Lee County delays adoption of updated building code language for further drafting
November 04, 2025 | Lee County, Illinois
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Joe Bey, Lee County building official, described the package: the county seeks to amend Title 9 to adopt International Code Council code cycles including the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, the National Electrical Code, NFPA life safety codes and the International Existing Building Code. Bey said the change would establish a consistent, countywide set of minimum construction standards; until earlier this year, counties that had not adopted a code defaulted to a state minimum (the 2015 cycle in effect before recent state action).
Bey and staff said they are still drafting specific ordinance language and a fee schedule; they noted options to exempt elements that could be a burden to local builders (for example, automatic sprinkler requirements for new residential construction may be omitted). The commission voted to continue the hearing to a future regularly scheduled meeting so staff can develop and present finalized language and fee tables.
Why it matters: adopting a modern code cycle sets technical and safety standards that affect new construction and inspections countywide. Staff responsibilities for inspections and any local exemptions will shape implementation and costs for builders and homeowners.
No final action was taken; the commission’s motion was procedural, continuing the item so the building official can return with proposed ordinance text and related fees for formal recommendation to the county board.
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