engineering practice covering design and use of stress grade lumber, of manufactured lumber and of
their fastenings.
2. All plywood used structurally shall bear the identification of an approved testing agency as to type and
grade of plywood, and species of lumber.
3. Lumber Dimensions:
a. Wood structural members shall be of sufficient sizes to carry the dead and live loads without
exceeding the allowable working stresses hereinafter specified.
b. Computations to determine the required sizes of lumber members shall be based on the actual
size of the lumber. Where manufactured lumber is used, follow the design criteria of the
manufacturer for load computations.
c. Where minimum sizes of lumber members are required by this Code, they shall be construed as
meaning nominal sizes. For sawn lumber, the dressed sizes established in (AFPA) shall be
accepted as the minimum net sizes conforming to such nominal sizes. For manufactured lumber,
the net sizes established in the specification shall be accepted as the minimum sizes conforming
to such nominal sizes.
d. The Building Official may require the sizes and the allowable unit stress, of the species and the
grade of lumber, used for structural design purposes to be shown on the plans or given in a
statement filed therewith.
e. All wood framing members in direct contact with concrete or used in damp or wet locations to be
pressure treated rot resistant or rot resistant species.
4. Pre-engineered Floor and Roof Systems:
a. Wood Floor Trusses: The use of open-web or perforated members are permitted provided
required design specifications bear the seal of a registered Illinois Architect or Structural
Engineer.

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 b. Wood Roof Trusses: The use of open-web or perforated members are permitted provided
required design specifications bear the seal of a registered Illinois Architect or Structural
Engineer.
B. Framing; General: Except as specifically provided for herein, compliance with AFPA shall be acceptable as
good engineering practice.
1. Structural Framing Members:
a. Splicing between bearing points not permitted.
b. When structural strength is impaired by cutting, drilling, or by inherent defects, replace or
reinforce members in manner acceptable to the Building Official.
2. Framing at Chimneys:
a. Bearing of framing members on chimney masonry not acceptable. When pier support for girders
or beams are required adjacent to chimneys, combustible framing must be at least two (2) inches
away from chimney masonry.
b. Framing members: Not closer than two (2) inches to chimney masonry.
3. Fire blocking:
a. Fire block all furring, partitions (including soffits and drop ceilings) and outside stud walls at level
of each floor or ceiling, and at juncture of roof rafters and wall.
b. Fire block all balloon framing at intervals not to exceed eight (8) feet in height.
c. Wood or masonry, tightly fitted, or other methods acceptable to the Building Official may be
used.
d. Where open-web, perforated members or wood, I-joists are used they shall be protected from
fire with one-half (½) inch gypsum board on the underside of the joist, taped and sealed or
equivalent.
e. Open web trusses and similar open ceiling spaces as determined by the Building Official shall be
fire-stopped both sides of the truss by one-hour fire-resistant construction. Maximum spacing of
fire stopping shall be six (6) feet.
f. Wherever further required by the Building Official.
C. Floor Framing:
1. Columns and Posts:
a. Structural Steel or Iron: See section 8-306 of this article.
b. Wood Posts: Must be designed to carry the loads imposed. Support below must carry through to
adequate foundation bearing. When wood posts are used in basement or crawl space, bear on
concrete base resting on footing, top of base three (3) inches above finished floor; securely
fasten top and bottom of post.
2. Girders:
a. Material: Laminated beams, solid wood, or built up wood. Must be designed to carry the loads
imposed.
b. Spans for Wood Girders: Determine in accordance with sound engineering practice and subject
to approval of the Building Official.

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 c. Joints: Joints of solid and built up wood girders to be made over pier or column supports only,
unless specifically engineered and approved.
d. Air Space: Provide at least one-half (½) inch air space on each side of wood girders framed into
masonry.
3. Sills:
a. Must be pressure treated water resistant or rot resistant species.
b. Minimum size - two-inch by four-inch nominal.
c. Level and grout with Portland cement mortar. Organic or compressible shims are not allowed for
permanent usage. All temporary shims must be removed prior to grouting.
4. Maximum Spans for Wood Joists: Except for stress grade lumber of an assured quality, designed in
accordance with the national design specifications, AFPA, all wood joists shall be limited as follows:
a. Lumber must be properly identified as to species and grade and approved by the American
lumber standards committee, and shall be limited to the spans given in the AFPA 1993
publication "Span Tables For Joists and Rafters.
b. Wood Floor Trusses: Allowable spans for wood floor trusses shall be designed in accordance with
accepted engineering practices, and shall conform to the manufacturer's specifications.
See table in appendix A, "Maximum Spans For Joists and Rafters," of this article.
c. Framing into Headers or Side of Girders: Use steel joist hangers or wood ledger board at least
two (2) inches by two (2) inches, nominal. Notching of joist for ledger board more than one-
fourth (¼) of depth not permitted. Joists must have full bearing on support.
d. Framing into Side of Steel Girders: Supply architectural detail for design. Allow one-half (½) inch
minimum clearance over top of top flange. Secure to girder or to opposite joists, or bridge joists
firmly at girder ends if other ends are fixed. Notch for bearing not more than one-fourth (¼) of
joist depth.
e. Framing into Masonry:
(1) Minimum bearing, three (3) inches.
(2) Fire cut or bevel top two (2) inches.
(3) Second story floor joists parallel with masonry. Tie to masonry with metal straps extending
over and secured to at least one joist and not more than eight (8) feet on center.
f. Butt or Lap Joists over Girders and Bearing Partitions:
(1) Butting: Center and tie with metal straps or one (1) inch thick wood ties at least two (2)
feet long.
(2) Lapping: At least four (4) inches, spike together; maximum projection beyond bearing, one
(1) foot.
g. Double Joists:
(1) Under all bearing partitions and under plaster finished nonbearing partitions when parallel
to floor joists.
(2) Double joists which are separated to permit the installation of piping or vents shall be solid
blocked spaced a maximum of four (4) feet on center.

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 (3) Double the floor joists framing each side of floor opening for plenum of furnace, spike joists
together.
(4) Double floor joists supporting hot water heaters, washing machines, whirlpool bathtubs or
special loading conditions.
(5) Double joists on both sides of unsupported stairway openings.
(6) Loading conditions may require more support than doubling of joists.
h. Headers and Trimmers:
(1) Where more than one joist is cut for an opening, double headers and trimmers must be
installed.
(2) Holes bored or cut into joist for piping or electrical work shall not be closer than two (2)
inches to the top or bottom of the joist and the diameter of the hole shall not exceed one-
third (⅓) the depth of the joist. Where headers span six (6) feet or more, headers must be
supported by joist hangers, or by a ledger board not less than two (2) inches by two (2)
inches, nominal.
i. Cutting of Floor Joists:
(1) Notching top of bottom for piping and duct work is permitted to not more than one-sixth
(⅙) minimum required joist depth except no notching in middle third of span; otherwise
install header.
(2) Holes bored or cut through joist shall not be closer than two (2) inches to the top or
bottom of the joist and the diameter of the hole shall not exceed one-third (⅓) the depth of
the joist, or larger than one (1) inch within the two (2) feet of the end of the joist.
j. Cross Bridging:
(1) Maximum spacing, eight (8) feet, minimum size, one (1) inch by three (3) inches double nail
at each end; bridging split by nailing not acceptable. Solid blocking, full depth, two (2)
inches nominal acceptable.
(2) Rigid metal bridging may be used when acceptable to Building Official.
k. Cantilevered Construction: Submit detailed drawing bearing the seal of a registered Illinois
Architect or Structural Engineer when required by the Building Official.
5. Sub-Flooring:
a. Plywood or Approved Equivalent:
(1) Apply with face grain perpendicular to support and panels continuous over two (2) or more
spans.
(2) Minimum Thickness: Three-quarter-inch rated, tongue and groove plywood shall be
installed.
(3) Install solid blocking under all edges at right angles to floor joists, or tongue and groove
plywood approved by the Building Official may be used.
(4) Nailing: Nail securely to joists and blocking with nails six (6) inches on center on edges and
ten (10) inches on center at intermediate framing members. Use 6d common nails for one-
half-inch plywood, 8d for five-eighths-inch and three-quarters-inch and 10d common or 8d
ring shank for one and one-eighths-inch three-ply.

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 (5) As underlayment, when used for leveling purposes over sub-flooring, minimum thickness
one-eighth-inch three-ply.
b. Wood Boards:
(1) The minimum thickness of floor sheathing shall be three-quarters (¾) inch with a maximum
joist spacing of twenty-four (24) inches on center.
(2) No two (2) adjoining boards shall break joints over the same joist space.
(3) Other spacings may be used when sub-flooring is designed according to loads to be
imposed.
c. Clearance: Provide one-half-inch clearance between all sub-flooring and all masonry walls,
chimneys and partitions.
d. Other Materials: Floors finished with any material other than hardwood.
e. Combination Sub-floor Underlayment: Combination sub-floor underlayment shall be installed in
accordance with the "fastening schedule," in appendix B of this article.
D. Ceiling Framing:
1. Joists:
a. Maximum Spans for Wood Joists: Except for stress grade lumber of an assured quality, designed
in accordance with the national design specifications, AFPA, all wood joists shall be limited as
follows and see subsection C.4 of this section.
b. Rafter Ties: Use ceiling joists as ties for rafters whenever possible.
c. Bridging: Solid, two (2) inches thick full depth of joists, staggered for end nailing. Joists eight (8)
inches and over, one (1) inch by three-inch cross bridging or rigid metal bridging may be used;
when acceptable to the Building Official; maximum spacing, eight (8) feet on center.
d. Splicing Requirements: Splicing of framing of ceiling joists over girders and bearing partitions
shall follow the requirements for floor joists.
2. False Ceilings:
a. Minimum size two (2) inches by four (4) inches on edge supported by wood or metal hangers, not
more than six (6) feet on center.
b. Ceiling joists bridging not required.
E. Roof Framing:
1. Spans: (See design load requirement in subsection 8-300 B.2.c of this article.)
a. Truss Roofs: Provide temporary bracing during erection, and permanent lateral and cross bracing
as specified by manufacturer.
b. Manufactured Rafters: Follow manufacturer's specifications for installation.
c. Nominal Lumber: For species of lumber not listed in table below, refer to the "Span Tables for
Joists and Rafters," published by the NFPA (see appendix B of this article).
d. Individual rafters or trusses shall be attached to wall assembly top plate by connections capable
of resisting uplift forces. Hurricane ties shall be installed at forty-eight (48) inches on center.
2. Pitched Roof Construction:

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 a. Rafter Seat Cuts: Cut for level bearing no more than one-quarter (¼) depth of rafter at inside
intersection. Toe-nail rafter into top plate (for anchorage of top plate on masonry walls see
subsection 8-305.D.7 of this article).
b. Collar Ties: Minimum size - one (1) inch by six (6) inches or two (2) inches by four (4) inches.
Maximum spacing - four (4) feet on center. Vertical height - one-third (⅓) down from ridge beam
or rafter intersection.
c. Ridge Beams: Ridge board must be two (2) inches thick, nominal, and minimum one size larger
than rafters.
d. Hip Rafters: Must be two (2) inches thick, nominal, and minimum one size larger than rafters.
e. Valley Rafters:
(1) Must be two (2) inches thick, nominal, and have a depth not less than the cut end of the
jack rafters.
(2) Maximum unsupported length of single valley rafters - eight (8) feet. Maximum
unsupported length of double valley rafters - twelve (12) feet.
f. Roof Openings: Provide double headers and trimmers when more than one rafter is cut, and
when dormer windows are installed without additional support.
g. Chimney Saddles: Required at upper side of all chimneys whose upper side is not in contact with
the ridge.
h. Wood Roof Trusses: The use of open-web or perforated members are permitted provided the
required design specifications bear the seal of a registered Illinois Architect or Structural
Engineer.
3. Flat Roof Construction:
a. Provide cross bridging at maximum spacing of eight (8) feet on center. Minimum size of bridging -
one (1) inch by three (3) inches.
b. Splicing of framing of roof joists over girders and bearing walls shall follow the requirements for
floor joists.
F. Exterior Wall and Bearing Partition Framing:
1. Studs:
a. Continuous lengths without splicing.
b. Minimum size, two (2) inches by four (4) inches - nominal.
c. Maximum spacing for all construction, sixteen (16) inches on center.
Exception: Wall stud spacing may be increased to twenty-four (24) inches on center provided
minimum of two-inch by six-inch studs are used with double top plates.
d. Maximum length for balloon frame, twenty (20) feet, notch studs at second floor to receive one-
inch by four-inch ribbon. Nail joists to studs.
e. Provide fire blocking at eight (8) feet on center when height of wall exceeds eight (8) feet.
2. Corner Posts: Not less than three (3) two-inch by four-inch set to receive interior finish.
3. Corner Bracing:
a. Full sheet plywood or structural rated sheathing at both sides of all external corners.

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 b. One (1) inch by four (4) inches let into outside face of studs and plates set approximately at forty-
five (45) degrees extend from sill to plate.
c. Metal wall bracing may be used provided it is installed in accordance with manufacturer's
recommendations.
(1) Exception: Except for knee wall construction other approved lateral braces may be
installed.
4. Sill Construction:
a. Sill Anchorage: See section 8-304.J.4.
b. Sills and Girders on Top of Foundation Walls and Piers: Level and grout with Portland cement
mortar; wood not to be used for permanent shims. Sills to be pressure treated water resistant or
rot resistant wood.
c. Other methods may be used if detailed on drawings submitted with application and acceptable
to Building Official.
5. Window and Door Openings:
a. Cripple Stud on Jambs: Extend in one piece from header to bearing and nail to outer stud.
b. One story building where header carries roof load only
Spans less than 4' Two 2" × 4" on edge
Spans 4' to 6' Two 2" × 6" on edge
Spans 6' to 8' Two 2" × 8" on edge
Spans 8' to 10' Two 2" × 10" on edge
Spans 10' to 12' Two 2" × 12" on edge
Two story or bi-level where header carries one floor and roof loads assuming 1200 F and double top plate.
Spans less than 4' Two 2" × 6" on edge
Spans 4' to 6' Two 2" × 8" on edge
Spans 6' to 8' Two 2" × 10" on edge
Spans 8' to 10' Two 2" × 12" on edge
For garage door header:
Spans 12' to 16' Three 2" × 12" on edge, or two 2" × 14" on edge, or two
2" × 12" on edge with ¼" × 11" steel plate
Spans 16' to 18' Three 2" × 14" on edge, or two 2" × 14" on edge with ¼"
× 13" steel plate
For garage door header where header carries one (1) floor and roof loads:
Spans 12' to 16' Three 2" × 14" on edge, or two 2" × 14" on edge with
⅜" × 13" steel plate

c. Where headers support concentrated loads or are subjected to other unusual loading conditions,
the header shall be specifically designed.
d. Pre-engineered headers may be used when acceptable to the Building Official.
6. Plates:
a. Top plates, two (2) 2 × 4s. Lap at corners and intersecting partitions. When plates are but for
piping or duct work, provide doubled studs at both sides of opening and tie top plates together

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 with a metal strap. Splices of bottom plate must be made over stud. The maximum number of
top plates used together shall be four (4).
b. Where headers support concentrated loads or are subjected to other unusual loading conditions,
header shall be specifically designed.
c. Sill plates, minimum thickness, two (2) inches; exterior wall studs may bear on the foundation sill
plate or on a sill plate on top of sub-floor.
7. When bearing partitions connect to masonry walls, anchor wall to masonry with bolts or spikes.
8. Wood bearing partitions in cellars and basements are not allowed unless specifically designed for that
use and approved by the Building Official.
G. Nonbearing Partition Framing:
1. Studs:
a. Use continuous lengths without splicing.
b. Minimum size - two (2) inches by four (4) inches, sixteen (16) inches on center. Exception:
mechanical wall to be two (2) inches by six (6) inches, sixteen (16) inches on center.
c. Masonry walls may be furred out with two (2) inches by two (2) inches nominal lumber as a
minimum.
2. Plates:
a. Minimum thickness, two (2) inches.
b. Splices must be made at midpoint of stud.
H. Wall Sheathing: Sheathing may be omitted on detached accessory buildings.
1. Wood Board:
a. May be used under any exterior finish material.
b. Minimum thickness: one (1) inch; maximum width: eight (8) inches unless triple nailed; maximum
stud spacing: twenty-four (24) inches on center.
c. Break joints over center of studs unless end matched (T&G) boards are used; no two (2) adjoining
end matched boards to break joints over same stud space and each board to bear on at least two
(2) studs.
d. Application: When laid diagonally extend at forty-five (45) degrees in opposite directions from
each corner; apply horizontally under stucco finish.
2. Plywood or Approved Equivalent:
a. May be used under any exterior finish material.
b. Thickness/spacing:
Minimum Thickness: one-half-inch rated.
c. Types of finish which affect the minimum thickness of plywood used:
(1) Under Wood Shingles: If five-sixteenths-inch plywood is used, apply shingles over one-inch
by two-inch nailing strips using copper or galvanized nails for attaching the shingles. Nailing
strips may be omitted if barbed nails are used for attaching the shingles.
3. Fiberboard: Structural (see appendix B of this article).

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 a. Under Wood Shingle Siding: Apply one-inch by two-inch nailing strips over sheathing, spaced
according to shingle exposure.
b. Thickness/Spacing:
Minimum Thickness Maximum Stud Spacing
½ inch 16 inches
¾ inch 24 inches

I. Sheathing Paper:
1. Material:
a. Water resistant building paper.
b. Asphalt saturated felt.
c. Vapor resistance shall be less than that of vapor barrier provided on inside of wall.
d. Or other as acceptable by the Building Official.
2. Application:
a. Use over all types of sheathing.
b. Apply shingle fashion, four-inch lap. Lap four (4) inches over paper strips around openings.
c. Use six-inch wide strips behind exterior trim of all exterior openings.
d. Install tape on all overlaps.
e. Attachment with cap staples, cap nails, or equivalent as approved by the Building Official.
3. Paper not required over fiberboard factory treated to be moisture resistant, (except when used behind
masonry veneer and stucco) provided:
a. Necessary corner and opening cuts are caulked with elastic waterproof caulking material. Corner
joints may be protected with eighteen-inch widths of sheathing paper applied shingle fashion.
b. At heads of openings, bottom edge of board is located to permit head flashing to be extended
under and turned up behind sheathing, and joint between head flashing and board is caulked.
J. Roof Sheathing:
1. Wood Boards:
a. May be used under any roofing material.
b. Minimum Thickness: one (1) inch; maximum width: eight (8) inches, maximum rafter spacing:
twenty-four (24) inches on center.
c. Break joints over center of rafters unless end matched (tongue and groove) boards are used; no
two (2) adjoining end-matched boards to break joints over same rafter space and each board to
bear on at least two (2) rafters.
d. Application: Lay closed under all roof material. Under wood shingles or shakes one (1) inch by
four (4) inches or one (1) inch by six (6) inches spaced sheathing may be used spaced according to
the weather exposure of the shingle or shake.
2. Plywood or Approved Equivalent:
a. May be used under any roofing material.

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 b. Minimum Thickness: one-half-inch rated for roof framing that is sixteen (16) inches on center. All
one-half-inch sheathing shall have panel edge clips (H clips). H clips to be eighteen (18) or twenty
(20) gauge. Minimum two (2) equally spaced on the board.
c. Five-eighths-inch thick sheathing shall be used for roof framing that is twenty-four (24) inches on
center.
Exception: Plywood thickness for slate, tile, cement shingles should be in accordance with
manufacturer's specifications.
d. Under Wood Shingles: Apply one-inch by two-inch nailing strips over plywood less than one-half
(½) inch thick, spaced according to shingle exposure.
e. Protect exposed edges of sheathing along eaves and rake of roof with moldings or sheet metal
flashing. Flashing along eaves may be integral with gutters. If gutters are not installed, form the
flashing to provide a drip.
3. Fiberboard is not acceptable for roof sheathing.
4. Engineered board may be used when installed in strict accordance with manufacturer's specifications
and when acceptable to the Building Official.
5. Engineered board thicknesses shall be at least equal to those minimum thicknesses stated in
subsection J.2.b of this section for plywood or rated equivalent.
6. In no case shall plywood or engineered board sheathing exceed the span markings stamped on the
material (panel identification index.)
7. Nail securely to rafters with 6d nails for one-half-inch thickness and less, 8d nails for five-eighths-inch
thickness and greater. Space at six (6) inches on center at edges and twelve (12) inches on center at
intermediate supports.
K. Caulking:
1. Caulk around exterior openings in masonry or masonry veneer walls.
2. Caulk at intersections of wood and masonry except when flashed. This does not apply to tops of
foundations.
3. Caulking shall remain elastic, non-hardening and firmly adherent.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

8-308: RESERVED.

8-309: EXTERIOR WALL FINISH.

A. Wood Siding:
1. Use Well-Seasoned Material: Moisture content not to exceed fifteen percent (15%).
2. Nail at each bearing with hot dipped galvanized or cement coated nails.
3. Bevel Siding:
a. Finish dimensions to comply with the following limitations as to minimum top and butt thickness:
Nominal Width Thickness At Top Thickness At Butt
(Inches) (Inches) (Inches)

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 4 to 6 3/16 7/16
8 3/16 9/16
10 to 12 3/16 11/16

b. Minimum Headlap: one (1) inch for four-inch width; one and one-quarter (1¼) inches for widths
over four (4) inches.
c. Nail near butt only. Do not nail through board underneath.
4. Rustic and Drop Siding: Minimum thickness, three-fourths (¾) inch (finished); maximum width eight (8)
inches (nominal).
5. Shiplap or Matched Siding:
a. Minimum thickness, three-fourths (¾) inch (finished); maximum width, twelve (12) inches
(nominal).
b. Triple nail all boards over eight (8) inches in width.
c. When boards are applied vertically, set edges in white lead.
B. Wood Shingle Siding:
1. Shingle Grades:
a. Single course siding, No. 1 or No. 2.
b. Double course siding, No. 1 for exposed shingles; under course may be No. 1 or No. 2.
2. Minimum Size:
Length (Inches) Thickness
16 5 butts in 2 inches
18 5 butts in 2¼ inches
24 4 butts in 2 inches

3. Maximum Exposure:
Shingle Length Single Course Double Course
(Inches) Exposure (In) Exposure (In)
16 7½ 12
18 8½ 14
24 11 16

4. Nailing:
a. Nails: Copper or hot dipped galvanized.
b. Butt Nail Double Coursing: Exposed nails may be small headed.
C. Plywood:
1. Material, sound.
2. Grade mark, for exterior use, on each sheet of plywood.

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 3. Plywood, three-eighths (⅜) inch thick, may be used on sheathed walls. If sheathing other than wood is
used, install solid blocking between studding as provided in subsection C.4 of this section.
4. Installation:
a. Vertical Joints: To occur over studs.
b. Horizontal Joints: Install solid blocking between studding for nailing.
c. Butt joints of square edge material, whether exposed or covered by battens, fill with mastic.
d. Corner Boards: Apply over plywood or butt plywood against boards at all corners.
e. Nails: Cement coated or hot dipped galvanized, flat head. Minimum Spacing: on edge, six (6)
inches; on center, at intermediate bearings, twelve (12) inches on center.
D. Metal Siding:
Siding Thickness
1. Aluminum clapboard siding 0.024 inch minimum
Aluminum clapboard siding 0.019 inch may be un-backed only when the flat areas
are 5 inches or less in the narrow dimension.
2. Formed steel siding 28 gauge minimum
3. Vinyl siding n/a

E. Protected Combustible Fiberboard Siding: Minimum thickness: one-half (½") inch.

F. Hardboard and/or Masonite: Minimum thickness of one-quarter (¼) inch and providing required outside
sheathing is first installed on outside of studs.
G. Manufactured Brick Siding: Install as per manufacturer's specifications.
H. Other Materials: As approved by the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-310: ROOF COVERINGS.

A. General:
1. Roof Slope.
a. Wood shingle and tile roof, four (4) in twelve (12) minimum.
b. Asphalt shingle roof, two (2) in twelve (12) minimum.
c. Shingle roofs less than four (4) in twelve (12) but not less than two (2) in twelve (12) shall be
applied in strict accordance with manufacturers' specifications.
d. Built up roofs (gravel or slag surface), two (2) in twelve (12) maximum.
e. Built up roofs with mineral surfaced cap sheet, three (3) in twelve (12) maximum.
f. When materials and method of application provide precautions in excess of these minimum
requirements to assure a weather tight roof, the roof slopes may be altered subject to
acceptance by Building Official. Application and materials as outlined by "Manufacturers
Selection And Application Of Asphalt Roofing And Siding Products" published by ARIB shall be
considered as acceptable good practice.

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 2. Either a nine-inch wide or wider strip of mineral surfaced roll roofing or a row of inverted shingles may
be used as a starter course.
3. Nails for Attaching Roof Covering: Copper or hot dipped galvanized nails. Staples not permitted.
B. Asphalt and Fiberglass Shingles:
1. Fire underwriters class C label on each bundle.
2. To be rated at ninety (90) mile per hour wind rating or greater.
a. Irregular shaped shingles manufactured in conformance with the Underwriters' Laboratories
minimum weight requirements.
3. Exposure as required for Underwriters' Class C label.
4. Headlap as recommended by manufacturers; minimum two (2) inches.
5. Underlay:
a. Asphalt saturated felt; weight approximately fifteen (15) pounds per one hundred (100) square
feet or equivalent.
b. One layer of fifteen-pound asphalt saturated felt shall be required under all double thickness
shingles on roof slopes three (3) in twelve (12) or greater.
c. On roof slopes two (2) in twelve (12), install fifteen-pound asphalt saturated felt. A nineteen-inch
width strip shall be laid along the eaves followed by a thirty-six-inch sheet completely
overlapping the first nineteen-inch sheet. Each successive thirty-six-inch sheet shall overlap the
preceding nineteen (19) inches. A continuous layer of plastic roof cement shall be applied
between the two (2) layers of asphalt felt on the roof area. Application shall start from the eaves
to a point on the roof twenty-four (24) inches inside the inside wall line of the building. The
cement shall be applied with a comb trowel and the overlying sheet shall be pressed firmly into
the cement over the entire cemented area.
d. An ice barrier that consists of at least two (2) layers of underlayment cemented together or of a
self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet, shall be used in lieu of normal underlayment and
extend the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point at least twenty-four (24) inches inside the
heated wall line of the building.
6. Re-Roofing: No more than two (2) layers over existing original installation without architect's written
approval.
C. Wood Shingles:
1. Edge-grain, tapered shingles (No. 1 grade).
2. Minimum Size:
Length (Inches) Thickness

16 5 butts in 2"
18 5 butts in 2¼"
24 4 butts in 2"

3. Maximum Exposure:
SLOPE OF ROOF EXPOSURE FOR SHINGLE LENGTH

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 (Inches)
Rise Run 16 18 24
3 to 7 12 4 1½ 7½
7 to 18 12 5 5½ 7½

4. Minimum thirty-pound asphalt saturated felt required.

D. Tile Roofing:
1. Quality: Hard burned or cement type roofing tile.
2. Underlay: One (1) layer asphalt saturated felt, approximately thirty (30) pounds per one hundred (100)
square feet.
3. Shingle Tile: Per manufacturer's recommendations.
4. Interlocking Tile and Curved Tile: Lay in accordance with manufacturer's recommendation.
E. Slate Shingles:
1. Quality: Free from knots or knurls and reasonably smooth cleavage.
2. Underlay: Asphalt saturated felt approximately thirty (30) pounds per one hundred (100) square feet.
F. Built-Up Roofs:
1. Asphalt or Tar and Gravel Coverings; Including Flashings: Comply with requirements of Underwriters'
Laboratories, Inc.; built up roof coverings: minimum three-ply.
2. Apply according to manufacturer's directions.
3. Each ply of felt: Minimum weight - fifteen (15) pounds per one hundred (100) square feet.
4. Surface with:
a. Roofing Gravel or Crushed Stone: Approximately four hundred (400) pounds per one hundred
(100) square feet; or
b. Crushed Slag: Approximately three hundred (300) pounds per one hundred (100) square feet.
c. Other material approved as to quality and weight by the Building Official.
5. Top ply of felt and crushed stone or slag surfacing may be replaced with one (1) layer of mineral
surfaced cap sheet, minimum weight - eighty five (85) pounds per square foot.
G. Metal Roofs:
1. Materials:
a. Galvanized Sheet Metal: 26-gauge sheets, 1.25 ounce (total weight both sides) zinc coating per
square foot.
b. Copper: Sixteen ounce (16 oz.) soft (roofing temper).
c. Roofing Tin: Forty pound (40#) coating.
d. Lead: Sheet lead, two and one-half pounds (2 ½#) per square foot.
2. Nails:
a. Hard copper or copper alloy, for copper roofs.
b. Hot dipped galvanized, for galvanized, sheet metal roofs.

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 3. Seams, flat or standing; flat seams, locked and soldered.
4. Provide for expansion.
H. Other Types of Roof Coverings: Roof coverings such as metal shingles, canvas, or roll roofing: may be used
when the type and weight of material, and method of application are acceptable to the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-311: FLASHING.
Flashings, a lap joint or a turned up flange, usually of metal to make a watertight connection between two (2)
different materials.
A. Material:
1. Copper: Sixteen ounce (16 oz.) soft (roofing temper).
2. Galvanized Sheet Metal: 26-gauge, 1.25 ounce (total weight both sides) zinc coating per square
foot.
3. Lead: Hard lead, two pounds (2#); soft lead, four pounds (4#).
4. Tin: Forty (40) pound coating, painted both sides.
5. Membrane waterproofing material acceptable to Building Official.
6. Copper and zinc flashings, gutters and downspouts not to be used in conjunction with each other.
7. Aluminum of suitable weight to the Building Official.
B. Openings Not Protected by Overhang:
1. Heads of Openings, Wood Frame Walls:
a. Sheet metal extended behind finish siding material and turned down over outside edge of
head trim unless drip cap extends behind and above bottom of finished material; or
b. Three (3) ounce copper coated building paper may be used provided flashing is not
exposed to weather more than two (2) inches. Extend behind siding. Blind tack at outside
edge of drip cap, one (1) inch on center.
2. Heads and Sills of Openings, Masonry Veneered Wood Frame Walls:
a. Material: Sheet metal or membrane waterproofing material acceptable to Building Official.
b. Head Flashing: Extend from front edge of lintel, up and over top of lintel and up on
sheathing under building paper.
c. Sill Flashing: Extend under masonry sill, up on sheathing and under wood sill.
3. Heads and Sills of Openings, Masonry Walls:
a. Material: Sheet metal or membrane waterproofing material acceptable to Building Official.
b. Head Flashing: Extend from front edge of lintel, up and over top of lintel, through wall and
turn up one (1) inch on inside surface.
c. Sill Flashing: Extend under and behind masonry sill.
4. Heads of Openings, Stuccoed Wood Frame Walls:
a. Material: Sheet metal.

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 b. Drip: From drip on front edge of drip cap and extend flashing up behind building paper
underneath stucco.
C. Intersections:
1. Provide sheet metal flashing for all horizontal and vertical intersections of stucco with other
materials.
2. All flashing in connection with masonry walls shall have flashing or counter flashing built into
masonry not less than one (1) inch.
D. Valleys:
1. Rigid shingle roof covering:
a. Flash with sheet metal or equivalent.
b. Flashing on:
(1) Roof slopes less than seven (7) in twelve (12), width eighteen (18) inches.
(2) Roof slopes seven (7) in twelve (12) or more, width twelve (12) inches.
(3) Single strips eighteen (18) inches wide may be used under closed valleys.
2. Asphalt shingles roof covering valley requirements to be in accordance with manufacturer's
requirements.
E. Roof and Wall Intersections:
1. Sloping Roof: Sheet metal flashings.
2. Flat Roof: Sheet metal or same material as roof covering. When sheet metal is not used, install
forty-five (45) degree cant strip at roof and wall intersection.
F. Terrace or Porch Slabs: Suspended (reinforced) type or bearing on the ground, which abut wood
construction at exterior wall.
1. Flashing Material: Sheet metal.
2. Extend flashing at finish floors of terrace or porch from one-quarter (¼) inch outside exterior face
of finish, turn up four (4) inches behind exterior finish, then turn down and extend four (4) inches
below top of outside of foundation.
G. Chimneys:
1. All chimney and roof intersections, sheet metal flashing.
2. Cricket or saddle covering: Sheet metal.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-312: GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS.

All dwellings shall be provided with gutters and downspouts. Downspouts shall properly discharge roof water
at least twenty-four (24) inches away from foundation. Gutters and downspouts may be omitted with minimum
twenty-four-inch roof overhang. See the following specifications:
A. Materials: See appendix B of this article.
1. Copper: Sixteen-ounce, hard (cornice temper).

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 2. Galvanized sheet metal: 26-gauge sheets, 1.24-ounce (total weight both sides) zinc coating per
square foot.
3. Solid wood gutters: Paint inside with two (2) coats pitch or three (3) coats lead and oil after
installation.
4. Aluminum: Gutters shall be a minimum of 0.027-inch thick metal and downspouts a minimum of
0.020-inch thick metal.
5. Vinyl.
B. Roof Water Disposal: Provide outlet acceptable to the Building Official.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-313: INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH.

None shall be applied when moisture content of framing lumber remains over nineteen percent (19%).
A. Lath and Plaster: See appendix B of this article.
1. Wood Lath:
a. Maximum stud spacing, sixteen (16) inches on center.
b. Lath, No. 1, five-sixteenths ( 5/16) inch thick.
c. Space lath one-fourth (¼) to three-eighths (⅜) inch apart. Break joints every seventh lath,
nail to each bearing.
2. Expanded Metal Lath:
a. Painted or galvanized lath.
b. Minimum weights; maximum spacing of supports:
Use Pounds Per Yard Stud Spacing (inches)
Walls
All dwellings 2.5 16
One story dwellings X3.4 20
X4.0 24
XX3.0 24
Joist Spacing
(inches)
Ceilings X2.75 16
X3.4 16
XX3.4 24
X Flat rib
XX High rib

3. Insulating Fiberboard Lath:

a. Minimum thickness, one-half (½) inch.
b. Lath size, sixteen (16) inches by forty-eight (48) inches. Lath twenty-four (24) inches by
forty-eight (48) inches may be used provided all joints at right angles to the framing

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 members are covered with continuous strips of metal lath and ends of lath are nailed to
solid bearing (framing members) at approximately four (4) inches on center including
intermediate supports.
c. Maximum stud or joist spacing, sixteen (16) inches on center.
d. Apply in accordance with manufacturer's directions.
4. Lathing:
a. Heads of Openings: Install lath so vertical joints of first course of lath above head will not
occur on jamb studs.
b. Corner Beads: Galvanized metal, for all external corners.
c. Corner and Joint Reinforcing: Metal lath two and one-half-inch lap on each surface.
d. Over Solid Wood Surfaces: Install metal lath on strips or use furring nails. Lap metal lath on
adjoining lath surfaces.
5. Plaster:
a. Mix all plaster (lime and prepared) according to manufacturer's recommendations.
b. Quick lime, slake thoroughly.
c. Minimum thickness, one-half (½) inch over lath base. Finish all ceilings level and walls and
corners, plumb and straight.
6. Drying Period: Allow sufficient time for plaster to dry thoroughly before application of trim.
B. Ceramic Tile: Waterproof all surfaces prior to the application of the setting coat of adhesive.
C. Bath-Shower Walls:
1. Surface Materials: Dense, smooth and water repellent. Walls of showers and bath enclosures
with shower heads shall be so surfaced to height not less than six (6) feet above bases and not
less than four (4) feet above lip of tubs.
2. Backing Materials: Backing materials shall be suitable for application of tile or other approved
surfaces.
3. Installation: Installation of backing materials, and required waterproofing, shall be in accordance
with manufacturer's recommendations. All joints and other openings shall be caulked or
otherwise protected from infiltration of water.
D. Dry Wall Finish:
1. Minimum Thickness: Actual inches.
Type of Wall Finish Spacing of Studs of Furring (Actual Inches)
16 20 24
Wood boards ⅜ ½ ½
Plywood ¼ ⅜ ⅜
Gypsum board ⅜ ½ ½
Fiberboard ½ ¾ ¾

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 2. Other types of boards, including compressed dense composition board less than one-half (½")
inch thick, may be used when acceptable to the Building Official. Maximum stud spacing sixteen
(16) inches on center.
3. There shall be three-eighths-inch drywall backer board behind all wood paneling less than
twenty-five thirty-seconds ( 25/32) inch thick. Fastening shall be eight (8) inches on center on the
edge, twelve (12) inches on center through field of board.
4. There shall be a three-eighths-inch drywall backer board behind all wood paneling less than
three-fourths (¾) inch thick.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-314: FINISH FLOORS.

A. Cement Floors:
1. Mix: See subsections 8-304.B and 8-304.K.2 of this article.
2. Heater room floors and wood construction where solid or liquid fuel is used:
a. Minimum thickness, four (4) inches.
b. Use sheet metal over tops of joists for concrete forms or cut in one-inch boards flush with top of
joists. If wood boards are used, remove after slab has set.
c. Reinforce slab with wire mesh weighing not less than thirty (30) pounds per one hundred (100)
square feet, or with one-quarter-inch bars spaced one (1) foot on center each way.
3. Heater room floors on wood construction where gas burning equipment raises temperature of floor to
above one hundred sixty (160) degrees, comply with the provision of subsection 2 of this section. See
American Gas Association specifications.
B. Wood Floors:
1. Materials:
a. Flooring: Kiln dried material.
b. Strip flooring, hardwood or softwood, installation to be in accordance with the National Wood
Flooring Association.
c. Nails: Maximum spacing, sixteen (16) inches on center.
2. Installation:
a. Finish Flooring over Sub-flooring: Apply at right angles to sub-flooring except when sub-flooring
is laid diagonally, and except when on strips applied directly over floor joists.
b. Finish Flooring on Strips: Wood strips, minimum size, one (1) inch by two (2) inches, maximum
spacing, sixteen (16) inches on center. Apply strips over building paper or deadening felt on top
of sub-flooring.
c. Strip Flooring on Concrete: Apply on not less than two (2) inches by two (2) inches sleepers
embedded in concrete.
d. Wood Block Floorings on Concrete: Set blocks in mastic and install in accordance with flooring
manufacturer's directions.

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 e. Pre-engineered wood flooring systems are to be installed in strict accordance with
manufacturers' specifications.
C. Ceramic Tile:
1. Materials: (See appendix A.)
2. Grade: Not less than standard grade.
3. Installation: Ceramic tile to be installed in strict accordance with manufacturers' specifications.
D. Resilient Floors:
1. Linoleum, asphalt, vinyl, rubber, cork and similar coverings, including wall to wall carpeting as
manufactured in tile form or rolls, shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's
recommendations.
2. Resilient floors shall not be installed directly over wood board, plywood, or wood plank sub-floor. An
underlayment grade of wood based panels of plywood, particle board, or hardboard a minimum
thickness of one-quarter (¼) inch shall be used over wood sub-floors under resilient floors, excluding
wall to wall carpeting.
3. See subsection 8-307.C.5 of this article for combination sub-floor underlayment panels.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

8-315: GARAGES AND ACCESSORY BUILDINGS.

A. Attached and Built-In Garages:
1. For purposes of this Code, an attached/built-in garage shall be permitted as follows:
a. An attached garage is a building which is connected to a principal by a party wall (built-in garage)
or by a linkage building.
(1) Where a garage is connected to the principal building by a linkage building the following
shall apply:
(a) The garage and linkage building shall be constructed pursuant to all applicable
building, zoning and drainage regulations for a principal building; and
(b) The linkage building shall be less than twenty (20) feet in length; and
(c) The linkage building shall be six (6) feet or less in width.
b. An attached garage shall be compatible with and subordinate in floor area and size to the
principal building.
c. An attached garage shall be established at the same time or after the completion of a principal
building.
d. Construction shall be the same as required for the dwelling.
e. If door opening occurs between garage and dwelling; provide six-inch gas curb at the door or
construct garage floor six (6) inches lower than the adjoining floor. This also applies to interior
stairways leading to lower levels or basements from the garage.
f. Installation of house heating unit or other fuel-burning appliance in garage space not permitted
unless specifically permitted by the Building Official. Install one-hour rated partition between

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 space containing house heating unit and garage space. Doors are not permitted common to
heater room and/or garage. Hot or cold air ducts not permitted in garage.
g. Garages shall be separated from the dwelling by one-hour fire resistive rated construction.
Separation shall include: all walls, ceiling, attic access, supporting girders, columns and beams.
h. Doors shall be twenty (20) minute rated and include a self-closing device common to dwelling.
B. Detached One Story Frame Garages, Including Private Aircraft Hangars:
1. Comply with construction requirements for one story dwellings with the following exceptions:
a. Pole type construction shall be permitted when constructed in compliance with accepted
engineering practices.
b. Grade beam construction permitted consisting of a four-inch concrete floor on a minimum four
(4) inches of crushed stone, sand or gravel poured monolithically with a minimum ten-inch
thickened outer edge a width of twenty (20) inches around perimeter of building, said twenty-
inch grade beam to be of equal depth and on undisturbed soil. Six-inch by six-inch #10 wire mesh
shall also be installed.
c. Studs, maximum spacing twenty-four (24) inches on center. Doubling of studs not required on
jambs of openings less than three (3) feet five (5) inches wide.
d. Sheathing and building paper may be omitted.
e. Corner post may be two-inch by four-inch, or a four-inch by four-inch.
f. Top plate may be single, provided rafters occur over studs and plate at corners is lapped to
provide tie.
g. Rafter ties at eaves not less than two-inch by four-inch, maximum spacing six (6) feet.
h. Corner bracing is required, except where wood sheathing is used, and may be applied on the
inside surface of studs, minimum one-inch by four-inch.
2. Where distance between the principal building (dwelling unit) and detached garage or private airplane
hangar is less than ten (10) feet, provide minimum one-hour fire resistive construction in garage or
private airplane hangar as approved by the Building Official.
3. A detached garage or private airplane hangar separated from the principal building (dwelling) by a
breezeway with a distance of less than ten (10) feet shall comply with subsection A of this section
herein. However, a breezeway shall always be considered detached and part of the detached accessory
building.
4. A detached garage or private aircraft hangar separated from the principal building (dwelling unit) by a
breezeway with a distance of ten (10) feet or more may be of unprotected frame construction. The
junction of the garage and the breezeway shall be fire-stopped. However, a breezeway shall always be
considered detached and part of the detached accessory building.
5. Pre-engineered membrane structures intended for vehicle storage to be installed in accordance with
manufacturer's plans and specifications and as approved by the building official. Such structures shall
be erected on an approved concrete or asphalt surface to prevent the seepage of hazardous, toxic or
combustible liquids into the ground. Such structures shall be securely anchored to the ground.
C. One-Story Solid Masonry Detached Garages/Private Aircraft Hangars: One-story solid masonry or masonry
veneer detached garages and accessory buildings shall comply with the construction requirements for one-
story dwellings.

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D. Accessory Buildings: Accessory buildings such as pool/garden sheds, stables, livestock shelters, cabanas,
greenhouses, workshops and similar uses where no vehicle storage will take place and where doors small
enough to prohibit vehicle entry (approximately six (6) feet are installed shall comply with construction
requirements for detached garages with the following exceptions:
1. Required concrete floor slabs may be omitted in those specific areas of livestock buildings or structures
used by the livestock upon approval of the Building Official.
2. Other than subsection D.1 of this section, floors shall be concrete, asphalt or wood installed to prevent
the seepage of hazardous, toxic or combustible liquids into the ground.
3. All accessory buildings shall be securely anchored to the ground.
4. Pre-engineered accessory building kits shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's
specifications and plans.
E. Cargo Type Containers Retrofit for Residential Storage Use: Cargo containers are commercial equipment. To
be used in a residential district for storage purposes they must be modified in their appearance to no longer
represent commercial equipment. They must meet the following requirements: a foundation in compliance
with section 8-304, Concrete; section 8-309, Exterior Wall and Finish; and section 8-310, Roof Covering.
Storage of vehicles and use as habitable space are prohibited. Additionally, they must meet all zoning district,
setback and bulk regulations.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

ARTICLE IV-A. ILLINOIS PLUMBING CODE

8-400: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.

A. Adoption: There is hereby adopted by reference, as if fully set out herein, that certain code known as The
Illinois Plumbing Code as sponsored and published by the Illinois Department of Public Health, together with
the following additions, insertions, deletions and amendments hereinafter set forth.
B. Amendments to The Illinois Plumbing Code:
a. Type M, L Copper for above ground domestic water supply piping.
b. Type K Copper for underground domestic water supply piping.
c. All service connections to sanitary sewer mains or septic systems must have an overhead sewer system
within the building, with the only exception being slab on grade construction.
d. Pursuant to 17 ILL. Admin. Code 3730.307(c)(4) and subject to the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 ILL.
Admin. Code 890) and the Lawn Irrigation Contractor and Lawn Sprinkler System Registration Code (77
ILL. Admin. Code 892), be it hereby ordained that in the County of DuPage all new plumbing fixtures
and irrigation controllers installed after the effective date of this ordinance shall bear the WaterSense
label (as designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense Program), when such
labeled fixture are available.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017)

ARTICLE V. ILLINOIS ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING CODE

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8-500: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.
A. There is hereby adopted by reference, as if fully set out herein, that certain code known as the State of
Illinois Energy Efficient Building Code.
B. The Code shall mean the latest published edition of the International Code Council's International Energy
Conservation Code as adopted by the Capital Development Board, excluding published supplements but
including the amendments and adaptations to the Code that are made by the Board.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

ARTICLE VI. NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2020 2

2
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , adopted October 26, 2021, amended the title of art. VI.

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8-600: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.
A. There is hereby adopted by reference, as if fully set out herein, that certain code known as The National
Electrical Code, 2020 edition, (NFPA 70-2020) as sponsored and published by the National Fire Protection
Association, together with the following additions, insertions, deletions and amendments hereinafter set
forth.
B. Amendments and Deletions to the 2020 National Electrical Code:
1. The following articles, sections or subsections of the National Electrical Code 2020 have not been
adopted:
Article 320 Armored Cable: Type AC
Article 322 Flat Cable Assemblies: Type FC
Article 324 Flat Conductor Cable: Type FCC
Article 326 Integrated Gas Spacer Cable: Type IGS
Article 330 Metal-Clad Cable: Type MC
Article 332 Mineral-Insulated, Metal-Sheathed Cable: Type MI
Article 334 Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable: Types NM, NMC & NMS
Article 338 Service-Entrance Cable: Types SE & USE
Article 354 Nonmetallic Underground Conduit with Conductors: Type NUCC
Article 356 Liquid tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit: Type LFNC
Article 362 Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing: Type ENT
Article 378 Nonmetallic Wireways
Article 382 Nonmetallic Extensions
Article 388 Surface Nonmetallic Raceways
Article 394 Concealed Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Article 396 Messenger Supported Wiring
Article 398 Open Wiring On Insulators
2. Any reference in said code to the "authority having jurisdiction" shall mean the Building Official of the
County of DuPage, Illinois.
3. The following chapters, articles, sections and subsections of the National Electrical Code 2020 to be
amended as follows:
1. Chapter 2, "Wiring and Protection," is amended as follows:
a. Table 210-21(B)(3) "Receptacle Ratings For Various Size Circuits" is hereby amended by
adding:
Note: Only 20-Ampere receptacles to be used on 20-Ampere circuits.
b. Subsection 210-52 (G), "Basements and Garages," of Section 210.52, "Dwelling Unit
Receptacle Outlets," is amended as follows:

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 210.52(G)(3) A minimum of one ceiling receptacle outlet shall be installed at each overhead
garage door in all attached garages and detached garages with electrical power.
c. Section 210-52, "Dwelling Unit Receptacle Outlets," of Chapter 2, "Wiring and Protection,"
is amended as follows:
210.52(I) Attics. In dwelling units required to have a radon control system, at least one
receptacle outlet shall be installed in a location approved by the Building Official.
d. Subsection 210.70(A)(2), "Additional Locations," of Section 210.70, "Lighting Outlets
Required," is amended as follows:
210.70(2)(a) At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways,
stairways, attached garages and detached garages with electric power. Said wall switch
shall not be located beyond five feet (5') from the point of entry to a room, including cellars
or basements.
210.70(A)(4) Switching or controls for lighting fixtures shall not be used as a switching or
control means for exhaust fans.
e. Subsection 210-70(B), "Guest Rooms or Guest Suites," of Section 210.70, "Lighting Outlets
Required," is amended as follows:
Exception No. 3: Switches in bathrooms shall be at least five feet (5') from the inside edge
of any bathtub or shower unless protected by ground-fault circuit interrupter protection
for personnel. All light and/or exhaust fixtures located above bathtubs or showers shall be
protected by ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel and approved for this
type location.
210.70(B)(1) Switching or controls for lighting fixtures shall not be used as a switching or
control means for exhaust fans.
f. Section 230-79, "Rating of Service Disconnecting Means," of Chapter 2, "Wiring and
Protection," is amended as follows:
230.79(C) One Family Dwelling. For a one and two-family dwelling, the service
disconnection means shall have a rating of not less than 200-amperes, three (3) wire and
be located on the principle structure, one (1) service per dwelling unit, unless otherwise
approved by the Building Official.
g. Section 250.92, "Services," of Chapter 2, "Wiring and Protection," is amended as follows:
250.92(B)(5) All conduits larger than 1" (one inch) installed in concentric and eccentric
knockouts shall have bonding-type locknuts with bonding jumpers.
2. Chapter 3, "Wiring Methods and Materials," is amended as follows:
a. Subsection 310.1, "Scope," of Section 310, "Conductors for General Wiring," is amended to
read as follows:
310.1 "Scope," This article covers general requirements for conductors and their type
designations, insulations, makings, mechanical strengths, ampacity ratings, and uses. These
requirements do not apply to conductors that form an integral part of equipment, such as
motors, motor controllers, and similar equipment, or to conductors specifically provided
for elsewhere in this Code. All conductors and wiring should be copper conductors.
Conductors made of any other material, including aluminum, shall not be permitted and all
other references to conductors, other than copper, shall be deemed as deleted from this
Code.

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 b. Subsection 310.2(B), "Conductor Material," of Section 310, "Conductors for General
Wiring," is amended to read as follows:
310.2(B), "Conductor Material," Conductors in this Code shall be of copper only.
c. Subsection 314.27(A) "Boxes at Luminaires or Lampholder Outlets" is hereby amended by
adding the following:
Any luminaire (light fixture) outlet box located such that a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan
may be installed shall meet the requirements of Subsections 314.27(D) and 422.18.
d. Section 352.10, "Uses Permitted," of Chapter 3, "Wiring Methods and Materials," is
amended as follows:
352.10(A), (C), (D), (E), (F), & (H) are deleted.
352.10(G) Underground Installations.
352.10(J) For Residential Low-Voltage Systems.
352.10(K) Other Locations as Approved by Building Official.
e. Section 358.12, "Uses Not Permitted," of Chapter 3, "Wiring Methods and Materials," is
amended as follows:
(7) Not allowed in contact with earth, within or under floor slabs.
ARTICLE 391. LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEMS
a. Subsection 391.1, "Scope," of Section 391, "Low Voltage Systems," is added to
read as follows:
391.1 "Scope," This article covers all low voltage wire systems.
Exception: Burglar alarm systems and residential sound systems.
b. Subsection 391.2, "Installation," of Section 391, "Low Voltage Systems," is
added and amended to read as follows:
391.2, "Installation," Circuits operating at less than fifty volts shall be installed in a
neat and workmanlike manner. Cables shall be supported by the building structure in
such a manner that the cable will not be damaged by normal building use.
1. Concealed low voltage-type wiring systems shall be installed in an
approved metallic raceway system.
2. Rigid non-metallic raceway systems shall be allowed for residential use
only.
3. Commercial concealed low voltage-type wiring systems to be installed in
metallic raceways.
3. Chapter 4, "Luminaries, Lampholders and Lamps," is amended as follows:
a. Subsection 410.10(D) "Bathtub and Shower Areas," of Section 410.10 "Luminaires in
Specific Locations," is amended as follows:
410.10(D) Bathtub and shower areas. No parts of cord-connecting luminaires, chain, cable,
or cord-suspended luminaires, lighting tack, pendants or ceiling-suspended (paddle) fans
shall be located within a zone measured three (3) feet horizontally and twelve (12) feet
vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold. This zone is all
encompassing and includes the space directly over the tub or shower stall. Luminaires

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 located within the actual outside dimension of the bathtub or shower to a height of twelve
(12) feet vertically from the top of the bathtub rim or shower threshold shall be marked for
damp locations, or marked for wet locations where subject to shower spray.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

ARTICLE VII. INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE 2021 3

3
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , adopted October 26, 2021, amended the title of art. VII.

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8-700: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.
There is hereby adopted by reference, as in fully set out herein, that certain code known as The International
Building Code 2021 edition, as sponsored and published by the International Code Council, Inc., together with the
following additions, insertions, deletions and amendments: hereinafter set forth.
1. Deletions and amendments to the International Building Code 2021:
a. The following chapters and sections of the International Building Code 2021 have not been
adopted:
1) Chapter 1, Administration
2) Chapter 29, Plumbing Systems
3) Chapter 32, Encroachments To The Public Right-Of-Way
b. The International Building Code 2021 is amended as follows:
1) Chapter 2, "Definitions," is amended as follows:
a. Subsection 201.5, "Conflicting Definitions," of Section 201, "General," is added
to read as follows:
201.5 Conflicting Definitions. In the event any definition(s) listed in Section 201
conflict with any definition(s) in any other DuPage County Code or Ordinance, such
definition(s) shall have the meanings ascribed to them in those Codes or Ordinances.
2) Chapter 4, "Special Detailed Requirements Based On Use And Occupancy," is amended as
follows:
a. Section 427, "Principal Arterial Office Use," of Chapter 4, "Special Detailed
Requirements Based On Use And Occupancy," is added to read as follows:
SECTION 427
PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL OFFICE USE

427.1 General. The provisions of this section govern existing homes being converted
specifically into an office use which meet all requirements, provisions and definitions
set forth in the DuPage County Zoning Ordinance as a principal arterial office (PAO).
The following criteria and exceptions to the DuPage County Building Code must be
met, in conjunction with any Zoning Ordinance requirements, in order to qualify for
this specific use:
1. Required automatic fire suppression system coverage in attic spaces may
be waived if all attic use, including storage, is prohibited and proper heat
detection coverage is provided in attic spaces.
2. Where required, additional remote exiting from the basement areas may
be waived where the basement use is limited to storage only.
3. A maximum gross floor area of 2500 square feet, including a basement, is
allowable without any further on-site firefighting water or automatic fire
suppression system requirements.
4. The maximum number of employees working at any one time shall be
five (5) before separate toilet facilities for men and women are required.

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 5. Provide an accessible exterior route and entrance.
6. Provide a minimum of one (1) accessible toilet room.
3) Chapter 5, "General Building Height And Areas," is amended as follows:
a. Subsection 502.1, "Definitions," of Section 502, "Definitions," is amended by
adding the following:
BASEMENT. That portion of a building having one half (½) or more of its height below
the average grade of the adjoining ground.
STORY ABOVE GRADE. Any story having its finished floor surface entirely above
grade, except that a basement shall be considered as a story above grade where the
finished floor surface of the basement is one half (½) in height or four (4) feet, below
the average grade of the adjoining ground.
4) Chapter 9, "Fire Protection Systems," is amended as follows:
a. Section 903, "Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems," of Chapter 9, "Fire Protection
Systems is and amended as follows:
903.1 General. Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall comply with this section.
903.1.1 Alternative Protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems
complying with section 904 shall be permitted when recognized by the applicable
standard and approved by the Building Official.
b. Subsection 903.2, "Where Required," of Section 903, "Automatic Sprinkler
Systems," is amended as follows:
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new and existing
buildings and structures shall be provided in the use groups described in Table 903.2.
TABLE 903.2
REQUIRED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS BY USE GROUP

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems Use Group

A, E, H All
I, R All
B, F, M, S, U Over 2,000 s/f
Note: In addition to the above table, other uses or conditions identified by this Code may require the installation of
additional fire protection systems.

Exception:
1. One and two-family dwellings.
2. Day-care homes which receive no more than 8 children under the age of
12 (including the provider's own children) and which do not have any
outside employees shall not be required to have fire sprinklers.
c. Subsection 907.2, "Where Required - New Buildings And Structures," of Section
907, "Fire Alarm and Detection Systems," is amended as follows:
907.2 Where required - buildings and structures. An approved automatic fire alarm
system installed in accordance with the provisions of this Code, Table 907.2, and

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 NFPA 72 shall be provided in buildings and structures in accordance with Sections
907.2.1 through 907.2.23 and provide occupant notification in accordance with
Section 907.6, unless other requirements are provided by another section of this
Code.
A minimum of one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to
initiate a fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic smoke
detectors, fire detectors or water-flow detection devices.
TABLE 907.2

Fire Alarm Systems Use Group

A, E, H All
I, R All
B, F, M, S, U Over 1000 s/f
Note: In addition to the above table, other uses or conditions identified by this Code may require the installation of
additional fire protection systems.

Exception:
1. One and two-family dwellings.
2. Day-care homes which receive no more than 8 children under the age of
12 (including the provider's own children) and which do not have any
outside employees shall not be required to have monitored fire alarm
system.
5) Chapter 34, "Existing Structures," is added as follows:
SECTION 3401
HISTORICAL STRUCTURE

a. Section 3401, "Historical Structure," is added as follows:

HISTORICAL STRUCTURE. Structures located within the unincorporated areas of
DuPage County will be considered to be of historical/architectural importance if they
meet the following criteria:
A structure is listed on the National Register of Historical Places, or
A structure is listed on the Illinois Register of Historic Places, or
A structure is at least fifty (50) years old and meets one of the following
criteria:
a. Unique Architecture.
To be considered architecturally unique, a structure must meet at least
one of the following characteristics:
Physical features or traits that are fully integrated with the lines and
massing of the overall style of the structure. (Add-on features that are
not in keeping with the overall style will not make a structure
architecturally important.)

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 It is a specimen of its type or period of construction. Such a structure
must be a major building of its type. (A structure is not architecturally
important only if it is the only building of a type or style.)
It is the work of a master. A master is a figure of generally recognized
greatness in a field, a known craftsman of consummate skill.
b. Historic Event.
A structure must be associated with an historic event or trend, and then
it must retain historic integrity. The property's association with the event
must itself be considered important as well. (Mere association with
historic events or trends, in and of itself, does not qualify a structure as
historically important.)
c. Persons With Historical Contribution.
A structure must be associated with individuals who have made an
important contribution to history. This association must be documented
and demonstrably important in the local, state or national context.
SECTION 3402
CONVERSION TO CONDOMINIUM

a. Section 3402, "Conversion to Condominium," is added as follows:

3402.1 "Requirements For Conversions To Condominium." In the case of the
conversion of an apartment building into condominium units, the County shall have
the right to inspect the apartment building prior to the conversion to condominium
units and require that each proposed condominium unit, as well as all common areas,
comply with the current life safety, building and zoning codes and ordinances of
DuPage County.
Life safety features shall include but are not limited to the installation of, or
improvements to, the following:
1. Fire sprinkler system
2. Fire alarm system
3. Environmental barriers and accessibility
4. Exiting
5. Means of egress lighting
3402.2 "Conversion To Condominium." A property which contains structures,
excepting those newly constructed and intended for condominium ownership, which
are, or have previously been, wholly or partially occupied before recording of
condominium instruments by persons other than those who have contracted for the
purchase of condominiums.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

ARTICLE VIII. INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE 2021 4

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 Chapter 8 - BUILDING CODE
ARTICLE VIII. INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE 2021

4
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , adopted October 26, 2021, amended the title of art. VIII.

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8-800: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.
There is hereby adopted by reference, as if fully set out herein, that certain code known as The International
Mechanical Code 2021 edition, together with the following additions, insertions, deletions and amendments
hereinafter set forth.
1. Chapter 1, "Administration," is deleted in its entirety.
2. Chapter 2, "Definitions," is amended as follows:
a. Subsection 201.5, "Conflicting Definitions," of Section 201, "General," is added to read as follows:
201.5 Conflicting Definitions. In the event any definitions(s) listed in Section 201 conflict with any
definition(s) in any other DuPage County Code or Ordinance, such definition(s) shall have the
meanings ascribed to them as in those Codes or Ordinances.
3. Chapter 9, "Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-Burning Equipment," is added to read as
follows:
a. Section 929, "Outdoor Wood-Burning Furnaces," of Chapter 9, "Specific Appliances, Fireplaces
and Solid Fuel-Burning Equipment," is added to read as follows:
SECTION 929
OUTDOOR WOOD-BURNING FURNACES

929.1 General. Outdoor Wood-burning Furnaces shall be listed, labeled and installed in
accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and with the conditions of the product listing.
Factory-built wood-burning furnaces shall be tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 391, "Solid-Fuel
and Combination-Fuel Central and Supplementary Furnaces."
929.2 Smoke Dispersion. To insure proper smoke dispersion the following chimney heights shall
apply:
1. If located fifty (50) feet or less to any residence not served by the furnace, the stack shall
be at least two (2) feet higher than the eave line of that residence.
2. If located more than fifty (50) feet but no more than one hundred (100) feet to any
residence, the stack shall be at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the height of the eave
line of that residence, plus an additional two (2) feet.
3. If located more than one hundred (100) feet but no more than one hundred fifty (150) feet
to any residence, the stack shall be at least fifty percent (50%) of the height of the eave line
of that residence, plus an additional two (2) feet.
4. If located more than one hundred fifty (150) feet but no more than two hundred (200) feet
to any residence, the stack shall be at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the height of the
eave line of that residence, plus an additional two (2) feet.
929.3 Smoke produced by an outdoor wood-burning furnace shall not pose a nuisance to nearby
residences when the furnace is installed on a lot located in a densely wooded area or area of
uneven terrain.
929.4 Wood fuels. Wood fuels consumed in wood burning outdoor fireplaces shall support
complete combustion. The burning of wood products that produce excess smoke due to high
moisture content shall be prohibited.

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 929.5 Burning improper fuels. Only fuels approved by the manufacturer shall be used. The
burning of trash, household garbage, paper, plastics, yard waste and flammable liquids is
prohibited.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

ARTICLE IX. INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE 2021 5

5
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , adopted October 26, 2021, amended the title of art. IX.

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8-900: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.
There is hereby adopted by reference, as in fully set out herein, that certain code known as The International
Property Maintenance Code 2021 edition, is hereby adopted and incorporated by reference as sponsored and
published by the International Code Council, Inc., together with the following additions, insertions, deletions and
amendments hereinafter set forth.
1. Chapter 1, "Administration," is deleted in its entirety.
2. Chapter 2, "Definitions," is amended as follows:
a. Section 201, "General," of Chapter 2, "Definitions," is amended as follows:
201.6 Conflicting definitions. In the event any definition(s) listed in Section 201, "General,"
conflict with any other definitions(s) in any other DuPage County Code or Ordinance, such
definition(s) shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those Codes or Ordinances.
b. Section 202, "General Definitions," of Chapter 2, "Definitions," is amended as follows:
Graffiti. In addition to its usual and customary meaning of defacing walls or structures with
messages or slogans, "graffiti" shall also mean any letter, numeral, figure, emblem, insignia,
picture, outline, character, spectacle, delineation, announcement, word, phrase, diagram,
symbol, sketch, inscription or representation wherein the contents thereof are visible to any
member of the general public and which contains references to sexual activity, diagrams relating
to sexual activity or sexual organs, references to criminal activities or groups which promote or
are involved in criminal activity, swearing or fighting words, defamatory materials about any
person, references to relationships or any marking of any kind whatsoever which results in
damage to, defacing of, marring of, or discoloring of any sidewalk, vehicle, equipment, lamp,
lamp post or the interior/exterior surface of a wall, fence, door, building or other structure.
3. Chapter 3. "General Requirements," is amended as follows:
a. Section 301 "General," of Chapter 3, "General Requirements," is amended as follows:
301.4 Structure unfit for human occupancy. A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever
the Building Official finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to
which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is unsanitary, vermin or rat infested,
contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or
other essential equipment required by this code, or because the location of the structure
constitutes a fire hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public.
301.5 Closing of vacant structures. If a structure is vacant and deemed unfit for human habitation
and occupancy, and is not in danger of collapse, the Building Official is authorized to issue a
Violation Notice on the premises and order the structure closed up so as not to be an attractive
nuisance.
b. Subsection 302.4, "Weeds," and 302.8, "Motor Vehicles," of Section 302 "Exterior Property
Areas," are deleted in their entirety.
c. Subsection 304.14, "Insect Screens," of Section 304, "Exterior Structure," is amended as follows:
304.14 Insect Screens. (Insert: May 1 to November 1.)
d. Subsection 306.1.1, "Unsafe Conditions," of Section 306, "Component Serviceability," is amended
as follows:
306.1.1 Unsafe Conditions. Where any of the following conditions cause the component or
system to be beyond its limit state, the component or system shall be determined as unsafe and

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 shall be repaired or replaced to comply with the DuPage County Building Code. (Remainder of
subsection 306.1.1 to remain as original.)
e. Section 310, "Public Nuisances," of Chapter 3, "General Requirements," is amended as follows:
310.0 Public nuisances. Public nuisance means a building or structure that is a menace to the
public health, welfare, or safety; that is structurally unsafe, unsanitary, or not provided with
adequate safe egress; that constitutes a fire hazard, is otherwise dangerous to human life, or is
otherwise no longer fit and habitable; or that, in relation to its existing use, constitutes a hazard
to the public health, welfare, or safety by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
obsolescence, or abandonment; or that is at risk of collapse, or is partially collapsed.
4. Chapter 5, "Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements," is amended as follows:
a. Subsection 502.5, "Public Toilet Facilities," of Section 502, "Required Facilities," is amended as
follows:
502.5 Public Toilet Facilities. Public toilet facilities shall be maintained in a safe sanitary and
working condition in accordance with the Illinois State Plumbing Code as amended by DuPage
County. Except for periodic maintenance or cleaning, public access and use shall be provided to
the toilet facilities at all times during occupancy of the premises.
b. Subsection 503.3, "Location of Employee Toilet Rooms," of Section, "503, "Toilet Rooms," is
deleted in its entirety.
5. Chapter 6, "Mechanical and Electrical Requirements," is amended as follows:
a. Subsection 602.2 "Residential Occupancies," of Section 602, "Heating Facilities," is amended as
follows:
602.2 Residential Occupancies. Dwellings shall be provided with heating facilities capable of
maintaining a room temperature of sixty-eight (68) degrees (twenty (20) degrees C) in all
habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms. Cooking appliances shall not be used, nor shall
portable unvented fuel-burning space heaters be used, as a means to provide required heating.
b. Subsection 602.3, "Heat Supply," of Section 602, "Heating Facilities," is amended as follows:
602.3 Heat Supply. Insert: September 1 to May 1.
Exception: When the outdoor temperature is below the winter outdoor design temperature for
the locality, maintenance of the minimum room temperature shall not be required provided that
the heating system is operating at its full design capacity.
c. Subsection 602.4, "Occupiable Work Spaces," of Section 602, "Heating Facilities," is amended as
follows:
602.4 Occupiable Work Spaces. Insert: September 1 to May 1.
6. Chapter 7, "Fire Safety Requirements," is amended as follows:
a. Subsection 702.5, "Emergency Escape," of Section 702, "Means of Egress," is added to read as
follows:
702.5 Emergency escape. Every sleeping room, occupied room or habitable space located in a
basement shall have at least one (1) openable window or exterior door approved for emergency
egress or rescue; or shall have access to not less than two approved independent exits.
7. Chapter 8, "Referenced Standards," is amended as follows:

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 Delete any references to the International Existing Building Code International Plumbing Code,
International Residential Code, International Zoning Code and insert in lieu thereof: DuPage County
Building Code.
8. Appendix A, "Boarding Standard," is adopted in its entirety.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

ARTICLE X. INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE 2021 6

6
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , adopted October 26, 2021, amended the title of art. X.

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8-1000: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.
There is hereby adopted by reference, as if fully set out herein, that certain code known as The International
Fuel Gas Code 2021 edition, as sponsored and published by the International Code Council, Inc., together with the
following additions, insertions, deletions and amendments hereinafter set forth.
1. Chapter 1, "Administration," is deleted in its entirety.
2. Chapter 2, "Definitions," is amended as follows:
a. Section 201, "General," of Chapter 2, "Definitions," is amended as follows:
201.5 Conflicting Definitions. In the event any definition(s) listed in Section 201 conflict with any
definition(s) in any other DuPage County Code or Ordinance, such definition(s) shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in those Codes or Ordinances.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

ARTICLE XI. INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE 20217

7
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , adopted October 26, 2021, amended the title of art. XI.

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8-1100: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.
There is adopted, as fully set out herein, those certain codes known as the International Fire Code 2021
edition, as sponsored and published by the International Code Council, with the following additions, insertions,
deletions and amendments hereinafter set forth.
International Fire Code 2021 Edition
1. Chapter 1, "Administration," is deleted in its entirety.
2. Chapter 4, "Emergency Planning And Preparedness," is amended as follows:
a. Section 408, "Automated External Defibrillators," of Chapter 4, "Emergency Planning And
Preparedness," is added to read as follows:
SECTION 408
AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED's)
408.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the requirements for AED's in new and
existing commercial occupancies.
408.2 Where Required. An operational AED shall be installed in the following occupancies.
1. Where required by Illinois State Statute or other Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
2. Use Groups (A, E, I)
3. Use Groups (B, F, H, M) with an occupant load greater than 100 persons.
4. Use Group (R)
Exception: "R" use group structures classified as a single-family residence and not regulated
elsewhere in this Code.
408.3 Compliance Required. It shall be the responsibility of the business owner to comply with
Illinois Compiled Statues Chapter 410 ILCS 4/ and the provisions of this code.
408.4 Location of Devices. Device shall be located in the following areas.
1. At least one operational AED shall be provided in a location accessible to the general
public.
2. Travel distance to an operational AED shall not exceed 200 feet in any direction.
408.5 Device Security. AED devices shall be housed in a protected cabinet equipped with a local
Audio/Visual (A/V) device that will activate upon opening of the AED cabinet.
408.6 Signage Required. Signage as approved by the Building Official shall be provided in the
vicinity of the main entrance to notify occupants that an AED is located on sight. Additional
signage shall also be required in the immediate vicinity of any and all additional devices.
3. Chapter 9, "Fire Protection Systems," is amended as follows:
a. Section 903, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems," of Chapter 9, "Fire Protection Systems," is
amended to read as follows:
903.1 General. Automatic fire sprinkler systems shall comply with this section.
903.1.1 Alternative Protection. Alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems complying with
Section 904 shall be permitted when recognized by the applicable standard and approved by the
Building Official.

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 903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in buildings and structures shall be
provided in the locations described in Table 903.2 of the International Building Code and Table
903.2 of the International Fire Code.
TABLE 903.2
REQUIRED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS BY USE GROUP

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems

Use Group
A, E, H All
I, R All
B, F, M, S, U Over 2000 s/f
Note: In addition to the above table, other uses or
conditions identified by this Code may require the
installation of additional fire protection systems.

Exceptions:
1. Detached single family homes in "R" use group must supply a letter from the local fire
department/fire district, prior to issuance of any new residential home or addition permit,
indicating compliance with their local fire codes or ordinances.
2. Day-care homes which receive no more than 8 children under the age of 12 (including the
provider's own children) and which do not have any outside employees shall not be
required to have fire sprinklers.
c. Subsection 907.2, "Where Required - New Buildings And Structures," is amended as follows:
907.2 Where required - buildings and structures. An approved automatic fire alarm system
installed in accordance with the provisions of this code, Table 907.2, and NFPA 72 shall be
provided in buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 907.2.1 through 907.2.23 and
provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.6, unless other requirements are
provided by another section of this code.
A minimum of one manual fire alarm box shall be provided in an approved location to initiate a
fire alarm signal for fire alarm systems employing automatic smoke detectors, fire detectors or
water-flow detection devices.
TABLE 907.2
REQUIRED FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS BY USE GROUP

Fire Alarm Systems

Use Group
A, E, H All
I, R All
B, F, M, S, U Over 1000 s/f
Note: In addition to the above table, other uses or conditions identified by this Code may require the installation of
additional fire protection systems.

Exception: One and two-family dwellings.

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(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

ARTICLE XII. INTERNATIONAL EXISTING STRUCTURES CODE 20218

8
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , adopted October 26, 2021, amended the title of art. XII.

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8-1200: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.
There is hereby adopted by reference, as if fully set out herein, that certain code known as The International
Existing Structures Code 2021 edition, together with the following additions, insertions, deletions and
amendments hereinafter set forth.
1. Chapter 1, "Administration," is deleted in its entirety.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

ARTICLE XIII. INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE 2021 9

9
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , adopted October 26, 2021, amended the title of art. XIII.

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8-1300: ADOPTION BY REFERENCE.
There is hereby adopted by reference, as if fully set out herein, that certain code known as The International
Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2021 edition, together with the following additions, insertions, deletions and
amendments hereinafter set forth.
1. Chapter 1, "Administration," is deleted in its entirety
(Ord. No. DC-O-0018-17, 5-23-2017; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

APPENDIX A. BUILDING MATERIALS STANDARDS

Compliance with the standards and publications as listed in the 2021 International Building Code, latest
amendments, shall serve as a guide in determining the acceptability and use of materials wherever in the rules and
regulations, appendix A, is referred to, provided the standards are not in conflict with specific requirements of this
Building Code.
(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016; Ord. No. DC-O-0099-21 , 10-26-2021)

APPENDIX B. ILLUSTRATIONS
TABLES
PAGE
FLOOR JOISTS
30# LIVE LOAD, 10# DEAD LOAD I
40# LIVE LOAD, 10# DEAD LOAD II
FASTENING SCHEDULE
NAIL III and IV
CEILING JOISTS
10# LIVE LOAD, 5# DEAD LOAD V
20# LIVE LOAD, 10# DEAD LOAD VI
ROOF RAFTERS
FLAT ROOF OR CATHEDRAL CEILING VII
WITH DRYWALL FINISH
ROOF PITCH GREATER THAN 3 IN 12 VIII
NO CEILING FINISH
FASTENING SCHEDULE
ROOF AND CEILING CONSTRUCTION IX
NAIL
FASTENING SCHEDULE
ROOF COVERINGS X AND XI
NAIL
FASTENING SCHEDULE
WALL AND ROOF SHEATHING XII
NAIL
FASTENING SCHEDULE
WALL CONSTRUCTION XIII

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 Chapter 8 - BUILDING CODE
APPENDIX B. ILLUSTRATIONS

NAIL
GYPSUM INSTALLATIONS (NAILS) XIV AND XV
GYPSUM INSTALLATIONS (SCREWS) XVI AND XVII
FINISH THICKNESS OF PLASTER XVIII
GYPSUM PLASTER PROPORTIONS XIX
MORTAR PROPORTIONS XX
GROUT PROPORTIONS BY VOLUME FOR MASONRY CONSTRUCTION XX
SIDING XXI
GYPSUM PLASTER PROPORTIONS XXI

(Ord. No. DC-O-0041-16, 10-25-2016)

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