This first of its kind for the rural area, the codes adoption is a groundbreaking motion that will cultivate a safe, sound and sensible community for Whiteside County. The adoption process began in July 2015 when the county board appointed an ad hoc committee to review the options of enforcing uniform building codes in the unincorporated areas of the County. As a participant of the 2015 Northwest Illinois Building Code project, Whiteside County needed to reconfigure after the creator of the project resigned. Thanks to the diligent leadership from Chairman Duffy and County Administrator Joel Horn, who helped to keep the process on track for success, after two of reviewing and amending, the ordinance adopting the I-Codes was passed in June 2017.
The codes will address public health, safety and environmental protection as well as establish requirements for construction quality, safety, energy performance, accessibility and the well-being of the community members. In addition, the codes will address unfortunate events such as natural and man-made disasters. Enforcement of the new ordinance will be authorized through an intergovernmental agreement with neighboring Sterling and Rock Falls that will go into effect in Whiteside County on January 1, 2018. With the adopted codes, the buildings will incorporate the latest technology and provide the safest, most resilient structures for the community of Whiteside County.
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