Chicago's Critical Examination Ordinance MCC 13-196 requires periodic structural inspection of exterior elevated wood elements including porches, decks, and balconies, adopted after the 2003 Wrigleyville porch collapse killed thirteen people.
Following the June 2003 Lincoln Park apartment porch collapse that killed 13 and injured 57, Chicago overhauled wood-porch construction and inspection rules. MCC 13-196 (Critical Examination) and the porch construction provisions of Ch. 14B require licensed-architect or structural-engineer inspection of exterior elevated wood walking surfaces on multi-unit buildings on a recurring schedule, with findings filed with the Department of Buildings. The construction code mandates pressure-treated lumber, through-bolted ledger connections, robust guardrails, and reduced live-load assumptions tied to occupancy. Building owners must repair deficiencies promptly and post signage limiting porch occupancy. Inspection cycles depend on structure type and prior findings.
Failure to inspect or repair triggers fines up to $5,000 per violation per day under MCC 13-196 and 14A-1-105, building court action, vacate orders, and personal liability for porch failures.
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