Building Codes

The City of Mt. Vernon follows building codes to help keep construction projects safe and meet quality standards. These rules apply to most buildings in the city.

What Codes Do We Follow?
We use a set of national and state codes to make sure buildings are built safely. These include:

• International Building Code (IBC) 2006 Edition
• International Existing Building code (IEBC) 2006 Edition
• International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2006 Edition
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2006 Edition
• International Fire Code (IFC) 2006 Edition
• National Electric Code (NEC) 2008
• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, stricter of 2006 (City) or 2015 (IL State) Edition
• Illinois Energy Conservation Code
• Illinois Plumbing Code
• Illinois Accessibility Code & Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

What You Need to Know:

• These codes must be listed on all construction plans when applying for a building permit.

• Exception: These rules do not apply to one or two-family homes.

• Special requirements for earthquake safety (Seismic Design Category D) must be followed.

Local Ordinances:
You should also follow Mt. Vernon's local building rules:

• Chapter 150, Building
• Chapter 153, Electric
• Chapter 91, Fire
• Chapter 154, Plumbing
• Chapter 50 Public Utilities

Note: You do not have to list these local ordinances on your construction plans.