Senate Amends the PA Construction Code: Provides
Relief to Homeowners
Harrisburg - State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) voted for legislation
today that would amend the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (or
Uniform Construction Code) and provide relief to homeowners by
exempting home repairs and alterations from the provisions of the
Code.
"During my tenure as the Chairman of the Senate Local Government
Committee, I was aware of the ramifications that the Construction Code
might have on rural communities," said Senator Robbins. "As such, I
was successful in keeping the bill from being considered. However, in
1999--under a different committee chairman--this legislation was
passed and signed into law. With Pennsylvania being one of only six
states at the time without a statewide building code, the General
Assembly felt it was imperative to provide for minimum construction
standards for all municipalities."
Since the enactment of the law in 1999 and the subsequent
regulations promulgated by the Department of Labor and Industry, there
has been a strong backlash against the provisions of the law,
particularly that homeowners would need to obtain permits and
inspections for such basic repairs as changing a hot water heater.
Senator Robbins worked with Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25), Chairman
of the Senator Labor and Industry Committee, to provide homeowners
with relief from the Act by exempting basic repairs from the Code.
Should the repairs make a structural change, the Code would then
apply.
"The key point is that the Construction Code should apply to new
construction, but not repairs. I trust that homeowners will make the
right decisions as to whether they should make the repair or call for
help," said Sen. Robbins.
Also included in the bill was a provision inserted by Sen. Robbins
that would exempt 1,000 square foot utility and miscellaneous
structures (i.e. garages and utility sheds) from the Code. Currently,
the exemption is 500 square feet.
Senate Bill 1139, which Sen. Robbins cosponsored, was
overwhelmingly approved in both the Senate and House and is now on its
way to the Governor, who has indicated that he will sign it.
CONTACT: Nate Silcox (717) 787-1322
