The document discusses a presentation on the merits of adopting the International Building Code (IBC) in Chicago. It provides background on the outdated nature of Chicago's current building code and incomplete past efforts to update it. It notes most major US cities have adopted ICC model codes like the IBC and outlines the presentation's learning objectives and agenda, including speakers from AIA Chicago, BOMA Chicago, Cook County, and the ICC to discuss reasons for adopting the IBC and examples from New York City and Cook County's adoption processes.

1. The Merits of Moving to the
International Building Code (IBC)
Presented by AIA Chicago, BOMA Chicago and the International Code Council
Monday November 23, 2015
8:15 AM – 12:00 PM
The Lake Room | University Center, 525 S. State St, Chicago, IL

2. Learning Objectives
The historical factors that led to the formation of the International Code
Council (ICC) and the widespread adoption of the I-Codes.
The BOMA/Chicago position paper on the adoption the International
Building Code (IBC) for Chicago.
How New York City and Cook County, IL successfully transitioned from
self-written building codes to the IBC.
The resources and support available to municipalities that adopt the IBC.
The challenges and potential benefits of adopting the IBC for Chicago.

3. Speakers Company/Firm
Welcome and Introductions:
Anthony LoBello, AIA – 2015 Board President AIA Chicago
Ron Tabaczynski – Director of Government Affairs BOMA/Chicago
Presenters:
Timothy P. Bleuher – Commissioner Department of Building and Zoning
Cook County, IL
Christopher E. Chwedyk, AIA, CSI – Director Burnham | The Code Group
Gary Higbee, AIA – Director of Industry Development The Steel Institute of New York | The
Ornamental Metal Institute of New York
Mike Pfeiffer, PE – VP Codes International Code Council (ICC)
Standards and Development;
Deputy Sr. VP, Technical Services

4. Schedule Time
Registration / Networking 30 min 8:15 – 8:45 AM
Welcome / Introductions (BOMA/Chicago) 5 min 8:45 – 8:50
Opening Remarks: Evolution of a
Single Model Building Code in the US 10 min 8:50 – 9:00
Reasons for Adopting the IBC for Chicago 45 min 9:00 – 9:45
(Break) 15 min 9:45 – 10:00
Welcome / Introductions (AIA Chicago) 5 min 10:00 – 10:05
Adoption Process Examples –
NYC and Cook Co. 45 min 10:05 – 10:50
Adoption Process Resources – ICC 30 min 10:50 – 11:20
Challenges to Change – Discussion / Q&A 30 min 11:20 – 11:50
Conclusion – Next Steps 10 min 11:50 – 12:00 Noon

5. The Evolution of a Single
Model Building Code for the
United States
The AIA Center for Building Performance
and Regulations

6. History
• Building codes in the United States developed over many years in
response to the desire to protect life and property from fire, wind,
earthquake, and other forces.
• In the 19th
and 20th
centuries, the insurance industry played a large
role in pressuring governments to regulate the occupancy and use
of buildings in order to protect against loss.
• Key events marked major changes to the codes, notably:
o 1903 Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago, which claimed 602 lives
o 1942 fire at Cocoanut Grove Nightclub in Boston, which claimed 492 lives.
Both tragedies brought new code requirements across the country.

7. • During the first half of the 20th
century, urbanized US jurisdictions
tended to develop their own building codes, resulting in literally
thousands of different versions.
• The formation of model building codes (by BOCA, ICBO, SBCCI,
and CABO) allowed municipalities to adopt standard texts in order
to regulate construction.
• These diverse set of building regulations needed to be organized in
a more coherent fashion so architects and design professionals
could avoid the undue burden of learning and staying current with
many different codes.
History

8. Use of Model Building Codes in
the United States – circa 2000

9. Current Adoption of ICC I-Codes
N.I.C.

10. 1975
Past Milestones Towards This Goal
The American Institute of Architects (AlA) issues a white paper,
"One Code: A Program for Building Regulatory Reform."
This paper placed the AlA on record for the first time as recognizing
the problem of a myriad number of building codes throughout the
country that the practicing architect faced when involved in projects
around the country.
The paper attempted to develop a structure of code authorities that
would formulate and administer the same code throughout the U.S.

11. 1983 - 1984
Past Milestones Towards This Goal
The AlA sponsors a "One Code Forum" held at its Washington,
D.C., headquarters. A number of interested parties from the design,
building code administrators, and federal government communities
are involved, all giving their opinions and feelings regarding this issue.
The AlA Codes and Standards Committee issues a white paper, "A
New Program for Building Regulatory Reform." Among the major
conclusions of this paper is to "support the concept of a
Common Code Format (CCF) as a basic technical reference."

12. 1991 - 1992
Past Milestones Towards This Goal
The three major model building codes (BOCA, ICBO, and SBCCI) all
pass resolutions at their annual conventions endorsing the concept of
the CCF.
This action appears to have been brought on by the progress of the
European Common Market and Community and the fear that the
federal government may step in to initiate a single building code in an
effort to maintain competitiveness in the world market.

13. 1992
Past Milestones Towards This Goal
The Council of American Building Officials (CABO) authorizes the
Board for the Coordination of Model Building Codes (BCMC) to form
an ad hoc committee to investigate and report back to the Board in
1993 on the feasibility and desirability of developing a common code
format.
This committee consists of the representatives of the three major
model building codes and representatives from the architectural and
fire protection engineering design communities.

14. Common Code Format
Chicago Building Code: International Building Code:
from American Legal website

15. Common Code Format (continued)
Chicago Building Code: International Building Code:

16. BOCA becomes the first of the major model building codes to
approve, authorize, and publish its next major edition of the building
code in the committee- recommended format.
ICBO (Uniform Building Code) and SBCCI (Standard Building
Code) publish their codes in the common code format.
The ICC (International Code Council) is formed with representatives
from the three major model building codes, having as its main goal
the eventual unification of the three codes into a single document.
1993 - 1994
Past Milestones Towards This Goal

17. 1996
Past Milestones Towards This Goal
The ICC meets its first legal challenge when an appellate court
reverses an injunction given to the International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), which was contesting
the issuance of the new International Plumbing Code.
The ICC follows with a new mechanical code, the International
Mechanical Code, which is adopted and endorsed by the three major
model code agencies as the only authoritative mechanical code in the
areas where the model codes are being used.

18. 1997 - 2000
Past Milestones Towards This Goal
A SINGLE BUILDING CODE FOR THE UNITED STATES.

19. 2015
AIA and ICC Five-Year
Collaborative Agreement
• “Our combined membership, consisting of practicing design
professionals, code officials, and the building industry
representatives, supports the development of codes and standards
that protect the health, safety and welfare of the public at large,”
said AIA CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA.
• “Through this significant agreement, both the AIA and the ICC
agree to work more closely to achieve our common goals.”

20. Common Objectives under the
Five-Year AIA-ICC MOU:
• Model Code Development
• Education and Training
• Advocacy
• Engaging member groups
• Digital Transformation

21. Model Code Development
AIA and ICC will form
partnerships to cooperate in
the development of the family
of I-Codes and supporting
resources that are user-
friendly and align with the
design and construction
processes used by the
industry today and in the
future.

22. Education and Training
The AlA and ICC will develop
and provide access to
educational courses and,
working with industry partners,
the AlA and ICC will promote a
renewed focus in the
professional schools of
architecture, and in the
Architect Registration Exam
(ARE), dedicated to building
code knowledge furthering
compliance.

23. Advocacy
The AlA and ICC will establish joint activities to develop and
initiate advocacy campaigns for important issues relevant to
architects and code officials.

24. Engaging Member Groups
ICC and the A/A will provide opportunities to cross-pollinate
internal member committees and working groups.

25. Digital Transformation
The AlA and ICC will provide resources that support
information and technology initiatives focusing on the
interface between architects and the Codes, code officials
and other industry professionals in the design and
construction process, to support ICC CPD access and the
AlA Digital Transformation strategic initiative.

26. Questions?

27. The Argument for Adoption of
the International Building Code
in Chicago

28. Background
• The Chicago Building Code in its present form is
extremely outdated.
• Most of the life safety chapters have not seen a
major revision since the revised Building
Ordinance passed the City Council on December
30, 1949.
• Updating the CBC was started in 1998, including
the following chapters:
– Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical
– Elevator, Natural Light and Ventilation
– Accessibility and Energy were also part of the process

29. Background
• 2004:
– Draft of updated chapters published in the Council
Journal
– Workshops presenting the new code conducted
– Process abruptly stopped.
• 2010 - 2011:
– Efforts to continue the process
– No introduction or adoption of a fully revised and
updated code.
• Incomplete effort has led to inconsistency within the
code text and references as the various chapters
interrelate to each other.

30. Background
• Virtually all major cities in the United States have
adopted some form of the model International
Codes as published by the International Code
Council (ICC), including New York City, which
overhauled their code from 1968 and became
effective in 2006.
• Model building codes are regularly updated on a
three-year cycle, making them predictable as to
when to expect changes.

31. Background
• Chicago should adopt the ICC’s International
Building Code (IBC) and, as part of this process,
develop a mechanism to keep current with these
code updates by establishing a working group or
standing committee to review changes and
develop a systemized approach to keeping the
code current.
• The following are reasons why the City of
Chicago should act now to begin the adoption
the IBC model:

32. 1. Adoption of the IBC would allow
Chicago’s building code to keep pace
with technological advances in the
design and construction of residential,
commercial and institutional buildings.

33. 1. Keep Pace with Technological Advances
• Commonplace building materials and systems, such
as structural glazing for canopies, skylights, glass
floors, handrails and guards, as well as window
sprinklers that achieve a recognized fire-resistance
rating, are constantly being submitted to Chicago’s
Building Committee on Standards and Tests because
they are not recognized in the Chicago code.
• These omissions could be easily rectified with a code
rewrite, saving owners from the considerable time
and effort to apply and present to the Committee.

34. 2. Adoption of the IBC would bring
Chicago’s building codes in line with
the rest of the nation and will attract a
broader array of developers, design
professionals and ultimately
businesses to the City.

35. • Fifty states and the District of Columbia have
adopted the IBC.
• Federal agencies, including:
– the Architect of the Capitol,
– General Services Administration,
– National Park Service,
– Department of State,
– U.S. Forest Service and
– the Veterans Administration
enforce the IBC and the Department of Defense
references the IBC for constructing military facilities,
including those that house U.S. troops,
domestically and abroad.
2. Alignment will attract developers and businesses
to the City.

36. 3. Adoption of the IBC would reduce the
ability of special interests to push
building codes simply to enhance their
position rather than to enhance public
safety.

37. • The International Code Council, which develops
the IBC, is monitored by numerous national
building related organizations, including
– BOMA International,
– National Apartment Association,
– American Institute of Architects,
– National Multi-Family Housing Council
Proposed changes go through an exhaustive
deliberative process before being adopted.
3. Reduce the ability of special interests to enhance
their position rather than public safety.

38. 4. Adoption of the IBC would reduce the
cost of developing residential,
commercial and institutional buildings.

39. • Developers and design professionals currently find
it necessary to spend time, money and resources
trying to understand the many nuances that exist
in Chicago’s current building code.
Examples include:
– Glass and aluminum as structural elements
– Window sprinklers to achieve a fire rating
– Fire vestibules in 4-hr fire walls
– Outdated standards references
– Outdated exit width factors (units of exit width)
4. Reduce the cost of developing new buildings.

40. 5. Adoption of the IBC would reduce the
time needed to secure a building
permit.

41. • Developers and design professionals would have
to spend less time correcting drawings to comply
with the many nuances that exist in Chicago’s
current building code.
• Interpretation by code officials and plan examiners
are made more difficult by antiquated provisions
and disparity between old and new chapters.
• As a result, practitioners are often confused by the
responses they receive to address plan review
comments.
5. Reduce the time needed to secure a building
permit.

42. 6. Adoption of the IBC would provide
building owners, developers, design
professionals one set of codes without
regional limitations or jurisdictional
conflicts.

43. • State versus local requirements continue to be an
issue under the existing code, whether they
involve plumbing fixture quantities, mandatory
installation of sprinklers, elevator inspection or
accessibility.
– Illinois Accessibility Code
– Illinois Plumbing Code
– Illinois Energy Conservation Code
6. Reduce regional limitations or jurisdictional
conflicts.

44. 7. Having an updated code would
strengthen the City’s “home rule”
position regarding aspects of the code
that are adapted to meet Chicago-
specific circumstances.

45. • Chicago cannot simply adopt the model codes
outright, but must also adapt the model code to
meet the many unique characteristics of the City’s
existing building stock, as well as modify
provisions that would otherwise cause undue
hardship to building owners and tenants.
• This is much easier to accomplish within the
parameters of an updated code.
7. Adapted to meet Chicago- specific circumstances.

46. 8. Education and training of building
code officials and plan examiners
could easily be facilitated by bringing
the code into compliance with a model
code.

47. • The ICC has unmatched technical, educational
and informational products and services, with
more than 250 highly qualified staff members at 16
offices in the United States and Latin America.
• ICC already supplies a series of programs, study
materials, and examinations for certification in
many relevant categories. This would help
maintain consistency with regard to plan
examination and interpretation, which the process
is now lacking.
8. Education and training

48. 9. Having a modern code that is regularly
reviewed and updated will benefit
Chicago insurance consumers.

49. • The Insurance Services Office, INC. (ISO) is an
insurer-supported organization with the primary
mission of providing advisory insurance
underwriting and rate information to insurers.
• Among the factors considered when the ISO
determines a rating for a community are: the
building-code edition in use; the modification of
the codes; training and certification of code
enforcers and other items directly related to the
code.
9. Benefits Chicago insurance consumers.

50. 10. Chicago has been talking about
conforming to the IBC for more than
25 years - It’s time to stop talking
and DO it.

51. • The time and cost of implementing a revision to
the Chicago Building Code, that is substantially in
line with the IBC, would be more than offset by the
benefits to the citizens of the City, developers and
owners, and to the design and construction
industry, by allowing for a level playing field to
build and renovate both housing and commercial
structures in keeping with the most current
nationally recognized codes and standards.
• Further delays continue to isolate Chicago in the
marketplace.
10.It’s time to stop talking and DO it.

52. Adopting, and transitioning, to a model code in Chicago
will take some time and can be a difficult process.
While working towards such adoption, BOMA/Chicago
will continue to foster a deliberative, cost effective
regulatory environment wherever and whenever
possible.
Conclusion

53. Questions?

54. If Cars Were Like Codes …
…Which One Would You Drive?

55. Remembering Politics in Chicago
• Of all the colorful characters in
Chicago’s political history, few
were as flamboyant or as
outspoken as Mathias “Paddy”
Bauler, the saloonkeeper who
controlled the 43d Ward from
1933 to 1967.
• He made history as the man
who, after winning a bitterly
fought election in 1939 against
an opponent who had run on a
reform platform, uttered the
immortal line:
“Chicago ain’t ready
for reform”
Today’s Question - Why is Chicago Not Yet Ready for Building Code Reform?

56. Gary Higbee | AIA, Director of Industry Development

57. Commissioner Timothy P. Bleuher
Department of Building And Zoning

58. ICC and the
International Building Code®
People Helping People
Build a Safer World™

59. ICC Code Development Process

60. Goal
Utilize a process open to all parties with
safeguards to avoid domination by
proprietary interests. ICC
Governmental Consensus Process
achieves this with the final vote resting
with those administering, formulating or
enforcing regulations relating to public
health, safety and welfare.

61. The Process
• Open
• Transparent
• Balance of Interest
• Due Process
• Consensus
• Appeals Process

62. Why the updated IBC?
• Code responsive to advancing technology
• Incorporation of enhanced fire and life
safety provisions
• Keep up with contemporary standards
• Responsive to real world events which
impact the building industry
• Clarification of interpretive issues

63. Code Changes
Submitted
Committee Action
Hearing (CAH)
Online CAH Assembly Floor
Motion Vote
Code Change Agenda
Posted
Public Comments
Submitted
Public Comment Agenda
Posted
Public Comment
Hearing (PCH)
New
Edition Published
I-CODE
DEVELOPMENT
CYCLE POWERED BY
cdpACCESS®
CAH Results Posted
Online Governmental
Consensus Vote (OGCV)

64. International Building Code
• Chs. 1 & 2: Administration and Definitions
• Ch. 3: Occupancy classification
• Ch. 4: Special occupancies, e.g. malls
• Ch. 5: Height and area
• Ch. 6: Types of construction
• Ch. 7: Fire and smoke protection
• Ch. 8: Interior finishes
• Ch. 9: Fire protection

65. IBC (cont’d)
• Ch. 10: Means of egress
• Ch. 11: Accessibility (ICC A117.1)
• Ch. 12: Interior environment
• Ch. 13: Energy efficiency
• Ch. 14: Exterior walls
• Ch. 15: Roofs
• Chs. 16 – 26: Structural
– Loads, inspections, foundations and materials

66. IBC (cont’d)
• Ch. 27 – 29: Electrical, mechanical and
plumbing
• Ch. 30: Elevators
• Ch. 31: Special construction, e.g.
membranes, pedestrian walkways, etc.
• Ch. 32: Right of way
• Ch. 33: Safeguards during construction
• Ch. 35: Referenced standards

67. Support services
• Technical
– Plan review
• ICC members and non members
• Fee based service based on building valuation
– Interpretations
• ICC Member service
• Over 62,000 verbal interpretations per year
• Written interpretations in 5 – 10 work days
• Committee interpretations

68. Support Services (cont’d)
• Evaluation Services
– Technical evaluation of building products
– Jurisdictions use reports to determine code
compliance and enforce building regulations
• International Accreditation Services
– Evaluates building department accreditation;
calibration laboratories, personnel certification bodies,
testing laboratories, training agencies, etc.
• Solar Rating & Certification Corporation
– Develops and implements national rating standards
and certification programs for solar thermal energy
equipment

69. IBC Adoptions
• All 50 states
• All major cities, including:
– New York City
– Los Angeles
– Philadelphia
– Phoenix
– District of Columbia
– Baltimore
– Seattle

70. Chicago Adoption Support
• Training
– Complimentary ICC instructor for six one day
sessions held over 3 events (each event is 2
days, in groups of 100 or less)
– Campus Online training for two online courses
during the first year at reduced cost
• Certification
– Commercial Building Inspector and Commercial
Plans Examiner
– ICC administer 2 paper and pencil exam sessions
at reduced cost

71. Merits of Moving to the IBC
QUESTIONS?

72. Challenges to Change
Discussion / Q&A
Conclusion – Next Steps