A question that comes up on many projects is how to correctly determine the occupant load and the total number of required plumbing fixtures for spaces in new buildings. We walk through the process of how to determine the occupant load, plumbing fixture count, and the options and processes available to reduce the number of required fixtures.

MAP Strategies (MAPS) is defining the groundbreaking role of compliance partner. Our group of diverse professionals is solely dedicated to managing the overall compliance requirements of architecture and real estate.

New Illinois Bill requires a bottle filling station at all locations where a drinking fountain is required to be provided.

All large developments (single residential buildings with 5 or more units) will be required to have 100% of their parking spaces be EV-Capable starting March 31, 2024.

Self-certified stamped drawings can bypass a lengthy review process and obtain permits faster.

SB0040 adds requirements for parking areas in residential developments to allow for the future installation of electric vehicle charging stations in Illinois.

Signed letters for adaptability of kitchen cabinets in Type A units no longer needed.  

How long can we put a project on hold before we need to start over with a new permit?

Chicago has made additions to the model code (2021 International Energy Conservation Code) to help create an energy transformation code, encouraging the use of green or clean energy.

Did you know that multistory townhouses actually have to comply with the accessibility standards of the Fair Housing Act when certain design considerations are met?

Provisions to Chicago's Energy Conservation Code will take effect on January 1, 2023 and mean big changes to the design of most new construction buildings.  

Chicago recently made updates and changes to the Energy Code, adopting the 2021 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code as the 2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code.

Handrails at stairs or ramps are an accessibility item that can easily go wrong in the design stage and can be difficult to fix during construction.

Contrary to most code knowledge and understanding, the Chicago Zoning Ordinance has a stricter accessibility requirement than the applicable building code.

The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) is enforcing a new requirement for microwaves in residential Type A dwelling units. 

Chicago Building and Plumbing Code provides new allowance for the construction of unisex, multi-user toilet rooms, instead of requiring separate gendered toilet rooms. 

Fireblocking and draft stopping are very similar when described in the code but have different applications in buildings depending on installation areas.

With the ever-changing and updating modernization of the Chicago Building Code (CBC), it is our mission to educate our community in real-time so that there are no surprises in the permitting process.