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For Immediate
Release
4/30/07
CONTACT:
Nate Silcox
(717) 787-6063
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.
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