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Bathroom Remodeling

Applicable Codes:
2024 International Residential Code
2023 National Electrical Code
2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code
2014 Illinois Plumbing Code

Please submit the following information:

  1. Architectural plans that include:
    1. Existing and proposed layouts.
    2. Floor Plan, including electrical layout.
    3. Cross-section wall detail (if applicable).
    4. Plumbing isometric plans for both supply and waste/vent systems, including overhead sewer if located in the basement.
  2. Water Service Line Sizing Form (only if adding additional plumbing fixtures to the residence)

Significant Codes - Building

Smoke Alarms

The 2024 International Residential Code requires that all smoke alarms shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 217. Smoke alarms are required to be installed in the following locations:

  • Within each sleeping area.
  • In the hallway directly adjacent to sleeping areas.
  • On each additional story of the dwelling unit, including basements and habitable attics, and not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics.
  • Not less than 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally from the door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower, unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm required by this section.
  • In the hallway and in the room open to the hallway in dwelling units where the ceiling height of a room open to a hallway serving bedrooms exceeds that of the hallway by 24 inches (610 mm) or more.
  • Within the room to which a sleeping loft is open, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping loft.

The alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual dwelling unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm.

The Smoke Alarms are all required to be powered by a commercial power source, and each alarm must have a battery backup. The smoke alarms must be installed as per manufacturer's specifications and must be in place at the time of the Final Inspection.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Per State of Illinois requirements, Carbon Monoxide Detectors are required to be installed outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Where a fuel-burning appliance is located within a bedroom or its attached bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed within the bedroom. The carbon monoxide detectors must be installed per manufacturer's specifications and must be in place at the time of the Final Inspection.

Insulation Requirements
The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code states that the following R-values are required for the specific structural elements that are listed as required to be insulated:

Structural Elements R-Values
Exterior Walls: R-30 (or the highest R-value possible full depth cavity on existing exterior walls).
Ceilings separating conditioned spaces from unconditioned spaces, as well as Cathedral Rafters: R-49
Ductwork running through attic spaces: R-8
Ductwork running through other unconditioned spaces: R-6

The method for obtaining these R-values must be specifically indicated on the plans. These R values must be obtained independently of any other structural components other than the insulation itself. Exposed insulation must have a flame-spread index not to exceed 25 and an accompanying smoke-developed index not to exceed 450. The vapor barrier is to be installed on the warm side of the perimeter wall. (2018 IRC N1102.1.1; Wheaton Ordinance).

Inspections

The inspections listed here are required for all Residential Remodeling projects. Additional inspections may be needed based upon the scope of work for your project. A complete list of your required inspections will be listed on the Plan Approval Notice that will be attached to the approved plans.

To schedule an inspection, please call 630-260-2050 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Inspections must be scheduled no later than 3:30 PM the day before the desired inspection date.

Type of Inspection When to Call
Underground Plumbing Conducted once the piping is installed within the trench, but prior to concealment.
Rough Framing
Rough Mechanical
Rough Electrical
Rough Plumbing
 Conducted once all rough-ins are complete, but prior to insulation installation and/or concealment.
Insulation Conducted once insulation is installed, air sealing is complete, and prior to drywall installation.
Final Conducted when the entire project is complete.

To apply for a permit

Maintstar - h2.maintstar.co/wheaton/portal/#/

Contractor Registration Requirements:

Webpage - www.wheaton.il.us/890/Contractor-Requirements

Websites

Contact Us

City of Wheaton Building & Code Enforcement Department
Address: 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone Calls:
Questions regarding this information: 630-260-2050
Business hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fax: 630-260-2195

Revised 2/28/2025