City of Wheaton, IL

01/06/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/06/2025 15:40

City Requesting Feedback on Proposed Building Code Updates

To ensure that homes and other buildings in our community are constructed safely and meet minimum standards for the health and safety of the public, the City of Wheaton uses nationally recognized building codes, which periodically issue updated versions. The City is proposing transitioning the City's building codes from the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) model code and 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) to the 2024 ICC model code and 2023 NEC and is seeking feedback on the proposed changes.

The City's Building Department has conducted an analysis of the updated versions and recommends the City adopt the latest codes, with some local amendments. City staff presented the proposed changes to the City Council during the Dec. 9 City Council Planning Session. You can see a recording of this presentation and discussion on the City's website.

Benefits of Updating to the Current Editions:
Some of the benefits of updating the City's building codes to the most current editions include:

  • Providing modern construction standards that incorporate advancements in construction practices, building materials, industry technologies and green building design,
  • Providing consistency with neighboring communities, an important factor for builders and developers who operate throughout the area,
  • Improving insurance ratings with the Insurance Services Organization, which can reduce premiums for building construction,
  • Meeting requirements to be eligible for state and federal grants, which often require communities to adopt the most recent code editions.
Adopting local amendments to the 2024 ICC building codes will allow the City to continue to reflect the unique needs and practices of Wheaton, maintaining a balance of safety and practicality.

Share Feedback:
You can review the proposed code and amendments on the City's website. Please share your feedback using this form on the City's website.

Next Steps:

  • First Reading on Jan. 21: The Wheaton City Council will have a first reading of the proposed updates at the Jan. 21, 2025 meeting, which will take place at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 303 W. Wesley St.
  • Formal Action on Feb. 3: The Council will take formal action on the proposed updates at the Feb. 3, 2025 meeting, which will take place at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Both meetings are open to the public, and interested parties can also attend via Zoom. The link to register for each Zoom meeting will be available on the meeting agenda on the Friday before each meeting at https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter.
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