Board adopts amendments to local building code to include 2021 International Building Code Appendix G (floodplain)

The village board approved an ordinance amending Chapter 18, Article 3, sections 18‑61 and 18‑62 of the Westmont code of ordinances to incorporate the 2021 International Building Code Appendix G governing construction in floodplains and to make several administrative corrections.

Why it matters: Illinois statute amended effective Jan. 1 requires municipalities that enforce a building code to adopt international building code provisions, including Appendix G. Incorporating Appendix G affects design and permitting for structures in mapped floodplain areas.

Village Attorney Zemenak told trustees the change is primarily administrative and required by state law: "State statute was amended effective January first of this year that requires municipalities that have adopted and enforce a building code, that their building codes must be at least as strict as the international building codes, including Appendix G." Zemenak said the village had previously adopted the 2021 IBC but had not adopted the appendices; the amendment adopts Appendix G with limited local edits such as identifying the floodplain administrator and correcting a misnumbered local amendment.

A motion to approve the ordinance was made by Trustee Little and seconded by Trustee Perrelli; the board approved the ordinance on a roll call vote with all trustees present voting yes. The ordinance updates local building regulations to align with state requirements and clarifies administrative references in the code.

Discussion versus action: Trustees took formal legislative action to amend the village code. No substantive policy exceptions were recorded; the change standardizes local regulations with the state‑required IBC Appendix.

Next steps: The village will implement the updated code text for future permit reviews and floodplain construction oversight.