codes
Standards
Building codes set a minimum acceptable level of safety and performance to protect public health, safety and welfare. Regulated components of building construction and occupancy include requirements for structure, egress and fire safety, accessibility, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and energy conservation. To create this integrity, architects, engineers and builders depend on established building codes—accepted industry standards, practices and methods—to guide them in their work. Beyond the minimum requirements, there are examples of government bodies and design practitioners adopting aspirational guidelines to affect a higher quality of life through the expectations they place on all building projects.
Building Safety
AIA Illinois supports the adoption of model codes to ensure building safety and timely review and revision to account for changing needs, advances in building methods and available technology.
Higher Standards
AIA Illinois believes that our codes and standards should support, encourage and provide leadership in high performance buildings, the efficient use of our energy resources, and sustainable community design. AIA Illinois believes that we need to encourage the expanded accessibility of buildings to provide for people with disabilities and the aging population.
Clarity and Consistency
AIA Illinois advocates for comprehensive, coordinated, contemporary and consistent building codes and standards throughout the State of Illinois, and therefore, endorses the conclusions of the Illinois Task Force on Uniform Building Codes that overwhelmingly recommended that the General Assembly adopt a uniform, comprehensive, statewide code.