PRINTER'S NO. 1615
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
1230
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY D. COSTA, DeLUCA, McNEILL, SCHREIBER, COHEN, MURT
AND MAHONEY, MAY 18, 2015
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND INDUSTRY, MAY 18, 2015
AN ACT
Amending the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), entitled
"An act establishing a uniform construction code; imposing
powers and duties on municipalities and the Department of
Labor and Industry; providing for enforcement; imposing
penalties; and making repeals," in adoption and enforcement
by municipalities, providing for fire protection services
fee.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45),
known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, is amended to
by adding a section to read:
Section 501.1. Fire protection services fee.
(a) Fee.--Municipalities administering and enforcing the
provisions of this act may assess a fee of not more than $30 for
fire protection services on each occupancy permit issued under
this act. The fee for fire protection services shall be in
addition to any other fee imposed on the occupancy permit. The
fee may only be used to pay for the following:
(1) Accessory equipment, apparatus equipment,
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communications equipment and protective equipment used by
volunteer firefighters or firefighters employed by
municipalities for firefighting, emergency response services
and training purposes.
(2) Rescue vehicles or utility or special services
vehicles used by volunteer firefighters or firefighters
employed by municipalities for firefighting, emergency
response services and training purposes.
(3) Construction or maintenance of firehouses utilized
by volunteer firefighters or firefighters employed by
municipalities.
(4) Salaries of paid firefighters who are employed by a
municipality.
(b) Exemption.--An owner of a commercial building, who is a
resident of the municipality in which the commercial building is
located, shall not be liable to pay a fee for fire protection
services in connection with an occupancy permit.
(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meaning given to them in this
subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Accessory equipment." Firefighting and rescue equipment
necessary to carry out the ordinary functions of supporting fire
and rescue activities.
"Apparatus equipment." Elevated equipment, pumpers, tankers,
ladder trucks, utility or special service vehicles, rescue
vehicles or other large equipment used by firefighters.
"Communications equipment." Any voice or original
transmission system required to support the operation of a fire
company.
"Firehouse." Facilities used by fire companies to house
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firefighting equipment. The term shall not include meeting
halls, social rooms or any other facilities not directly related
to firefighting.
"Protective equipment." Any equipment used by firefighters
to protect their persons from injury while performing their
functions, including, but not limited to, helmets, turnout coats
and pants, boots, eyeshields, gloves and self-contained
respiratory protection units.
"Rescue vehicle." Any vehicle used for the rescue services.
"Utility or special service vehicle." A vehicle carrying
accessory equipment, including, but not limited to, ladders,
oxygen equipment, generators and adapters, floodlights, smoke
ejectors and other equipment necessary to perform the ordinary
functions of supporting firefighting activities.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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