For those in PA, is there only ONE building code official in your township,borough,city...etc? Or do you have multiple from whom you may choose?
OT: Building code officials in PA
- Thread starter nitanee123
- Start date
The number of building code officials, depends on the size of the municipality. You do not get a choice of inspects your project.
never argue with a building inspector- it's like wrestling with a pig in the mud
Typically the municipality, township, etc. have one specific official or service you must use. Some larger cities may have multiple, but we rarely have an option to select on projects.
Labor & industry is the states code official and issues building permits. if the township/municipality op out they can do them. Many small town just let L&I do theirs. I believe cost are set by each group L&I has a fee based in project cost and you can pay extra if you want it done faster
Over 90% of the municipalities in the state administer the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) locally. Some have their own staff but many use one or more of the 3rd party agencies for review. L&I certifies these agencies, but other than elevators and state owned buildings - we rarely see L&I do reviews for commercial buildings. Some 3rd parties are now certified for elevators, and even the opt-out municipalities can go the 3rd party route. Fees vary depending upon the project type, i believe that new construction is based upon sf totals, and renovation projects are construction cost estimate based.
For the OP - here is the link to the listing of municipalities and the contact info for the code enforcement official.
NO LINK? I thought the municipalities would be governed by the newly adopted IBC 2015
I also think they are. Municipalities can write addendums but not sure they can be less stringent then the states. Philly maybe the odd duck
Sorry - click on the "here is the link" text. The UCC in PA has been amended to include IBC 2015 and other ICC codes under it's umbrella. I believe IBC 2018 is currently under review for adoption, but is not in place yet under UCC. This is where is starts to get very complicated with which versions of what code are being enforced for a specific location. Best to contact the local municipal authority as they should be able to provide you with what also might have been amended locally if anything. As PSUeng stated - they can't be less stringent than what the state has in place with UCC.
For the OP - if you are using a local professional they SHOULD be aware of and up to date with what is in enforcement locally.
correct PSUeng. The I.B.C. code was to be the mother of all c0des and end this the nonsenses with dealing with numerous different codes in political boundaries.
Last edited:
No, it is not a monopoly! It is small town. We live in township near State College; there are more deer than homes. We only need one building inspector and If I am not mistaken that person is part-time.
