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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 18, 2013 04:17 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Michele Brooks |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Legislation to Exempt Small Home Improvement Projects from UCC |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (Act 45 of 1999) exempting several types of common home improvement projects. This legislation would assist homeowners in upgrading their homes by removing burdensome regulations and added costs on small improvement projects. The projects on homes that would be exempt from the Uniform Construction Code are as follows: 1) Decks that are no more than 30 inches above grade at any point which are attached or accessory to a residential building. Title 34 Chapter 403.62 of Pa.Code excludes uncovered decks no greater than 30 inches from residential improvements that do not require a permit; however, there is a gray area with respect to application of this exemption and my legislation will put this exemption into statute. (2) Accessory structures that are attached to a residential building which cover an entranceway and are no more than 1 story high and not more than 200 square feet. (For example, small sunroom, entrance way, mud room, etc.) (3) Patio covers as defined in 2009 IRC Appendix H or its successor requirement. This exemption would apply to patio covers no more than 12 feet high as described in Appendix H. Appendix H clearly describes patio covers that are only for outdoor living purposes and not as carports or habitable rooms. Thus, this exemption could not be abused to create additional enclosed habitable spaces in a home. I am introducing this legislation in response to various complaints I have received from constituents regarding the over-regulation of relatively small home improvements by the building code. |
Introduced as HB2073