Oak Park updates building codes, amends sprinkler trigger and keeps EV-ready garage requirement

Trustees for the Village of Oak Park on Sept. 16 approved a package of updated building and safety codes — mostly adopting the 2024 International Code Council (ICC) model codes and related standards — and accepted a Building Code Advisory Commission recommendation to raise the renovation threshold that triggers required residential fire sprinklers from 50% to 75%.

The board approved adoption of multiple ordinances (items D through M on the consent agenda) to bring Oak Park’s local code into alignment with recent national model codes. Those measures included adoption of the 2024 ICC building, residential, mechanical, fuel and gas, energy conservation and fire codes, the 2023 National Electric Code, and a 2014 Illinois Plumbing Code adoption (first reading and approval). The board also discussed impacts on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), sprinkler retrofit costs, and EV-charging requirements for new garages.

Why it matters: the package updates local technical requirements for construction, fire protection and electrification that affect homeowners, contractors and developers. Changes such as the 75% threshold for sprinkler triggers and EV-ready garage rules will affect renovation planning, the likely costs for homeowners adding living space or garages, and how the village pursues its building- and climate-related goals.

Key facts and context

- The board voted to adopt a set of code ordinances and to waive a separate second reading for the plumbing code; the votes were recorded individually at roll call and then consolidated on the consent agenda (items D–M). For most items the roll call returned unanimous "yes" votes from the trustees present.

- On the specific matter of residential sprinklers, staff explained that the Building Code Advisory Commission (BCAC) recommended raising the threshold that triggers a sprinkler requirement from alterations equal to 50% of a structure’s value/area to 75%. That change was adopted as part of the existing-building code update. The change is intended to reduce the…