Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5 § 5-1-1
ADOPTION (Evanston Housing Regulations)
Operative Text
(A) Pursuant to the authority granted by 65 ILCS 5/1-2-4, and pursuant to its home rule powers, the City of Evanston hereby adopts by reference as its standard for the maintenance of existing buildings, the International Code Council, International Property Maintenance Code of 2021 ("International Property Maintenance Code"), with the amendments below stated. All advisory or text notes, other than the rules and regulations contained in the ICC, International Property Maintenance Code, be and the same are hereby expressly excluded from this Chapter.
(B) Any reference in the Property Maintenance Code to "code official" shall refer to the Manager of the Building & Development Services Division, or other individual as may be designated by the Director of Community Development. Any reference to "municipality" shall mean the City of Evanston.
(C) In the event that any provision of the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code adopted hereby is in conflict with any provision(s) of the City Code, the more/most stringent shall control.
(D) There shall be a copy of the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code kept on file for public inspection in the City Clerk's office.Under Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5 § 5-1-1, the City of Evanston formally adopts the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code as its local standard for maintaining existing buildings, with certain local amendments taking precedence. When any conflict arises between the adopted code and other provisions of the City Code, the stricter requirement governs. The 'code official' referenced throughout the code is the Manager of the Building & Development Services Division, and a public copy of the 2021 IPMC is kept on file in the City Clerk's office.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Evanston should understand that Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5 § 5-1-1 makes the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code the baseline maintenance standard for all existing buildings. Where local Evanston amendments or other City Code provisions are more stringent than the IPMC, compliant operators follow the stricter rule. Reviewing both the adopted IPMC and any local amendments is a standard part of ensuring properties meet Evanston's maintenance requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Evanston, Ill., City Code § 5 § 5-1-1 establishes the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code as the enforceable maintenance standard for buildings in Evanston, which can be relevant when a rental unit falls below habitability or upkeep standards. Tenants who believe their housing does not meet these standards may consider filing a complaint with the City of Evanston's Building & Development Services Division, which serves as the code enforcement authority under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help explain how this standard applies and what general enforcement paths may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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