Phase 3 Code Modernization: What You Need to Know

On June 17, 2026, the City of Chicago adopted Phase 3 of its Construction Codes Modernization Initiative. Taking effect December 1, 2026, these new provisions advance Mayor Johnson’s Cut the Tape Initiative to remove regulatory barriers, reduce construction costs, support adaptive reuse, and modernize building standards across the city.

Join Grant Ullrich, Assoc. AIA, Managing Deputy Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Buildings, for a comprehensive breakdown of the major changes introduced in Phase 3. This presentation will review key updates across five major code areas—mechanical, fuel gas, fire prevention, energy, and residential construction—including the first modernization of gas-piping and appliance-safety standards in 25 years.

This is a hybrid event. Attendees may join online via Zoom or attend in person at the AIA Chicago office. In-person guests are encouraged to bring their lunch; beverages will be provided.

Speaker:

Grant Ullrich, Assoc. AIA
Managing Deputy Commissioner, City of Chicago Department of Buildings

Grant Ullrich is an attorney and the Managing Deputy Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Buildings. In his role, Grant helps oversee building policy, regulatory enforcement, and code modernization initiatives to promote safe, affordable, and sustainable development across Chicago.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key updates across the five code areas modernized in Phase 3: mechanical, fuel gas, fire prevention, energy, and residential construction.
2. Understand how updated codes support adaptive reuse, lower construction costs, and align with local sustainability and safety initiatives.
3. Analyze modern safety and material standards, including the first updates to gas-piping and appliance safety in 25 years.
4. Apply Phase 3 code provisions to upcoming projects in Chicago to ensure compliance prior to the December 1, 2026 effective date.

For AIA Members: AIA Chicago will report your attendance for continuing education credit directly to AIA national. Please ensure your name matches your AIA membership record and your AIA number is correctly entered at the time of registration to receive proper credit. AIA Members cannot self-report courses for AIA CES credit.

For Non-Members: AIA Chicago does not report attendance for non-members. If you would like to request a certificate for proof of participation, please click here.

For Vendor Education Program Attendees (AIA Member and Non-Member): The hosting Vendor will report your attendance for continuing education credit directly to AIA national. Please ensure your name matches your AIA membership record and your AIA number is correctly entered at the time of registration to receive proper credit. To ensure accuracy, please request a certificate of completion from the Vendor.