[Ord. 30-2004, passed 6-2-2004]
(a)
An owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge,
alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a commercial
building, structure and facility or to erect, install, enlarge, alter,
repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical,
or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code shall
first apply to the Building Code Official and obtain the required
permit under Section 1503.32 (relating to permit application).
(b)
Emergency repairs or replacement of equipment may be made without
first applying for a permit if a permit application is submitted to
the Building Code Official within three business days of the repair
or replacement.
(c)
A permit is not required for the exceptions listed in Section
1503.11(b) (relating to scope) and the following construction as long
as the work does not violate a law or ordinance:
(1)
Building construction for the following:
A.
"Deleted".
B.
Oil derricks.
C.
Retaining walls, which are not over four feet in height measured
from the lowest level of grade to the top of the wall, unless it is
supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
D.
Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does
not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width
does not exceed two to one.
E.
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
and that are not located over a basement or story below it and which
are not part of an accessible route.
F.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops
and similar finishing work.
G.
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets
and scenery.
H.
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy
which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and
are installed entirely aboveground.
I.
Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural
purposes that do not include service systems.
J.
Swings and other playground equipment accessory to one- or two-family
dwellings.
K.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project
more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional
support of Group R-3 as applicable in the "International Building
Code," and Group U occupancies.
L.
Movable cases, counters and partitions that are not over five
feet nine inches in height.
M.
Window replacement without structural change.
(2)
Electrical work for the following:
A.
Minor repair and maintenance work that includes the replacement
of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment
to approved permanently installed receptacles.
B.
Electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions.
The provisions of the Uniform Construction Code apply to equipment
and wiring for power supply and the installation of towers and antennas.
C.
The installation of a temporary system for the testing or servicing
of electrical equipment or apparatus.
(4)
The following mechanical work or equipment:
A.
A portable heating appliance.
B.
Portable ventilation equipment.
C.
A portable cooling unit.
D.
Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling
equipment governed under the Uniform Construction Code.
E.
Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or
make it unsafe.
F.
A portable evaporative cooler.
G.
A self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or
less of refrigerant and placed into action by motors that are not
more than one horsepower.
(5)
The following plumbing repairs:
A.
Stopping leaks in a drain and a water, soil, waste or vent pipe.
The Uniform Construction Code applies if a concealed trap, drainpipe,
water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and is removed and
replaced with new material.
B.
Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures,
and the removal and installation of water closets, faucets and lavatories
if the valves, or pipes are not replaced or rearranged.
(d)
An ordinary repair does not require a permit. The following
are not ordinary repairs:
(1)
Cutting away a wall, partition or portion of a wall.
(2)
The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing
support.
(3)
The removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement
of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements.
(4)
The addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of
any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil,
waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical.
(e)
A permit is not required for the installation, alteration or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, metering or other related equipment that is, by established right, under the ownership and control of a public utility as defined in 66 Pa.C.S.A. § 102 (relating to the definition of public utility).
(f)
A Building Code Official may issue an annual permit instead
of an individual permit for each alteration to an already approved
electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing installation. All of the following
are required:
(1)
The applicant shall employ licensed electrical, mechanical,
and/or plumbing contractors and/or a qualified gas contractor.
(2)
The applicant shall submit an application in accordance with
Section 1503.32(m).
(3)
An annual permit holder shall keep detailed records of alterations
made in accordance with the annual permit. The permit holder shall
provide access to these records to the Building Code Official.
[Ord. 30-2004, passed 6-2-2004]
(a)
Applications for a permit required under Section 1503.31 (relating
to permit requirements and exemptions) shall be submitted to the Building
Code Official in accordance with this section.
(b)
A permit applicant shall submit an application to the Building
Code Official and attach construction documents, including plans and
specifications, and information concerning special inspection and
structural observation programs, Department of Transportation highway
access permits and other data required by the Building Code Official
with the permit application. The applicant shall submit three sets
of documents.
(c)
A licensed architect or licensed professional engineer shall
prepare the construction documents under the Architects Licensure
Law (63 P.S. §§ 34.1 — 34.22), or the Engineer,
Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law (63 P.S. §§ 148
— 158.2). An unlicensed person may prepare design documents
for the remodeling or alteration of a building if there is no compensation
and the remodeling or alteration does not relate to additions to the
building or changes to the building's structure or means of egress.
(d)
A Building Code Official may require submission of additional
construction documents in special circumstances.
(e)
The permit applicant shall submit construction documents in
a format approved by the Building Code Official. Construction documents
shall be clear, indicate the location, nature and extent of the work
proposed, and show in detail that the work will conform to the Uniform
Construction Code.
(f)
All of the following fire egress and occupancy requirements
apply to construction documents:
(1)
The permit applicant shall submit construction documents that
show in sufficient detail the location, construction, size and character
of all portions of the means of egress in compliance with the Uniform
Construction Code.
(2)
The construction documents for occupancies other than Groups
R-2 and R-3 shall contain designation of the number of occupants to
be accommodated on every floor and in all rooms and spaces.
(3)
The permit applicant shall submit shop drawings for a fire protection
system that indicates conformance with the Uniform Construction Code
in accordance with the following:
(g)
Construction documents shall contain the following information
related to the exterior wall envelope:
(1)
Description of the exterior wall envelope indicating compliance
with the Uniform Construction Code.
(2)
Flashing details.
(3)
Details relating to intersections with dissimilar materials,
corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves,
or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive membrane and details
around openings.
(h)
Construction documents shall contain a site plan that is drawn
to scale. The Building Code Official may waive or modify the following
site plan requirements if the permit application is for an alteration
or repair or if waiver or modification is warranted. Site plan requirements
include all of the following:
(1)
The size and location of new construction and existing structures
on the site.
(2)
Accurate boundary lines.
(3)
Distances from lot lines.
(4)
The established street grades and the proposed finished grades.
(5)
If the construction involves demolition, the site plan shall
indicate construction that is to be demolished and the size and location
of existing structures and construction that will remain on the site
or plot.
(6)
Location of parking spaces, accessible routes, public transportation
stops and other required accessibility features.
(i)
A permit applicant shall submit certifications required in the
"International Building Code" for construction in a flood hazard area
to the Building Code Official.
(j)
A permit applicant shall identify, on the application, the name
and address of the licensed architect or engineer in responsible charge
of the construction. The permit applicant shall notify the Building
Code Official in writing if another licensed architect or engineer
assumes responsible charge.
(k)
The permit applicant shall describe an inspection program, identify
a person or firm who will perform special inspections and structural
observations if Section 1704 or 1709 of the "International Building
Code" requires special inspections or structural observations for
the construction.
(l)
A Building Code Official may waive or modify the submission
of construction documents, that are not required to be prepared by
a licensed architect or engineer, or other data if the nature of the
work applied for does not require review of construction documents
or other data to obtain compliance with the Uniform Construction Code.
The Building Code Official may not waive the submission of site plans
that relate to accessibility requirements.
(m)
An applicant for an annual permit under Section 1503.31(f) shall
complete an application and provide information regarding the system
that may be altered and the date that approval was previously provided
for the approved electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing installation.
(n)
A permit applicant shall comply with the permit, certification
or licensure requirements of the following laws applicable to the
construction:
(o)
Insurance for demolition work.
(1)
No demolition permit shall be issued for the demolition of a
building or structure within the City unless a certificate is submitted
showing that public liability insurance in the amount of $500,000
has been obtained by the applicant. The certificate shall name the
City as an additional insured at no cost to the City. Demolition permits
or the demolition of commercial structures shall only be issued to
demolition contractors.
[Amended by Ord. 27-2019, passed 4-17-2019]
(2)
Exemptions. The provisions set forth in Subsection (o)(1) hereof
shall not apply to the wrecking or demolition of any single family
residence or garage within the City, provided the demolition is done
entirely by the owner.
[Ord. 30-2004, passed 6-2-2004]
(a)
A Building Code Official shall grant or deny a permit application,
in whole or in part, within 30 business days of the filing date. Reasons
for the denial shall be in writing and sent to the applicant. The
Building Code Official and the permit applicant may agree in writing
to extend the deadline by a specific number of days. A Building Code
Official may establish a different deadline to consider applications
for a permit in an historic district.
(b)
A Building Code Official shall examine the construction documents
and shall determine whether the construction indicated and described
is in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code and other pertinent
laws or ordinances as part of the application process.
(c)
A Building Code Official shall stamp or place a notation on
each page of the set of reviewed construction documents that the documents
were reviewed and approved for Uniform Construction Code compliance
before the permit is issued. The Building Code Official shall clearly
mark any required nondesign changes on the construction documents.
The Building Code Official shall return a set of the construction
documents with this notation and any required changes to the applicant.
The permit holder shall keep a copy of the construction documents
at the work site open to inspection by the construction code official
or an authorized representative.
(d)
A Building Code Official may not issue a permit for any property
requiring access to a highway under the Department of Transportation's
jurisdiction unless the permit contains notice that a highway occupancy
permit is required under Section 420 of the State Highway Law (36
P.S. § 670-420) before driveway access to a Commonwealth
highway is permitted.
(e)
A Building Code Official may issue a permit for the construction
of the foundations or other parts of a building or structure before
the construction documents for the whole building or structure are
submitted if the permit applicant previously filed adequate information
and detailed statements for the building or structure under the Uniform
Construction Code. Approval under this section is not assurance that
the Building Code Official will issue a permit for the entire building
or structure.
(f)
Issuance of a permit does not bar prosecution or other legal action for violations of the Act, the Uniform Construction Code, or a construction ordinance. A Building Code Official may suspend or revoke a permit issued under the Uniform Construction Code when the permit holder does not make the required changes directed by the Building Code Official under Subsection (c) hereof, when the permit is issued in error, on the basis of inaccurate or incomplete information or in violation of any act, regulation, ordinance or the Uniform Construction Code.
(g)
A permit becomes invalid unless the authorized construction
work begins within 180 days after the permit's issuance or if
the authorized construction work permit is suspended or abandoned
for 180 days after the work has commenced. A permit holder may submit
a written request for an extension of time to commence construction
for just cause. The Building Code Official may grant extensions of
time to commence construction in writing. A permit may be valid for
no more than five years from its issue date.
(h)
The permit holder shall keep a copy of the permit on the work
site until the completion of the construction.
(i)
A permit applicant may request extensions of time or variances
or appeal a Building Code Official's action on the permit application
to a Board of Appeals under Section 1503.62 (relating to appeals,
variances and extensions of time).
(j)
A Board of Appeals may not rule on requests for extensions of
time, variances or appeals relating to this title's accessibility
requirements. The secretary has the exclusive power to grant modifications
and extensions of time and decide issues of technical infeasibility
under Section 1503.71 (relating to the Accessibility Advisory Board).
(k)
A Building Code Official may allow deferred submittals of portions
of the design of the building and structure from the time of the application
until a specified time set by the Building Code Official. All of the
following apply to deferred submittals:
(1)
The Building Code Official shall provide prior approval of the
deferral of any submittal items.
(2)
A licensed architect or professional engineer in responsible
charge shall list the deferred submittals on the construction documents
for review by the Building Code Official.
(3)
A licensed architect or professional engineer shall first review
submittal documents for deferred submittal items and place a notation
on the documents that the architect or engineer reviewed the documents
and that the documents are in general conformance with the design
of the building or structure.
(4)
Deferred submittal items may not be installed until the Building
Code Official approves the design and submittal documents for the
deferred submittal items.
(l)
Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction
documents. The permit holder shall submit a revised set of construction
documents for approval for changes made during construction that are
not in accordance with the approved construction documents.
(m)
A permit is not valid until the required fees are collected
under Article 1502 (relating to Department fees; City of Erie and
third-party agency fees).
[Ord. 30-2004, passed 6-2-2004]
(a)
Materials, products, and methods of construction that were evaluated
as meeting codes enumerated in Section 1503.21 (relating to Uniform
Construction Code) by the ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. or an evaluation
service accredited under the "general requirements for bodies operating
product certification systems" issued by the ISO (ISO guide 65) are
approved for use. The use shall conform with the evaluation.
(b)
Materials, equipment and devices bearing the label or listed
by a testing laboratory or quality assurance agency accredited by
the International Accreditation Service, Inc. or another agency accredited
under the "Calibration and Testing Laboratory Accreditation Systems
General Requirements for Operation and Recognition" issued by ISO
(ISO guide 58) are approved for use if:
(c)
A new building or remodeling, alteration, addition or change
of use and occupancy of an existing building which complies with the
International Performance Code shall also be in compliance with the
Uniform Construction Code.
[Ord. 30-2004, passed 6-2-2004]
(a)
A construction code official employed or under contract with
the City of Erie shall perform inspections to insure that the construction
complies with the approved permit and the Uniform Construction Code,
except that Fire Code inspections shall be conducted, and permits
issued, by a qualified Fire Code Inspector as defined in Article 1501
of this code.
(b)
Before issuing a permit, a Building Code Official and/or Fire
Inspector may examine, or cause to be examined, buildings, structures,
facilities or sites related to the permit application.
(c)
The permit holder or an authorized agent shall notify the construction
code official and/or Fire Inspector when work is ready for inspection
and provide access for the inspection. The work shall remain accessible
and exposed for inspection. A construction code official may inspect
the construction and equipment only during normal hours at the construction
site unless the permit holder or agent requests or agrees to another
time. Inspections may be conducted under Section 1503.56 (relating
to right of entry to inspect).
(d)
A construction code official and Fire Inspector shall notify
a permit holder if construction complies with the Uniform Construction
Code or fails to comply with the Uniform Construction Code.
(e)
A construction code official and Fire Inspector shall conduct
a final inspection of the completed construction and work file a final
inspection report, which indicates that all of the following areas
met Uniform Construction Code requirements after a final inspection
of the completed construction work:
(1)
General building under § 401.7(6) (Relating to certification
category speculation for Building Inspector).
(2)
Electrical under § 401.7(7).
(3)
Plumbing under § 401.7(9).
(4)
Accessibility under § 401.7(11).
(5)
Fire protection under § 401.7(6). (Inspected by Fire
Inspectors only, as defined in Article 1501 of this code.)
(6)
Mechanical under § 401.7(8).
(7)
Energy conservation under § 401.7(10).
[Ord. 30-2004, passed 6-2-2004]
(a)
A building, structure or facility may not be used or occupied
without a certificate of occupancy issued by a Building Code Official.
(b)
A Building Code Official shall issue a certificate of occupancy
within five business days after receipt of a final inspection report
that indicates compliance with the Uniform Construction Code. The
certificate of occupancy shall contain the following information:
(1)
The permit number and address of the building, structure or
facility.
(2)
The permit holder's name and address.
(3)
A description of the portion of the building, structure or facility
covered by the occupancy permit.
(4)
The name of the Building Code Official who issued the occupancy
permit.
(5)
The applicable construction code edition applicable to the occupancy
permit.
(6)
The use and occupancy classification under Chapter 3 (Use and
Occupancy Classification) of the "International Building Code," when
designated.
(7)
The type of construction defined in Chapter 6 (Types of Construction)
of the "International Building Code," when designated.
(8)
Special stipulations and conditions relating to the permit and
Board of Appeals decisions and variances for accessibility requirements
granted by the Secretary.
(9)
The date of the final inspection.
(10)
Compliance with the City of Erie Zoning Ordinance.
(c)
A Building Code Official may issue a certificate of occupancy
for a portion of a building, structure or facility if the portion
independently meets the Uniform Construction Code.
(d)
A Building Code Official may suspend or revoke a certificate
of occupancy when the certificate was issued in error, on the basis
of incorrect information supplied by the permit applicant or in violation
of the Uniform Construction Code. Before a certificate of occupancy
is revoked, a building owner may request a hearing before the Board
of Appeals under Section 1503.62 (relating to appeals, variances and
extensions of time).
(e)
A Fire Inspector shall be the only person that may issue any
permits or compliance notices relating to fire inspections and the
Fire Code.
[Ord. 30-2004, passed 6-2-2004]
(a)
A Building Code Official may authorize the temporary connection
of a building or system under construction to a utility source of
energy, fuel or power.
(b)
Connection to a public electric or gas utility for the completed
construction may not occur unless the permit holder provides written
proof to the utility company that the building or structure passed
inspections under this article.
[Ord. 30-2004, passed 6-2-2004]
(a)
The Boiler and Unfired Pressure Law (35 P.S. §§ 1331.1
— 1331.19) and Chapter 3 (relating to boilers and unfired pressure
vessels) govern the new installation, repair or replacement of a boiler
or other pressure vessel.
(b)
A permit under this article is required for the installation, repair or replacement of a boiler or unfired pressure vessel under Subsection (a) hereof. The building or structure containing the boiler or unfired pressure vessel shall comply with the Uniform Construction Code or the regulation or ordinance in effect at the time of its legal occupancy.
