ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 14B, ch. 14B-15

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1500 Defined terms.

14B-15-1500 Defined terms. Where provisions of Chapter 15 of IBC are adopted by reference, the following terms shall be reset in italic type: "built-up roof covering"; "interlayment"; "grade plane"; "metal roof panel"; "metal roof shingle"; "roof assembly"; "roof covering"; "roof covering system"; "roof deck"; "rooftop structures"; "single-ply membrane"; "skylights and sloped glazing" and "underlayment."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1501 General.

14B-15-1501 General. The provisions of Section 1501 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modification: 1. Add a new Section 1501.1.1 to read: "1501.1.1 Dormers. Dormers shall either be of the same type of construction as required for the roof assembly in which such dormers are located or the same type of construction as required for the exterior walls of the building."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1502 Roof drainage.

14B-15-1502 Roof drainage. The provisions of Section 1502 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 1502.1 to read: "1502.1 General. Design and installation of roof drainage systems shall comply with Section 1502 of this code and Section 1106 of the Chicago Plumbing Code." 2. Delete Section 1502.2. 3. Delete Section 1502.3. 4. Revise Section 1502.4 to read: "1502.4 Gutters. Gutters and leaders placed on the exterior of buildings shall be of noncombustible material. Exceptions: 1. One-story buildings. 2. Buildings of Group R occupancy with no more than 4 stories above grade plane. 3. Buildings of Type V construction." (Amend Coun. J. 7-24-19, p. 3646, § 32; Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 65)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1503 Weather protection.

14B-15-1503 Weather protection. The provisions of Section 1503 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modification: 1. Revise Section 1503.1 by deleting "approved."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1504 Performance requirements.

14B-15-1504 Performance requirements. The provisions of Section 1504 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 1504.1.1 to read: "1504.1.1 Wind resistance of asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D7158 and have a classification of D, G or H. Asphalt shingle packaging shall bear a label to indicate compliance with ASTM D7158 and the required classification. Exception: Asphalt shingles not included in the scope of ASTM D7158 shall be tested and labeled in accordance with ASTM D3161 and have a classification of A, D or F. Asphalt shingle packaging shall bear a label to indicate compliance with ASTM D3161 and the required classification." 1.1. Delete Table 1504.1.1. 1.2. Revise Section 1504.4 to read: "1504.4 Ballasted low-sloped roof systems. Ballasted low-sloped roof single-ply roof system coverings installed in accordance with Sections 1507.12 and 1507.13 shall be designed in accordance with Section 1504.8 and ANSI/SPRI RP-4." 2. Revise Section 1504.5 to read: "1504.5 Edge securement for low-sloped roofs. Low-sloped roof built-up, modified bitumen and single-ply roof system metal edge securement, except gutters, shall be designed and installed for wind loads in accordance with Chapter 16 and tested for resistance in accordance with Test Methods RE-1, RE-2 and RE-3 of ANSI/SPRI ES-1, except basic design wind speed, V, shall be determined from Section 1609.3." 3. Revise Section 1504.6 to read: "1504.6 Physical properties. Roof coverings installed on low-sloped roofs in accordance with Section 1507 shall demonstrate physical integrity over the working life of the roof based on 2,000 hours of exposure to accelerated weathering tests conducted in accordance with ASTM G152, ASTM G154 or ASTM G155. Those roof coverings that are subject to cyclical flexural response due to wind loads shall not demonstrate any significant loss of tensile strength for unreinforced membranes or breaking strength for reinforced membranes when tested as herein required." 4. Revise Section 1504.7 to read: "1504.7 Impact resistance. Roof coverings installed on low-sloped roofs in accordance with Section 1507 shall resist impact damage based on the results of tests conducted in accordance with ASTM D3746, ASTM D4272 or the "Resistance to Foot Traffic Test" in Section 5.5 of FM 4470." 5. Revise Section 1504.8 to read: "1504.8 Surfacing and ballast materials. For a building with a mean roof height exceeding that permitted by Table 1504.8 based on the exposure category, the following materials shall not be used on the roof: 1. Aggregate used as surfacing for roof coverings. 2. Aggregate, gravel or stone used as ballast." 6. Replace Table 1504.8 as shown: TABLE 1504.8 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE MEAN ROOF HEIGHT PERMITTED FOR BUILDINGS WITH AGGREGATE ON THE ROOF RISK CATEGORY b | MEAN ROOF HEIGHT (ft) a Exposure category c B | C | D I or II | 55 | 55 | 30 III | 55 | 40 | 20 IV | 55 | 25 | NP For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm NP = gravel and stone not permitted for any roof height. a. Mean roof height as defined in ASCE 7. b. Risk category shall be determined in accordance with Section 1604.5. c. Exposure category shall be determined in accordance with Section 1609.4.3. (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 66)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1505 Fire classification.

14B-15-1505 Fire classification. The provisions of Section 1505 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 1505.2 by replacing "approved testing agency" with "approved agency." 2. Revise the exceptions to 1505.2 by replacing "decks" with "roof decks." 3. Revise Table 1505.1 by changing the value for IIB from "C c" to "B." 4. Revise the notes to Table 1505.1 to read: "a. Unless otherwise required due to the location of the building within a fire district in accordance with Appendix D. b. Class C roof coverings shall be allowed on buildings of Group R-3, R-4, R-5 and Group U occupancies, where there is a minimum fire-separation distance of 6 feet measured from the leading edge of the roof. c. Buildings that are not more than two stories above grade plane and having not more than 6,000 square feet of projected roof area and where there is a minimum 10-foot fire separation distance from the leading edge of the roof to an abutting property line on all sides of the building, shall be allowed to have roofs of fire- retardant-treated wood shingles and shakes constructed in accordance with Section 1505.6 or No. 1 cedar or redwood shakes and No. 1 shingles constructed in accordance with Section 1505.7." 5. Revise Section 1505.3 by replacing "approved testing agency" with "approved agency." 6. Revise Section 1505.4 by replacing "approved testing agency" with "approved agency." 7. Delete Section 1505.5. 8. Revise Section 1505.10 to read: "1505.10 Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs. Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs shall comply with Sections 1507.16 and 1514." (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 67)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1506 Materials.

14B-15-1506 Materials. The provisions of Section 1506 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modification: 1. Revise Section 1506.3 by replacing "approved testing agency" with "approved agency." (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 68)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1507 Requirements for roof coverings.

14B-15-1507 Requirements for roof coverings. The provisions of Section 1507 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Tables 1507.1.1(1), 1507.1.1(2) and 1507.1.1(3) by changing the title of the third column to "INSTALLATION STANDARD" and deleting the fourth column. 2. Revise the first sentence of Section 1507.1.2 to read: "At eaves, an ice barrier shall be installed for asphalt shingles, metal roof shingles, mineral-surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, wood shingles and wood shakes." 3. Revise Table 1507.2.8.2 to delete the rows for lead, lead-coated copper, lead-coated high-yield copper, and painted terne. 4. Revise Section 1507.4.2 by deleting "approved." 5. Revise Table 1507.4.3(1) to delete the rows for hard lead, lead-coated copper, soft lead, and terne and terne coated stainless. 6. Revise Section 1507.4.4 to replace "approved manufacturer’s" with "manufacturer’s recommended." 7. Revise the title of Section 1507.4.5 to "Underlayment." 8. Revise Section 1507.5.6 by deleting "approved." 9. Revise Table 1507.8 by deleting "(Type 316 for coastal areas)." 10. Revise Section 1507.8.9 by replacing "approved grading or inspection bureau or agency" with "approved agency." 11. Revise Section 1507.9.10 by replacing "approved grading or inspection bureau or agency" with "approved agency." 12. Revise Section 1507.11 and its subsections by replacing each instance of "modified bitumen roofing" with "modified bitumen roof covering." 13. Revise Section 1507.12.2 by deleting "ASTM D5019." 14. Revise Section 1507.12.3 to read: "1507.12.3 Ballasted thermoset low-sloped roofs. Ballasted thermoset low-sloped roofs shall be installed in accordance with this section and Section 1504.4. Stone used as ballast shall comply with ASTM D448 or ASTM D7655." 15. Revise Section 1507.13.3 to read: "1507.13.3 Ballasted thermoplastic low-sloped roofs. Ballasted thermoplastic low-sloped roofs shall be installed in accordance with this section and Section 1504.4. Stone used as ballast shall comply with ASTM D448 or ASTM D7655." 16. Revise Section 1507.15 to read: "1507.15 Liquid-applied roofing. The installation of cold and hot applied liquid-applied roofing shall comply with the provisions of this section." 17. Revise Section 1507.15.2 to read: "1507.15.2 Material standards. Liquid-applied roofing shall comply with ASTM C836, ASTM C957, ASTM D1227 or ASTM D3468, ASTM D6083, ASTM D6694, ASTM D6947 or other approved material standard." 18. Revise Section 1507.16 to read: "1507.16 Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs. Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs shall comply with the requirements of this chapter and Section 1607.13.3." 19. Revise Section 1507.17.2 to read: "1507.17.2 Deck slope. Photovoltaic shingles shall not be installed on low-sloped roofs." 20. Revise Section 1507.18.2 to read: "1507.18.2 Deck slope. BIPV roof panels shall not be used on low-sloped roofs." 21. Revise Section 1507.18.4.2, excluding the exception, to read: "1507.18.4.2 Ice barrier. An ice barrier consisting of not fewer than two layers of underlayment cemented together or of a self-adhering polymer/modified bitumen sheet shall be used instead of normal underlayment and extend from the lowest edges of all roof surfaces to a point not less than 24 inches (610 mm) inside the exterior wall line of the building." (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 69)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1508 Roof insulation.

14B-15-1508 Roof insulation. The provisions of Section 1508 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modification: 1. Revise Section 1508.1 to read: "1508.1 General. The use of above-deck thermal insulation shall be permitted provided that such insulation is covered with a roof covering and passes the tests of NFPA 276 or UL 1256 when tested as an assembly. Exceptions: 1. Foam plastic insulation shall conform to the material and installation requirements of Chapter 26. 2. Where a concrete roof deck is used and the above-deck thermal insulation is covered with a roof covering."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1509 Radiant barriers installed above deck.

14B-15-1509 Radiant barriers installed above deck. The provisions of Section 1509 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 1509.1 to replace "deck" with "roof deck." 2. Revise Section 1509.2 to replace "decks" with "roof decks" and "an approved" with "a." 3. Revise Section 1509.4 to replace ""deck" with "roof deck."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1510 Unoccupied rooftop structures.

14B-15-1510 Unoccupied rooftop structures. The provisions of Section 1510 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 15010.1 and its subsections to read: "1510.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the construction of unoccupied rooftop structures. 1510.1.1 Area limitation. The combined area of parapet walls, unoccupied rooftop structures, rooftop access penthouses in accordance with Section 1510.2 and structures accessory to an occupiable rooftop in accordance with Section 1513.1.1 shall not exceed one-third the area of the supporting roof deck. Such rooftop structures shall not be required to be included in determining building height, number of stories above grade plane or building area in accordance with Chapter 2, nor shall the area of such rooftop structures be included in determining the fire areas specified in Section 901.7. Exception: If the combined area of rooftop structures exceeds one-third the horizontal area of the supporting roof deck, the height and area of the rooftop structures shall be considered in determining building height, number of stories above grade plane, building area and fire area." 2. Revise Section 1510.2 and its subsections to read: "1510.2 Mechanical penthouses. Mechanical penthouses in compliance with Sections 1510.2.1 through 1510.2.5 shall be considered as a portion of the story directly below the roof deck on which such penthouses are located. Other penthouses shall be considered as an additional story of the building. 1510.2.1 Height above roof deck. Mechanical penthouses shall not exceed 18 feet (5486 mm) in height above the roof deck as measured to the average height of the roof of the penthouse. Exception: On buildings of Type I construction, mechanical penthouses shall be permitted to have a maximum height of 28 feet (8534 mm) above the roof deck. 1510.2.2 Use limitations. Mechanical penthouses shall not be used for purposes other than the shelter of mechanical or electrical equipment, tanks, elevators and related machinery, or vertical shaft openings in the roof assembly. 1510.2.3 Weather protection. Provisions such as louvers, louver blades or flashing shall be made to protect the mechanical and electrical equipment and the building interior from the elements. 1510.2.4 Type of construction. Mechanical penthouses shall be constructed with walls, floors and roofs as required for the type of construction of the building on which such penthouses are built. Exceptions: 1. On buildings of Type I and II-A construction, the exterior walls and roof decks of mechanical penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be noncombustible construction and permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating. The exterior walls and roofs of mechanical penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be noncombustible construction and not be required to have a fire-resistance rating. 2. [Reserved.] 3. On buildings of Type III, IV or V construction, the exterior walls of mechanical penthouses with a fire separation distance greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 20 feet (6096 mm) shall be permitted to have not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating or a lesser fire- resistance rating as required by Table 602. On buildings of Type III, IV or VA construction, the exterior walls of mechanical penthouses with a fire separation distance of 20 feet (6096 mm) or greater shall be permitted to be of heavy timber construction complying with Sections 602.4 and 2304.11 or noncombustible construction and shall not be required to have a fire-resistance rating." 3. Revise Section 1510.3 to read: "1510.3 Tanks. Tanks having a capacity of more than 500 gallons (1893 L) located on the roof deck of a building shall be supported on masonry, reinforced concrete, steel or heavy timber construction complying with Section 2304.11 provided that, where such supports are located in the building above the lowest story, the support shall have a fire-resistance rating as required for Type IA construction." 4. Revise Section 1510.5 and its subsections to read: "1510.5 Towers, spires, minarets, domes and cupolas. Towers, spires, minarets, domes, cupolas, and similar features shall be of a type of construction having fire- resistance ratings not less than required for the building on top of which such feature is built. Such features greater than 85 feet (25 908 mm) in height above grade plane as measured to the highest point on such feature, and either greater than 200 square feet (18.6 m2) in horizontal area or used for any purpose other than a belfry or an architectural embellishment, shall be constructed of and supported on Type I or IIA construction. 1510.5.1 Noncombustible construction required. Features greater than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above the highest point at which such feature contacts the roof as measured to the highest point on such feature, or that exceeds 200 square feet (18.6 m2) in area at any horizontal section, or which is intended to be used for any purpose other than a belfry or architectural embellishment, or is located on the top of a building greater than 50 feet (1524 mm) in building height shall be constructed of and supported by noncombustible materials and shall be separated from the building below by construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1.5 hours with openings protected in accordance with Section 711. Such features located on the top of a building greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm) in building height shall be supported by noncombustible construction. 1510.5.2 Enclosed features Enclosed features shall have exterior walls constructed as required for the building on top of which such features are built. The roof covering of features shall be not less than the same class of roof covering required for the building on top of which the feature is located." 5. Revise Section 1510.6 by replacing "5 feet (1524 mm)" with "15 feet (4572 mm)." 6. Revise the exception to Section 1510.6.1 by replacing "Type IA" with "Type I." 7. Revise Section 1510.6.2 to read: "1510.6.2 Type I, II, III or IV construction. Regardless of the requirements in Section 1510.6, mechanical equipment screens that are located on the roof decks of buildings of Type I, II, III or IV construction shall be permitted to be constructed of combustible materials in accordance with the following limitation: the fire separation distance shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) and the height of the mechanical equipment screen above the roof deck shall not exceed 4 feet (1219 mm) as measured to the highest point on the mechanical equipment screen." 8. Revise Section 1510.6.3 to read: "1510.6.3 Type V construction. The height of mechanical equipment screens located on the roof decks of buildings of Type V construction, as measured from grade plane to the highest point on the mechanical equipment screen, shall not exceed the maximum building height allowed for the building by other provisions of this code." 9. Revise Section 1510.7 to read: "1510.7 Photovoltaic panels and modules. Rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panels and modules shall be designed in accordance with this section and the Chicago Fire Prevention Code." 10. Revise Section 1510.8 by replacing "Sections 1510.8.1 through 1510.8.5, as applicable" with "Section 1510.8.1." 11. Delete Sections 1510.8.2, 1510.8.3, 1510.8.4, and 1510.8.5. (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 70)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1511 Reroofing.

14B-15-1511 Reroofing. The provisions of Section 1511 of IBC are not adopted. The following language is adopted as Section 1511: "1511. REROOFING 1511.1 General. Roof repairs and roof replacement shall comply with Section 306 of the Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1512 IBC Section 1512.

14B-15-1512 IBC Section 1512. The provisions of Section 1512 of IBC are not adopted.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1513 Occupiable rooftops.

14B-15-1513 Occupiable rooftops. The following language is adopted as a new Section 1513: "1513. OCCUPIABLE ROOFTOPS 1513.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the construction of occupiable rooftops and associated rooftop structures. 1513.1.1 Area limitation. The combined area of rooftop structures associated with an occupiable rooftop and exceeding 48 inches (1219 mm) in height above the lowest walking surface of the occupiable rooftop shall comply with Section 1510.1.1. 1513.2 Rooftop access penthouses. Where the occupied rooftop is located above the highest story, penthouses providing access to or egress from an occupiable rooftop in compliance with Sections 1513.2.1 through 1513.2.5 shall be considered as a portion of the story directly below the roof deck on which such penthouses are located. Other fully-enclosed occupiable space at the roof level shall be considered as an additional story of the building. 1513.2.1 Height above roof deck. Rooftop access penthouses shall not exceed 12 feet (3658 mm) in height above the roof deck as measured to the average height of the roof of the penthouse. Exception: Where used to enclose elevators that travel to the roof level, rooftop access penthouses shall be permitted to have a maximum height of 20 feet (6096 mm) above the roof deck. 1513.2.2 Use limitations. Rooftop access penthouses shall not contain habitable space or any occupiable space other than circulation paths necessary to access means of egress and elevators serving an occupiable rooftop. Rooftop access penthouses shall not contain toilet rooms or bathrooms. 1513.2.3 Type of construction. Rooftop access penthouses shall be constructed with walls, floors and roofs as required for the type of construction of the building on which such penthouses are built. 1513.3 Outdoor elements. The walking surface and other outdoor elements of an occupiable rooftop shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1513.3.1 through 1513.3.2. 1513.3.1 Buildings not exceeding 55 feet in building height. The outdoor elements of occupiable rooftops on buildings not exceeding 55 feet (16.8 m) in building height shall be of noncombustible materials or combustible materials as allowed by Table 1513.3.1 or Table 705.2.1 or 705.2.2 for decks. Outdoor elements not listed in the tables shall conform to the type of construction and fire-resistance rating required for the building to which they are attached. TABLE 1513.3.1 REQUIRED FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE FOR OUTDOOR ELEMENTS OF OCCUPIABLE ROOFTOPS ON BUILDINGS UP TO 55 FEET IN BUILDING HEIGHT a Type of Element | Material Type | Fire Separation Distance (feet) 0 to less than 3 | 3 to less than 5 | 5 to less than 10 | 10 or greater Type of Element | Material Type | Fire Separation Distance (feet) 0 to less than 3 | 3 to less than 5 | 5 to less than 10 | 10 or greater Walking surfaces covering no more than one third of the roof area or 500 square feet, whichever is greater, on side protected by a noncombustible parapet wall providing a 2-hour fire-resistance rating, at least 36 inches above the walking surface | U | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Walking surfaces on buildings of Group R-5 occupancy covering more than one third of the roof area, with or without parapet wall | FRTW | No | Yes | Yes | Yes Walking surfaces covering more than one third of the roof area or on side without a parapet wall | U | No | No | Yes | Yes UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Pickets, handrails and similar vertical elements not more than 48 inches in height above the adjacent walking surface | U | No | Yes | Yes | Yes UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Vertical elements of pergolas, trellises, arbors, privacy screens and similar structures greater than 42 inches in height above the adjacent walking surface, with 50 percent or more of surface area consisting of regularly distributed openings | U b | No | Yes | Yes | Yes UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Vertical elements of pergolas, trellises, arbors, privacy screens and similar structures greater than 42 inches in height above the adjacent walking surface, solid or with less than 50 percent of surface area consisting of regularly distributed openings | U b | No | No | Yes | Yes UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Horizontal elements of pergolas, trellises, arbors and similar structures greater than 42 inches in height above the adjacent walking surface | U b | No | Yes | Yes | Yes UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2. U = any material not less fire resistive than untreated wood or plastic composites that comply with ASTM D7032 and Section 2612, unprotected FRTW = Fire-retardant treated wood P = any material, protected with construction providing fire-resistance rating as required for exterior wall HT = heavy timber construction, complying with Section 2304.11 UNC = noncombustible, unprotected PNC = noncombustible, protected with construction providing fire-resistance rating as required for exterior wall a. Where material type U is allowed, material types P, HT, UNC and PNC shall also be allowed; where material type UNC is allowed, material type PNC shall also be allowed. b. Combustible pergolas, arbors, trellises, privacy screens and similar structures shall not exceed 12 feet in height above the highest adjacent walking surface. 1513.3.2 Buildings greater than 55 feet in height. The outdoor elements of occupiable rooftops on buildings greater than 55 feet (16.8 m) in height shall be of noncombustible materials. Exceptions: 1. Pickets, handrails and similar vertical elements not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) in height above the adjacent walking surface of material not less fire resistive than untreated wood or plastic composites that comply with ASTM D7032 and Section 2612 if the fire separation distance is greater than or equal to 20 feet (6096 mm). 2. Walking surfaces listed as a Class A roof assembly or a Class A roof covering installed over a noncombustible roof assembly. 3. Limited non-structural elements of material not less fire resistive than untreated wood or plastic composites that comply with ASTM D7032 where approved by the building official. 1513.4 Structures providing weather protection. Structures above an occupiable rooftop that provide weather protection equivalent to a roof and project more than 24 inches (610 mm) horizontally from a wall or other support shall be treated as part of the building to which they are attached for purposes of determining building height and number of stories above grade plane. 1513.5 Means of egress. Occupiable rooftops shall be provided with means of egress as required in Chapter 10. 1513.6 Construction type. Occupiable rooftops shall not be installed on buildings of Type VB construction. The roof assembly below an occupiable rooftop shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour." (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 71)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1514 Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs.

14B-15-1514 Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs. The following language is adopted as a new Section 1514: "1514. VEGETATIVE ROOFS, ROOF GARDENS AND LANDSCAPED ROOFS 1514.1 General. Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs shall be installed and maintained in accordance with Sections 1505, 1507.16, and 1514.2 through 1514.6. 1514.1.1 Intended for occupancy. Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs that are intended for occupancy shall also comply with Section 1513. 1514.2 Standard. Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs shall be installed in accordance with ANSI/SPRI VF-1. 1514.3 Maximum area. Vegetative roof, roof garden or landscaped roof areas shall not exceed 15,625 square feet (1450 m2) for any single area with a maximum dimension of 125 feet (39 m) in length and width. A minimum 6 foot (1.8 m) wide clearance consisting of Class A roof covering shall be provided between adjacent vegetative roof, roof garden or landscaped roof areas. 1514.4 Clearances. Vegetative roof, roof garden and landscaped roof areas shall be separated from combustible vertical surfaces, intake and exhaust openings and rooftop equipment by a 6 foot (1.8 m) wide surface consisting of Class A roof covering. Exception: Separation from plumbing exhaust openings is not required. 1514.5 Maintenance. Vegetation shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 1514.5.1 through 1514.5.3. 1514.5.1 Maintenance plan. The fire code official is authorized to require a maintenance plan for vegetation placed on roofs. 1514.5.2 Water source. A water source shall be provided to maintain levels of hydration necessary to keep vegetation alive and to keep dry foliage to a minimum. 1514.5.3 Dead foliage. Excess biomass, such as overgrown vegetation, leaves and other dead and decaying material shall be removed at regular intervals not less than two times per year. 1514.6 Maintenance equipment. Fueled equipment used for the care and maintenance of vegetation on roofs shall be stored in accordance with the Chicago Fire Prevention Code."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1515 Solar reflectance.

14B-15-1515 Solar reflectance. The following language is adopted as a new Section 1515: "1515. SOLAR REFLECTANCE 1515.1 Scope. Roof coverings shall comply with the solar reflectance requirements in Section 1515.2. Exceptions: 1. Walking surfaces of occupiable rooftops. 2. Vegetative roofs, roof gardens and landscaped roofs. 3. Photovoltaic and solar thermal equipment. 1515.2 Solar reflectance. All roof coverings shall have a minimum solar reflectance as specified in Sections 1515.2.1 or 1515.2.2 as tested in accordance with ASTM C1549, ASTM E903, ASTM E1918 or CRRC-S100. 1515.2.1 Low-sloped roofs. Roof coverings on low-sloped roofs shall have an initial reflectance value of 0.72 or a three-year-aged solar reflectance value of 0.5 or greater. Exceptions: 1. Where more than 50 percent of the roof area is a vegetative roof or roof garden, the remainder of the roof area shall have a three-year-aged solar reflectance value of 0.3 or greater. 2. Roofs with a minimum of 15 pounds per square foot (0.72 kN/m 2 ) of ballast installed over the entire roof area to resist wind uplift shall have a three-year-aged solar reflectance value of 0.3 or greater. 1515.2.2 Other than low-sloped roofs. Roof coverings on other than low-sloped roofs shall have an initial reflectance value of 0.15 or greater. Exceptions: 1. Roof coverings installed with a slope of 5:12 (41 percent) or greater. 2. Historic buildings." (Amend Coun. J. 9-21-22, p. 52080, Art. II, § 6)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-15-1516 Interior roof edge for shafts and fully enclosed courts.

14B-15-1516 Interior roof edge for shafts and fully enclosed courts. The following language is adopted as a new Section 1516: “1516. LOW-SLOPED ROOF EDGES AND OPENINGS 1516.1 Scope. Low-sloped roofs shall comply with the applicable requirements in Sections 1516.2 and 1516.3. 1516.2 Roof edges adjoining shafts and fully enclosed courts. The edges of a low-sloped roof that adjoin a shaft or a court that is enclosed on all sides shall be provided with a parapet wall, extended masonry, or guard, or any combination thereof, that meets the requirements of Section 1015. 1516.3 Skylights and other openings. All skylights and other openings located in the plane of a low-sloped roof that are not otherwise required to remain open and unobstructed by law shall be either: (i) glazed with wired glass, plain glass, glass block, or polycarbonate plastic that is designed to meet the applicable live load requirements for the roof under Section 1607; or (ii) provided with a parapet wall, extended masonry, or guard, or any combination thereof, that meets the requirements of Section 1015.” (Added Coun. J. 10-9-24, p. 18818, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 6-17-26, p. 45214, Art. IV, § 35)

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2665993Fetched: 10/24/2026