Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1201 General.
14B-12-1201 General.
The provisions of Section 1201 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modification:
1. Revise Section 1201.1 by deleting "sound transmission."
INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 14B, ch. 14B-12
in effectMunicipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1202 Ventilation.
14B-12-1202 Ventilation.
The provisions of Section 1202 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 1202.1 to read:
“1202.1 Ventilation required.
Every occupiable space shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Sections 1202.1.1 through 1202.1.3.
1202.1.1 Mechanical exhaust systems.
A mechanical exhaust system in accordance with the Chicago Mechanical Code shall be provided in toilet rooms and bathrooms.
1202.1.2 Mechanical ventilation.
Mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section 403 of the Chicago Mechanical Code shall be provided in:
1. Ambulatory care facilities.
2. Group I-2 occupancies.
3. Dwelling units and sleeping units complying with or exceeding the new construction building thermal envelope air leakage requirements in the Chicago Energy Conservation Code or Chicago Energy Transformation Code in effect at the time of construction. Dwelling units and sleeping units in buildings and additions constructed in or after 2010 shall be presumed to meet this standard.
4. Rooms or spaces where mechanical ventilation is specifically required by Chapter 4, the Chicago Mechanical Code, the Chicago Energy Transformation Code, or the Chicago Fire Prevention Code.
5. Rooms or spaces required to be provided with cooling and dehumidification equipment in accordance with Section 1203 of this code or Section 803 of the Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings.
6. Rooms or spaces not provided with means of natural ventilation in accordance with Section 1202.5.
1202.1.3 Natural ventilation.
Means of natural ventilation in accordance with Section 1202.5 of shall be provided in:
1. Rooms intended for dining, living or sleeping in a dwelling unit or sleeping unit in a Group I-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 or R-5 occupancy.
Exception: Buildings containing 11 or more dwelling units where all dwelling units and sleeping units in the building are provided with mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section 403 of the Chicago Mechanical Code and the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
2. Rooms or spaces not provided with mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section 403 of the Chicago Mechanical Code.”
2. Revise the exceptions to Section 1202.2.1 to read:
"Exception: The net free cross-ventilation area shall be permitted to be reduced to 1/300 provided at least 40 percent and not more than 50 percent of the required venting area is provided by ventilators located in the upper portion of the attic or rafter space. Upper ventilators shall be located not more than 3 feet (914 mm) below the ridge or highest point of the space, measured vertically, with the balance of the ventilation provided by eave or cornice vents. Where the location of wall or roof framing members conflicts with the installation of upper ventilators, installation more than 3 feet (914 mm) below the ridge or highest point of the space shall be permitted."
3. Revise item 4 in Section 1202.3 to read:
"4. Any air-impermeable insulation shall be a Class II vapor retarder or shall have a Class II vapor retarder coating or covering in direct contact with the underside of the insulation."
4. Revise item 5.1.3 in Section 1202.3 to read:
"5.1.3. Where both air-impermeable insulation and air-permeable insulation are provided, the air- impermeable insulation shall be applied in direct contact with the underside of the structural roof sheathing in accordance with Item 5.1.1 and shall be in accordance with the R-values in Table 1202.3 for condensation control. The air-permeable insulation shall be installed directly under the air- impermeable insulation."
5. Delete item 5.1.4 in Section 1202.3.
6. Revise exception 2 to Section 1202.3 to read:
"2. Section 1202.3 does not apply to enclosures that are humidified beyond 35 percent during winter months."
7. Revise Table 1202.3 by deleting all rows except for Climate Zone 5.
8. Revise note a to Table 1202.3 to read:
"a. Contributes to, but does not supersede, thermal resistance requirements for attic and roof assemblies in the Chicago Energy Conservation Code."
9. Revise Section 1202.4 by deleting "1202.4.2."
10. Revise Section 1202.4.1 to read:
"1202.4.1 Ventilation openings.
Ventilation openings through foundation walls shall be provided. The openings shall be placed so as to provide cross-ventilation of the under-floor space. The net area of ventilation openings shall be in accordance with Section 1202.4.1.1 or 1202.4.1.2."
11. Delete Section 1202.4.2.
12. Delete Section 1202.4.4.
13. Revise Section 1202.5 and its subsections to read:
"1202.5 Natural ventilation.
Where required, natural ventilation shall be through windows, doors, louvers or other openings to the outdoors that open upon a public way or a yard or court complying with Section 1205. The operating mechanism for such openings shall be readily controllable by the occupants of the room or space served.
1202.5.1 Ventilation area required.
The net openable area of the openings to the outdoors, without regard for window opening control devices or limiters, shall be at least 4 percent of the floor area being ventilated.
1202.5.1.1 Adjoining spaces.
For the purpose of natural ventilation, any space is permitted to be considered as a portion of an adjoining room where at least one-half of the area of the common wall is open and unobstructed and provides an opening of not less than 10 percent of the floor area of the interior space or 25 square feet (2.32 m2), whichever is greater. The net openable area shall be at least 4 percent of the aggregate floor area.
1202.5.1.2 Remote rooms.
Where rooms and spaces without openings to the outdoors are ventilated through an adjoining room, the opening to the adjoining room shall either:
1. be unobstructed and shall have an area of not less than 8 percent of the floor area of the remote room or space, but not less than 25 square feet (2.3 m2).
2. be equipped with doors, movable panels, or louvers that are operable from within the remote room and that when fully open provide a net open area of not less than 10 percent of the floor area of the remote room or space, but not less than 30 square feet (2.8 m2).
The openable area of the openings to the outdoors shall be based on the total floor area being ventilated.
1202.5.1.3 Residential basements.
Where at least 40 percent of the net floor area of a Group R dwelling unit, not used as congregate living facilities, is located entirely above grade and provided with natural ventilation as required in this section, basement-level occupiable spaces may be provided with mechanical ventilation and exhaust providing at least 0.35 air changes per hour in lieu of natural ventilation openings.
1202.5.1.4 Openings below grade.
Where openings below grade provide required natural ventilation, the outside horizontal clear space measured perpendicular to the opening shall be one and one-half times the depth of the opening. The depth of the opening shall be measured from the average adjoining ground level to the bottom of the opening.
1202.5.2 Contaminants exhausted.
Contaminant sources in naturally ventilated spaces shall be removed in accordance with the Chicago Mechanical Code and the Chicago Fire Prevention Code."
14. Delete Section 1202.6.
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 56; Amend Coun. J. 1-26-22, p. 43756, Art. II, § 14; Amend Coun. J. 6-17-26, p. 45214, Art. IV, § 34)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1203 Temperature control.
14B-12-1203 Temperature control.
The provisions of Section 1203 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 1203.1, excluding the exceptions, to read:
"1203.1 Heating equipment and systems.
Interior spaces intended for human occupancy shall be provided with active or passive space heating systems capable of maintaining an indoor temperature of not less than 68°F (20°C) at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor when the outdoor temperature is -7°F (-22°C)."
2. Add a new Section 1203.2 to read:
"1203.2 Cooling and dehumidification equipment and systems.
Permanent cooling and dehumidification equipment or systems shall be provided in accordance with Sections 1203.2.1 and 1203.2.2.
1203.2.1 Group I-1, I-2, I-4 and R-4 occupancies.
In Group I-1, I-2, I-4 and R-4 occupancies, indoor spaces intended for human occupancy shall be provided with active or passive space cooling and dehumidification equipment or systems capable of maintaining an indoor temperature of 75ºF (24ºC) and 50 percent relative humidity at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor when the outdoor temperature is 100ºF (38ºC).
1203.2.2 New Group E, I-3, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-5 occupancies.
In Group E, I-3, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-5 occupancies constructed or established after the effective date of the amendatory ordinance of 2022, indoor spaces intended for human occupancy shall be provided with active or passive space cooling and dehumidification equipment or systems capable of maintaining an indoor temperature of 75ºF (24ºC) and 50 percent relative humidity at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor when the outdoor temperature is 92ºF (33ºC) and the mean coincident wet bulb temperature is 75ºF (24ºC)."
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 57; Amend Coun. J. 6-22-22, p. 49372, § 5)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1204 Lighting.
14B-12-1204 Lighting.
The provisions of Section 1204 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 1204.1 to read:
"1204.1 General.
Every space intended for human occupancy shall be provided with natural light in accordance with Section 1204.2 or shall be provided with artificial light in accordance with Section 1204.3.
Exceptions:
1. In dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R, I-1, and I-2 occupancies, all living, dining, and sleeping rooms with a floor area of 70 square feet (6.5 m 2 ) or more shall be provided with natural light in accordance with Section 1204.2 and artificial light in accordance with Section 1204.3.
2. In Group I-4 occupancies all living and sleeping rooms for persons receiving custodial care shall be provided with natural light in accordance with Section 1204.2 and artificial light in accordance with Section 1204.3.
3. In Group E occupancies, all regular classrooms shall be provided with natural light in accordance with Section 1204.2 and artificial light in accordance with Section 1204.3."
2. Revise Section 1204.2 and its subsections to read:
"1204.2 Natural light.
Where required, natural light shall be provided in accordance with Section 1204.2.1, 1204.2.2, 1204.2.3 or 1204.2.4. Openings shall comply with Sections 1204.2.5 and 1204.2.6.
1204.2.1 Direct natural light.
The room shall be provided with exterior openings with a net glazed area of at least 8 percent of the floor area of the room.
1204.2.2 Adjoining spaces.
For the purpose of natural lighting, any room is permitted to be considered as a portion of an adjoining room where at least one-half of the area of the common wall is open and unobstructed and provides an opening of not less than 10 percent of the floor area of the interior room or 25 square feet (2.32 m2), whichever is greater. The net glazed area of exterior openings shall be at least 8 percent of the aggregate floor area.
1204.2.3 Remote rooms.
A room without sufficient exterior openings is permitted to borrow natural lighting from an adjoining room that meets the requirements of Section 1204.2.1 if the remote room, adjoining room and exterior openings meet all of the following criteria:
1. The ceiling height in both the remote room and adjoining room shall be no less than 9 feet 4 inches (2844 mm) at the lowest point.
2. The top of the exterior glazing shall be no less than 9 feet (2743 m) above the finished floor.
3. The opening between the remote room and the adjoining room shall be parallel to the plane of the exterior glazed openings, as near as possible to the ceiling and either:
3.1. If open and unobstructed, shall have an area at least 8 percent of the floor area of the remote room or 25 square feet (2.32 m2), whichever is greater.
3.2. If equipped with transparent or translucent glazing, shall have a net glazed area at least 10 percent of the floor area of the remote room or 30 square feet (2.8 m2), whichever is greater.
4. The remote room shall be immediately adjacent to the adjoining room.
5. The net glazed area of exterior openings shall be at least 8 percent of the aggregate floor area of the adjoining room and remote room.
1204.2.4 Residential basements.
Where at least 40 percent of the net floor area of a Group R dwelling unit, not used as congregate living facilities, is located entirely above grade and provided with natural light in accordance with Section 1204.2.1 or 1204.2.2, basement spaces may be provided with natural light as follows:
1. Bedrooms shall have exterior openings with a net glazed area of at least 6 percent of the floor area of the room.
2. For habitable spaces other than bedrooms, the basement level, as a whole, shall be provided with exterior openings with a net glazed area of at least 4 percent of the aggregate floor area of all habitable spaces in the basement.
1204.2.5 Exterior openings.
Exterior openings required by Section 1204.2 for natural light shall open directly onto a public way or a yard or court complying with Section 1205.
Exceptions:
1. Required exterior openings are permitted to open into an open porch or exterior balcony where the open porch or exterior balcony meets all of the following criteria:
1.1. Abuts a public way, or a yard or court complying with Section 1205.
1.2. Has a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).
1.3. Has a longer side, parallel to the plane of the openings, at least 55 percent open and unobstructed from finished floor to underside of surface above.
2. Skylights that are unobstructed to the sky are not required to open directly onto a public way, yard or court.
1204.2.6 Openings below grade.
Where openings below grade are used to provide required natural light, the outside horizontal clear space measured perpendicular to the opening shall be one and one-half times the depth of the opening. The depth of the opening shall be measured from the average adjoining ground level to the bottom of the opening."
3. Revise Section 1204.3 to read:
"1204.3 Artificial light.
Artificial light shall be provided that is adequate to provide an average illumination of 10 footcandles (107 lux) over the area of the room at a height of 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor level. Lighting outlets shall be provided as required in Section 210.70 of the Chicago Electrical Code.
Exception: Within dwelling units, wall switch-controlled receptacles shall be permitted in lieu of lighting outlets in accordance with Section 210.70(A)(1), exception 1 of the Chicago Electrical Code."
4. Revise Section 1204.4 by replacing "dwelling unit" with "single dwelling unit."
(Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 32180, Art. II, § 21; Amend Coun. J. 1-26-22, p. 43756, Art. II, § 15)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1205 Yards and courts.
14B-12-1205 Yards and courts.
The provisions of Section 1205 of IBC are not adopted. The following language is adopted as Section 1205:
"1205. YARDS AND COURTS
1205.1 General.
This section shall apply to yards and courts adjacent to exterior openings that provide natural light or natural ventilation. Such yards and courts shall be on the same lot as the building. For purposes of this section, width shall be measured perpendicular to the plane of openings and length shall be measured parallel to the plane of openings.
1205.2 Yards.
Yards shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width for an exterior wall not more than 40 feet (12.2 m) in height above the lowest floor receiving natural light or natural ventilation or grade plane, whichever is higher. Where the exterior wall exceeds 40 feet (12.2 m) in height, the minimum width of the yard shall be increased 2 inches (76 mm) for each 1 foot (305 mm) or fraction thereof in height up to a maximum width of 15 feet (4572 mm).
1205.3 Courts.
The length of a court shall be at least 150% of the horizontal dimension of required openings. Outer courts shall comply with Section 1205.3.2. Inner courts shall comply with Section 1205.3.3.
1205.3.1 [Reserved.]
1205.3.2 Outer courts.
Outer courts shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm) in width for an exterior wall not more than 40 feet (12.2 m) in height above the lowest floor receiving natural light or natural ventilation or grade plane, whichever is higher. Where the exterior wall exceeds 40 feet (12.2 m) in height, the minimum width of the outer court shall be increased 2 inches (76 mm) for each 1 foot (305 mm) or fraction thereof in height up to a maximum width of 15 feet (4572 mm). Openings on opposite sides of an outer court shall be separated by not less than 6 feet (1829 mm).
1205.3.3 Inner courts.
Inner courts shall be not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) in width for an exterior wall not more than 40 feet (12.2 m) in height above the lowest floor receiving natural light or natural ventilation or grade plane, whichever is higher. Where the exterior wall exceeds 40 feet (12.2 m) in height, the minimum width of the inner court shall be increased 4 inches (102 mm) for each 1 foot (305 mm) or fraction thereof in height up to a maximum width of 15 feet (4572 mm). For irregularly-shaped inner courts, the average width shall be at least as great as the minimum width required by this section and the width shall not be less than 5 feet (1524 mm) at any point.
1205.3.3.1 Court access.
Access shall be provided to the bottom of inner courts for cleaning purposes.
1205.3.3.2 Air intake.
Inner courts more than two stories in height shall be provided with a horizontal air intake at the bottom with a cross-sectional area not less than 10 square feet (0.93 m 2 ) and leading to a yard or public way. Air intakes shall be of construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours and shall be open at both ends and unobstructed for their full size and length, except that grilles of noncombustible construction are permitted at both ends.
Exception: In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the fire-resistance rating shall be not less than one hour.
1205.3.3.3 Court drainage.
The bottom of every inner court shall be properly graded and drained to a public sewer or other approved drainage system complying with the Chicago Plumbing Code.
1205.4 Easements.
The building official may adopt rules for considering permanent and perpetual easements or restrictive declarations on adjoining lots as a means of creating spaces equivalent to courts or yards."
(Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 32180, Art. II, § 22; Amend Coun. J. 1-26-22, p. 43756, Art. II, § 16)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1206 IBC Section 1206.
14B-12-1206 IBC Section 1206.
The provisions of Section 1206 of IBC are not adopted.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1207 Interior space dimensions.
14B-12-1207 Interior space dimensions.
The provisions of Section 1207 of IBC are not adopted. The following language is adopted as Section 1207:
"1207. INTERIOR SPACE DIMENSIONS
1207.1 Minimum room dimensions.
Kitchens shall have a clear passageway of not less than 3 feet (914 mm) between counter fronts and appliances or counter fronts and walls.
Exception: Within a dwelling unit having a net floor area not exceeding 700 square feet (65 m2) and not required to be an Accessible unit, Type A unit, Type B unit or Type C unit, a clear working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) shall be provided in front of kitchen counters and kitchen appliances.
1207.2 Minimum ceiling heights.
Occupiable spaces and corridors shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm) above the finished floor.
Exceptions:
1. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, kitchens, storage rooms, laundry rooms and spaces above and below a mezzanine shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the finished floor.
2. Within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit in a Group R occupancy, habitable spaces and hallways shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the finished floor. Bathrooms, toilet rooms and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) above the finished floor.
3. If any room in a building has a sloped ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height for the room is required in one-half the area thereof. Any portion of the room measuring less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the finished floor to the ceiling shall not be included in any computation of the minimum area thereof.
4. Lofts in accordance with Section 1207.5.
1207.2.1 Furred ceiling or projecting elements.
Any room with a furred ceiling or projecting elements, such as beams, girders, ducts, or pipes, shall be required to have the minimum ceiling height in three-quarters of the area thereof, and in no case shall the clearance below a furred ceiling or projecting element be less than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the finished floor.
Exception: Within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit in a Group R occupancy, the clearance below a furred ceiling or projecting element shall not be less than 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm).
1207.3 Room area.
Every dwelling unit shall have at least one room that shall have not less than 120 square feet (11.2 m2) of net floor area. Dining spaces shall have a net floor area of not less than 60 square feet (5.6 m2). Other habitable spaces shall have a net floor area of not less than 70 square feet (6.5 m2). Where a single room is provided for cooking, dining and living purposes, it shall have a net floor area of not less than 180 square feet (16.7 m2).
1207.4 [Reserved.]
1207.5 Lofts.
Lofts used for sleeping or living space within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit in a Group R occupancy, and not containing or providing exclusive means of access to any plumbing fixture, shall conform to the minimum requirements of this code except as follows:
1. The loft shall have a floor area of not less than 35 square feet (3.25 m2) and not more than 150 square feet (13.9 m2).
2. The loft shall not be less than 5 feet (1524 mm) in any horizontal dimension.
3. A portion of every loft must have a ceiling height of at least 5 feet (1524 mm), measured from the finished floor to the finished ceiling. Portions of a loft with a sloped ceiling measuring less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the finished floor to the finished ceiling shall not be considered as contributing to the minimum required or maximum permitted area of the loft.
4. The loft shall be accessed by one of the following means, which shall count as the means of egress:
4.1. A stairway complying with Section 1011.
4.2. A stairway with a clear width of not less than 20 inches (508 mm), with risers not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not more than 10 inches (254 mm) in height and a tread depth equal to 20 inches (508 mm) minus four-thirds of the riser height and with a handrail on one side. The stairway shall have headroom of at least 6 feet 2 inches (1880 mm). Where the ceiling height of the loft is less than 6 feet 2 inches (1880 mm) at the location where the stairway meets the loft, the top of the stairway shall be a landing platform, not less than 20 inches (508 mm) in length and width, located not more than 18 inches (457 mm) vertically below the finished floor of the loft.
4.3. A permanent ladder with a rung width of not less than 12 inches (305 mm) and 10-inch (254 mm) to 14-inch (356 mm) spacing between rungs installed at an incline between 70 to 80 degrees from horizontal. Ladders shall be capable of supporting a 300-pound (136 kg) load on any rung. Rung spacing shall be uniform within 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
4.4. An alternating tread device complying with Section 1011.14.
4.5. A ship's ladder with a clear width of 20 inches (508 mm) complying with Section 1011.15.
5. Guards shall be provided at the open side of lofts. Loft guards shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height or one-half of the clear height to the ceiling, whichever is less.
Exception: Lofts with guardrails that meet the requirements of the Consumer Products Safety Commission for bunk beds.
6. The floor level of the loft shall be at least 30 inches (762 mm) and no more than 151 inches (3835 mm) above the main floor level of the unit.
1207.5.1 Accessibility.
Lofts shall not be allowed within Accessible units and Type A units. Within Type B units, lofts shall not contain the primary living or sleeping space, and all other spaces within the unit shall be on an accessible route.
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 58; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. II, § 26; Amend Coun. J. 12-14-22, p. 58278, Art. III, § 6)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1208 Access to unoccupied spaces.
14B-12-1208 Access to unoccupied spaces.
The provisions of Section 1208 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 1208.1 to read:
"1208.1 Crawl spaces.
Crawl spaces shall be provided with not less than one access opening that shall be not less than 24 inches by 24 inches (610 mm by 610 mm)."
2. Delete Section 1208.2.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1209 Toilet and bathroom requirements.
14B-12-1209 Toilet and bathroom requirements.
The provisions of Section 1209 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 1209.1 by replacing "Chapter 29" with "the Chicago Plumbing Code."
2. Revise Sections 1209.2.1, 1209.2.2 and 1209.2.3 by replacing "a smooth, hard, nonabsorbent" with "an easily-cleaned, nonabsorbent."
3. Revise Section 1209.3 and its subsections to read:
"1209.3 Privacy.
Privacy at water closets, urinals and bathing areas shall be provided in accordance with the Chicago Plumbing Code."
(Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. II, § 27)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1210 Rodent protection.
14B-12-1210 Rodent protection.
The following language is adopted as a new Section 1210:
"1210. RODENT PROTECTION
1210.1 General.
Buildings containing rooms and spaces in which people live, sleep or work, or in which feed, food or foodstuffs are stored, prepared, processed, served or sold, shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
1210.2 Ventilation openings.
Ventilation openings in exterior walls located less than 2 feet (610 mm) above the adjacent ground level shall be covered for their entire height and width with perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick, expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick, cast-iron grills or grating, extruded aluminum load-bearing vents, hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier, or other approved material providing equivalent protection against the entry of rodents. The openings therein shall not exceed 1/4 inch (6.4 mm).
1210.3 Windows.
When closed, the maximum clearance between any exterior window, window jambs and sills, where the window sill is located less than 2 feet (610 mm) above the adjacent ground level shall be not greater than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
1210.4 Exterior wall penetrations.
Annular spaces around pipes, electric cables, conduits and similar openings in exterior walls shall be protected against the passage of rodents by closing such openings with cement mortar, concrete masonry or noncorrosive metal.
1210.5 Doors.
When closed, the maximum clearance between any exterior door, door jambs and sills shall be not greater than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)."
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 59)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1211 Insect screens.
14B-12-1211 Insect screens.
The following language is adopted as a new Section 1211:
"1211. INSECT SCREENS
1211.1 General.
Every exterior door, operable window and other outside opening used to provide ventilation for habitable spaces, food preparation areas, food service areas, or areas where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed, manufactured, packed or stored shall be supplied with tightly fitting screens of minimum 16 mesh per inch (16 mesh per 25 mm). Every screen door provided for insect control shall be self-closing.
Exceptions:
1. Insect screens shall not be required where other effective means of insect protection, such as air curtains or insect repellant fans are provided.
2. Insect screens shall not be required for openings more than 50 feet (15.2 m) above the ground unless the building official determines that unusual insect prevalence exists at the premises."
(Added Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 60)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-12-1212 Residential security devices.
14B-12-1212 Residential security devices.
The following language is adopted as a new Section 1212:
"1212. RESIDENTIAL SECURITY DEVICES
1212.1 General.
Building entrances and each dwelling unit in buildings containing more than one Group I-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 or R-5 dwelling unit shall be provided with security devices in accordance with Section 403 of the Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings."
(Added Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 61)
Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2665576Fetched: 10/24/2026