Cook County considers new building standards

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Peter Silvestri have introduced an ordinance to bring the county's building code in line with international standards.

The proposed new code would apply to building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits issued for projects in unincorporated areas of Cook County by the Department of Building and Zoning.

Preckwinkle said the county's current building code is significantly outdated, and the proposed new standards are expected to encourage more economic development in unincorporated areas.

The specific international standards proposed are the 2009 National Electric Code, 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, 2009 International Building Code, 2009 International Residential Code and 2012 International Mechanical Code.

The ordinance is expected to be on the board agenda for approval at its November meeting.