Green Building Code: Arlington Heights vs Chicago
How do green building code rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL?
Arlington Heights and Chicago have similar restriction levels.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Cook County adopts the Illinois Energy Conservation Code statewide minimum and supplements it with the Cook County Sustainable Building Ordinance for county-owned projects, while many suburbs require LEED, Energy Star, or stretch energy code compliance for private development.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago's Energy Transformation Code MCC Ch. 18-13 (effective 2022) plus the Sustainable Development Policy require electrification readiness, high envelope performance, and green features for projects receiving city financial assistance or zoning bonuses.
View full Chicago rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| State code | Illinois Energy Conservation Code | - |
| Statute | 20 ILCS 3125 | - |
| County standard | LEED Silver county buildings | - |
| Testing | Blower door and duct leakage | - |
| Benchmarking suburbs | Evanston, Oak Park, others | - |
| Energy code chapter | - | MCC Ch. 18-13 |
| Effective | - | 2022 Energy Transformation Code |
| Bonus program | - | Sustainable Development Policy |
| EV readiness | - | Required for new buildings |
| Triggers | - | TIF, PD, zoning bonuses |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Do I need LEED certification for my home?
No. Cook County does not require LEED on private residential projects. You must meet the Illinois Energy Conservation Code, but voluntary green certifications are optional and sometimes incentivized through utility rebates.
Can my suburb require stricter energy rules?
Illinois preempts most local energy codes, but municipalities may adopt stretch goals, benchmarking ordinances, electrification incentives, and sustainability requirements that go beyond minimum IECC compliance through zoning or permit conditions.
Chicago FAQ
Does the Sustainable Development Policy apply to my single-family permit?
No. The policy targets projects receiving city financial assistance or zoning bonuses such as TIF, planned developments, or downtown FAR bonuses. Single-family homes follow the standalone Energy Transformation Code only.
Are gas furnaces banned in new Chicago construction?
Not yet. The 2022 code requires electrification-ready wiring and infrastructure but does not prohibit gas heating. Council has debated stronger restrictions; check current MCC 18-13 amendments before designing.
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