Residential Conversions

Usually, these spaces will be either a warehouse open space or storefront. These spaces were commonly places of business in their former life, so adapting them to a residential use might require an architect to ensure that all building changes satisfy CBC requirements. The most stringent prerequisites will likely deal with meeting natural ventilation and light requirements.

Specific CBC chapters to review when rehabbing a space include Chapter 13-196: Existing Buildings Minimum Requirements and Chapter 13-200: Rehabilitation Code. Search the Municipal Code Corporation Website for these particular chapters.

Specific points from Chapter 13-200 - Rehabilitation Code include:

• Section 13-200-150: Change of Commercial Unit to Residential Use
  The change of a commercial unit (storefront) to a residential use, if allowed by zoning and if the primary use of the building is residential, shall require compliance with the provisions as set forth in Sections 13-200-210 through and including 13-200-240, "Increase in Number of Dwelling Units," but need not comply with other change of occupancy requirements of this section.

   

• Section 13-200-160 Requirements for Change to Residential Occupancy
  When the occupancy of an existing building is changed from any occupancy classification to residential, the following requirements shall be met:

   

  a) The existing stairways and elevators may remain but shall be enclosed, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 15-8-140 and 15-8-150. Stairs, passenger elevators, and escalators may be all placed in the same enclosure.

  b) Boiler rooms and heating plants shall be enclosed, in accordance with Section 15-8-190.

  c) Exit signs and lights shall be provided, in accordance with Section 13-160-700.

  d) Means of egress lighting shall be provided, in accordance with Section 13-160-660.

  e) Fire alarm and extinguishing systems shall be provided, in accordance with Chapter 15-16.

  f) Height and area limitations shall be in accordance with Chapter 13-48 for all additions. If the existing building already exceeds the height or area limitations for the new use, it may be changed to residential occupancy but it shall not be increased in height or area. If the height of the existing building exceeds 80 feet, the existing building shall comply with the High-Rise Code, Chapter 13-76. If the building that is being changed to a residential use is a Type III-A building, over 55 feet high, the building shall comply with the High-Rise Code, Chapter 13-76 or with the sprinkler alternate.

  g) Pipe shafts and ducts shall be enclosed, in accordance with Section 15-8-160.

  h) All residential buildings shall be provided with smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors as required in Chapter 13-64.

  i) All residential buildings over four stories in height shall be provided with self-closing devices on doors opening upon public corridors or stairs.

• Section13-200-170: Requirements for a Change of Occupancy to Any Other than Residential
  When the occupancy of an existing building is so changed as to transfer it from one occupancy classification to another, the Chicago Department of Construction and Permits executive director shall first determine whether the change results in a lesser, equal, or greater hazard in accordance with Table 13-200-170. The occupancy classification shall be evaluated relative to the last known legal occupancy of the building.

   

• Section13-200-380: Natural Light and Ventilation Existing means of light and ventilation may remain and not be increased in area if they are in compliance with the code in force at the time the building was built or altered. If the room sizes are altered, the light and ventilation requirements of Chapter 13-172 shall be met, except that existing courts or light wells need not be increased in size.

   

• Section 13-200-390: Existing Mechanical Ventilation Supply, Return and Exhaust Systems
  Existing systems which are in compliance with codes in force at the time the building was built or altered may remain:

   

  a) If room sizes are increased or the use of a room is changed, the altered area shall be provided with ventilation, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 13-176.

   

  b) If existing mechanical systems are altered, those altered systems shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 13-176.

   

  c) Mechanical ventilation shall not be permitted as the sole means of ventilation in any habitable space in a residential occupancy, except as provided in Chapter 13-176. Natural light and ventilation shall be provided in accordance with the code in force when the building was built or altered.