2019 Chicago Building Code: What You Need to Know

Fire Alarm and Life Safety May 15, 2020 March 12, 2023

Here we are, May and we are still in partial shutdown. For the past two months there have been no personal customer or vender visitations. Construction continues and new building codes are starting to take effect. If you are not aware, the new 2019 Chicago IBC code was introduced last year with a schedule to fully implement August of 2020.

There is a quiet buzz about the new Chicago code with comments as to whether there are any changes from the old code to the new code.

There are significant changes and ultimately more buildings will be protected under the new 2019 Chicago Building Code “based on the 2018 International Building Code”.

Chicago Building Code and NFPA 72

I am often told that Chicago does not use the NFPA codes. Well, in several sections of the 2019 CHICAGO CODE, NFPA72 is referenced. The opening paragraphs under section 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems, NFPA 72 is referenced:

Fire Alarm shop drawings for fire alarm systems shall be prepared in accordance to NFPA72…
Where required, new buildings and structures: A fire alarm system installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA72 shall be provided in new building..So, if you are not familiar with NFPA72, now is the time to take a refresher course.

All buildings will require a manual detection system with proper notification (NFPA72). Manual stations may be eliminated on the upper floors if the building is sprinklered. The installation of the Manual Stations on the floor of discharge must remain. These stations are not to be removed.

Once a manual or automatic system is installed, proper occupant notification must be provided. This includes the installation of a sprinkler system.

Occupancies greater than 300 people may require a manual system with notification.

Occupancies with 100 people above or below the first floor may require a manual pull station system with proper notification.

Highlights of Changes Effective August 2020

Institutional occupancies will require smoke detectors in all public corridors.
R-1 occupancies 3 stories or greater require a manual system with notification. A smoke detection system is required in interior corridors.
R-2 occupancy 16 dwelling/sleeping units or greater require a manual fire alarm system with notification. There are exceptions to be considered.
Special Amusement buildings require an automatic smoke detection system. Lighting and sound interfaces are required.
High Rise Buildings (80 feet)
- Requires smoke detection around the corridors when elevator lobbies are not partitioned from the corridors.
- Speakers are now required in both the entrance of dwelling units and sleeping units.
High Piled Combustible Storage Areas require an automatic smoke detection system.
Aerosol storage use requires a manual system with notification.
Lumber, wood, and veneer mills require a manual system with notification.
Underground facilities require a smoke control system with notification.
Sound level testing is stated typical of NFPA72
Strobe lights are required per 907.5.2.3 inclusive employee work areas.
E occupancy. Supervised carbon monoxide detectors are to be installed in the classrooms and not just the common areas. These sensors are to report to a supervised attended location.
And, all daycares require a City Tie Box connection.

This summary is not the entire code, this is only a highlight of what is different in the code from past years. There are some exceptions that may apply to your situation. HRSS offers commercial fire and life safety consulting services to evaluate, assess, and provide you with the solutions you need for safety and compliance. The Chicago Building Code is now available at various sources.

The entire staff at HRSS is available for your support and to discuss the new Chicago Building Code with you first-hand. Contact us to see how the new Chicago Code affects you and with any questions regarding compliance.

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Reasonable Bids and High Quality Work

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group.

- Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:27:09+00:00

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group. - Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/reasonable-bids-high-quality-work/

Always Responsive & Fair Pricing

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS.

Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:42:47+00:00

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS. Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/always-responsive-fair-pricing/

Trusted Notifier Partner

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs.

Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:45:20+00:00

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs. Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/trusted-notifier-partner/

Thanks for making this project a success

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project.

Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise.

Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent

Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent

Nick U. ECI Superintendent

Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

High Rise Security Systems

2016-11-11T14:06:54+00:00

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project. Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise. Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent Nick U. ECI Superintendent Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/thanks-making-project-success/

You guys did an outstanding job!

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff.

You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Dave R
Senior Project Manager

High Rise Security Systems

2017-01-09T14:53:11+00:00

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff. You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future. Dave R Senior Project Manager

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/guys-outstanding-job/

Battaglia Industries

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs.

-Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

High Rise Security Systems

2020-09-28T12:28:31+00:00

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs. -Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/battaglia-industries/

High Rise Security Systems