The DeKalb Code Enforcement Office and the Fire Department intend to recommend the adoption of the 1987 BOCA Code Series at the regular City Council meeting on Dec. 14.

Bill Nicholas, from DeKalb Community Development, spoke of the changes at Friday’s press conference held by DeKalb City Manager Mark Stevens.

Nicholas said model building codes enforced by the city of DeKalb are the 1981 editions of the BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators International) Basic Building Code Series. He said the 1987 edition of the series contains “several noteworthy changes.”

The first revisions Nicholas outlined were to Chapter 24 of the Municipal Code, Sections 24.01 and 24.02, which would adopt the 1987 edition of the BOCA National Building Code.

Nicholas said the updated version of the building code includes changes such as a redefined topical organization which establishes a more straightforward presentation of ordinary building concerns.

With the new BOCA version, the definition for the first story of a building would be changed, Nicholas said. He said the 1987 edition defines the first story grade as that with at least six feet between the outside grade and the top of the finished floor above. This means space previously considered to be basement space might be considered a story above grade.

The changes would mean smoke vents no longer would be required and the concept of “Fire Limits” would be deleted, Nicholas said.

evisions also will be proposed for smoke detector requirements, Nicholas said.

The existing requirements for existing dwellings, multiple family dwellings and rooming houses state, “The spacing of detectors shall be determined by the manufacturer’s specifications,” while the proposed revision specifically requires an operating detector “within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.”

The 1987 BOCA Fire Prevention Code prescibes new parameters for bonfires and leaf burning, Nicholas said. He said the new code also would prohibit open burning in any charcoal or LP gas grill in a multi-family residence where the grill is placed on a combustible balcony.

In other business, DeKalb Sgt. Charles Kross said the police department cleared up about 10 car burglaries during the week—five of those involving juveniles who will be tried in juvenile court.

An arrest was made for a residential burglary and the city assisted the county in two more car burglaries, Kross said.