The city of Chicago has recently implemented new changes to its building code. The changes were adopted by the Chicago City Council in April 2019 and are slowly being implemented over time. The new 2019 Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code became optional on December 1, 2019, and later mandatory for permit applications starting on August 1, 2020.
While cities may have different regulations and codes, it is important to note that the building code is the primary source in Chicago as it pertains to interior signage. Most signage issues in the City are controlled by the building code.
Some of the most significant changes to the update involve maximum occupancy signs, stairway identification signs, luminous egress path markings, and fire exit signs. In this blog post, we will unpack these different areas and go over what has changed.
Please note that these changes solely apply within the city limits of Chicago.
1. Maximum Occupancy Signs
Maximum occupancy signs state the maximum amount of people permitted in a room or area at any time. Under section 14A-8-802.4 of the City’s administrative code, these signs require gothic, bold type, with red text on white background. Each sign must read:
“OCCUPANCY BY MORE THAN ____ PERSONS IS
DANGEROUS AND UNLAWFUL
BUILDING COMMISSIONER
CITY OF CHICAGO”
Each sign can be customized to specify the number of occupants allowed. With Chicago maximum occupancy signs from HOTELSIGNS.com, it’s easy to keep your hotel safe and compliant with the updated building code!
2. Stairway IDs
Old high rise building stairway IDs are now superseded by the new building code, so building owners should now defer to the new 2019 Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code. Under the new Chicago code, section 1023.9 of the adopted IBC codifies the new Interior Stairway ID specifications.
Under the new code, stairway identification signs are required in any building more than three stories and should be accompanied by a floor-level sign that also identifies the floor level. The stairway identification signage should designate “the floor level, the terminus of the top and bottom of the interior exit stairway and ramp and the identification of the stairway or ramp, and the story of, and the direction to, the exit discharge and the availability of roof access from the interior exit stairway and ramp for the fire department.”
3. Luminous Egress Path Markings
While Chicago has chosen to not adopt luminous egress path markings, under 14B-10-1025, they are still an option for buildings, should they choose. HOTELSIGNS.com sells directional, emergency exit, street, and lobby photoluminescent signs for your convenience.
4. Fire Exit Signs
Under the new code, Chicago has removed any requirement of “In Case of Fire…” and “In Fire Emergency…” language, but instead, deferring to a less particularized expression of directional information in such a case. Chicago business owners are now able to use whichever fire sign they prefer.
Shop ‘In Case of Fire’ and ‘In Fire Emergency’ signs from HOTELSIGNS.com today!
Chicago Business and Hotel Owners
Chicago building owners: we hope that these explanations give you a better picture of the changes under Chicago’s new building code. You can find all the Chicago-compliant signs you need at HOTELSIGNS.com. If you have any further questions about whether your hotel is in compliance with relevant building codes, please do not hesitate to reach out to the staff at HOTELSIGNS.com today! Our in-house team of signage experts and Regulation Compliance Specialists ensure our customers are in full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. We go above and beyond to make sure your needs are addressed.