Peotone Adopts 2021 Building Codes to Modernize Construction Standards

Village of Peotone Meeting | December 15, 2025

Article Summary:

Peotone has officially updated its municipal building codes from the 2015 standards to the 2021 International Building Codes. The move ensures the village remains compliant with state law and protects its eligibility for federal emergency funding in the event of a disaster.

Building Code Update Key Points:

• Updates include the adoption of the 2021 International Building, Residential, Fire, and Mechanical Codes.

• The new standards include specific regulations for lithium-ion battery storage and modern energy conservation.

• The changes take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and will apply to all new permit applications submitted after that date.

The Peotone Village Board on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, voted to modernize its construction and safety standards by adopting the 2021 suite of International Building Codes.

The village had previously been operating under 2015 standards. The update was driven by a change in Illinois law requiring municipalities to adopt one of the three most recent editions of the International Building Code. Village consultants from B&F Construction Code Services led the transition, which has been under review by the Building Committee for much of 2025.

Sean Fellows of B&F explained that the update also has financial implications beyond safety. “Between FEMA and the state statute, it was a change to allow for… if there was a large-scale incident, FEMA dollars are preserved when you have an updated code,” Fellows told the board.

The new ordinance includes specific local amendments, such as updated requirements for lithium-ion battery storage and clarified standards for wood foundations. Fellows noted that the code is not retroactive; projects with open permits or those submitted before the end of the year will remain under the previous standards. The 2021 codes will officially govern all new permits starting Jan. 1, 2026.