MAYOR'S MESSAGE - Village of Palos Park, Illinois

P A G E 4
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
THREE CODE UPDATES
ENERGY
In the January newsletter, we talked about ways to reduce fossil fuel use by retrofitting existing
buildings with solar and geothermal heating and electricity generation. Another way forward to
environmental sustainability is constructing buildings that are more energy efficient. The Village
has adopted the 2012 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code, replacing the 2009
edition previously adopted. The main updates include:
Insulation will be R-20 in exterior walls, R-49 in attics, R-15 on foundations
G. Darryl Reed
Insulation wrap around hot water lines
Commissioner
Sealed ductwork and furnaces
of Building &
No ductwork in exterior walls
Public Property
Outside air infiltration seal tests
The projected savings in energy consumption as a result of these code updates at the national
level will be billions of dollars and millions of pounds of carbon dioxide. At the homeowner level, it is expected that
the new code will reduce electric and gas bills 18% to 22%.
ELECTRICAL
The Village has also adopted the 2011 edition of the National Electrical Code, replacing the 2005 edition previously
adopted. The main updates include:
AFCI-type breakers are to be used for areas other than kitchen and bathrooms, which shut down circuits where
arc faults are detected. (GFCI-type breakers are still required for kitchen and bathroom areas, which shut down
circuits where overloads are detected.)
Tamper resistant-type outlets are to be used in dwelling units.
T-type outlets are to be used if outlets are to be located on countertops.
Conduit raceways are be moisture sealed.
Unsealed can lights are prohibited.
Carbon monoxide detectors are required on each level of new homes and within fifteen feet of bedroom doors.
The projected improvements in fire safety as a result of these code updates at the national level will save thousands
of lives and millions of dollars in property damage. At the homeowner level, it is expected that fires will be reduced by
over 50%.
These new codes apply to new construction and large remodeling jobs, not existing buildings where little or no
remodeling is being done. There will be no increase in cost for permits.
CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION
The Village adopted several updates for contractor registration in Chapter 804 of the Village Code. The main
requirements include:
Completing the Contractor Registration Application.
Signing the Construction Conduct Form that includes a hold harmless agreement.
Providing a Certificate of Insurance showing general comprehensive liability coverage of at least $300,000.
Paying an annual fee of $80, or a $45 fee option of either of two partial year registration periods - January 1
through June 30 or July 1 through December 31.
This new streamlined process removes the Village requirement for a contractor bond, automobile and workers
compensation insurance. It also waives the Village registration fee for certain contractors that are regulated by the
State of Illinois including Plumbing Contractors, Irrigation Contractors, Water Well & Pump Installation Contractors and
Private Alarm Contractors.