FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2018
Most comprehensive building code updates for commercial and residential construction since 2009
Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced today that the Pennsylvania Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) recently approved the adoption of updated regulations for the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), marking the first time the majority of building codes for both commercial and residential construction have been updated since 2009.
“It’s been nearly a decade since there has been a major adoption of more current codes, a change that is expected to have a positive impact on both commercial and residential construction projects across the commonwealth,” said L&I Secretary Jerry Oleksiak. “I’d like to thank the builders, building and construction code officials, stakeholders and Pennsylvania residents whose invaluable insight and expertise was the cornerstone of this effort to streamline and modernize the UCC codes.”
Under Act 36 of 2017, L&I is required to enact regulations incorporating the newly adopted 2015 International Code Council (ICC) codes, which were directed for incorporation by the UCC Review and Advisory Council (RAC) to become part of Pennsylvania’s UCC. Many of the ICC codes were recently approved in their final form by the IRRC and will become effective October 1, 2018.
The updated codes will apply to all commonwealth residents including business owners who build and/or renovate commercial structures, commercial and residential contractors, building and construction code officials, architects, engineers and construction trades.
The changes approved by the UCC RAC were written and adopted, with public comment, to provide for more energy efficient buildings and to ensure the safety of Pennsylvania residents.
The UCC RAC was established by the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (PCCA). The RAC consists of 21 members and is charged with making recommendations to the governor, the general assembly and L&I regarding proposed changes to the PCCA. The members represent industry sectors that participate in the various aspects relating to building – including building design, construction, building code enforcement and local government representation.
For additional information about the approved changes or to view the UCC RAC 2015 Code Review Report, please visit L&I’s website at UCC RAC.
MEDIA CONTACTS: Penny Ickes or Lindsay Bracale, 717-787-7530 or dlipress@pa.gov
# # #