The Chicago Department of Buildings has announced a new pilot program regarding the use of mechanical only ventilation for residential units in high rise buildings. The intent of this program is to test using portions of the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) in Chicago.

The requirements for landscape drawings and the eligibility of who is able to and required to stamp landscape drawings for permit has had some changes in Chicago.

An outcome of updates to the 2022 Chicago Energy Transformation code and the changes to the 2019 Chicago Mechanical Code is an interaction between their respective requirements, leading to heightened specifications for residential kitchens. These specifications extend beyond what may seem required upon a cursory review of the Mechanical Code.

Updates and Deadlines regarding EVSE Parking Spaces

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.

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

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.

Don't know if you are using the updated version of Chicago's Building Code? We've got you covered. 

Chicago's Department of Buildings (DOB) issues guidance on the new plumbing code pertaining to both the scope and design of plumbing systems as well as the permitting method for the use of PVC in buildings.

The Chicago Department of Buildings has published many new forms to accommodate the 2019 Chicago Construction Codes that are now in effect.

The Chicago Department of Buildings is planning to propose interim mechanical and plumbing changes to the building code, prior to comprehensive rewrites of those sections of the code. MAPS reviewed the high-level changes and commented on the likely impacts of each. 

MAPS creates a project code matrix to streamline implementing changes in the 2019 Chicago Building Code. 

The modernized Chicago building code reduces the minimum ceiling height in residential units.

Meet R-5, the new Chicago-only building code occupancy classification.

The updated Chicago building code has several changes that impact – for the better – how small residential buildings can be designed and constructed.

The Chicago Building Code expands existing fire limits to include more of the downtown area and the "D" Downtown zoning districts.