[Ord. No. 92, 7/7/2004]
The purpose of this part is to promote the general health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the township and to conform to the requirements of the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and regulations to the Act promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "code") and code requires the enactment of an appropriate ordinance by municipalities electing to administer and enforce the building code provisions of the code.
[Ord. No. 92, 7/7/2004; Ord. No. 206, 8/3/2016]
1. 
The Uniform Construction Code, contained in 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401—405, as amended from time to time, is hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference as the municipal building code of the township.
A. 
Section 2709.0. Communications Amplification Systems.
(1) 
Section 2709.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this Section and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.
APCO — Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International
CCDES — Chester County Department of Emergency Services
FCC — Federal Communications Commission
NPSPAC — National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee
(2) 
Section 2709.2. General Provisions.
Except as otherwise provided, no person shall erect, construct, alter, refit, change the use of, or provide an addition of more than 20% of the existing floor area to, any building or structure or any part thereof, or cause the same to be done, which fails to support adequate radio coverage for CCDES, the Avondale and West Grove Fire Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police and/or local Police Department. For the purposes of this Section, adequate radio coverage shall include all of the following:
1. 
A minimum signal strength of -95dBm available in 95% for the area of each floor of the building.
2. 
A minimum signal strength of -95dBm received at the closest CCDES radio communications site when transmitted from 95% of the area of each floor of the building.
3. 
The frequency range which must be supported shall be between 763 MHz and 861 MHz.
4. 
A 90% reliability factor.
5. 
Signal strength measurements, for the purpose of measuring the performance of a bidirectional amplifier, shall be based on one input signal adequate to obtain a maximum continuous operating output level.
The provisions of this Section shall become applicable upon notification to the property owner that unacceptable performance levels exist. The property owner shall have 90 days from date of notification, to enhance radio coverage and bring it within the acceptable limits of these provisions.
(3) 
Section 2709.3. Amplification Systems Allowed.
Buildings and structures which cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped with either a radiating cable system or an internal multiple antenna system with or without FCC type accepted bi-directional 700/800 MHz amplifiers as needed. If any part of the installed system or systems contains an electrically powered component, the system shall be capable of operating on an independent battery and/or generator system for a period of at least 12 hours without external power input. The battery system shall charge in the presence of an external power input.
(4) 
Section 2709.4. Testing Procedures.
2709.4.1. Acceptance Test Procedure
When an in-building radio system is required, and upon completion of installation, it will be the building owner's responsibility to have the radio system tested to ensure that two-way coverage on each floor of the building is a minimum of 95%. Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of approximately 20 equal areas. A maximum of two nonadjacent areas will be allowed to fail the test. IN the event that three of the areas fail the test, in order to be more statistically accurate, the floor may be divided in 40 equal areas. In such event, a maximum of four nonadjacent areas will be allowed to fail the test. After the 40 area test, if the system continues to fail, the building owner shall have the system altered to meet the 95% coverage requirement.
The test shall be conducted using the most current portable radio or its equivalent, available to the Pennsylvania State Police and/or local Township Police and/or Avondale and West Grove Fire Departments, talking through the CCDES as specified by the authority having jurisdiction. A spot located approximately in the center of a grid area will be selected for the test, then the radio will be keyed to verify two-way communications to and from the outside of the building through the CCDES. Once the spot has been selected, prospecting for a better spot within the grid area will not be permitted.
The gain values of all amplifiers shall be measured and the test measurement results shall be kept on file with the building owner so that the measurements can be verified each year during the annual tests. In the event that the measurements results become lost, the building owner will be required to rerun the acceptance test to reestablish the gain values.
Annual Tests
When an in building radio system is required, the building owner shall test all active components of the system, including but not limited to amplifiers, power supplies and backup batteries, a minimum of once every 12 months. Amplifiers shall be tested to ensure that the gain is the same as it was upon initial installation and acceptance. Backup batteries and power supplies shall be tested under load for a period of one hour to verify that they will properly operate during an actual power outage. If within the one-hour test period, in the opinion of the testing technician, the battery exhibits symptoms of failure, the test shall be extended for additional one-hour periods until the testing technician confirms the integrity of the battery. All other active components shall be checked to determine that they are operating within the manufacturer's specifications for the intended period.
Five Year Tests
In addition to the annual test, the building owner shall perform a radio coverage test a minimum of once every five years to insure that the radio system continues to meet the requirements of the original acceptance test. The procedure set forth above shall apply to such tests. A copy of the accepted tests shall be provided to London Grove Township and the Chester County Department of Emergency Services.
Qualifications of Testing Personnel
All tests shall be conducted, documented and signed by a person in possession of a current FCC technician license, or a current technician certification issued by APCO, NABER, or PCIA. All test records shall be retained on the inspected premises by the building owner and a copy submitted to London Grove Township and the Chester County Department of Emergency Services.
(5) 
Section 2709.5. Field Testing.
Police and Fire personnel, currently serving London Grove Township after providing reasonable notice to the owner or his representative, shall have the right to enter onto the property to conduct field testing to be certain that the required level of radio coverage is present.
[Ord. No. 92, 7/7/2004; Ord. No. 167, 4/6/2011]
1. 
The following sections of the international codes as referenced in the Uniform Construction Code are hereby revised to add design criteria which is required to be inputted by the local jurisdiction:
A. 
Section R101.1 of the 2003 International Residential Code.
Title. These provisions shall be known as the "Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings of London Grove Township, Chester County," and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this code."
B. 
Table R301.2(1) of the 2003 International Residential Code.
•
Ground snow load = 30 # p.s.f.
•
Wind Speed (mph) = 90
•
Seismic Design Category = C
•
Frost Line Depth = 36 inches
•
Termite = Moderate to Heavy
•
Decay = Slight to Moderate
•
Winter Design Temp = 14°
•
Ice Shield Underlayment Required = Yes
•
Flood Hazards = March 17, 2002
•
Air Freezing Index = 500
•
Mean annual temp = 53°
C. 
Section R3103.1 of the 2003 International Residential Code.
Roof extension. All open vent pipes which extend through a roof shall be terminated at least 10 inches above the roof or two inches above the anticipated snow accumulation, except that where a roof is to be used for any purpose other than weather protection, the vent extensions shall be run at least seven feet (2,134 mm) above the roof.
D. 
Section R1612.3 of the 2003 International Building Code.
Establishment of Flood Hazard Areas. To establish flood hazard area, the governing body shall adopt a flood hazard map and supporting data. The flood hazard map shall include, at a minimum, areas of special flood hazard as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in an engineering report entitled the "Flood Insurance Study for London Grove Township," dated March 17, 2002, as amended or revised with accompanying Flood Insurance Map (FIRM) and Flood Boundary and Floodway Map (FBFM) and related supporting data along with any revisions thereto. The adopted flood hazard map and supporting data are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be part of this Section.
E. 
Section 101.1 of the 2003 International Plumbing Code.
Title. These regulations shall be known as the "International Plumbing Code of London Grove Township, Chester County," hereinafter referred to as "this code."
F. 
Section 106.6.2 of the 2003 International Plumbing Code.
Fee Schedule. The fees for all plumbing work shall be indicated in the following schedule: The London Grove Township Fee Schedule.
G. 
Section 106.6.3 of the 2003 International Plumbing Code.
Fee Refunds. The code official shall authorize the refunding of fees as follows:
(a) 
The full amount of any fee paid hereunder that was erroneously paid or collected.
(b) 
Not more than 50% of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
(c) 
Not more than 50% of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan review effort has been expended.
The code official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon written application by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
H. 
Section 108.4 of the 2003 International Plumbing Code.
Violation Penalties. Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair plumbing work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
I. 
Section 108.5 of the 2003 International Plumbing Code.
Stop Work Orders. Upon notice from the code official, work on any plumbing system that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to the owner's agent, or to the person doing the work. The notice shall state the conditions under which work is authorized to resume. Where an emergency exist, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work. Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues or each Section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense.
J. 
Section 904.1 of the 2003 International Plumbing Code.
Roof Extension. All open vent pipes that extend through a roof shall be terminated at least 15 inches above the roof, except that where a roof is to be used for any purpose other than weather protection, the vent extensions shall be run at least seven feet (2,134 mm) above the roof.
K. 
Section 101.1 of the International Code Council Electrical Code.
Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Electrical Code—Administrative Provisions of London Grove Township, Chester County," and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this code."
L. 
Section 404.2 of the International Code Council Electrical Code.
Schedule of Permit Fees. A fee for each permit shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by the applicable governing authority. The fees for electrical work shall be indicated in the following schedule: The London Grove Township Fee Schedule.
M. 
Section 101.1 of the International Mechanical Code.
Title. Theses regulations shall be known as the mechanical Code of London Grove Township, Chester County, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
N. 
Section 106.5.2 of the International Mechanical Code.
Fee Schedule. The fees for all mechanical work shall be indicated in the following schedule: The London Grove Township Fee Schedule.
O. 
Section 106.5.3 of the 2003 International Mechanical Code.
Fee Refunds. The code official shall authorize the refunding of fees as follows:
(a) 
The full amount of any fee paid hereunder that was erroneously paid or collected.
(b) 
Not more than 50% of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
(c) 
Not more than 50% of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan review effort has been expended.
The code official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon written application by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
P. 
Section 108.4 of the 2003 International Mechanical Code.
Violation Penalties. Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair mechanical work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
Q. 
Section 108.5 of the 2003 International Mechanical Code.
Stop Work Orders. Upon notice from the code official, work on any mechanical system that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to the owner's agent, or to the person doing the work. The notice shall state the conditions under which work is authorized to resume. Where an emergency exist, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work. Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues or each Section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense.
R. 
Section 101.1 of the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code.
Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Fuel Gas Code of London Grove Township, Chester County," hereinafter referred to as "this code."
S. 
Section 106.5.2 of the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code.
Fee Schedule. The fees for work shall be indicated in the following schedule: The London Grove Township Fee Schedule.
T. 
Section 106.5.3 of the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code.
Fee Refunds. The code official shall authorize the refunding of fees as follows:
(a) 
The full amount of any fee paid hereunder that was erroneously paid or collected.
(b) 
Not more than 50% of the permit fee paid when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
(c) 
Not more than 50% of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review fee has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan review effort has been expended.
The code official shall not authorize the refunding of any fee paid except upon written application by the original permittee not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
U. 
Section 108.4 of the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code.
Violation Penalties. Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
V. 
Section 108.5 of the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code.
Stop Work Orders. Upon notice from the code official that work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to the owner's agent, or to the person doing the work, The notice shall state the conditions under which work is authorized to resume. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work. Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues or each Section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense.
W. 
Section 101.1 of the International Fire Code.
Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Fire Code of London Grove Township," hereinafter referred to as "this code."
X. 
Section 109.3 of the International Fire Code.
Violation Penalties. Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
Y. 
Section 111.4 of the International Fire Code.
Failure to Comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues or each Section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense.
Z. 
Section 3204.3.1.1 of the International Fire Code.
Location. Stationary containers shall be located in accordance with § 3203.6. Containers or cryogenic fluids shall not be located within diked areas containing other hazardous materials. Storage of flammable cryogenic fluids outside of buildings is prohibited.
AA. 
Section 3404.2.9.5.1 of the International Fire Code.
Locations Where Aboveground Tanks Are Prohibited. Storage of Class I and II liquids in aboveground tanks outside of building is prohibited in residential zoning districts as specified in the London Grove Township Zoning Ordinance [Chapter 27].
BB. 
Section 3406.2.4.4 of the International Fire Code.
Locations Where Aboveground Tanks Are Prohibited. The storage of Class I and II liquids in aboveground tanks is prohibited in residential zoning districts as specified in the London Grove Township Zoning Ordinance [Chapter 27].
CC. 
Section 101.1 of the International Energy Conservation Code.
Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Energy Conservation Code of London Grove Township, Chester County," and shall be cited as such. It is referred to herein as "this code."
DD. 
Section 101.1 of the International Existing Building Code.
Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Existing Building Code of London Grove Township, Chester County," and shall be cited as such. It is referred to herein as "this code."
EE. 
Section 1201.2 of the International Existing Building Code.
Applicability. Structures existing prior to the effective date of this code, in which there is work involving additions, alterations, or changes of occupancy shall be made to conform to the requirements of this code or the provisions of Chapters 4 through 10. The provisions of §§ 1201.2.1 through 120.2.5 shall apply to existing occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, M, R, and S. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H or Group I.
FF. 
Section 101.1 of the International Urban Wildland Interface Code.
Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Urban Wildland Interface Code of London Grove Township, Chester County," and shall be cited as such. It is referred to herein as "this code."
[Ord. No. 92, 7/7/2004]
1. 
The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code is amended as follows. These regulations are contained in ordinances that are repealed by the Pennsylvania Construction Code, however are permitted to remain in effect in accordance with the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (35 P.S. §§ 7210.101—7210.1103).
A. 
The following items shall require a permit:
(1) 
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 2 to 1.
(2) 
Replacement of existing roof materials that does not exceed 25% of the total roof area performed within any twelve-month period.
(3) 
Replacement of porches and stoops.
(4) 
Installation of an uncovered deck where the floor of the deck is no more than 30 inches above grade.
[Ord. No. 92, 7/7/2004]
1. 
Administration and enforcement of the code within the township shall be undertaken in any of the following ways as determined by the governing body of the township from time to time by resolution:
A. 
By the designation of an employee of the township to serve as the municipal code official to act on behalf of the township.
B. 
By the retention of one or more construction code officials or third-party agencies to act on behalf of the township.
C. 
By agreement with one or more other municipalities for the joint administration and enforcement of this code through an intermunicipal agreement.
D. 
By entering into a contract with another municipality for the administration and enforcement of this code on behalf of this township.
E. 
By entering into an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for plan review, inspections and enforcement of structures other then one-family or two-family dwelling units and utility and miscellaneous use structures.
[Ord. No. 92, 7/7/2004]
A board of appeals shall be established by resolution of the governing body of this township in conformity with the requirements of the relevant provisions of the code, as amended from time to time, and for the purposes set forth therein. If at any time enforcement and administration is undertaken jointly with one or more other municipalities, said board of appeals shall be established by joint action of the participating municipalities.
[Ord. No. 92, 7/7/2004]
Fees assessable by the township for the administration and enforcement undertaken pursuant to this part and the code shall be established by the governing body by resolution from time to time. In addition to any fees, the township shall assess a fee of $2 on each construction or building permit issued under the authority of the act and code, which monies shall be transmitted quarterly to the Pennsylvania State Treasury as required by § 703 of the Act.