This page contains links to building code clarifications, interpretations and memoranda issued prior to 2018. Some of these may no longer be in effect. For current information, please visit the building code interpretation page. To determine which of these documents are still in force, please review code interpretation A10-2018-001. 

BUILDING CODE CLARIFICATIONS (2015 and earlier)

• Introduction
• Administration
• Use and Occupancy
• Special Occupancy
• Building Height and Area Limits
• Types of Construction
• Fire Resistance (7.1 - 7.16)
• Fire Resistance 7.17
• Fire Resistance 7.18
• Fire Resistance 7.19
• Fire Detection Systems
• Exiting
• Interior Environment
• Structural Loads
• Safety during Construction
• Repairs, Renovations, Alterations

BUILDING CODE MEMORANDA

• TRESPA Meteon Wall Cladding Panels (February 8, 2016) 
• Masonry Reference Standards (April 4, 2016)
• Soil Improvement Systems - Geopiers or Stone Columns (April 4, 2016)
• Skip Hoist Anchorage Intervals (April 11, 2016)
• Skylights Used for Natural Light and Ventilation (April 11, 2016)
• Glass as a Structural Material in Guardrails and Handrails (July 8, 2016)
• Glass as a Structural Material in Awnings and Canopies (July 8, 2016)
• Roof Requirements (July 20, 2016)
• Earth Retention Systems (July 21, 2016)
• Natural Light and Ventilation Requirements for Basements in Existing Residential Buildings (February 7, 2017)
• Use of Cold Formed Steel Framing for Bearing Walls in Residential Buildings of Type I Construction (April 13, 2017)
• Pile Deep Foundations (June 15, 2017)

ELECTRICAL CODE MEMORANDA

• Sit and Stand Motorized Work Stations (February 8, 2016)
• Electrical Administrative Reliefs No Longer Required for Building Permits (February 8, 2016)
• Plenum Air Terminal Units (June 2, 2016)
• Separate Wiring for Emergency Electrical Systems (November 22, 2016)
• Electrical Work - Existing Building Rehabilitation (February 7, 2017)

ELEVATOR CODE MEMORANDA

• KONE UltraRope Suspension Means Product (September 28, 2016)
• KONE JumpLift Elevator System (September 28, 2016)
• Firefighters' Emergency Operation - Existing Elevators (November 2, 2016)

ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE MEMORANDA

• Energy Conservation Code Compliance for Work in Existing Buildings (February 7, 2017)

MECHANICAL CODE MEMORANDA

• Approved HVAC Test and Balance Organizations (February 8, 2016)
• Refrigerants Allowed for Use in the City of Chicago (February 8, 2016)
• Separation of Air Intake and Exhaust Outlets on Rooftop HVAC Equipment (February 8, 2016)
• U.L. 710 Listed Commercial Cooking Hoods (February 8, 2016)
• Polypropylene Plastic as an Approved Piping Material for Hydronic Systems (February 8, 2016)
• Gas Distribution Piping Inside of Buildings (November 17, 2016)
• Use of Door Undercut for Make-Up Air Transfer to Dwelling Unit in Compliance with Section 18-28-401.4 (2) (December 12, 2016)
• Power Ventilators for Restaurant Exhaust (May 31, 2017)

PLUMBING CODE MEMORANDA

• Use of Portable Hand Sinks for Temporary Cooking or Food Preparation Stations (February 8, 2016)
• Requirements for Drinking Fountains in Commercial Office Tenant Spaces (February 8, 2016)
• Single-User Unisex Restrooms (October 16, 2017)
• Minimum Number of Public Restrooms for New Food Service Establishments (REVISED November 27, 2017)