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Uniform Construction Code Passes Senate
WARREN -- Senator
Joe Scarnati of the 25th District proudly announced today that Senate Bill 1139,
which amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code, (commonly known as the Uniform
Construction Code, the UCC) has passed the Senate by an overwhelming 40-10
margin and will now head for expected passage in the House. The original
legislation he introduced amending the newly implemented UCC was favorably
received by fellow legislators and has become a remarkable bi-partisan effort.
Its intent was to provide relief for homeowners and the mission has been
accomplished.
“This was a bi-partisan effort to relieve
residential homeowners from an intrusive piece of legislation that would only
act to handcuff all citizens in all communities of the Commonwealth” noted
Scarnati. “While I was not in office when the UCC was passed, and quite frankly
would not have supported it because it is clear that this is the mother of all
mandates, this law needed amended and amended now before we go home for the
summer. We owe it to the people who elected us to represent their thoughts and
beliefs in our state capital.”
The primary ingredient, and in all actuality the
intent of this bill, excludes from the UCC regulations…repairs and alterations
to residential properties, where the structure of the existing building has not
been altered. In addition, specific recreational cabins, along with utility and
miscellaneous structures, such as garages, greenhouses, etc. which are less than
1000 square feet, are exempt from UCC regulations.
“Often burdensome regulations and requirements are a
knee-jerk reaction to a problem that can and should be handled for the most part
by the local municipalities. Local governments know what is best for their
respective areas and certainly don’t need big brother coming in with another
unfunded mandate” stated Scarnati. “The Uniform Construction Code is as
confusing for the homeowners as it is to the municipalities and contractors, a
basic administrative and enforcement nightmare for all parties involved.”
“Pennsylvania is one of the most diverse states in
the country. Therefore, uniformity, if not impossible, is clearly very
difficult.” In his floor remarks Scarnati mentioned that others have said that
Pennsylvania is like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh with Alabama in the middle. By
stating that, he illustrated the economic imbalance between our rural areas and
our urban areas. “I am proud to represent and live in rural Pennsylvania where
our values and beliefs are the rule and not the exception. In this state, noted
Scarnati “a one-size-fits-all approach to government is not feasible and
definitely not necessary. What is good for Philadelphia may not be in the best
interest of communities in small rural districts.”
Senator Scarnati concluded by saying “I am actually
in favor of a total repeal of the Uniform Construction Code, but I recognize
through much discussion with all four caucuses that this language is the best
opportunity for change that we have at this time. Now is not the time for egos
and politicking…now is the time to do our jobs as state senators in our
respective districts…represent the thoughts and beliefs of our homeowners, our
local governments, and everyone else who recognizes the true damaging nature of
the Uniform Construction Code. Today is a win for working families and
homeowners as I continue to fight against big government.”
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