Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department Of Buildings Celebrate Passage of Phase 3 of the Construction Codes Modernization

CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) are celebrating the passage of Phase 3 of the Chicago Construction Codes Modernization Initiative by the Chicago City Council. This comprehensive package of code amendments is a significant step towards Mayor Johnson's Cut the Tape Initiative and reflects his administration's commitment to creating a safe and affordable city.

Mayor Johnson expressed his excitement about this milestone, stating, "This is what cutting the tape looks like. Modern, safe, and energy-efficient buildings are crucial for the future we are building for every Chicago neighborhood. Phase 3 delivers on that future by removing unnecessary barriers to responsible development and creating real opportunities for housing growth."

The DOB Commissioner Marlene Hopkins also shared her pride in this achievement, saying, "For too long, discussions about housing affordability and development have been framed as a choice between flexibility and safety. This ordinance puts that false choice to rest, proving that affordability and safety can and should be complementary goals."

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The practical impact of this package is immediate and significant for developers, builders, and communities across Chicago. It updates five code areas - mechanical, fuel gas, fire prevention, energy, and residential construction - by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers to housing production. This will result in reduced construction costs, support adaptive reuse projects, modernize gas-piping and appliance-safety standards for the first time in 25 years.

One of the most notable provisions is the authorization of interlocking interior exit stairway groups in qualifying residential buildings up to 15 stories. These stair systems maintain two independent means of egress separated by fire-rated construction while also allowing for more efficient floor plans, additional usable living space, improved access to daylight, and greater design flexibility.

Additionally, this package expands residential code flexibilities from four-story to five-story fully sprinklered buildings. This will support adaptive reuse projects, residential conversions, and development on constrained urban sites throughout Chicago while improving project feasibility and reducing per-unit development costs.

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These efficiencies are balanced with safety measures such as sprinkler protection, fire-rated construction, and multiple means of egress to ensure that the modern regulatory framework supports housing affordability, economic development, and neighborhood investment without compromising public safety.

Phase 3 of the Construction Codes Modernization Initiative was introduced to City Council on April 15, 2026. The full summary of updates can be found in the introductory release, and the complete ordinance is available for review on the City Clerk's website. This initiative marks a significant step towards creating a safer and more affordable city for all residents.

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