MAYOR'S MESSAGE - Village of Palos Park, Illinois

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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.
A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 3 P A G E 5 Biking Palos Helping to Promote an Active & Healthy Lifestyle for All Ages! Enclosed with this newsletter is a brochure on bicycling information for the Palos area produced by the Village with the Model Communities grant funds. It contains a map, safety tips, and organization contacts. The map shows three miles of on-street bike routes where signs have been placed to guide you to the Village Hall, Library, Metra train stations, schools, parks, and nearby local trails. It also shows two new trails that are planned, one parallel to the Cal Sag Canal and one along LaGrange Road south of Creek Road, with both scheduled to begin construction in 2013. Enjoy the best of bicycling - in the Palos area By following these bicycle routes and paths you and your family can safely explore the Village of Palos Park and surrounding areas. The Palos area has many facilities and destinations for fun and safe bicycle riding with more being planned and constructed. Palos offers low-volume, picturesque country lanes for your riding pleasure along with direct connections to trails through thousands of acres of Cook County Forest Preserves with outstanding educational and recreational facilities. You can download county trail maps online at www.fpdcc.com/maps Many governmental agencies are involved in promoting bicycling as a better way to commute, exercise, recreate, and tour the region including the Village of Palos Park, the Southwest Conference of Mayors, and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning; all of whom have recently adopted bike plans. There is also a group of dedicated volunteers, known as the Palos Park Pedalers, whose mission is to advocate bicycling safety and more bikeway facilities. The Pedalers have a questionnaire online to find out your interests in bicycling. You can participate by downloading this survey at http://palospark.org/pdf/PalosParkPedalers.pdf. For more information, please contact palosparkpedalers@palospark.org or call 708-671-3700. More brochure copies are available at the Village offices. Take one with you to plan your next bicycle riding adventure! Payment Convenience The Village accepts various forms of payment for Building and Demolition Permits, Right-of-Way, Landscape or Demolition Bonds and for Zoning Board of Appeals and Plan Commission Petitions; fees may be paid by Cash, or Check or Money Order and made payable to the Village of Palos Park. For Contractor Registration ONLY - fees may be paid by Cash, Check, Money Order, or Credit Card – Visa, Master Card, and Discover Card are accepted. The Village’s NSF Policy, in cases of Non-Sufficient Funds, in addition to the original amount a fee of $35 is charged, the entire amount is payable by Cash or Money Order ONLY. If you have any questions about payment methods, please contact either the Building Department at 708-671-3730 or the Cashier at 708-671-3700, prior to payment to avoid any unnecessary delay.
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MAYOR'S MESSAGE - Village of Palos Park, Illinois

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