La Grange Behind Its Neighbors With Building Codes

LA GRANGE, IL — La Grange is behind its neighboring towns with its building code, which the village has not touched in a quarter century.

Now, the village is planning to update its rules to the 2015 International Code. Brookfield, La Grange Park and Countryside are following the 2015 rules, while Western Springs and McCook are following the 2006 and 2003 versions, respectively.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, La Grange's building official, Mike DeLillo, indicated the new code may not be popular with electricians.

"Unfortunately for electricians, they do find it much easier in La Grange right now because they don't have to do all the things they are required to do under the newer codes," he said. "So they like the ease of working. That's going to change for them. But it'll be better for our residents because it's more protection for them."

DeLillo also said the requirements for sprinkler systems would increase. The proposed rules would mandate such systems in new homes, but provide an alternative for more "robust" construction that would increase fire safety. As it stands, he said, most new homes are being built to such standards.

"This is not deviating from the typical construction of new homes," he said. "Meeting these standards will provide time to exit the home under fire conditions, which is comparable to a residential sprinklered home, but at less cost to the builder and the resident."

For commercial, industrial and multi-family residential construction, sprinkler systems would be required, with no exceptions, DeLillo said. "This is consistent with the approach of La Grange Park and Western Springs, which also require all new buildings to include a sprinkler system."

Information about the code amendments has been posted on the village's website. Trustees are set to vote on the amendments at their July 12 meeting.