Arlington Heights Approves Building Code Updates, Permit Fee Changes

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Updated building and fire safety codes will take effect Jan. 1 in Arlington Heights, along with changes to the village's permit fee structure.

The Village Board approved eight codes from the 2024 International Codes series, the 2023 National Electrical Code and associated local amendments, according to a village announcement Monday.

The standards establish requirements for construction, renovation, maintenance and fire prevention. Village officials say the updates are intended to improve safety, accessibility, energy efficiency and building performance while aligning local requirements with current state and national standards.

For residents, businesses and construction professionals, the village says the changes also aim to make the permitting process clearer and more consistent.

Permit Fee Changes

The code updates required adjustments to the village’s permit fee structure, according to the announcement.

Officials said the changes are intended to make developers' fees more accurately reflect the cost of reviewing and processing projects, helping the village recover the cost of development-related services.

The announcement did not list specific fee amounts or comparisons with existing charges. The village said fees for common residential permits would remain competitive with neighboring communities.

“Above all, these updates are about protecting our community by ensuring buildings meet high standards for quality and safety,” Building and Life Safety Director Ron Weber said in the village’s announcement.

Weber described the review as a collaboration among several village departments aimed at creating a more consistent and transparent permitting process.

What Codes Are Changing?

The village will adopt the following standards, with applicable local amendments:

• 2024 International Residential Code.
• 2024 International Building Code.
• 2024 International Fire Code.
• 2024 International Mechanical Code.
• 2024 International Property Maintenance Code.
• 2024 International Existing Building Code.
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code.
• 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
• 2023 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.

December Meeting Planned

The adoption follows several months of review by village staff, the Building Code Review Board and industry stakeholders.

Stakeholder meetings took place in June and September, while the Building Code Review Board met in July and August. Another stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9 to help prepare for the transition. The announcement did not provide a time or location.

Residents and construction professionals can review the 2024 International Codes online.

For questions about local amendments or how the changes could affect a project, contact the village's Building and Life Safety Department at building@vah.com or 847-368-5560.

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