Let’s first clarify the biggest misconception, Option A and Option B bathrooms are not referencing Type A and Type B dwelling units found in multifamily housing despite the use of a similar naming terminology. It's common for most people to confuse Option A with Type A or think Option B bathrooms are Type B units, but that's not the case.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has published its 2021 dates for the Holiday Moratorium on street closures.

MAPS' CEO, Heather Morrison, will be speaking about new construction trends, opportunities, and growth in Chicago at a Bisnow event on Thursday, Nov 4, 2021.

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.

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

What's a Rehabilitation Code and how do you use it? We've got you covered. 

Building in Chicago? Have you had to go through the "OUC" process? Let us help you demystify it. 

As the permit manager for dozens of projects each year in Chicago, we know that getting a desired address for a new residential or office project can be very important to a client. When clients are unable to obtain their preferred address (or a vanity address), this can result in stress and inefficiency.