The new, statewide law concerning building codes (Uniform Construction Code) is now in effect in Rapho Township.

What is the Uniform Construction Code? It refers to a standardized set of Codes and appendices that are known as the International Construction Code. This is further broken down into a building code, residential code, mechanical code, plumbing code, electrical code, fuel gas code, fire code, energy conservation code, existing building code and urban-wildland-interface code.

What is covered by the new Uniform Construction Code? All new residential, commercial and industrial construction and additions to residential, commercial and industrial structures are covered under the new Code. Accessory buildings to residential structures, such as detached garages or sheds that exceed 1,000 square feet in size also fall under the new Code. Swimming pools and spas, fences over 6 feet in height and decks over 30 inches above grade are also some of the uses that are required to apply for permits under the new Code.

There are limited instances where there are exclusions from following the UCC. Agricultural buildings are excluded; historic buildings have certain exclusions, repairs or alterations that do not have any structural changes are excluded.

Also excluded are fences that are not more than 6 feet high, retaining walls less than 4 feet high, exterior or interior painting, papering, carpeting, flooring etc. Replacement of existing roof material, replacement of existing siding, interior insulation, replacement of rain gutters, installation of an uncovered deck no more than 30 inches above grade are all additional areas of exclusion.

How does the Code affect the building process? There will now be required inspections during the construction process. These inspections will be done by inspectors who have passed state exams on the Code. For example, in new residence construction, there would be a foundation inspection, framing and or masonry, wallboard and electrical, plumbing and mechanical inspections. And if the construction has not met the requirements of the Code, the problem must be corrected before work can continue.

How will the Code change the Rapho Township process? Under our prior regulations when you applied for a Zoning Permit to add a room onto your house, you visited the Township office and filled out an application, showing your property and where the addition was proposed. We checked to see that you met certain set-back requirements, collected a fee and usually issued the permit at that time. When the project was finished, you notified the Township and we stopped by and determined if you built what you said you were going to build and where you said you were going to build it. We then issued the Certificate of Use and Occupancy.

Under the new regulations, you will need to get a Building Permit application from the Township. You will then be required to select an inspection company from a list of Township approved companies. If your project is required to submit plans, (such as a new house or an addition), these plans will have to be approved by the inspection company prior to issuance of a Building Permit by the Township. The Township building permit fee is $3 per $1,000 cost of construction plus a fee of $4 per permit, used to fund state inspector training programs.

During the construction process, you or your builder will notify the inspector to check on construction at certain times during the process. It will be your responsibility to pay for the inspection company for those inspections. When the project is finished, the inspection company must do a final inspection and then notify the Township that the job is complete, and then the Township will issue the Certificate of Use and Occupancy.

Why has the Code been adopted by the state? Generally, almost all states in the nation have a state-wide building code to insure a certain level of safety for construction. We are all aware of instances where lack of proper fire walls between attached housing units has led to fires consuming many units. Electrical work not performed to code can also lead to fire hazards. Inadequately designed decks can lead to collapse. By enacting the Code into law, the State Legislature sought to bring to all areas of the state a minimum standard for safe construction and renovation.

Suppose I want to use a different material than is specified in the Code? The Code requires that municipalities organize a Board of Appeals. This Board will meet when required to determine if there is an instance where a change to the Code should be allowed. The Appeals Board only functions as a reviewing agency for requests for variances of the Code and requests for extensions of time. Penn Township, Manheim Borough, Mount Joy Borough and Rapho Township have formed a Joint Board of Appeals.

Suppose I want to be the builder on my home improvement project – can I? Yes, you may still be your own builder but you must build to the Code specifications and you are still required to have all the proper inspections. The Township will maintain a Code Manual that shows all the requirements of the various codes. It will be up to the individual to do the research to determine what is needed to complete a project.

Rapho Township still requires a Zoning Permit be issued by the Township for structures that do not fall under the new Building Code. Construction of or changes to agricultural buildings need a zoning permit. Sheds and detached garages less than 1,000 square feet, decks less than 30 inches above ground all need a zoning permit. Fences less than 6 feet high need a zoning permit. The fee for the Zoning Permit is $3 per $1,000 cost of construction.

If you are planning a new project or if you have any questions about the Uniform Construction Code, call the Township office for guidance as to whether you are required to obtain either a Building Permit, a Zoning Permit or do not need any permit.