Department of Buildings Encourages Residents to Use Porches Safely

Guide Helps Maintain and Repair Porches

                                                                                                                                                                                 Susan Massel
                                                                                                                                                                                  Department of Buildings
                                                                                                                                                                                  312.743.7204

With Memorial Day weekend approaching, the Department of Buildings is reminding residents to visually inspect porches, balconies, decks and stairs for any needed repairs and to always use porches safely. Residents are encouraged to call 311 to report deteriorated porches to the Department of Buildings.

"Like any part of a building that is exposed to the varied weather conditions experienced in Chicago, porches should be checked on an annual basis for any wear and tear," said Buildings Commissioner Michael Merchant. "Any poor conditions should be addressed immediately by property owners. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 to report concerns about porches."

The Department of Buildings offers "Porch Design and Construction Guidelines," that contains detailed drawings, descriptions, checklists and standards to help building owners maintain and repair existing porches and/or provide insights for design professionals and contractors for building new porches. The guide is available for free on the department’s web page at www.cityofchicago.org/buildings.

"This guide provides helpful information to buildings owners, architects and contractors who repair and build new porches. The guide especially helps building owners, who can gain useful information about how to examine existing porches for issues as well as to better understand of the terms used by professionals when obtaining costs estimates for repairs or new porches," said Merchant.

Residents should check for the following on their porches:

Split or rotting wood, or evidence of water damage
Loose, missing or rusting hardware or bolts
Loose or missing anchors where the porch attaches to a building
Missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking
Excessive movement of the structure when walked on
Wobbly handrails or guardrails

If problems are identified, stop using the porch, balcony, deck or stair immediately. Owners need to make repairs, as they are required by law to maintain their property in a safe condition. Renters should report the concerns to the building owner or property manager. If the problem is not quickly addressed, renters should call 311 and request an inspection.

The Department of Buildings also reminds residents to limit the number of people on these structures.

"Residents should check porches for issues before entertaining guests, and hosts should make sure that guests do not gather on porches and stair structures," added Merchant.

The Department of Buildings inspects approximately 5,000 porches each year as part of annual inspections of buildings. Thus far in 2013, inspectors have responded to more than 200 complaints and the department has issued 700 permits for porches.

As porches are replaced and updated to meet stricter code requirements, the number of 311 complaints about potentially dangerous porches has been reduced. In 2012, the Department of Buildings received 1,282 complaints regarding porches. Previous years’ numbers are below.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
2,322 1,948 1,659 1,494 1,352 1,281

While the number of complaints has declined, the number of permits issued to repair, replace or build new porches continues to remain above 2,000 each year, an indication that porches are being maintained. In 2012, the Department issued 2,028 permits for porches. Previous years’ numbers are below:

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
2,066 3,190 3,468 2,800 2,431 2,488

As a service to property owners, pre-approved designs for porch structures are readily available through the City of Chicago's web site from the Department of Buildings. Please visit www.cityofchicago.org/buildings for more information.

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