The Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act, 430 ILCS 180/1, became effective January 1, 2026. Pursuant to the Act, buildings that contain a low-sloped roof (meaning a roof with a slope of less than 2 in 12 units, or a 17% slope), with a “shaft,” (for example, an elevator shaft, a ventilation shaft, service shaft, or stairwell), or containing a skylight or a court, must now be protected as provided in the Act. Specifically, the edges of the roof that adjoin a shaft, skylight or court shall have a parapet, extended masonry, a guard, or some combination of these elements that meets the requirements of Section 1015 of the International Building Code. Alternatively, skylights and other openings located in the plane of a low-sloped roof that are not required to remain open and unobstructed can be glazed with wire glass, plain glass, glass block or polycarbonate plastic that can withstand at least 400 pounds.
No later than January 1, 2027 and then every two years thereafter, municipalities must complete a survey of buildings in their jurisdiction that have skylights and other openings located in the plane of a low-sloped roof. The results of the survey shall be reported in a building inventory and shared with all local police and fire departments.
Should you have any questions about this Act, please do not hesitate to contact a Bond Conway Smith attorney.