Berwyn, IL Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Chapter 1422 of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances adopts by reference the most current edition of the Illinois Plumbing Code for the plumbing and drainage of all buildings and premises in the city. The Berwyn City Council did not stop at the state text. Section 1422.01(B) adds a WaterSense amendment: every new plumbing fixture and irrigation controller installed after the amendment took effect must bear the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense label, as long as labeled fixtures are available. The amendment is framed by the Illinois Plumbing Code (77 Ill. Admin. Code 890) and the Lawn Irrigation Contractor and Lawn Sprinkler System Registration Code (77 Ill. Admin. Code 892).

The sharpest local rule is the material restriction in divisions (C) and (D). Berwyn prohibits chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), cross linked polyethylene (PEX), polybutylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for water service or the domestic water distribution system of any building. The only carve-out is for conveying distilled or deionized water. Division (C) separately prohibits polyethylene and polybutylene joints and fittings, whether solvent-welded, fusion-welded, compression, insert, metal clamp and screw or threaded, for the same use.

Section 1422.04 adds a narrow allowance: PVC gasket pipe, such as SDR26 and the classification prescribed in ASTM D-1784, is allowed for underground use only, and any question about whether a particular PVC gasket pipe qualifies is decided by the Director of Public Works, whose decision is final. Section 1422.02 requires two copies of the code and its local amendments on file with the City Clerk and at least one with the Director of Buildings, open to public inspection from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays.

Under § 1422.03, a conflict between the Illinois Plumbing Code or its local amendment and the rest of Berwyn's Building and Housing Code is resolved in favor of the plumbing code and amendment. That is the reverse of the electrical chapter, where the local provision wins. The permit trigger sits in the Building Code: § 1443.01(A)(5) requires a permit before anyone installs or alters equipment the code regulates, and § 1441.03(C) excludes replacing or relocating water supply, sewer, drainage, soil, waste or vent piping from ordinary repairs.