Building Safety in Springfield, IL (2026)
7 verified building safety rules for Springfield, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Elevator Maintenance
Springfield's elevator code requires every existing elevator in the city to be kept in a safe, operable condition at all times under City Code § 174.11.05. The Department of Building and Zoning enforces the standard alongside the adopted ASME A17.1, A17.3 and A18.1 elevator and escalator safety codes, backed by daily fines for noncompliance.
Springfield Elevator Maintenance Standard
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 174.11.05 (Ord. No. 838-11-07, § 1(Exh. A), 11-20-07)
All existing elevators must be maintained in a safe, operable condition.
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Springfield adopted the 2012 International Residential Code but struck the code's automatic fire sprinkler mandates. Sec. 170.10.03(e) deletes IRC Sections R313.1 and R313.2, so the city does not require sprinkler systems in new townhouses or one- and two-family dwellings, unlike jurisdictions that keep the full IRC intact.
Springfield Opts Out of Home Sprinkler Mandate
Few RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 170.10.03(e) (Ord. No. 826-12-06, § 1(Exh. A), 12-19-06; Ord. No. 409-11-13, § 1(Exh. A), 11-19-13)
(e)The following are deleted from the International Residential Code: Section R105.2 Work exempt from permit Section R112 Board of Appeals Section R313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems Section R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire (sprinkler) systems Section R501.3 Fire protection of floors Chapter 11 Energy Efficiency
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Multi-dwelling buildings covered by Springfield's fire-alarm rules also have to carry carbon monoxide detectors: Sec. 94.35(e) ties the requirement to the state's Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act (430 ILCS 135) and to the 2018 International Fire and Building Code, enforced by the Springfield Fire Safety Division alongside the rest of Sec. 94.35's alarm-system standards.
Springfield Multi-Dwelling CO Detector Rule
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 94.35(a), (e) (Ord. No. 190-04-06, § 1(Exh. A), 4-4-06; Ord. No. 489-07-07, § 1(Exh. A), 7-17-07; Ord. No. 056-02-23, § 1(Exh. A), 2-21-23)
(a)All newly constructed multi-dwelling units or any existing multi-dwelling units which meet any of the following criteria, shall require a fire alarm system following the specifications of section (b) below:(1)Thirteen dwelling units or more.(2)Four stories or more (a story equals any level with more than 50% of its height above any perimeter grade, measured interior ceiling to floor).(3)Thre...
Building Permits
Springfield requires a building permit for construction, alteration or equipment work under the adopted 2012 International Building, Residential and Existing Building Codes unless the work falls into one of the specific exemptions listed in Sec. 170.10.22, such as small accessory sheds, low fixtures or cheap remodeling.
When Springfield Requires a Building Permit
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 170.10.22(a) (Ord. No. 826-12-06, § 1(Exh. A), 12-19-06; Ord. No. 131-4-11, § 1, 4-6-11)
(a)A building permit shall not be required for the following:(1)One-story, detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the projected floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. (See zoning ordinance requirements.)(3)Cases, counters and other similar fixtures and non-permanent partitions not over six feet high. Location of such fixtures and...
Electrical Permits
Springfield enforces the 2017 National Electrical Code by reference under City Code § 172.10.03, adopted through the city's home-rule power, and the most restrictive rule wins if the NEC, state law or the local chapter conflict. Section 172.10.10 requires an electrical permit from the Department of Building and Zoning before any wiring work starts, with narrow exemptions like portable cord-and-plug appliances or low-voltage signal circuits.
Springfield Electrical Permit and NEC Adoption
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances § 172.10.03 (Ord. No. 826-12-06, § 1(Exh. A), 12-19-06; Ord. No. 056-02-23, § 1(Exh. A), 2-21-23)
The National Electrical Code (NEC), 2017 Edition as copyrighted by the National Fire Protection Association is hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference pursuant to the authority of 65 ILCS 5/1-3-1 through 5/1-3-6 and pursuant to the power granted to the city by the home rule provisions of the Illinois Constitution of 1970. In the event any of the provisions of the National Electrical...
Plumbing Permits
Springfield adopts the current edition of the Illinois State Plumbing Code by reference under City Code § 171.10.03, using its home-rule authority, though any stricter city ordinance still controls over the state code. No plumbing work can be built, installed, repaired, removed or remodeled without a permit from the Department of Building and Zoning under § 171.10.07, and permits run a minimum of $20 plus itemized per-fixture fees.
Springfield Plumbing Permit and Code Rules
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances § 171.10.03 (Ord. No. 826-12-06, § 1(Exh. A), 12-19-06)
(a) The Illinois State Plumbing Code (ISPC), current edition, promulgated pursuant to authority granted by the Illinois Plumbing Licensing Law, (225 ILCS 320/0.01 et seq.), and any future amendments thereto are hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference pursuant to the authority of the Illinois Compiled Laws, 65 ILCS 5/1-3-1 through 5/1-3-6 inclusive and pursuant to the power granted t...
Building Inspections
Every stage of permitted construction work in Springfield must be inspected before it's covered up. Sec. 170.10.06(a) requires the contractor to notify the Building and Zoning Department, which must inspect within two working days, and imposes a re-inspection fee if a third inspection is needed because of the contractor's own errors.
Springfield Building Inspection Process and Fees
Some RestrictionsSpringfield, IL Code of Ordinances Sec. 170.10.06(a) (Ord. No. 826-12-06, § 1(Exh. A), 12-19-06; Ord. No. 377-10-11, § 1(Exh. A), 10-18-11)
(a)Building inspections.(1)The owner or titleholder of record of the building or property or person committing the violation shall be responsible for violations cited by the building inspector.(2)Upon completion of each portion of the permitted work, the permittee shall notify the department, which shall inspect the work within two working days after notice is given. When any equipment or work ...
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