Lynwood — Ch. 18 Art. II Minimum Standards Codes § 18-53
Multifamily dwellings
Operative Text
This section contains specific provisions relative to multiple-family dwellings. It applies specifically to any residential unit intended to house two or more family units. It is understood that some of these items are covered in the International Building Code, 2012 edition, that has been adopted by the village. To the extent that the provisions of this section conflict with the printed code or supplements, the provisions of this section will govern and control, even though applicable International Building Code, 2012 edition, provisions are not specifically referred to in this section. (1) No multiple-family dwellings shall be constructed with the exterior walls of wood or other flammable materials. a. All exterior walls shall be solid masonry. Brick veneer is not permitted. b. Minimum exterior wall thickness shall be as follows: 1. From top of foundation to 16 feet in height: 12 inches. 2. From 16 to 22 feet in height: Ten inches. 3. From 22 to 35 feet in height: Nine inches. c. Exterior walls of exposed concrete block shall not be permitted. (2) Materials used in floor construction in multiple-family dwellings more than one story in height shall have a minimum fire rating of two hours. All floor construction shall be precast concrete, except that first floors in buildings without basements shall be of poured concrete. (3) No multiple-family dwelling shall exceed 35 feet in height from established street grade, nor shall a multiple-family dwelling exceed three stories. (4) Walls separating one living unit from another and walls separating living units from hallways are to be, at a minimum, two-hour fire-rated walls of masonry construction carried through to ridge of roof to the underside of roof sheathing. (5) Interior walls of living units are to be, at a minimum, one-hour fire-rated. If paneling is used in a living unit, the wall to which it is applied must be, at a minimum, one-hour fire-rated. (6) A sprinkler system is required in the storage area and utility area when those areas are located in the basement of a multiple-family dwelling. (7) Exterior doors leading to each unit must be fireproof. All doors leading from hallways to living units, all exterior doors and all doors leading to any area containing a furnace, hot water tank or laundry equipment must be two-hour fire rated walls. (8) There shall be lighted exit signs at all exits.
Section 18-53 of Lynwood's Chapter 18, Article II establishes detailed construction and fire-safety standards for multifamily residential buildings — those housing two or more family units. The provision sets requirements for exterior wall materials (solid masonry only, with specific thickness minimums by height), floor fire ratings, maximum building height of 35 feet and three stories, fire-rated separation walls between units, sprinkler systems in basement storage and utility areas, fire-rated doors, and lighted exit signs. Where these local standards conflict with the adopted 2012 International Building Code, the Lynwood provisions take precedence.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators and developers of multifamily properties in Lynwood must ensure that any construction or renovation complies with the specific structural and fire-safety mandates of § 18-53. Compliant buildings feature solid masonry exterior walls of the required thickness at each height band, precast or poured concrete floors with at least a two-hour fire rating in multi-story structures, masonry fire-rated separation walls between units and hallways carried through to the roof, two-hour fire-rated doors at unit entrances and utility areas, basement sprinkler systems where applicable, and illuminated exit signs at all exits. Because § 18-53 supersedes conflicting provisions of the 2012 International Building Code as adopted by the village, operators should verify compliance against the local code rather than relying solely on IBC standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents of multifamily dwellings in Lynwood are protected by the construction and fire-safety standards established under § 18-53, which require solid masonry walls, fire-rated floors and separation walls, fire-rated doors, basement sprinkler systems, and lighted exit signs in their buildings. Tenants who observe conditions that appear to fall short of these standards — such as missing exit signs, non-fire-rated doors, or other apparent construction deficiencies — may consider reporting concerns to Lynwood's local code enforcement or building inspection authority. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under these minimum standards.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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