Uniform Construction Code

UPDATE: The revised regulations adopting the 2018 I Code series as reviewed and amended by the Review and Advisory Council (RAC) have an effective date of February 14, 2022. Where a design or construction contract is signed before this effective date, application may be made and permit issued under the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) in effect at the time of contract as long as application is made August 14, 2022 or before. Municipalities are permitted to adopt ordinance specifying a period prior to August 14, 2022. Additionally, the accessibility provisions of the 2021 I Code series were published on December 25, 2021 and became effective on December 25, 2021. The accessibility provisions adopted are also subject to the design contract provisions stated previously. Where a design or construction contract is signed before this effective date, application may be made and permit issued for accessibility provisions under the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) in effect at the time of contract as long as application is made June 25, 2022 or before. 

International Building Code 2018 (code for all buildings and structures not regulated by the International Residential Code:

• Chapter 1 is not adopted (most of its requirements are incorporated in Chapter 403 of the UCC regulation)
• Chapter 27 (Electrical) requires that all electrical components, equipment and systems in buildings and structures covered by the IBC comply with the requirements of NFPA 70-2017, National Electric Code.

Chapter 11, International Building Code 2021 Accessibility Requirements

On October 26, 2022, the Commonwealth Court issued an opinion in Pennsylvania Builders Association v. Department of Labor and Industry, which permanently enjoined enforcement of the 2021 accessibility updates to the Uniform Construction Code. As such, effective immediately, you must cease all enforcement of the 2021 accessibility standards. Since the 2018 accessibility standards were in effect before December 25, 2021 and were unchallenged, all structures must still comply with the 2018 accessibility requirements.

Please be advised that the Court’s decision does not affect enforcement of the non-accessibility requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.

International Energy Conservation Code 2018

International Existing Building Code 2018

International Fire Code 2018

• Adopted only to the extent referenced in Chapter 35 of the International Building Code 2018.

International Fuel Gas Code 2018

• Any LPG requirements are superseded by the requirements of Pennsylvania’s Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act (and regulations). This Act and regulations are limited to LPG Facility which is defined as Distributors, Bulk Plants, and Industrial Users. The department fully expects building code officials to permit, inspect, and regulate as needed all aspects of LPG appliances and related tubing inside structures in the same manner as any other appliance such as natural gas or electric as required by municipality or political subdivision ordinance. To further clarify, any appliance, heater, generator, etc. which would normally require a permit or inspection from a BCO does not become exempt simply because the fuel source is LPG.

International Mechanical Code 2018

International Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities 2018 (provides alternative compliance approach)

International Plumbing Code 2018

International Residential Code 2018 (code for one- and two-family dwellings no more than 3 stories in height)

International Wildland-Urban Interface Code 2018 (supplementary requirements that may be used to mitigate fire- and life-safety hazards in unique wildland areas)

Important Note:

Many of these codes have various code sections amended by the UCC Review and Advisory Council (RAC). This information was published on February 14, 2022, in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and became effective the same date. Access to these changes is provided by the link below. This information will also be posted on our website in the near future.