Please read this important update regarding the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the adoption of the 2021 International Code Council (ICC) Model Codes.
The PA Department of Labor and Industry has not completed the regulatory process required to enforce the 2021 ICC codes. As a result, the previously anticipated enforcement date of July 13, 2025, is no longer valid. PBA will immediately notify members when we have a new enforcement date.
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Based on the required steps still necessary and in combination with publicized meeting dates and statutory timelines, the Department and municipal officials will not be able to enforce the 2021 changes to the UCC until these legal requirements are met.
What this means:
- Based on the required actions still necessary, the Department will not be able to enforce the 2021 UCC updates.
- The official enforceable date will be announced once the Department submits the regulatory language to the appropriate state agencies for review and approval.
Why this matters:
- The official enforceable date determines which version of the PA UCC applies to a construction project.
Key guidance:
- If a design or construction contract is signed before the new enforceable date, it may follow the 2018 PA UCC, provided the building permit is applied for within six months of the new enforceable date.
- If a design or construction contract is signed after the enforceable date or if the permit is not applied for within that six-month window, the project must comply with the 2021 PA UCC.
If you have specific timeline questions or concerns relating to the enforcement of the 2021 changes to the PA UCC please contact PBA staff Sarah Miller at smiller@pabuilders.org or 717-571-6488; or PHRC Associate Director Christopher Hine at clh399@psu.edu or 814-863-2366.
Statutory Reference:
Act 45 of 1999 – PA Uniform Construction Code
Section 304. Revised or successor codes
Subsection (c)(4) – Where a design or construction contract was signed before the effective date of regulations for a subsequent Uniform Construction Code or International Fuel Gas Code issued under this act, the permit may be issued under the Uniform Construction Code or International Fuel Gas Code in effect at the time the design or construction contract was signed if the permit is applied for within six months of the effective date of the regulation or the period specified by a municipal ordinance, whichever is less.