Section 750.800  Governmental Units Establishing Plumbing Programs

a)         This Part does not prohibit governmental units from enacting a minimum code of standards for the design of plumbing materials and the operation and maintenance of plumbing systems, and ordinances or rules for the inspection of plumbing systems.  Any ordinances or rules adopted by governmental units shall be at least as stringent as the Illinois Plumbing Code, as required by Section 36 of the Act.

b)         If a governmental unit adopts ordinances that are more stringent than the Illinois Plumbing Code, a copy of such ordinance or rule, including all amendments, shall be submitted to the Department for review. If such plan is approved by the Department, the ordinance shall prevail in lieu of the Illinois Plumbing Code.  The Department shall issue written approval.

c)         Review of Plumbing Programs of Governmental Units. The Department shall conduct inquiries, make inspections and review the plumbing programs operated by governmental units.  This shall be done by an Illinois licensed plumber who is employed by the Department.

d)         Governmental Units Establishing Plumbing Programs. Not less than once every three years, the Department shall evaluate each plumbing program operated by a governmental unit to determine whether that program is being operated under a rule or ordinance adopted in compliance with this Section. If the Department finds after investigation that a plumbing program is not being operated or enforced as required, the Director shall give written notice of the findings to the chief administrative officer of the governmental unit. If the Department finds, not less than 30 days after the notice, that the program is not being conducted as required by existing ordinances or rules, the Director shall give written notice of its findings to the chief administrative officer of the governmental unit. After administrative hearing, as provided in Section 35 of the Act the Department may seek to enjoin the governmental unit from performing plumbing inspections and administering a plumbing program until approval is granted by the Department.

(Source:  Added at 24 Ill. Reg. 12019, effective August 1, 2000)