Berwyn, IL Building Safety: Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed (2026)

Chapter 1458 of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances puts scaffolding under a permit system administered by the Building Department. Under § 1458.03(A), the building's owner must obtain a scaffolding permit before scaffolding work begins, with a separate permit for each building. A permit is effective for six months from issuance, costs $25 for contractors and is free for homeowners, and a new permit and application are required when it expires. The definition in § 1458.01 exempts scaffolding erected by the owner of record of a property that owner occupies. Aerial buckets, one-person harnesses and ladders used singly are not scaffolding.

The application under § 1458.03(B) must include a complete schedule of prospective scaffolding work for the six-month period, and work not on the schedule needs an amended permit first. Applicants also give the owner's name, the address, the work periods, the nature of the work, the type and size of the scaffolding and an emergency telephone number. The owner keeps a copy of the permit on site and produces it for city personnel. In an emergency, the Building Director can approve scaffolding without a permit, but an application is due within two business days.

Section 1458.04 adds three operator requirements. Every person who helps erect, maintain or use scaffolding needs proof of an approved scaffolding safety training course. The operator must carry liability insurance from an insurer authorized in Illinois, of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence, naming the City of Berwyn and its officials, officers, employees and agents as additional insureds. And the operator must post a bond in an amount set by the Building Director. A permit can be revoked for any violation of that section.

Section 1458.02 sets the physical rules. Scaffolding must protect people working on, passing under and passing by it, and must follow accepted engineering practice and manufacturer's specifications, including ANSI A10.8-2001. Scaffolding expected to be unoccupied for more than two hours must be securely attached to the building. Under § 1458.06, tools and articles cannot be left where they can fall into a street, sidewalk or alley from more than four feet.