HOME AND RENTAL UNIT INSPECTIONS

The West Chicago Housing Code requires the issuance of an occupancy permit every time property changes hands either by sale or rental.  The first step in compliance is for the owner or property agent to schedule an inspection of the property. If the premises fail to comply with all the provisions of the housing code the violations will need to be corrected before a Certificate of Compliance can be issued. After compliance the Application for Occupancy form is filled out by the new owner or tenant and if all is in order the occupancy permit is issued. The following list describes the typical provisions of the housing code that the inspector will check when your home or apartment is inspected.

• Are there structural faults with walls, doors or windows?
• Does the exterior of the house have loose or rotting materials?
• Is the yard filled with accumulations of rubbish?
• Is the electric service adequately sized, labeled and properly grounded inside and out?
• Are Ground Fault Outlets installed in the kitchen, bath, garage and where required?
• Does the water heater have a temperature and pressure relief valve, overflow pipe, and proper vent?
• Does the sump pump discharge outdoors?
• Does the water system have proper back flow prevention?
• Does the furnace have proper combustion air and a proper vent?
• If there a smoke detector on every floor?
• Are the closet lights installed properly for fire protection?
• Are there hand and guard rails where needed?

This list is not all inclusive but should give the homeowner a good idea of what the inspection is about.  The final inspection requirement is to have the dwelling unit measured for maximum occupancy. The BOCA Property Maintenance Code has standards for habitable space based on square footage of bedrooms and living/dining areas. Using these nationally recognized standards will enable the inspector to determine the maximum occupant load for your house.

Basement bedrooms will not normally be allowed due to lack of a proper exit, adequate ceiling height or adequate window area.  Some individuals find the BOCA standards too
restrictive and others see them as not restrictive enough, but these standards are recognizable legal occupancy restraints used in the court system. They also are the national standards recognized by HUD.

As a seller or landlord of property please advise the buyers or renters of the maximum occupant load. The Application for Occupancy, which requires the names and relationship of prospective new occupants, will be used to compare to the maximum load allowable to prevent over crowding situations.