Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed a bill that he said would restrict condo owners' rights.
A law that took effect last year allows owners to override rules requiring the approval of 75% of owners. Some condo associations where developers hold unsold units, giving them seats on the board, have adopted a rule requiring 75% of unit owners in the building have to approve a lawsuit, according to a member of the Chicago Bar Association's condominium subcommittee.
For developments where the owner holds a significant percentage of units, the 75% threshold is rarely reached, preventing other owners from recouping the cost of repairs due to construction flaws. A recent change in the state's condo law made it easier for owners to sue if they wanted to hold their developer accountable. The governor’s veto preserves this change in the law.
According to Chicago Business, many of the thousands of condos built in the city during an early 2000’s building boom were poorly built. The faulty units reportedly had leaky windows or cracks in walls.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2018
San Francisco plans tougher seismic building codes
Recommendations include addressing geotechnical issues like those faced by Millennium Tower.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2018
Tall Mass Timber code proposals approved at Intl. Code Council public comment hearings
Proposals now go to online voting; final outcome expected in December.
Codes and Standards | Oct 25, 2018
Low-income neighborhoods could benefit most from green roofs
Those areas face the biggest risk from extreme heat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2018
Building design critical to prevent school shootings
Safety must be balanced with welcoming environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 23, 2018
Codes in Florida Panhandle made buildings vulnerable to Hurricane Michael
Less stringent codes in northern parts of state linked to devastation.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2018
Global Green Tag production certification standard will launch in U.S. at end of year
Australian program recognized by WELL, claims compliance with LE.
Codes and Standards | Oct 18, 2018
Federally-backed rebuilding of public buildings often leaves them vulnerable to future storms
FEMA dollars pay for reconstruction, but local decision-makers ignore climate change impacts.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2018
Philadelphia plumbing code will now allow for more use of plastic pipes in high rises
Of the 50 largest U.S. cities, Philadelphia is one of just six that still require metal pipes.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2018
New Disaster Recovery Reform Act will support adoption of updated building codes
Provides incentives for communities to modernize and enforce codes.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2018
Boston ‘housing emergency’ prompts regional initiative for new residential construction
Mayors of 15 cities set goal of 185,000 new homes by 2030.