Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-14-1401 General.
14B-14-1401 General.
The provisions of Section 1401 of IBC are adopted by reference without modification.
EXTERIOR WALLS
Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 14B, ch. 14B-14
in effectMunicipal Code of Chicago § 14B-14-1402 Performance requirements.
14B-14-1402 Performance requirements.
The provisions of Section 1402 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Delete exception 2 and its subparts to Section 1402.2.
2. Revise Section 1402.4 by replacing "Exterior walls" with "Exterior walls, including fire-resistant joint systems,".
3. Revise Section 1402.5 to read:
"1402.5 Vertical and lateral flame propagation.
Exterior walls on buildings of Type I, II, III or IV construction that are greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above grade plane and contain a combustible water-resistive barrier or air barrier shall be tested in accordance with and comply with the acceptance criteria of NFPA 285. For the purposes of this section, fenestration products, flashing of fenestration products and flashing and accessories at other locations, including through-wall flashings, shall not be considered part of the water-resistive barrier.
Exceptions:
1. Walls in which the water-resistive barrier or air barrier required by the Chicago Energy Conservation Code is the only combustible component and the exterior wall has an exterior wall covering of brick, concrete, stone, terracotta, stucco or steel with minimum thicknesses in accordance with Table 1404.2.
2. Walls in which the water-resistive barrier or air barrier required by the Chicago Energy Conservation Code is the only combustible component and the water-resistive barrier or air barrier required by the Chicago Energy Conservation Code has a peak heat release rate of less than 150 kW/m2, a total heat release of less than 20 MJ/m2 and an effective heat of combustion of less than 18 MJ/kg as determined in accordance with ASTM E1354 and has a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less as determined in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. The ASTM E1354 test shall be conducted on specimens at the thickness intended for use, in the horizontal orientation and at an incident radiant heat flux of 50 kW/m2."
4. Delete Sections 1402.6 and 1402.7.
5. Add a new Section 1402.8 to read:
"1402.8 Energy conservation.
Exterior walls shall meet additional performance requirements found in the Chicago Energy Conservation Code."
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 62)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-14-1403 Materials.
14B-14-1403 Materials.
The provisions of Section 1403 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Delete Section 1403.2.
2. Add a new Section 1403.3.3 to read:
"1403.3.3 Wood shingles and shakes.
Wood shingles and shakes shall comply with Section 1507.8.5."
3. Revise Section 1403.4 by replacing "steel framing" with "metal framing."
4. Delete Section 1403.5.3.
5. Add a new Section 1403.5.4 to read:
"1403.5.4 Other metals.
Other metals, used as siding, shall conform to the applicable standard listed in Table 1507.4.3(1)."
6. Revise Section 1403.8 by deleting "approved."
7. Revise Section 1403.9 by replacing "approved quality control agency" with "approved agency."
8. Revise Section 1403.10 by replacing "approved quality control agency" with "approved agency."
9. Delete Section 1403.12 and its subsections.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-14-1404 Installation of wall coverings.
14B-14-1404 Installation of wall coverings.
The provisions of Section 1404 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 1404.2 by deleting "approved."
2. Revise Table 1404.2 by deleting the rows for: asbestos cement board, asbestos shingles, lead-coated copper, and lead-coated high-yield copper; and replacing "Steel (approved corrosion resistant)" with "Steel (corrosion resistant)."
3. Revise note d to Table 1404.2 to read:
"d. 16 ounces per square foot for cold-rolled copper, 12 ounces per square foot for copper shingles and high- yield copper."
4. Revise Section 1404.3 by replacing "an approved design" with "a design."
5. Revise Section 1404.3.1, excluding the exceptions, to read:
"1404.3.1 Class I and II vapor retarders.
Class I or II vapor retarders shall be provided on the interior side of frame walls."
6. Revise Table 1404.3.2 by deleting all rows except Zone 5.
7. Revise Section 1404.3.4 to read:
"1404.3.4 Vented cladding.
For the purposes of this section, vented cladding shall include the following:
1. Vinyl, or horizontal aluminum siding applied over a weather-resistive barrier as specified in this chapter.
2. Brick veneer with a clear airspace as specified in this code.
3. Other approved vented claddings."
8. Revise the first sentence of Section 1404.4 to read:
"Flashing, including end dams, shall be installed in such a manner so as to prevent moisture from entering the wall or to redirect that moisture to the exterior."
9. Revise Section 1404.5 to read:
"1404.5 Wood veneers.
Wood veneers on exterior walls of buildings of Type I, II, III and IV construction shall be not less than 1 inch (25 mm) nominal thickness and shall conform to the following:
1. The veneer shall not exceed 40 feet (12 190 mm) in height above grade.
2. The veneer is attached to or furred from a noncombustible backing that is fire-resistance rated as required by other provisions of this code.
3. Where open or spaced wood veneers (without concealed spaces) are used, they shall not project more than 24 inches (610 mm) from the building wall."
10. Revise Section 1404.7 to read:
"1404.7 Anchored stone veneer.
Anchored stone veneer units not exceeding 10 inches (254 mm) in thickness shall be anchored directly to masonry, concrete or to metal stud construction by corrosion-resistant clips or anchors located in the edge or back of the units. Veneer anchors shall be capable of resisting a force equal to two times the weight of the attached veneer in tension and compression."
11. Delete Section 1404.8.
12. Revise Section 1404.9 to read:
"1404.9 Terra cotta.
Terra cotta or ceramic units not less than 1 5/8 inches (41 mm) thick shall be anchored directly to masonry, concrete or metal stud construction. The facing shall be tied to the backing with corrosion-resistant metal anchors. The veneer anchors shall have sufficient strength to support twice the weight of the veneer in tension."
13. Revise Section 1404.10.1.2.1 to read:
"1404.10.1.2.1 Flashing at foundation.
A corrosion-resistant screed or flashing shall be installed to extend below the foundation plate line on exterior stud walls in accordance with Section 1404.4. The water-resistive barrier shall lap over the exterior of the attachment flange of the screed or flashing."
14. Revise Section 1404.10.2 to read:
"1404.10.2 Exterior adhered masonry veneers- porcelain tile.
Adhered porcelain tile units shall not exceed 5/8 inch (15.8 mm) thickness and 24 inches (610 mm) in any face dimension nor more than 3 square feet (0.28 m2) in total face area and shall not weigh more than 9 pounds psf (0.43 kN/m2). Porcelain tile shall be adhered to a backing system."
15. Revise Section 1404.11 to read:
"1404.11 Metal veneers.
Veneers of metal shall be fabricated from corrosion-resistant materials or shall be protected front and back with porcelain enamel, or otherwise be treated to render the metal resistant to corrosion."
16. Revise Section 1404.11.1 to read:
"1404.11.1 Attachment.
Exterior metal veneer shall be securely attached to the supporting masonry or framing members with corrosion- resistant fastenings, metal ties or by other approved devices or methods. Such attachments and their supports shall be designed and constructed to resist the wind loads as specified in Section 1609 for components and cladding."
17. Revise Section 1404.11.2 to read:
"1404.11.2 Weather protection.
Metal supports for exterior metal veneer shall be corrosion-resistant. Wood studs, furring strips or other wood supports for exterior metal veneer shall be pressure-treated wood or protected as required in Section 1402.2. Joints and edges exposed to the weather shall be caulked with durable waterproofing material or by other approved means to prevent penetration of moisture."
18. Delete Section 1404.12.3.
19. Revise Section 1404.12.4.1 to read:
"1404.12.4.1 Installation above sidewalk level.
Where thin exterior structural glass veneer is installed above the level of the top of a bulkhead facing, or at a level more than 36 inches (914 mm) above the sidewalk level, the mastic cement binding shall be supplemented with nonferrous metal shelf angles located in the horizontal joints in every course. Such shelf angles shall be not less than 0.0478-inch (1.2 mm) thick and not less than 2 inches (51 mm) long, with not less than two angles for each glass unit. Shelf angles shall be secured to the wall or backing with expansion bolts, toggle bolts or by other approved methods."
20. Revise Section 1404.12.5 to read:
"1404.12.5 Joints.
Unless otherwise specifically approved by the building official, abutting edges of thin exterior structural glass veneer shall be ground square. Horizontal joints shall be held to not less than 0.063 inch (1.6 mm) by a nonrigid substance or device. Where thin exterior structural glass veneer abuts nonresilient material at sides or top, expansion joints not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) wide shall be provided."
21. Revise Section 1404.12.6 by replacing "sidewalk" with "ground."
22. Revise Section 1404.13.1 to read:
"1404.13.1 Installation.
Windows and doors shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s written instructions or an engineering analysis. Fastener size and spacing shall be provided in such instructions and shall be calculated based on maximum loads and spacing used in the test or analysis."
23. Revise Section 1404.14 and its subsections to read:
"1404.14 Vinyl siding.
Vinyl siding conforming to the requirements of this section and complying with ASTM D3679 shall be permitted on exterior walls of buildings where the building height is less than or equal to 45 feet (13 716 mm). Vinyl siding shall be secured to the building so as to provide weather protection for the exterior walls of the building.
1404.14.1 Application.
The siding shall be applied over sheathing or materials listed in Section 2304.6. Siding shall be applied to conform to the water-resistive barrier requirements in Section 1402. Siding and accessories shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s written instructions. Unless otherwise specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, nails used to fasten the siding and accessories shall have a minimum 0.313-inch (7.9 mm) head diameter and 1/8-inch (3.18 mm) shank diameter. The nails shall be corrosion resistant and shall be long enough to penetrate the studs or nailing strip not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm). For cold-formed steel light-frame construction, corrosion-resistant fasteners shall be used. Screw fasteners shall penetrate the cold-formed steel framing not fewer than three exposed threads. Other fasteners shall be installed in accordance with the permitted construction documents and manufacturer’s instructions. Where the siding is installed horizontally, the fastener spacing shall not exceed 16 inches (406 mm) horizontally and 12 inches (305 mm) vertically. Where the siding is installed vertically, the fastener spacing shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm) horizontally and 12 inches (305 mm) vertically."
24. Revise Section 1404.16 to read:
"1404.16 Fiber-cement siding.
Fiber-cement siding complying with Section 1403.10 shall be allowed on exterior walls of Type I, II, III, IV and V construction for wind pressure resistance or wind speed exposures as indicated by the manufacturer’s listing and label and installation instructions. Where specified, the siding shall be installed over sheathing or materials listed in Section 2304.6 and shall be installed to conform to the water-resistive barrier requirements in Section 1402. Siding and accessories shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Unless otherwise specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, nails used to fasten the siding to wood studs shall be corrosion- resistant round head smooth shank and shall be long enough to penetrate the studs not less than 1 inch (25 mm). For cold-formed steel light-frame construction, corrosion-resistant fasteners shall be used. Screw fasteners shall penetrate the cold-formed steel framing not fewer than three exposed full threads. Other fasteners shall be installed in accordance with the permitted construction documents and manufacturer’s instructions."
25. Revise Sections 1404.16.1 and 1404.16.2 by deleting "approved."
26. Revise Section 1404.17 by deleting "approved."
27. Delete Section 1404.18.
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 63)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-14-1405 Combustible materials on the exterior side of exterior walls.
14B-14-1405 Combustible materials on the exterior side of exterior walls.
The provisions of Section 1405 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 1405.1.1 to read:
"1405.1.1 Types I, II, III and IV construction.
On buildings of Types I, II, III and IV construction, exterior wall coverings shall be permitted to be constructed of combustible materials, complying with the following limitations:
1. Combustible exterior wall coverings shall not exceed 10 percent of an exterior wall surface area where the fire separation distance is 15 feet (4572 mm) or less.
2. Combustible exterior wall coverings shall be limited to 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above grade plane.
Exceptions:
1. Metal composite material (MCM) systems complying with Section 1406.
2. Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) complying with Section 1407.
3. High-pressure decorative exterior-grade compact laminate (HPL) systems complying with Section 1408.
4. Exterior wall coverings containing foam plastic insulation complying with Section 2603.
3. [Reserved.]
4. Wood veneers shall comply with this section and Section 1404.5."
2. Revise Sections 1405.1.1.1.1 and 1405.1.1.1.2 to read:
"1405.1.1.1.1 Fire separation 15 feet or less.
Where installed on exterior walls having a fire separation distance of 15 feet (4572 mm) or less, combustible exterior wall coverings shall not exhibit sustained flaming as defined in NFPA 268.
1405.1.1.1.2 Fire separation greater than 15 feet.
For fire separation distances greater than 15 feet ( 4572 mm), any exterior wall covering shall be allowed that has been exposed to a reduced level of incident radiant heat flux in accordance with the NFPA 268 test method without exhibiting sustained flaming. The minimum fire separation distance required for the exterior wall covering shall be determined from Table 1405.1.1.1.2 based on the maximum tolerable level of incident radiant heat flux that does not cause sustained flaming of the exterior wall covering."
3. Revise Table 1405.1.1.1.2 by deleting all entries for a fire separation distance of 15 feet or less, and revising the entry for "16" feet to read "greater than 15."
(Amend Coun. J. 12-14-22, p. 58278, Art. III, § 7)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-14-1406 Metal composite materials (MCM).
14B-14-1406 Metal composite materials (MCM).
The provisions of Section 1406 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. In provisions adopted by reference, reset the following term in italic type: "MCM system."
2. Revise Section 1406.5 to read:
"1406.5 Approval.
Results of tests or an engineering analysis shall be submitted to the building official as part of the construction documents to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Chapter 16 for wind loads."
3. Revise Section 1406.7 by deleting "approved."
4. Revise Section 1406.10.2 by replacing "an approved" with "a."
5. Revise item 1 in Section 1406.10.3 to read:
"1. The MCM system has passed tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 286 and the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.1.1, UL 1040 or UL 1715. Such testing shall be performed with the MCM in the maximum thickness intended for use. The MCM system shall include seams, joints and other typical details used in the installation and shall be tested in the manner intended for use."
6. Revise Section 1406.11 and its subsections to read:
"1406.11 Alternate conditions.
Where approved by the building official, MCM and MCM systems shall not be required to comply with Sections 1406.10.1 through 1406.10.4 provided that such systems comply with Section 1406.11.1.
1406.11.1 Installations up to 40 feet in height.
MCM shall not be installed more than 40 feet (12 190 mm) in height above grade plane where installed in accordance with Sections 1406.11.1.1 and 1406.11.1.2.
1406.11.1.1 Fire separation distance of 15 feet or less.
Where the fire separation distance is 15 feet ( 4572 mm) or less, the area of MCM shall not exceed 10 percent of the exterior wall surface.
1406.11.1.2 Fire separation distance greater than 15 feet.
Where the fire separation distance is greater than 15 feet ( 4572 mm), the area of exterior wall surface coverage using MCM shall not be limited."
7. Delete Section 1406.11.2 and its subsections.
8. Delete Section 1406.11.3 and its subsections.
9. Delete Table 1406.11.3.4.
10. Delete Section 1406.11.4 and its subsections.
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-14-1407 Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS).
14B-14-1407 Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS).
The provisions of Section 1407 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 1407.4.1 and its subsections to read:
"1407.4.1 Drainage.
EIFS without drainage (barrier-type) shall not be permitted. EIFS shall have an average minimum drainage efficiency of 90 percent when tested in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E2273. Details of the required drainage mechanisms shall be provided on the construction documents.
1407.4.1.1 Water-resistive barrier.
The water-resistive barrier shall comply with Section 1403.2 or ASTM E2570."
2. Revise Section 1407.5 to read:
"1407.5 Installation.
Installation of the EIFS shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions."
3. Delete Section 1407.6.
(Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 64; Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 32180, Art. II, § 23)
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-14-1408 High-pressure decorative exterior-grade compact laminates (HPL).
14B-14-1408 High-pressure decorative exterior-grade compact laminates (HPL).
The provisions of Section 1408 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications:
1. Revise Section 1408.1 to read:
"1408.1 General.
The provisions of this section shall govern the materials, construction and quality of High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates (HPL) for use as exterior wall coverings in addition to other applicable requirements of Chapters 14 and 16."
2. Revise Section 1408.5 to read:
"1408.5 Approval.
Results of tests or an engineering analysis shall be submitted to the building official with the construction documents to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Chapter 16 for wind loads."
3. Revise Section 1408.7 by deleting "approved."
4. Revise Section 1408.10.2 by replacing "an approved" with "a."
5. Revise Section 1408.10.3 by replacing "is specifically approved based on" with "has passed."
6. Revise Section 1408.11 and its subsections to read:
"1408.11 Alternate conditions.
Where approved by the building official, HPL and HPL systems shall not be required to comply with Section 1408.10.4 provided that such systems comply with Section 1408.11.1.
1408.11.1 Installations up to 40 feet in height.
HPL shall not be installed more than 40 feet (12 190 mm) in height above grade plane where installed in accordance with Sections 1408.11.1.1 and 1408.11.1.2.
1408.11.1.1 Fire separation distance of 15 feet or less.
Where the fire separation distance is 15 feet (4572 mm) or less, the area of HPL shall not exceed 10 percent of the exterior wall surface.
1408.11.1.2 Fire separation distance greater than 15 feet.
Where the fire separation distance is greater than 15 feet (4572 mm), the area of exterior wall surface coverage using HPL shall not be limited."
7. Delete Section 1408.11.2 and its subsections.
8. Revise Section 1408.13 to read:
"1408.13 Foam plastic insulation.
HPL systems containing foam plastic insulation shall comply with the requirements of Section 2603."
Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-14-1409 Plastic composite decking.
14B-14-1409 Plastic composite decking.
The provisions of Section 1409 of IBC are adopted by reference without modification.
Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2665806Fetched: 10/24/2026