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Robbins Introduces Bill to Make PA’s Construction
Code More Flexible
HARRISBURG -- State
Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) has introduced legislation that would amend the
Pennsylvania Construction Code Act to correct an issue that the Department of
Labor and Industry is not able to address on its own.
A business located in Coolspring Township, Mercer
County has plans to expand its operations and building. The problem is that
when they purchased the building in the 1970’s, they were not provided an
occupancy permit. The Department of Labor and Industry has ruled that because
this permit does not exist, the business will need to make the entire building
come up to the present Building Code prior to expansion of the building. The
cost of such an undertaking is quite extensive and cost prohibitive.
As such, Senator Robbins has introduced Senate Bill
736 which would grandfather any commercial or industrial structure that was
occupied prior to April 14, 2004, and did not possess an occupancy permit from
the Department. It would also allow municipal Uniform Construction Code
inspectors the ability to issue permits, provide inspections, and issue
occupancy permits on any additions and improvements to these existing
structures. Additionally, the bill would safeguard municipalities by providing
them with immunity from any actions that may arise from the original structure’s
occupancy.
Senate Bill 736 has been introduced and referred to
the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. State Representative Rod Wilt (R-17)
has introduced similar legislation, House Bill 1507.
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