CONDO OWNERS/BOARD MEMBERS - IMPORTANT NEW RULES FOR 2008!
CHICAGO FACADE RULES RELAXED, ILLINOIS ELEVATORS MUST BE REGISTERED, GREEN ROOF INCENTIVES, MORE . . .
I spotted an article in the Chicago Tribune over the weekend, by reporter Pamela Dittmer McKuen, discussing some important new condo rules and requirements, for Chicago condos and in the Suburbs, in the coming year -
1. In Chicago, owners of condos in high-rise buildings will be getting a big financial break on exterior facade inspections. Just approved by the Chicago City Council, buildings higher than 80 feet will now require facade inspections every eight years, rather than the previous four-year inspection cycle. Only 25% of the non-terra cotta surfaces on condo buildings will now need detailed city inspection, and the number of invasive inspections will be reduced to one per facade, down from two previously. Also, the time interval between ongoing maintenance reports has been increased, depending on the materials used in building construction.
2. Throughout Illinois, all elevators must be registered with the Office of the State Fire Marsall Elevator Safety Division. (Chicago buildings are exempt from state law here; City of Chicago elevators still need to be registered with the city). The deadline was last July 1st - the Grace Period Expires New Year's Day. Mechanical work cannot be done on elevators if not properly registered with the State of Illinois or the City of Chicago. There will also be fines levied for non-compliance. Registration requires a $30 fee per elevator. Find the registration form here.
3. Owners of both residential and commercial buildings in the City of Chicago can receive financial incentive for making their roof surfaces more energy efficient. The Chicago Department of Environment will award grants up as much as $6,000 toward cool roof and green roof installation.
4. An amendment to the Illinois Condominium and Property Act will establish minimum professional standards for Property Managers in Residential Developments. Managers cannot have been convicted of forgery, conspiracy to defraud, embezzlement, or similar felonious offenses. They must also have a basic, knowledge of Residential Condominium Management.
5. Commonwealth Edison Electrical Rate Increases of early 2007 left condo associations paying far higher commercial rates for electricity in their common areas and hallways. New Illinois rules require utilities to provide electrical and gas service to the common areas of residential buildings at no higher than the average residential rate.
6. "Addressing Developer Defects" will be discussed in a free seminar, sponsored by the Illinois Association of Condominium, Townhouse, and Homeowners Associations, scheduled for Thursday, January 17th, 6:30 to 8:00PM, at the Des Plaines City Hall, 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines - just northwest of Chicago. Call 312-987-1906, or click here for reservations or more information.
Enjoy a Happy and Safe New Year's Celebration!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
