HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-201 Resolution No. 05-201
RESOLUTION
PLACING THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE 2003
ON FILE
WHEREAS, the City of Elgin is considering adopting by reference the International
Residential Code 2003 as the regulations for construction and control of one- and two-family
dwellings in the City of Elgin; and
WHEREAS, the International Residential Code 2003 has been published by the
International Code Council, Inc., Country Club Hills, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Section 1-3-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/1-1-3-2) authorizes
any municipality to adopt by reference the provisions of any regulations or public records
provided that one copy of such regulations or public records is filed with the City Clerk for a
period of thirty days prior to adoption of an ordinance which incorporates such regulations or
public records by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that a copy of the International Residential Code 2003 be and is hereby
directed to be placed on file in the office of the City Clerk for public inspection and examination
for a period of thirty days.
s/Ed Schock
Ed Schock, Mayor
Presented: June 22, 2005
Adopted: June 22, 2005
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/Dolonna Mecum
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
(.�OF f4.
" Agenda Item No. C
City of Elgin g
E
May 6,2005 L
G
TO: Mayor and yMembers of the City Council N
FROM: Olufemi Folarin, City Manager QUALITY HnuseNG
John Rothenberger, Building O ficia1
SUBJECT: Adoption of 2003 International Residential Code
PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and members of the City Council with
information regarding the adoption of the International Residential Code 2003 and the accompanying
local amendments.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council place the new building code,with amendments,as proposed by
the Building Commission, on file for 30 days, for public comment, and adopt the codes when the
publication requirements allow.
BACKGROUND
The Elgin Building Commissio
n reviews the latest building codes to remain current with best
practices in the construction field. Moreover,the International Services Office(ISO),which rates a
city's building code effectiveness, requires adoption of the most recent code q P within 18 months of
publication in order
er to be eligible for the highest ISO rating. The ISO rating received from this
grading helps determine property owners' base rating for future insurance underwriting.
The Building Commission and its committees met on a regular basis throughout 2004 and early 2005
to review and consider amendments of the latest building codes. The attached amendments are the
result of many hours spent reviewing the intent of the code, the possible economic impact on the
community, and the life safety benefits gained through enactment of the codes. There are several
substantive changes being proposed,all approved by unanimous votes,encompassing revised wall
construction requirements,fire safety specifications,accessory structure requirements,and concrete
reinforcement construction requirements.
Adoption of the new building code will consist mainly of updating the amendments from the 2000
IRC code to the new format and section number system of the 2003 codes. In addition, it was
necessary to thoroughly review the new codes and provide a summary of the changes to the Building
Commission. Major amendments to the international code include:
2003 International Residential Code Adoption
May 6, 2005
Page 2
1. An increase in the requirements for wood floor truss strength requirements. This will result
in less floor deflection and a higher quality product.
2. Wall stud spacing and top plate requirements are also proposed to be more stringent. The
code allows stud spacing to be 24" between each stud with a single top plate (the board
attached at the top of the wall studs). This type of construction requires additional inspection
time due to more stringent requirements for placement of structural members. It also allows
more deflection in the exterior walls causing a wave-like appearance even with cedar siding
applications. The Building Commission,and staff,recommends an amendment to the code
which will require more traditional 16" spacing between studs and double top plates. This
will provide more structural integrity and will lessen the visual impact of slight imperfections
in the exterior walls.
It is proposed that the International Residential Code 2003 be placed on file with the City Clerk for a
30-day public comment period. Ordinances can then be adopted when the publication requirements
allow reference attached ordinances).
COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED
Area contractors, trades organizations and developers through personal contact and the Building
Commission hearings.
fip—FINANCIAL IMPACT
There are no changes proposed for any of the permit fees.
VA)61/
EGAL IMPACT
Section 1-3-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/1-3-2) permits the City to adopt by
reference the International Residential Code 2003; provided one copy of each model code is filed
with the City Clerk for a period of 30 days,for public comment,before the City Council adopts the
ordinance incorporating those model codes by reference. The City Clerk must then maintain one
copy of each of the adopted model codes for inspection, use and examination by the public.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Adopt the 2003 International Residential Code.
2. Adopt the 2003 International Residential Code with proposed amendments.
Respectfully Submitted for Council Consideration.
JR
Attachments