Pre-2019 Chicago Building Code Organization


Because most architects, engineers, and other building industry professionals are more familiar and comfortable with the chapter structure used in the International Building Code (the Common Code Format) than the unique format used by the city council in enacting the various provisions which make up the pre-2019 Chicago Building Code, the following table provides a correspondence between Common Code Format chapter numbers and groups of chapters within the Municipal Code of Chicago which relate to each subject area. This table may be used for quick reference, but the full Municipal Code should always be consulted for authoritative results.

Please note: most provisions of the pre-2019 Chicago Building Code was repealed effective August 1, 2020. Some administrative provisions were repealed effective July 1, 2019. For more information on current provisions see Navigating the Chicago Construction Codes.

Common Code Format Chapter Number Related Chapters of Chicago Municipal Code
1: Scope and Administration

13-8 Administration of Zoning, Building and Housing Provisions
13-12 Enforcement of Building, Electrical and Fire Regulations
13-16 Building Standards and Tests
13-20 Building Inspection
13-24 Building Board of Appeals
13-28 Registration for Building Work
13-32 Building Permits
13-36 Building Certificates
13-40 Building Plans
15-4 Bureau of Fire Prevention
2: Definitions 13-4 Definitions
3: Occupancy Classifications and Use 13-56 Classification of Buildings by Occupancy
4: Special Detailed Requirements based on Occupancy and Use

13-64 Residential Units
13-68 Business Units
13-76 High Rise Buildings
13-80 Institutional Units
13-84 Assembly Units
13-88 Open Air Assembly Units
13-96 Miscellaneous Buildings and Structures
13-100 Mercantile Units
13-104 Industrial Units
13-108 Storage Units
13-112 Hazardous Use Units
13-164 Security Devices in Residential Buildings
13-204 Men’s Cubicle Hotels
13-206 Single-Room Occupancy Buildings
13-208 Temporary Overnight Shelters
13-212 Transitional Shelters
15-4 Bureau of Fire Prevention
15-20 Explosives and Fireworks
15-24 Flammable Liquids
15-26 Fume and Flammable Compressed Gasses15-28 Hazardous Materials and Combustible Solids

Note: Additional requirements may also be found in business licensing provisions in Title 4 of the Municipal Code.
5: General Building Heights and Areas
13-48 Height and Area Limitations
13-116 Fire Limits – Location Limitations
6: Types of Construction 13-60 Classification of Buildings by Construction Type
 13-200 Rehabilitation Code
7: Fire and Smoke Protection Features 15-8 Fire Resistive Requirements
15-12 Fire-Resistive Materials and Construction
8: Interior  Finishes 15-12 Fire-Resistive Materials and Construction
9: Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems 15-16 Fire Protection Equipment
10: Means of Egress 13-56 Classification of Buildings by Occupancy
13-124 Safeguards During Construction – Building Safety Requirements
13-160 Exit Requirements
11: Accessibility 18-11 Accessibility
12: Interior Environment 13-64 Residential Units
13-172 Light and Ventilation
13: Energy Efficiency 18-13 Energy Conservation
14: Exterior Walls -
15: Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures 15-8 Fire Resistive Requirements
16: Structural Design
13-52 Minimum Design Loads
16-6 Flood Control
17: Special Inspections and Tests 13-120 Materials, Methods and Tests
18: Soils and Foundations 13-132 Foundations
19: Concrete 13-136 Concrete Construction
20: Aluminum 13-148 Steel and Metal Construction
21: Masonry 13-140 Masonry Construction
22: Steel 13-148 Steel and Metal Construction
23: Wood 13-144 Wood Construction
24: Glass and Glazing -
25: Gypsum Board and Plaster 13-120 Materials, Methods and Tests
26: Plastic 15-12 Fire-Resistive Materials and Construction
27: Electrical Title 14E: Electrical Code
28: Mechanical Systems 18-28 Mechanical Systems
29: Plumbing Systems 18-29 Plumbing
30: Elevators and Conveying Systems Title 14C: Conveyance Device Code
31: Special Construction -
32: Encroachments into the Public Right-of-Way

10-20 Work on and Under Public Ways
10-21 Chicago Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Ordinance
10-24 Signs Extending Over and Upon Certain Public Property
10-28 Structures On and Under Public Ways
10-29 Wires, Pipes, Cables and Conduits On, Under, or Over Public Property
10-30 Telecommunications Equipment On, Over or Under Public Ways
10-32 Trees, Plants and Shrubs
13-128 Use of Public Property
33: Safeguards During Construction 13-34 Scaffolding
13-124 Safeguards During Construction – Building Safety Requirements
34: Existing Buildings 13-196 Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings
13-200 Building Rehabilitation
35: Referenced Standards 13-120 Materials, Methods and Tests 18-36 Referenced Standards

 

Disclaimer: Not all laws applicable to construction and building maintenance are found on this website or in the Municipal Code of Chicago. In some cases, Illinois or federal laws or regulations may impose additional requirements for a project. Please consult an Illinois-licensed architect, engineer, or attorney to determine which laws apply to your building or project.

Supporting Information Facts

Department:
People We Serve:
Programs & Initiatives: