BUILDING CODE - PERMITS

 

The Village adopted a new set of codes in July of 2003.  The old BOCA code is no longer in use.  The new code is contained in 11 individual books.  These books are available for review at the Village Hall during normal business hours or at the public library.  The codes are referred to as the International Family of Codes.  Generally, the titles of the code books that apply to residential work are; The International Building Code 2000 and The International Residential Code 2000.

 

The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

 

The following is a partial list of items that require a permit; 

When in doubt, check with the Village Clerk.  Permits are obtained form the Village Clerk.

 

One of the often overlooked codes is premises identification or your address.  In case of any type of emergency the building address becomes essential for the emergency personnel to find your house.  Precious time has been lost because of a poor or no address on the house.  The code states: Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property.  These numbers shall contrast with their background.  Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters.  Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm). 

 

No permit is required to make this simple but essential upgrade and it could pay big dividends in an emergency.