The current pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our personal and professional lives. In the case of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Codes (UCC), it has significantly delayed the legally required update to the 2018 edition of the International Construction Codes.
Among the many requirements and procedures outlined in the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act Omnibus Amendments (Act of Oct. 25, 2017, P.L. 356, No. 36), is the requirement to review, amend, issue for comment, and enact the next generation of the International Construction Codes (ICC) on a triennial (3-year) basis, beginning with the 2015 edition, which took effect on October 1, 2018.
Based on the established criteria, an acceptance and implementation date of October 1, 2021, would have been expected for the next code cycle. However, due to mitigating circumstances, namely a global pandemic, this effective date has been pushed back to February 14, 2022. It can also be expected that there will be a 6-month grace period where either the 2015 or the 2018 ICC can be utilized.
In the coming weeks leading up to the official code update, Barton team leaders will be covering the highlights of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection updates via Barton Insights. You can also find an official review of the significant changes here. If you would like more detailed information on code changes and their application to new construction, please get in touch with Stephen E. Oskin, PE, LEED AP at (814) 237-2180 or seo@ba-inc.com.