Chicago Construction Codes Modernization: In-Person Briefing

As the City of Chicago pushes forward with updates to the construction code, CAA, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Buildings, will host an in-person briefing on Phase 3 of the Chicago Construction Codes Modernization Initiative on Monday, May 11th, from 10-11am. This session is designed for professionals in building management, maintenance, and development who want a clear understanding of upcoming code changes and their implications.The session will take place from 10:00 to 11:00am at 500 W Madison Street, Floor 3, Chicago, IL. 

At the most recent Chicago City Council meeting, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Buildings introduced an ordinance advancing Phase 3 of the Chicago Construction Codes Modernization Initiative. This ordinance proposal updates five building code areas: mechanical, fuel gas, fire prevention, energy, and residential construction. The proposed changes aim to align Chicago’s standards with current national models and advances the City’s Cut the Tape initiative. This measure is expected to be considered at a Zoning, Landmarks, and Buildings Standards committee meeting in May.

Key initiatives of the proposal include:

• Expanding Housing Supply: Pro-housing amendments to the 2019 Chicago Building and Building Rehabilitation Codes
• Improving Air Quality: Adoption of the 2026 Chicago Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes, based on the 2024 IMC and IFGC
• Increasing Energy Efficiency: Adoption of the 2026 Chicago Energy Transformation Code, based on the 2024 IECC
• Enhancing Fire Safety: Adoption of the 2026 Interim Chicago Fire Prevention Code, based on Chapter 12 of the 2024 IFC

We encourage all professionals in building management, maintenance, and development to attend this important briefing to learn more about the upcoming code changes and their potential impact.