[Adopted 6-16-2004 by Ord. No. 1198]
This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Borough
of Lansdowne Building Code" and/or the Pennsylvania "Uniform Construction
Code."
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, Act
45 of 1999, Chapter 5 Section 501(a)(1), the Borough of Lansdowne
situate in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, hereby elects to administer
and enforce the Uniform Construction Code as its municipal building
code and the International Fuel Gas Code for purposes described in
Section 302(A) of said Act 45.
This adoption shall include all relative codes specifically
provided for under said Act 45 to include but not be limited to the
International Building Code, the International Residential Code, the
International Fire Code and all other referenced codes. As provided
for under Act 45, Section 304, all subsequent editions or successor
codes are hereby adopted. In addition, as provided for by the Building
Code Official (BCO) Certification Course and Examination Book, and
subsequent rulings by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry,
the following appendices of the following ICC codes are also adopted:
A. International Building Code 2003.
(1) The following sections of Appendix B, titled Board of Appeals, which
outlines administrative processes and organization of the Board of
Appeals, are hereby incorporated into the appeals provisions of Act
45, Section 403.121, with the following noted amendments, insertions
and/or deletions:
(a)
B101.1, titled Application, which outlines a twenty-day time
limit for an applicant to file an appeal, is hereby incorporated in
its entirety.
(b)
B101.2, titled Membership of Board, which establishes a five-member
appeals board serving five-year terms, is hereby deleted in its entirety
and replaced to read as follows:
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"The Board of Appeals shall, upon the determination of the Borough
Council, consist of either three or five members appointed by resolution
by the Council. The terms of office of a three-member Board shall
be three years and shall be so fixed that the term of office of one
member shall expire each year. The terms of office of a five-member
Board shall be five years and shall be so fixed that the term of office
of one member of a five-member Board shall expire each year. If a
three-member Board is changed to a five-member Board, the members
of the existing three-member Board shall continue in office until
their term of office would expire under prior law. The governing body
shall appoint two additional members to the Board with terms scheduled
to expire in accordance with the provisions of this section. The Board
shall promptly notify the governing body of any vacancies which occur.
Appointments to fill vacancies shall be only for the unexpired portion
of the term. Members of the Board shall hold no other office in the
municipality.
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(c)
B101.2.1, titled Alternate members, which establishes the Council's
ability to appoint two alternate members, is hereby incorporated in
its entirety.
(d)
B101.2.2, titled Qualifications, which outlines the required
credentials and experience of the appeals board, shall be deleted
in its entirety and shall be amended to read as follows:
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"To the extent practicable, the members of the Board of Appeals
shall be selected from the following professions or disciplines:
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[1]
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Registered design professional in Pennsylvania (such as an architect
or engineer).
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[2]
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General contractor, builder, or superintendent of building construction.
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[3]
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Electrical or plumbing contractor with a master electrical or
plumbing license, or a mechanical contractor.
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[4]
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Historical property specialist with at least 10 years of experience
in historical preservation of properties, five years of which shall
have been in responsible charge of work.
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(e)
B101.2.3, titled Rules and procedures, which establishes the
ability of the appeals board to establish policies and procedures,
is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
(f)
B101.2.4, titled Chairperson, which establishes the Board's
ability to appoint a Chairperson, is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
(g)
B101.2.6, titled Secretary, which establishes the Board's
ability to appoint a Secretary, is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
(h)
B101.2.7, titled Compensation of members, which establishes
the Council's ability to provide compensation for Board members
if it so desires, is incorporated in its entirety.
(i)
B101.3.1, titled Open hearing, which establishes the hearings
to be open to the public, is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
(j)
B101.3.2, titled Procedure, which establishes that rules of
procedures be made available to the public, is hereby incorporated
in its entirety.
(k)
B101.3.3, titled Postponed hearing, which establishes the right
of either the appellant or the appellant's representative to
request a postponement of the hearing as a result of the absence of
one or more Board members, is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
(l)
B101.4.2, titled Administration, which establishes the requirements
for the Building Official to take immediate action in accordance with
the decision of the Board, is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
(2) Appendix G, titled Flood Resistant Construction, which aims to promote
the public health, safety and general welfare and to minimize public
and private losses due to flood conditions in specific flood hazard
areas through the establishment of comprehensive regulations for management
of flood hazard areas, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(3) Appendix I, titled Patio Covers, which establishes recommended standards
for the construction and installation of patio covers on non-one-
and two-family dwellings, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(4) Appendix J, titled Grading, which establishes the provisions and
standards for grading, excavation and earthwork construction, including
fills and embankments as they relate to new construction, is hereby
adopted in its entirety.
B. International Residential
Code 2003.
(1) Appendix A, titled Sizing and Capacities of Gas Piping, which establishes
a recommended standard for determining fuel gas pipe sizes, is hereby
adopted in its entirety.
(2) Appendix B, titled Sizing of Venting Systems Serving Appliances Equipped
with Draft Hoods, Category I Appliances, and Appliances Listed for
Use and Type B Vents, which establishes a recommended standard for
determining vent ducts and vent piping sizes, is hereby adopted in
its entirety.
(3) Appendix C, titled Exit Terminals of Mechanical Draft and Direct-Vent
Venting Systems, which provides information, explanations, examples
to illustrate and clarify the various requirements for the exterior
termination of exhaust vents, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(4) Appendix D, titled Recommended Procedure for Safety Inspection of
an Existing Appliance Installation, which establishes a guide to aid
in determining that an appliance is properly installed and is in a
safe condition for continuing use, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(5) Appendix F, titled Radon Control Methods, which establishes the requirements
for radon-resistant construction for new construction in Lansdowne
Borough, is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
(6) Appendix H, titled Patio Covers, which establishes recommended standards
for the construction and installation of patio covers on one- and
two-family dwellings, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
C. International Fire Code 2003.
(1) Appendix B, titled Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings, which establishes
a procedure for determining fire-flow requirements for buildings or
portions of buildings hereafter constructed, is hereby adopted in
its entirety.
(2) Appendix C, titled Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution, which
establishes the number and location of fire hydrants for the protection
of buildings, or a portion of buildings, hereafter constructed, is
hereby adopted in its entirety.
(3) Appendix D, titled Fire Apparatus Roads, which establishes that facilities,
buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed shall be
accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an approved fire
apparatus access road, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(4) Appendix E, titled Hazard Categories, which provides information,
explanations and examples to illustrate and clarify the hazard categories
contained in Chapter 27 of the International Fire Code, is hereby
adopted in its entirety.
(5) Appendix F, titled Hazard Rankings, which establishes levels of hazards
to be applied to specific hazard classes as required by NFPA 704 and
is referenced throughout the Fire Code, is hereby incorporated in
its entirety.
(6) Appendix G, titled Cryogenic Fluids—Weight and Volume Equivalents,
which provides a reference chart to convert volumes of cryogenic fluids
into volumes of gas, is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
D. International Plumbing Code 2003.
(1) Appendix B, titled Rates of Rainfall for Various Cities, which establishes
the average rate of rainfall for the Philadelphia area, is hereby
adopted in its entirety.
(2) Appendix D, titled Degree Days and Design Temperatures, which establishes
various average temperatures for the Philadelphia area, is hereby
adopted in its entirety.
(3) Appendix E, titled Sizing of Water Piping Systems, which establishes
two procedures for sizing a water piping system, is hereby adopted
in its entirety.
(4) Appendix F, titled Structural Safety, which establishes a list of
structural safety considerations that must be adhered to while running
plumbing lines, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
E. International Mechanical Code 2003. Appendix B of the International
Mechanical Code, titled Combustion Air Openings and Chimney Connector
Pass-Throughs, which establishes a guide and illustrations showing
the proper installation of air intake and exhaust piping through attic,
chimney and other concealed spaces, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
F. International Fuel Gas Code 2003.
(1) Appendix A, titled Sizing and Capacities of Gas Piping, which establishes
a recommended standard for determining fuel gas pipe sizes, is hereby
adopted in its entirety.
(2) Appendix B, titled Sizing of Venting Systems Serving Appliances Equipped
with Draft Hoods, Category I Appliances, and Appliances Listed for
Use and Type B Vents, which establishes a recommended standard for
determining vent ducts and vent piping sizes, is hereby adopted in
its entirety.
(3) Appendix C, titled Exit Terminals of Mechanical Draft and Direct-Vent
Venting Systems, which provides information, explanations, examples
to illustrate and clarify the various requirements for the exterior
termination of exhaust vents, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(4) Appendix D, titled Recommended Procedure for Safety Inspection of
an Existing Appliance Installation, which establishes a guide to aid
in determining that an appliance is properly installed and is in a
safe condition for continuing use, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
G. International Existing Building Code 2003.
(1) Appendix A, titled Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing
Buildings, which establishes a minimum standard for reducing the risk
of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes
on existing unreinforced masonry bearing wall buildings, is hereby
adopted in its entirety.
(2) Appendix B, titled Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing
Buildings and Facilities, which establishes recommended accessibility
standards for existing buildings, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(3) Resource A, titled Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials
and Assemblies, which establishes guidelines to determine the fire-resistance
rating of the existing building elements as part of the overall evaluation
for the assessment of the need for improvements, is hereby adopted
in its entirety.
H. International Energy Conservation Code 2003. The Appendix of the
International Energy Conservation Code, which provides construction
details to concepts outlined in the actual code, is hereby adopted.
I. International Performance Code 2003.
(1) Appendix A, titled Risk Factors of Use and Occupancy Classifications,
which establishes classifications of buildings, structures, and portions
of buildings and structures by their primary use in order to facilitate
design and construction in accordance with other provisions of this
code, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(2) Appendix B, titled Worksheet for Assigning Specific Structures to
Performance Groups, which establishes a formula for evaluating the
inherent risks and/or hazards associated with a facility, building
or portions thereof in order to apply the appropriate code requirements
of the ICC Performance Code, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
(3) Appendix C, titled Individually Substantiated Design Method, which
establishes a guide for substantiating and approving building designs
that are not based on authoritative documents or design guides, is
adopted in its entirety.
(4) Appendix D, titled Qualification Characteristics for Design and Review
of Performance-Based Designs, which establishes a resource to anyone
undertaking a performance-based design or review to assess qualifications
of the participants performing the task, is hereby adopted in its
entirety.
(5) Appendix E, titled Use of Computer Models, which establishes a guide
for allowing the use of computer models for determining a building's
compliance with this code, is hereby adopted in its entirety.
J. Upon adoption by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of successor codes,
those codes and the appendices corresponding to those listed above,
are also hereby adopted.
In accordance to the structure and organization of the ICC codes,
insertions are hereby incorporated where called out by each particular
code as follows:
A. As provided for in the actual language of the International Building
Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 1612.3: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
(2) Section 1612.3: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Date of issuance" with "May 1, 1979."
(3) Section 3410.2: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Date
to be inserted by jurisdiction" with "January 1, 1979."
B. As provided for in the actual language of the International Electrical
Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 101.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
(2) Section 404.2: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Jurisdiction
to insert appropriate schedule" with "See fee schedule adopted by
Lansdowne Borough Council from time to time."
C. As provided for in the actual language of the International Energy
Conservation Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 101.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
D. As provided for in the actual language of the International Fire
Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 101.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
(2) Section 109.3: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "OFFENSE"
with "Summary offense, and the violation shall be deemed a strict
liability offense."
(3) Section 109.3: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "DOLLAR
AMOUNT" with "a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000."
(4) Section 109.3: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "NUMBER
OF DAYS" with "30 days in the county jail."
(5) Section 111.4: amended by replacing the first occurrence of "DOLLAR
AMOUNT" with "$100."
(6) Section 111.4: amended by replacing the second occurrence of "DOLLAR
AMOUNT" with "$1,000."
(7) Section 3204.3.1.1, the storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in
stationary containers is prohibited in any residential districts.
All other areas must be approved by the Borough Council.
(8) Section 3404.2.9.5.1, the storage of Class I and Class II liquids
in aboveground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited in any residential
districts. All other areas must be approved by the Borough Council.
(9) Section 3406.2.4.4, the storage of Class I and Class II liquids in
aboveground tanks is prohibited in any residential district. All other
areas must be approved by the Borough Council.
E. As provided for in the actual language of the International Fuel
Gas Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 101.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
(2) Section 106.5.2: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "APPROPRIATE
SCHEDULE" with "See fee schedule adopted by Lansdowne Borough Council
from time to time."
(3) Section 106.5.3: amended by deleting the section in its entirety
and replacing it to read: "Refunds for work not started or completed
shall be as per the fee schedule as adopted by the Lansdowne Borough
Council from time to time."
(4) Section 108.4: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "SPECIFY
OFFENSE" with "Summary offense, and the violation shall be deemed
a strict liability offense."
(5) Section 108.4: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "AMOUNT
with "A fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000."
(6) Section 108.4: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "NUMBER
OF DAYS" with "30 days in the county jail."
(7) Section 108.5: amended by replacing the first occurrence of "AMOUNT"
with "$100."
(8) Section 108.5: amended by replacing the second occurrence of "AMOUNT"
with "$1,000."
F. As provided for in the actual language of the International Mechanical
Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 101.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
(2) Section 106.5.2: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "APPROPRIATE
SCHEDULE" with "See fee schedule adopted by Lansdowne Borough Council
from time to time."
(3) Section 106.5.3: amended by deleting the section in its entirety
and replacing it to read: "Refunds for work not started or completed
shall be as per the fee schedule as adopted by the Lansdowne Borough
Council from time to time."
(4) Section 108.4: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "SPECIFY
OFFENSE" with "Summary offense, and the violation shall be deemed
a strict liability offense."
(5) Section 108.4: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "AMOUNT"
with "a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000."
(6) Section 108.4: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "NUMBER
OF DAYS" with "30 days in the county jail."
(7) Section 108.5: amended by replacing the first occurrence of "AMOUNT"
with "$100."
(8) Section 108.5: amended by replacing the second occurrence of "AMOUNT"
with "$1,000."
G. As provided for in the actual language of the International Plumbing
Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 101.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
(2) Section 106.6.2: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "APPROPRIATE
SCHEDULE" with "See fee schedule adopted by Lansdowne Borough Council
from time to time."
(3) Section 106.6.3: amended by deleting the section in its entirety
and replacing it to read: "Refunds for work not started or completed
shall be as per the fee schedule as adopted by the Lansdowne Borough
Council from time to time."
(4) Section 108.4: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "SPECIFY
OFFENSE" with "Summary offense, and the violation shall be deemed
a strict liability offense."
(5) Section 108.4: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "AMOUNT"
with "a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000."
(6) Section 108.4: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "NUMBER
OF DAYS" with "30 days in the county jail."
(7) Section 108.5: amended by replacing the first occurrence of "AMOUNT"
with "$100."
(8) Section 108.5: amended by replacing the second occurrence of "AMOUNT"
with "$1,000."
(9) Section 305.6.1: amended by replacing the two occurrences of "NUMBER
OF INCHES IN TWO LOCATIONS" with "36 inches."
(10)
Section 904.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "NUMBER
OF INCHES" with "12 inches."
H. As provided for in the actual language of the International Residential
Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 101.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
(2) Table R301.2(1), the "APPROPRIATE DESIGN CRITERIA" shall be as follows:
(a)
Ground snow load: 30 pounds per square foot.
(b)
Wind speed: 90 miles per hour (mph).
(c)
Seismic design category: C.
(e)
Frost line depth: 36 inches.
(f)
Termite: moderate to severe.
(g)
Decay: slight to moderate.
(h)
Winter design temperature: 14.
(i)
Ice shield underlayment required: Yes.
(j)
Flood hazards: Date of adoption, January 20, 1982.
(k)
Air freezing index: 1,500.
(l) Mean annual temperature: 53°.
(3) Section P2603.6.19: amended by replacing the two occurrences of "NUMBER
OF INCHES" with "36 inches."
(4)
Section P3103.1: amended by replacing the two occurrences of
"NUMBER OF INCHES" with "12 inches."
I. As provided for in the actual language of the International Existing
Building Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 101.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
(2) Section 1201.2: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "DATE"
with "January 1, 1979."
J. As provided for in the actual language of the International Urban
Wildland Interface Code 2003, the following insertions are made:
(1) Section 101.1: amended by replacing the one occurrence of "Insert
Name of jurisdiction" with "Borough of Lansdowne."
A Board of Appeals shall be established by resolution of the
governing body of this municipality 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,
the Board of Appeals shall be established by joint action of the participating
municipalities.
[Adopted 9-20-1995 by Ord. No. 1134]
This article shall be known and may be cited as "The Lansdowne
Borough Contractor Licensing Ordinance."
The Council finds it to be in the best interest of the residents
of the Borough of Lansdowne, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, that persons
or firms who engage in construction, repairs, painting, roofing, tree
care, remodeling, electrical work, rehabilitation or demolition and/or
operating as general contractors, subcontractors, specialty contractors
and/or home improvement contractors be required to obtain a license
from the Borough of Lansdowne for such purpose, to the end that only
responsible and qualified persons shall be permitted to engage in
such business in said Borough of Lansdowne.
As used in this article, unless the context clearly indicates
a different meaning, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CONTRACT
An agreement, whether oral or written, and whether contained
in one or more documents, between a contractor and an owner or other
contractor, for the performance of work, including all labor, services
and materials to be furnished and performed thereunder.
CONTRACTOR
Any person, other than a bona fide employee of the owner,
who undertakes or offers to perform construction, repair, painting,
roofing, tree care, remodeling, electrical work, rehabilitation, demolition,
paving and any other residential or nonresidential construction or
demolition work in the Borough, whether as a general contractor, subcontractor,
specialty contractor or home improvement contractor.
INSPECTOR
The Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer of the
Borough.
LICENSE YEAR
The twelve-month period beginning on July 1 of each year.
OWNER
Any property owner, tenant or other person who orders, contracts
for or purchases the services of a contractor, or any person entitled
to the work of a contractor pursuant to a contract, gift or otherwise.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, limited partnership, corporation
and/or other such similar entity.
The Inspector, or his or her designated representative, shall
administer and enforce this article.
No person shall act as a contractor in the Borough except in
compliance with the provisions of this article. Any person, including
an owner, who willfully aids a contractor or participates with a contractor
in violating any provision of this article is also in violation of
this article.
A license issued pursuant to this article shall not be construed
to authorize the licensee to perform any particular type of work or
type of business which is reserved to qualified licensees under the
other provisions of state or local law.
No contractor's license shall be required of a person who
performs labor or services for a contractor for wages or salary.
Every contractor licensee shall, within 10 days after a change
in ownership, directors, officers, management, address or trade name
or insurance carrier, notify the Borough, in writing, of such change.
Any of the following circumstances is sufficient cause to deny
the issuance of a license under this article or a renewal thereof
or for revoking a license previously issued:
A. The applicant falsely answered any question contained on the application
form.
B. The applicant has been refused a similar contractor's license
or has had a similar contractor's license revoked or suspended
by another municipality within two years prior to the date of application
for issuance or renewal, if the refusal, revocation or suspension
by the other municipality was due to failure to comply with that municipality's
building codes.
C. The licensee fails to maintain, during the license year, the policies
of insurance required under this article.
D. The licensee violates any of the provisions of the Building Code,
Property Maintenance Code or similar ordinances of the Borough.
E. The licensee violates any condition or requirement of a building
permit, sewer construction permit or highway permit issued by the
Borough.
F. The licensee willfully deviates from or disregards any plans or specifications
for a contracting job in a material respect without first obtaining
the consent of the owner, in writing, to such change and without first
notifying the Inspector of such change.
G. The licensee does business through a person who is subject to the
licensing requirements of this article but who is not licensed as
required by this article.
H. The licensee fails to comply with an order, demand or requirement
lawfully made by the Inspector under the authority of this article
or any other Borough ordinance.
In addition to refusal or revocation of a license, as provided in §
146-17, whoever violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this article shall be fined up to $1,000 for each offense, together with the costs of prosecution, or shall be subject to imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed 30 days, or an equal amount of time in community service to be designated by the Magisterial District Judge, or both. The fine imposed under this section shall be in addition to any other penalty imposed by this article.