Accessing the International Codes

The codes as published by the International Code Council (ICC) are copyrighted and can be purchased from the ICC, either online via the ICC website, or by calling the ICC publication office at 800-786-4452. 

The ICC also made copies of its codes accessible online, at no charge. You can access these online. Please note that this free service is very limited in terms of access (i.e, you will only be able to view one code section/subsection at a time, not whole pages) and search and print capabilities. If you want full access and features, you will either need to pay for full electronic access or purchase the desired codebook(s).

Note carefully the following remarks regarding these codes.

Codes Note Adopted

The International Private Sewage Disposal Code 2015, the International Property Maintenance Code 2015 and the International Zoning Code 2015 are not adopted. However, in addition to the codes listed above, municipalities that elect to enforce the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) may also adopt and enforce the International Property Maintenance Code (or any other property maintenance requirements). Enforcement of these requirements falls outside the scope of the UCC.

Changes to Codes

The Department has made several changes to the codes previously listed. These relate to fire safety requirements in child day care facilities and the technical standards that apply to elevators and other lifting devices. See section 403.23 and Chapter 405 of the UCC for further details on these changes.

Stairway Tread & Riser Requirements

Act 13 of 2004 stipulates that the following stairway tread and riser requirements will apply in all buildings that fall within the scope of the International Residential Code, in all occupancies in Use Group R-3 and within dwelling units in occupancies in Use Group R-2: 

  • The maximum stairway riser height shall be 8.25 inches (210 millimeters).
  • The minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches (229 millimeters)
  • A 1 inch (25 millimeters) nosing must be provided on stairways with solid risers.

Alternative to Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code

The UCC regulations provide for the use of an alternative to Chapter 11 of the International Residential Code (or Chapter 4 (RE) of the International Energy Conservation Code), to demonstrate compliance with the energy conservation requirements of the UCC. 

This alternative compliance path was developed by the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center at Penn State University and is entitled "Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Provisions." Learn more about these compliance paths:

(Revised October 1, 2018)

These codes can be found by visiting the International Code Council website. View the updated Administration of Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.