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New Building Codes Effective Oct 1
October 01, 2018
New construction and occupancy codes go into effect on October 1, 2018. The 2018 International Codes will apply to all non-residential construction, and the 2015 International Residential Code (with state modifications) will apply to all residential construction.
There is a 6-month grace period during which applications may continue to be filed under the 2009 International Codes. Beginning April 1, 2019, all applications must be submitted under the new codes. Please refer to the Code Bulletin for full details on the implementation of the new codes.
In addition, the Department of Labor and Industry has published the official updated PA UCC regulations, effective as of October 1, 2018. Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections is drafting an ordinance regarding Philadelphia's Construction Code that would incorporate the modifications made by the state to the 2015 International Residential Code into the Philadelphia Code and revise the city’s adoption of the 2018 International Energy Code for Residential (4 story) buildings to match the state’s requirements for 3 story residential buildings.
Design or Construction Contract Time Frames:
The new change provides that where a design or construction contract was entered into prior to the effective date of regulations implementing a subsequent UCC (10/1/18), the building permit may be issued under the code in place at the time that the contracts were signed if it is applied for within six months (April of 2019) of the effective date of the regulation or the period noted by municipal ordinance, whichever is less.
The exact language of Act 36 of 2017 states:
- Narrative Summary of Changes to the PA UCC – A narrative explanation of what the Review and Advisory Council (RAC) adopted for required use in PA.
- PA UCC Regulations – Regulatory language of ICC model code adoptions in PA.
- 2018 PA Alternative Residential Energy Provisions – A different compliance path to allow for some modifications in energy efficiency or trade-offs in residential construction. To provide for equivalent performance, you must choose one of the energy enhancement options as an entrance requirement for this path.
Design or Construction Contract Time Frames:
The new change provides that where a design or construction contract was entered into prior to the effective date of regulations implementing a subsequent UCC (10/1/18), the building permit may be issued under the code in place at the time that the contracts were signed if it is applied for within six months (April of 2019) of the effective date of the regulation or the period noted by municipal ordinance, whichever is less.
The exact language of Act 36 of 2017 states:
(4) Where a design or construction contract was signed before the effective date of regulations for a subsequent Uniform Construction Code or International Fuel Gas Code issued under this act, the permit may be issued under the Uniform Construction Code or International Fuel Gas Code in effect at the time the design or construction contract was signed, if the permit is applied for within six months of the effective date of the regulation or the period specified by a municipal ordinance, whichever is less.
