Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act

Effective January 1, 2026, Illinois Lawmakers passed the Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act (430 ILCS 180) (the “Act”). The Act mandates new requirements for all existing buildings, new construction, new roofs, roof replacements, and renovation projects that increase the area of a home or business by more than 50%.

Specifically, the law requires that a low sloped roof (which is defined as a roof with a slope of less than 2 in 12 units, or a 17% slope), that contains an elevator shaft, a ventilation shaft, a skylight, a stairwell, or any opening leading to an open space court to be protected by a parapet, extended masonry, or other guard to prevent firefighter falls during low-visibility conditions. Additionally, the Act requires all skylights or other openings located on a low sloped roof to be glazed with glass or polycarbonate plastic that can withstand a minimum load of no less than 400 pounds.

Finally, starting on January 1, 2027, municipal building departments are required to complete a survey of buildings in their jurisdiction that have skylights or other openings on low sloped roofs to ensure compliance with this Act. The result of this survey is to be shared with all local police and fire departments.

Municipalities should be aware of these changes to the law in order to properly advise their building departments in preparation for these new requirements set to begin next year.

For questions about maintaining compliance with these changes, please contact your Robbins Schwartz attorney.