International building codes adopted
Significant
portions of the 2003 International Code Council (ICC) Codes and
the 2002 edition of the National Electrical Codes (NEC) have
been adopted. Among the new regulations are the International
Building Code for commercial buildings, the International
Residential Code for one-and-two-family dwellings, the
International Electrical Code for administering technical
provisions of the National Electrical Code, the International
Energy Conservation Code, the International Fuel Gas Code for
installing fuel/gas heating systems, the International
Mechanical Code for installing heating, ventilation and
air-conditioning systems and the International Fire Code for
fire prevention published by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA). New permit fees also have been implemented,
including senior citizen discounts, lower single-and two-family
buildings rates and discounts for work in historic districts if
the Historic Preservation Commission is consulted. Other
provisions include increases in commercial construction fees,
stiffer penalties for work done without permits and provisions
for how construction sites must be maintained. For more
information, call 358.5430 or email
building@oak-park.us.
Energy code workshop planned
A workshop and technology fair designed to
explain the International Building and Energy Conservation Code
is scheduled for April 22 at Percy Julian Middle School, 416 S.
Ridgeland Ave. Two identical workshops are planned -- the first
from 2 - 4 p.m. and the second from 6 - 8 p.m. A technology
vendor fair featuring local businesses promoting energy
efficient products and services will be held from 4 - 6 p.m. To
attend call 358.5441 or email building@oak-park.us before April
15.
Activities to commemorate Building Safety
Week
In celebration of International Building
Safety Week April 4 - 10, the Building & Property Standards
Department will host an open-house Tuesday and Wednesday, April
6 and 7 at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Homeowners and
do-it-yourselfers are invited to drop by from 7 - 9 p.m., April
6, and contractors from 4 - 6 p.m., April 7. Among the many
activities will be the opportunity to view first-hand some of
the processes involved in permit application and plan reviews.
Educational materials also will be available. For information,
call 358.5430 or email building@oak-park.us.
Housing News
Call 358.5424 or
First time homebuyer’s seminar
A free seminar to help prospective
first-time homebuyers understand loan programs available in Oak
Park is scheduled for 7 - 8:30p.m., Thurs., April 15 in Room
101 at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Financial assistance
programs will be explained and participants will receive a free
packet of helpful information. Pre- registration is required.
Call 358.5408 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us.
Program limits increased
The purchase price limits for the ASSIST
homebuyer program have increased substantially. The new
purchase price limit is $281,250. Income limits have changed to
$69,600 for households of one or two and $80,040 for households
of three or more. The ASSIST program offers a below-market
interest rate on a 30-year mortgage as well as a 4.25 percent
"gift" calculated as a percentage of the amount
borrowed. The "gift" can be used to offset closing
or down payment costs. For more information please call the
Illinois Housing Development Authority at 800.942.8439 or visit
www.ihda.org.
