(A) The purpose of these provisions is to encourage the continued use or reuse of legally existing buildings and structures. Compliance with these provisions shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this ordinance and the 2018 IRC.
(B) Alterations, renovations, repairs or reconstruction shall not cause the structure to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building; shall not cause an existing mechanical or plumbing system to become unsafe, hazardous, unsanitary or overloaded; and unless expressly permitted by these provisions shall not make the building any less compliant than it was before the work was undertaken.
(C) Newly constructed elements, components and systems shall comply with the requirements of the 2018 IRC and IPMC except as provided in this ordinance.
(D) The work shall not increase the extent of noncompliance with code requirements or create nonconformity to those requirements that did not previously exist.
(E) New windows shall meet the Illinois Energy Code.
(F) Smoke detectors shall be upgraded per R314 of the 2018 IRC.
(G) New windows shall meet the safety glazing requirements per R308 of the 2018 IRC.
(H) Existing windows are not required to have safety glazing unless new work performed triggers safety glazing. In such a case a film shall be installed over the window to achieve compliance of a Grade A safety glazing.
(I) New tile or panels installed in shower enclosures shall have cement board installed.
(J) The building official shall have the authority to require an existing building to be investigated and evaluated by a registered design professional. The evaluation shall determine the existence of any potential non-conformities to these provisions, and shall provide a basis for determining the impact of the proposed changes on the performance of the building.
(K) A structural member shall be replaced where the stresses in any member, the condition of the building, or any of its components or elements or attachments; or other condition that results in an overload exceeding 150% of the stress allowed for the member or material in this code. Structural elements that are uncovered during the course of the alteration that are found to be dangerous shall be made to comply with the applicable requirements of the 2018 IRC and this ordinance.
Exception 1: Plumbing shall follow the 2014 Illinois State Plumbing Code
Exception 2: Electrical shall follow this ordinance and the 2017 NEC
(L) Interior finishes shall be 1/2" drywall or 1" nominal solid paneling or equivalent except existing areas not being altered, repaired or modified.
(M) Existing stair openings can remain and stairs can remain in place or reconstructed to the same configuration unless the floor on which the opening for the stairs is being remodeled. Stair code compliance shall be determined based on existing conditions and the extent of the remodel.
(N) The remodel of any structure or the buildout of a basement shall not require the installation of egress windows unless a new window is being added, a new bedroom is being added, the location of the bedroom is being changed or any exterior wall is being replaced.
(O) Where compliance with these provisions or with this code as required by these provisions is technical infeasible or would impose disproportionate costs because of construction or dimensional difficulties, the building official shall have the authority to accept alternatives. These alternatives include materials, design features and operational features.
(P) Re-roofing shall follow the reroofing section of Chapter 9 of the 2018 IRC. Roof ventilation shall be installed per roofing manufacturer's specifications at eaves and openings thru roof sheathing or gable ends. Removal of roof sheathing shall not be required to comply with ventilation requirements.
(Q) Firewalls between townhouses and a duplex shall be repaired or replaced to their original condition. A minimum of 5/8" fire code drywall or equivalent shall be added to the side where remodel work is taking place where no firewall exists.
(Ord. 21-102, passed 8-19-2021)