Lake County committee adopts updated building, residential and electrical codes; existing-building code to take effect July 12

The Lake County Planning, Building, Zoning and Environment Committee on April 29 approved an ordinance adopting the 2024 International Existing Building Code and local amendments to the 2024 International Building Code, the 2024 International Residential Code and the 2023 NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code).

Building official Eva Dona, who presented the package, said the changes are intended to reduce inspection confusion and make life-safety requirements clearer while preserving reasonable options for contractors and homeowners. "We're trying to eliminate like-for-like interpretations," Dona said, explaining that areas of a building altered during work must be brought to current standards when accessible.

Dona described several local amendments: clarifying a fence-registration program (changing the registration threshold from 7 feet to 6 feet so qualifying fences may use a simplified registration instead of a full permit); adding clearer language about removal of abandoned wiring and outdated installations; removing a conduit-sizing table that staff said was frequently misapplied; tightening arc-fault and receptacle accessibility language so inspectors can verify devices are accessible and listed; and adding targeted provisions for nonmetallic cable in crawl spaces, attics and basements.

Committee members asked whether projects already in process would be required to meet the new rules. Dona said they would not: compliance will be determined by project submittal date. "Anything already submitted will comply with current requirements," she said. She told the committee that the existing-building provisions proposed are primarily applicable to commercial projects, while separate residential-code amendments address residential matters.

Member Kanishnick praised the presentation and sought confirmation on grandfathering of projects; Member Wasek sought clarification about the scope and whether the existing-building code would be retroactive. After discussion, the committee voted to adopt the ordinance. Member Frank moved the motion and Member Schlick seconded; the motion passed by voice vote.

The presenter said that, if adopted by the county board following committee action, the existing building code and the listed local amendments would take effect on July 12, 2026, and projects received after that date would need to comply with the updated requirements.

The committee also thanked staff for the work and asked department staff to continue outreach to contractors and building owners to explain the new rules and the transition process.