SELF-CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
SB2047 creates the Design Professional Self-Certification Act, establishing a new state-administered program under the Capital Development Board for certain architects and professional engineers to self-certify permit applications, plans, and specifications as compliant with the baseline building code. The program would apply only in municipalities that opt in by ordinance, and it is initially limited to specified repair and alteration projects in defined occupancy groups and square-footage caps, with authority for the Executive Director to expand eligibility by rule.
Under the bill, a qualified design professional of record could submit a self-certification form and supporting documents to the local enforcing agency, which would then perform only a supervisory check and issue a permit within five calendar days if the required materials are present. The bill also requires owner certifications and a hold-harmless agreement, sets insurance and licensure requirements for participating professionals, and authorizes audits, sanctions, suspension, and revocation for false or noncompliant submissions. The Act would take effect January 1, 2026.
The bill would add a new regulatory framework to Illinois construction permitting law by shifting some baseline building code compliance review from municipal or county enforcing agencies to qualified private design professionals in participating municipalities. It would affect architects, professional engineers, property owners, local building departments, and the Capital Development Board, while creating new forms, recordkeeping duties, audit authority, and disciplinary procedures tied to the self-certification process. It also establishes a reporting requirement to the Governor and General Assembly by January 1, 2029, after a Board study of possible program expansion.
Because there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, the available context does not show formal legislative support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears designed to streamline permitting and reduce review delays for qualifying projects, which suggests a pro-development and efficiency-oriented intent. At the same time, the bill includes extensive safeguards, indicating an effort to balance speed with oversight and accountability.
The main points of potential contention are the scope of projects eligible for self-certification, the degree of local control versus state oversight, and the risk of errors or abuse when private professionals certify code compliance. Municipal enforcing agencies may be concerned about reduced direct review authority, while design professionals may view the insurance, licensure, audit, and sanction provisions as burdensome. Owners and municipalities may also scrutinize the broad indemnification language and the requirement that work stop if the design professional withdraws before final sign-off.