Regola introduces measure to repeal building code

Two -bill package would repeal UCC, restore prior standards

 

Building on the growing dissatisfaction with the onerous Uniform Construction Code (UCC), Senator Bob Regola is again introducing legislation to repeal the mandate. 

“The UCC was passed with good intentions; but it has been anything but uniform in its application throughout the state,” said Sen. Regola.  “Practically every member of the General Assembly has heard horror stories regarding the Act.  Since it went into effect, the Act has been amended six times, with another change recently passed by the Senate that addresses a new mandate on building foundations.” 

Senator Regola introduced a series of eight bills last session to repeal the UCC, created by Act 45 of 1999, and restore the prior standards. This session, Senator Regola is condensing the package into two bills, one to repeal the UCC (Senate Bill 832), the other to restore the prior standards (Senate Bill 833). 

“Currently, Act 45 puts even relatively minor projects, such as erecting small decks or sheds, under the scrutiny of building inspectors and code enforcement officers.  This is too much government intervention and only increases the costs for residents and the community,” said Regola. “I am introducing a full repeal with the belief that starting over and reevaluating this issue is needed.  My purpose is simple, to start a broad, wide-ranging discussion on the merits of the current law and to see whether we can agree upon a more commonsense approach to building standards in Pennsylvania.” 

“Senator (John) Gordner, Chairman of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, has agreed to hold joint hearings with the Local Government Committee (chaired by Regola) on the UCC,” said Regola.  “At a minimum, we need to make sure that there is an exemption for weekend ‘home improvement projects,’ a fee structure that does not exceed the total cost of the project, prompt action on permits, and a right vested in property owners to hire their own inspectors.”   

In March, the Senate passed legislation introduced by Sen. Regola to exempt Pennsylvania from a UCC mandate requiring all new residential construction to have “anchor bolts” when the foundation is built -- an added cost of $3,000 for an average sized home.  This requirement was original aimed at coastal areas and earthquake-prone regions.  Senate Bill 437, which would restore the former standard for foundation bracing, is now before the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration. 

###

 Contact:  Nate Silcox (717) 787-6063