High for basic debris removal and minor landscaping. Professional intervention is strongly advised for any damage impacting structural integrity, electrical systems, or plumbing infrastructure, or for large-scale tree removal.
Focus on immediate safety hazards, proper waste handling, and initial assessment of potential structural, electrical, or plumbing damage, considering DuPage County's established building standards.
Project Guidelines & Rules
Electrical Hazards and System Integrity
4 Rules
Downed or damaged power lines, electrical poles, or service masts.
NEC 110.2 (Approval); NEC 110.14(B) (Connections). Do not touch. Contact utility immediately. All repairs by qualified electricians and may require permits from your local building department.
Damaged outdoor receptacles, lighting fixtures, or exposed wiring.
NEC 225.10 (Wiring Methods); NEC 225.24 (Outdoor Receptacles); NEC 300.5 (Underground Installations). All repairs must be completed by a qualified person and may require inspection by the local building department.
Use of portable generators during power outages.
NEC 702.6 (Transfer Equipment); NEC 702.7 (Connections). Generators must be connected via an approved transfer switch or interlock device to prevent backfeeding the electrical grid.
Assessment of damaged electrical service entrance conductors or meter base.
NEC 230.70 (General - Service Entrance Conductors); NEC 230.24 (Clearances). Requires professional assessment by a qualified electrician and utility approval before power restoration.
Structural Stability and Property Resilience
4 Rules
Repair or reconstruction of damaged fences, sheds, pergolas, or other accessory structures.
IRC R105.1 (Permits Required); IRC R403.1.1 (Minimum Depth of Footings - requiring 42" frost depth for DuPage County); IRC R502.2 (Design and Construction). Consult your local building department for specific permit requirements.
Integrity of retaining walls damaged by storm debris or ground saturation.
IRC R404.2 (Retaining Walls). Walls supporting more than 4 feet of unbalanced backfill, or subject to surcharge, require engineered design. All repairs must account for the 42" frost depth and proper drainage.
Assessment and correction of site grading and drainage around the foundation.
IRC R401.3 (Drainage). Finish grades shall be sloped to drain surface water away from foundation walls. Backfill adjacent to the foundation shall be compacted.
Removal of hazardous trees or tree limbs impacting structures.
IRC R301.2.2.2 (Protection from Decay - for wood framing near exterior exposure). While direct tree removal is not a code, preventing structural damage from hazardous trees falls under maintaining property safety and compliance with structural integrity codes. Professional assessment is recommended.
Plumbing and Drainage System Protection
4 Rules
Repair of damaged exterior hose bibs, spigots, or irrigation system components.
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1130 (Protection from Contamination - Hose Connections); Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1110 (Protection of Structures - Freezing). Repairs must ensure proper backflow prevention and freeze protection.
Sump pump discharge modifications or damage to discharge lines.
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1120 (Discharge of Sewage and Other Wastes). Sump pump discharge shall not connect to sanitary sewers and must be routed to storm sewer or approved grade drainage.
Inspection and repair of visible storm water drainage lines or underground downspout extensions.
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.110 (Materials - General); IRC R401.3 (Drainage). Ensure lines are free of obstruction and properly discharge away from foundations using approved materials.
Damage to gas lines or meters from falling debris.
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1500 (Gas Piping Materials); Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1510 (Installation of Gas Piping). Contact gas utility immediately for any suspected damage. Do not attempt DIY repair.
Permitting, Professional Guidance, and Compliance
3 Rules
General permit requirements for repair or replacement activities.
IRC R105.1 (Permits Required); NEC 80.23 (Permits and Inspection); Illinois Plumbing Code 890.100 (General Requirements). Always consult your local building department prior to beginning any significant repairs or construction.
Requirement for qualified professionals for specific repairs.
NEC 110.2 (Approval); Illinois Plumbing Code 890.100 (General Requirements - implies licensed plumbers). Electrical and plumbing work must be performed by appropriately licensed and qualified professionals.
Final inspections for permitted work.
IRC R109.1 (Required Inspections); NEC 80.29 (Inspections); Illinois Plumbing Code 890.100 (General Requirements). All permitted work must undergo required inspections by the local building department to ensure code compliance.
