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Chicago Overview
Municipal Code of Chicago
MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO
TITLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
TITLE 2 CITY GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
TITLE 3 REVENUE AND FINANCE
TITLE 4 BUSINESSES, OCCUPATIONS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
TITLE 5 HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TITLE 6 HUMAN RIGHTS*
TITLE 7 HEALTH AND SAFETY
TITLE 8 OFFENSES AFFECTING PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND WELFARE
TITLE 9 VEHICLES, TRAFFIC AND RAIL TRANSPORTATION
TITLE 10 STREETS, PUBLIC WAYS, PARKS, AIRPORTS AND HARBORS
TITLE 11 UTILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
TITLE 12 RESERVED
TITLE 13 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
TITLE 14 RESERVED*
TITLE 14A ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS OF THE CHICAGO CONSTRUCTION CODES*
TITLE 14B BUILDING CODE*
CHAPTER 14B-1 SCOPE AND PURPOSE
CHAPTER 14B-2 DEFINITIONS AND MEASUREMENTS
CHAPTER 14B-3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
CHAPTER 14B-4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY
CHAPTER 14B-5 GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
CHAPTER 14B-6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 14B-7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
CHAPTER 14B-8 INTERIOR FINISHES
CHAPTER 14B-9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 14B-10 MEANS OF EGRESS
CHAPTER 14B-11 ACCESSIBILITY
CHAPTER 14B-12 INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
CHAPTER 14B-13 ENERGY EFFICIENCY
CHAPTER 14B-14 EXTERIOR WALLS
CHAPTER 14B-15 ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
CHAPTER 14B-16 STRUCTURAL DESIGN
CHAPTER 14B-17 SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
CHAPTER 14B-18 SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
CHAPTER 14B-19 CONCRETE
CHAPTER 14B-20 ALUMINUM
CHAPTER 14B-21 MASONRY
CHAPTER 14B-22 STEEL
CHAPTER 14B-23 WOOD
CHAPTER 14B-24 GLASS AND GLAZING
CHAPTER 14B-25 GYPSUM BOARD, GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
CHAPTER 14B-26 PLASTIC
CHAPTER 14B-27 ELECTRICAL
CHAPTER 14B-28 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 14B-29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 14B-30 CONVEYANCE DEVICES
CHAPTER 14B-31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 14B-32 ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC WAY
CHAPTER 14B-33 WORK SITE SAFETY AND OPERATIONS
CHAPTER 14B-34 RESERVED
CHAPTER 14B-35 REFERENCED STANDARDS
CHAPTER 14B-36 APPENDICES
TITLE 14C CONVEYANCE DEVICE CODE*
TITLE 14E ELECTRICAL CODE*
TITLE 14F FIRE PREVENTION CODE*
TITLE 14G FUEL GAS CODE*
TITLE 14M MECHANICAL CODE*
TITLE 14N 2022 ENERGY TRANSFORMATION CODE*
TITLE 14P PLUMBING CODE*
TITLE 14R BUILDING REHABILITATION CODE*
TITLE 14X MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS*
TITLE 15 FIRE PREVENTION
TITLE 16 LAND USE
TITLE 17 CHICAGO ZONING ORDINANCE
TITLE 18 BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE
APPENDIX TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO (RESERVED)*
TABLES
Chicago Zoning Ordinance and Land Use Ordinance
CHAPTER 14B-31
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
14B-31-3101   General.
14B-31-3102   Membrane structures.
14B-31-3103   Temporary structures.
14B-31-3104   Pedestrian walkways and tunnels.
14B-31-3105   Awnings and canopies.
14B-31-3106   Marquees.
14B-31-3107   IBC Section 3107.
14B-31-3108   Telecommunication and broadcast towers.
14B-31-3109   Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs.
14B-31-3110   Automatic vehicular gates.
14B-31-3111   Solar energy systems.
14B-31-3112   Greenhouses.
14B-31-3113   IBC Section 3113.
14B-31-3114   Fences.
14B-31-3101 General.
The provisions of Section 3101 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modification:
1.   Revise Section 3101.1 to read:
"3101.1 Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern special construction including membrane structures, temporary structures, pedestrian walkways and tunnels, automatic vehicular gates, awnings and canopies, marquees, towers, antennas swimming pool enclosures and safety devices, solar energy systems, greenhouses and fences."
14B-31-3102 Membrane structures.
The provisions of Section 3102 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1.   Revise Section 3102.1 by replacing "the International Fire Code" with "Section 3103."
2.   Revise Section 3102.3, excluding its exception, to read:
"3102.3 Type of construction.
Noncombustible membrane structures shall be classified as Type IIB construction. Noncombustible frame or cable-supported structures covered by a membrane in accordance with Section 3102.3.1 shall be classified as Type IIB construction. Other membrane structures shall be classified as Type VB construction."
3.   Revise Section 3102.8.1.1 to read:
"3102.8.1.1 Auxiliary inflation system.
In addition to the primary inflation system an auxiliary inflation system shall be provided with sufficient capacity to maintain the inflation of the structure in case of primary system failure. The auxiliary inflation system shall operate automatically when there is a loss of internal pressure and when the primary blower system becomes inoperative."
4.   Revise item 5 of Section 3102.8.1.2 to read:
"5.   Blower inlets shall be located to provide protection from air contamination. The location of inlets shall be shown on the construction documents."
14B-31-3103 Temporary Structures.
The provisions of Section 3103 of IBC are not adopted. The following is adopted as Section 3103:
"3103.1 General.
The provisions of Sections 3103.1 through 3103.3 shall apply to temporary structures. Structures erected on the same site for more than 180 days within a 12-month period shall comply with provisions of this code applicable to permanent structures.
Exceptions:
1.   Temporary structures associated with ongoing construction activity shall not be subject to the 180-day limit.
2.   Membrane structures that are erected on occupiable rooftops, exterior balconies, decks or similar structures for any period of time shall be regulated as permanent membrane structures in accordance with Section 3102 unless otherwise approved by the building official.
3103.1.1 Conformance.
Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation and sanitary requirements of this code as necessary to ensure public health, safety and general welfare except as modified by this section.
3103.1.2 Fire protection.
Temporary structures and uses shall be protected from fire hazards in accordance with Sections 3103.1.2.1 and 3103.1.2.2.
3103.1.2.1 Portable fire extinguishers.
Temporary structures exceeding 600 square feet (56 m2) in floor area or where cooking will occur within 20 feet (6096 mm) of the structure shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers in accordance with Section 905, and no less than one.
3103.1.2.2 Emergency lighting.
Temporary structures exceeding 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in floor area that will be used for a period longer than 48 hours shall be provided with an emergency lighting system complying with Article 700 of the Chicago Electrical Code.
3103.1.3 Means of egress.
Temporary structures shall be provided with means of egress in accordance with Chapter 10. For temporary structures exceeding 600 square feet (56 m2) in floor area, a dimensioned exit plan, showing aisles, seating and other furnishings, shall be provided as part of the permit application. Temporary structures exceeding 1,000 square feet (93 m2) in floor area shall be provided with illuminated exit signs.
3103.1.4 Structural requirements.
Temporary structures shall not be required to be designed for seismic forces. Temporary structures installed for 6 weeks or less shall be designed to withstand at least 56 percent of the wind loads applicable to permanent structures. Temporary structures installed for more than 6 weeks shall be designed to withstand at least 64 percent of the wind loads applicable to permanent structures. Temporary structures shall be allowed to be designed for reduced environmental forces, such as snow loads and ice loads, based on limited seasonal exposure. Where temporary structures do not meet all structural requirements applicable to permanent structures, the building official may issue a conditional permit requiring monitoring of weather conditions and allowing the structure to be used up to a specified wind velocity or under other applicable climatic limitations.
3103.1.5 Sanitary requirements.
Temporary structures and uses shall be provided with temporary sanitary facilities in accordance with the provisions of the Chicago Plumbing Code.
3103.1.6 Electrical equipment and wiring.
Electrical equipment and wiring shall comply with the Chicago Electrical Code.
3103.2 Temporary tents and membrane structures.
Temporary tents and other membrane structures shall comply with Sections 3103.2.1 through 3103.2.4.
3103.2.1 Location.
Temporary tents and membrane structures shall not be erected within 12 feet (3658 mm) of existing buildings or property lines.
Exceptions:
1.   A temporary covered passageway, no more than 8 feet (2438 mm) wide, with open or enclosed sides, may be provided to connect temporary structures to existing buildings.
2.   Temporary structures need not be separated from existing buildings where the aggregate floor area of temporary structures does not exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m2) and the temporary structure will not impede required means of egress for the existing building.
3103.2.2 Flame propagation.
The permit application shall be accompanied by a certificate of fire resistance executed by an approved agency certifying that the structure meets the flame propagation performance requirements of NFPA 701. If the treatment indicated on the certificate is not of the permanent type, the certificate shall be dated within 360 days preceding the last date of intended use. If the tent fabric is certified as having been rendered permanently fire resistant during manufacture, or is made of an inherently fire resistant fabric, then the certificate shall be dated no earlier than seven years prior to the last date of intended use. The certificate shall indicate the type of fabric and method of compliance with NFPA 701.
3103.2.2.1 Label.
Membrane structures and their components shall have a permanently affixed label bearing the identification of size and fabric or material type.
3103.2.3 Certification.
The permit application shall be accompanied by a certificate providing all of the following information relative to the flame propagation performance criteria of the fabric:
1.   The name and address for the owner of the structure.
2.   Date the fabric was last treated with flame-retardant solution, if applicable.
3.   Trade name or kind of chemical used in treatment.
4.   Name of person or firm treating the material.
5.   Name of testing agency and test standard by which the fabric was tested.
A copy of the certificate must be kept on site and made available to the building official or fire code official.
3103.2.4 Liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas).
Liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas) tanks shall not be permitted inside of or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of temporary tents and membrane structures.
3103.2.5 Air-supported and air-inflated structures.
Temporary air-supported structures and air-inflated structures shall comply with Sections 3103.2.5.1 through 3103.2.5.3.
3103.2.5.1 Design.
The design and construction of the fabric envelope and the method of anchoring shall be in accordance with Architectural Fabric Structures Institute FSAAS.
3103.2.5.2 Blowers.
An air-supported structure containing occupiable space shall be furnished with not less than two blowers, each of which has adequate capacity to maintain full inflation pressure with normal leakage. The design of the blower shall be so as to provide integral limiting pressure at the design pressure specified by the manufacturer.
3103.2.5.3 Inflation system.
Temporary structures with an occupant load greater than 100 shall also comply with Section 3102.8.
3103.3 Temporary structures other than tents and membrane structures.
Temporary structures, other than tents and other membrane structures, shall comply with Sections 3103.3.1 and 3103.2.
3103.3.1 Location.
Temporary structures of combustible construction shall not be erected within 12 feet (3658 mm) of existing buildings or property lines.
Exceptions:
1.   A temporary covered passageway, no more than 8 feet (2438 mm) wide, with open or enclosed sides, may be provided to connect temporary structures to existing buildings.
2.   Temporary structures need not be separated from existing buildings where the aggregate floor area of temporary structures does not exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m2) and the temporary structure will not impede required means of egress for the existing building.
3103.3.2 Liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas).
Liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas) tanks shall not be permitted inside of or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of temporary structures of combustible construction."
(Amend Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 3646, § 34; Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 94; Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 32180, Art. II, § 26)
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