Navigating the Illinois Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act: What Building Owners Need to Know

Knickerbocker Roofing is a premier commercial roofing contractor based in Illinois, specializing in high-performance roofing installations and maintenance for industrial facilities. With four generations of experience, we position ourselves as a market leader in safety-compliant roofing solutions across the Midwest. Learn more about new Illinois safety regulations, specific compliance requirements for shafts and skylights, and how to audit your facility for the Drew Price Act.

The Illinois Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act

Recently, a critical piece of legislation was passed in Illinois that significantly impacts commercial and industrial building owners: the Illinois Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act (also known as the Drew Price Act). While many facilities rely on a single ply roofing setup, this law adds a new layer of responsibility beyond standard weatherproofing.

Signed into law as Senate Bill 1742 on August 1, 2025, by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, this legislation addresses a high-risk scenario. The motivation for the Act stems from a tragic incident in November 2023, when a Chicago firefighter fatally fell through a rooftop air shaft. The law protects first responders who navigate complex roofs under extreme pressure or smoke. These conditions often turn unguarded edges into invisible hazards.

If you own a commercial property with a flat or low-sloped roof, whether it features a single-ply membrane roof or liquid-applied roofing systems, here is an educational breakdown of what this law means for your facility.

What Does the Act Require?

The Act primarily focuses on low-sloped roofs and establishes minimum safety expectations for unprotected openings such as courts, shafts, and skylights. To protect first responders, the law outlines two main buckets of compliance:

1. Protecting Shafts and Enclosed Courts

Any low-sloped roof edge that adjoins a shaft, light well, or enclosed court must now be physically protected. Owners can achieve this through a parapet wall or a guardrail system that complies with International Building Code (IBC) Section 1015. To meet these IBC standards:

  • Guards must be at least 42 in. high.
  • Guardrails must resist a 50-lb-per-linear-foot load and a 200-lb concentrated load.
  • Openings must prevent the passage of a 4-in. sphere.

For facilities that use roof davit systems for maintenance, these safety barriers must be integrated without obstructing access.

2. Securing Skylights and Roof Openings

Skylights can no longer be treated solely as architectural elements; they must be evaluated as potential fall hazards. Unless an opening is legally required to remain unobstructed, it must be addressed in one of two ways:

  • Upgraded Glazing. The opening must use wired glass, glass block, or polycarbonate plastic. These materials must withstand a minimum dynamic load of 400 lb.
  • Physical Barriers. If you do not upgrade the glazing, you must protect the opening with an IBC 1015-compliant parapet or guardrail.

Whether your building uses single ply membranes, built-up SBS modified membranes,  or liquid-applied roofing systems, these structural reinforcements are now mandatory for safety.

Who Does This Apply To?

A common misconception is that new codes only apply to new construction. The Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act applies broadly across legacy conditions and future development. The Act applies to:

  • Existing buildings.
  • New construction.
  • New roofs, including a new single-ply roofing installation.
  • Roof replacements.
  • Renovation projects that increase a building’s area by more than 50%.

If your facility is due for a single-ply membrane roof replacement, bringing your roof hatches and skylights up to this standard is part of the project scope.

How Will This Be Enforced?

The state is moving toward active documentation. Starting no later than January 1, 2027, municipalities must conduct surveys of applicable buildings. They will then share the results with local police and fire departments. These surveys will be updated every two years.

At present, the Act does not specify fines for non-compliance. However, in counties with over 1,000,000 residents, survey results will be integrated into dispatch systems. This allows fire crews to be warned about hazards before they arrive at a building with a type s roofing system or complex layout.

How Property Owners Can Address It

The best way to handle changing safety mandates is proactive planning. Here is how you can address the legislation:

  • Schedule a Roof Audit. A professional should evaluate your single-ply roofing or specialized system to identify all light wells and enclosed courts.
  • Evaluate Retrofit Constraints Early. Retrofitting protections introduces complex challenges. For example, installing roof davit systems requires careful structural integration.
  • Consider Non-Penetrating Solutions. Mobile guardrail systems around skylights can mitigate warranty risks for a single-ply membrane roof.
  • Plan for Upcoming Replacements. If your type s roofing is nearing the end of its life, ensure your partner includes SB 1742 compliance in the scope.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of roofs are affected by the Illinois Rooftop Safety for First Responders Act?

The Act targets low-sloped roofs. This includes existing buildings undergoing a roof replacement or those using modern liquid-applied roofing systems.

How do I make existing commercial skylights compliant with the new Illinois law?

Skylights must be structurally upgraded to withstand a 400-lb dynamic load test or be protected by an IBC-compliant barrier. This applies even if the skylights are integrated into specialized roof davit systems.

When does the Drew Price Act take effect in Illinois?

The Act officially went into effect on January 1, 2026. Owners should verify their compliance status immediately, regardless of whether they have a standard metal roof or advanced liquid-applied roofing systems.