13-96-415 Definitions.

   As used in this Article XI:

   “Exposed tank” or “exposed tank supporting structure” means any tank or supporting structure that is located on the exterior of a building or is otherwise exposed to the elements.

   “Tank(s)” means any water tank with a capacity of more than 250 gallons, regardless of whether the tank is holding water.

   “Tank supporting structure” or “supporting structure” means any structure used to support a tank regardless of whether a tank is affixed to such supporting structure. The term “supporting structure” shall be construed broadly to include anchors, guides, tracks, mounting brackets, mounting hardware of any type and all other forms of tank support.

(Added Coun. J. 7-30-14, p. 86203, § 5)

13-96-420 Water tanks and tank supporting structures.

   (a)   Construction. Tanks shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the structural requirements of this Code.

   (b)   Supporting Structure. Tanks shall be supported on masonry, reinforced concrete, steel or other approved noncombustible construction. When such supporting construction is located within a building, the tank supporting construction shall be of Type I-A construction.

   (c)   Maintenance. The owner, agent or person in charge, possession or control of (1) any building upon which or above which any tank or tank supporting structure is located, or (2) any free-standing tank, shall have a duty to maintain such tank and tank supporting structure, as applicable, in good and safe condition. If the tank is an exposed tank, a rustproof plate or tag shall be attached to the tank or to its supporting structure. Such tag or plate shall show, in letters or figures at least 2 inches high, the month and year in which the tank and its supporting structure were installed.

   (d)   Critical examination required. No later than September 10, 2015, or within one year of the date on which a tank or tank supporting structure is erected or installed, whichever comes sooner, and at least once every two years thereafter, it shall be the duty of the owner, agent or person in charge of (1) any building upon which or above which any tank or tank supporting structure is located, or (2) any free-standing tank, to subject the tank and tank supporting structure to a critical and invasive examination by an architect or structural engineer holding a valid license in the State of Illinois. After examining the tank and its supporting structure, as applicable, the licensed architect or licensed engineer shall prepare a written report attesting to its internal and external structural condition and integrity. Two copies of the report shall be submitted to the building commissioner, along with a report review fee of $75.00, which fee shall be payable to the department of finance. If the report is satisfactory to the building commissioner, one copy of the report, bearing the building department's stamp of approval, shall be returned by the building commissioner to the owner, agent or person in charge of the building identified in the report. If the report is not satisfactory to the building commissioner, subsection (e) of this section shall apply. This subsection (d) shall apply regardless of whether a tank is affixed to the tank supporting structure.

   (e)   Unsafe tanks and supporting structures. If, as a result of a critical examination under subsection (d) of this section or an inspection by an authorized city official, the building commissioner determines that a tank or tank supporting structure is in an unsafe condition or is in need of repair or reinforcement, the building commissioner shall so notify the owner, agent, or person in charge of the applicable building or structure. Such notice shall be accompanied by an order from the building commissioner directing such owner, agent or person in charge to (1) immediately take whatever temporary action is required, including, but not limited to, temporary repairs, temporary reinforcements or other appropriate precautionary measures, to protect the public safety until such time that the tank and its supporting structure is restored to good and safe condition or is removed, and (2) begin and complete, without undue delay, any permanent repairs, permanent reinforcements or other permanent measures required to bring the tank or tank supporting structure into compliance with the Chicago Building Code, which measures may include permanent removal of the tank or its supporting structure.

   (f)   Effect of rust protection on an exposed tank. The application of any form of paint, galvanizing, wrapping or similar coating shall not be considered to be a form of protection sufficient to exempt an otherwise exposed tank or exposed tank supporting structure from the provisions of this section.

   (g)   Signs on tanks and tank supporting structures – Prohibited. No person shall paint any sign on, or attach any sign to, any (1) exposed tank or exposed tank supporting structure located upon or above any building or structure, or (2) free-standing tank, including, but not limited to, any painted sign, adhesive material sign or vinyl sign.

   (h)   Miscellaneous items on tanks and tank supporting structures – Prohibited. No person shall affix any miscellaneous item to any (1) exposed tank or exposed tank supporting structure located upon or above any building or structure, or (2) free-standing tank, including, but not limited to, any antenna, satellite, wireless communication facility, communication equipment, lighting equipment, or any associated hardware or wiring.

   (i)   Rules and regulations. The building commissioner is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary or appropriate to implement, administer and enforce this section.

   (j)   Penalty. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates this section shall be fined not less than $500.00 nor more than $1,000.00 for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.

(Prior code § 61-12; Amend Coun. J. 7-30-14, p. 86203, § 6)

ARTICLE XII. COOLING TOWERS (13-96-430 et seq.)

13-96-430 General requirements.

   Every cooling tower hereafter erected shall comply with all applicable provisions of this Code and with the special provisions of Sections 13-96-450 and 13-96-460.

(Prior code § 61-13)

13-96-440 Definition.

   A “cooling tower” is defined as a structure designed or used for the cooling by exposure to the open air of liquids used in the operation of a refrigeration or air conditioning installation.

(Prior code § 61-13.1)