Building Codes Uniform Construction Code. Pennsylvania Building Code Requirements . 6 - Prescriptive Residential Deck Construction Guide DCA6 has been updated to include guidance on provisions for the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) pertaining to single level residential wood deck construction. Toeboard—A board or plank set on edge immediately under a railing at floor level. Many code requirements, while important, rarely touch upon life and death matters. Reference should be made to Plate 3-B of the Appendix of this Subchapter. The posts or uprights shall be of a section at least equal in strength to the minimum requirements for railings. The UCC adopts, in whole or part, the International Code Council’s (ICC) I-Codes. Building Codes Uniform Construction Code. (b)  Midrails. When returning the Building Permit Application, the following items are required:. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.291 (relating to exceptions). (a)  Opening covers. The open sides of stairways shall have a top and middle railing with toeboard. Are some decks exempt from UCC permit? This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.235 (relating to wood railings); 34 Pa. Code §  47.234 (relating to metal railings other than pipe); and 34 Pa. Code §  47.235 (relating to wood railings). When other material is used, the strength shall be equal to the requirement for sheet metal. Metal posts or uprights of other types used in connection with pipe railings shall be secured to the floor or structural frame in such manner as to achieve a rigidity equal to the requirements of existing and new post fastenings. Straps, angles and brackets shall be secured to the posts and to the floor by through-bolts with plates or washers. List 1. (c)  Posts. (b)  Balustrades. Building Standards & Safety (610) 437-7534 www.allentownpa.gov 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor, Allentown, PA 18101 Hours: M—F 8am - 4:30pm Post-Beam Connections (typical) Post Requirements All deck posts (for decks higher than 48" above the … Roof decks shall be covered with approved roof coverings secured to the building or structure in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (d)  Sockets. International Building Code 2015 (code for all buuldings and structures not regulated by the International Residential Code: (4)  Runways used in filling tank cars when equipped with standard railing on one side. On the closed sides of stairways, handrailings shall be supported by wall brackets which shall be spaced not more than four feet apart. One or more sides may be hinged or supported in sockets if a rigidity equal to that of fixed installation is obtained. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.282 (relating to wood posts). No toeboards shall be installed on stairways when there is no danger of objects falling on persons working below. Integrous Fences and Decks. (a)  Toeboards of not less than three inches in height may be accepted by the Department if they conform to the requirements of § §  47.241—47.242 (relating to installation; construction). L&I provides a summary of applicable codes on their website: Codes and regulations; If you’d like to read the official building and zoning codes of Philadelphia, visit: (a)  Railings shall be not less than 42 inches in height from floor or ground level to the top of the top railing and shall be provided with an intermediate railing the center of which shall be midway between the floor or ground level of the space guarded and the top of the top railing. 5 0 obj Deck Construction Guide Based on the 2012 International Residential Code Code (IRC) Where applicable, provisions and details contained in this document are based on the International Residential [bracketed text references applicable sections of the IRC]. Reference should be made to Plate 2 of the Appendix. �Dx)) +��AY�گ�q�9�jT�WG��g:ʦ�v�_�����. An improperly constructed deck is, to put it simply, dangerous. Reference should be made to Plate 3-B,C of the Appendix. Search for Pennsylvania building code information. Deck safety is a real problem. (a)  Top rails. (c)  Toeboards shall fit tightly to the floor and fastened by straps or angles secured by bolts or rivets. The middle railing is not required on platforms used only for lumber storage.    Balcony—A working platform projecting from a wall. (4)  On stairways where there is no danger of objects falling on persons working below. Gaining proper code knowledge is a key fundamental component to all building professions. Reference should be made to Plate 1-B of the Appendix. <> The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code A copy of the Zoning Permit.Not all townships have zoning at this time. setbacks and variances. stream The chains shall be taut when in place. Does having a roof or cover over the deck change an exemption? R507.9 Deck attachment to building. Reference should be made to Plate 5-B of the Appendix. Wood posts or uprights shall be at least equal in section to 2 inches by 4 inches finished size. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code changes effective through 50 Pa.B. Runways or platforms 6 or more feet above floor or ground level shall have all open sides guarded with standard railings and toeboards. Building Code Trainer is here to help guide you towards a better understanding of the building codes used through exam prep material, practice exams and courses. Wood‐framed decks shall be in accordance with this section or Section R301 for materials and conditions not When the panels between posts and top rail and floor are fitted with substantial expanded metal, wire mesh or solid material, the middle railing may be omitted. What should be considered if a spa or hot tub is planned for the deck? Toeboards are not required on oiling platforms. Railings are not required around pits and other openings when they are so constructed that the top of the pit or opening is 42 or more inches above floor or ground level. Over 90% of Pennsylvania's 2,562 municipalities have elected to administer and enforce the UCC locally, using their own employees or via certified third party agencies (private code enforcement agencies) that they have retained. This Subchapter cited in 34 Pa. Code §  5.118 (relating to transportation, machinary, and platforms); 34 Pa. Code §  5.165 (relating to repairs); 34 Pa. Code §  5.181 (relating to general); 34 Pa. Code §  11.52 (relating to heating and passing rivets); 34 Pa. Code §  13.172 (relating to platforms); 34 Pa.Code §  29.148 (relating to oiling and cleaning); 34 Pa. Code §  29.171 (relating to all installations); This Subchapter cited in 34 Pa. Code §  39.22 (relating to yard and internal housekeeping); 34 Pa. Code §  39.33 (relating to construction); 34 Pa. Code §  45.32 (relating to floor openings); 34 Pa. Code §  47.89 (relating to tank processes); and 34 Pa. Code §  47.167 (relating to maintenance). Every year we hear about decks that collapse under the weight of people or snow load. Local Building Codes For Decks. Decks less than 30” high (measured from grade) do not require a Building Permit. The ends of railings shall not overhang the terminal posts unless such overhang does not constitute a projection hazard. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for Building Codes For Decks locations in Hanover, PA. No statutes or acts will be found at this website. Deck Framing Codes. Runways and platforms, except those erected for a specific temporary purpose, shall be constructed in a permanent and substantial manner. Pennsylvania’s statewide building code is generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Reference should be made to Plates 1,2,3, and 5 of the Appendix. (a)  Existing installations having the flanges secured by lag or ordinary wood screws or other means are acceptable if safety is assured and if major repairs or replacements are made the specifications for new installations are followed. Runways or platforms constructed over conveyors used for the movement of materials, regardless of height, shall have all sides guarded with standard railings and toeboards. The middle railing shall be of a diameter not less than the minimum requirement for the top railing. (a)  Angle. Weekdays: 7AM—4PM Weekends: Closed 610.430.0743 Learn everything you need to know about installing concrete footings to support your deck. No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit. 6848 (November 28, 2020). (b)  Toeboards and intermediate rails are not required on platforms used only for storing lumber. (a)  Railings for stairways shall be not less than 36 inches in height from the middle of the tread to the top of the railing. All sharp corners shall be rounded and smoothed. By contrast, deck code is truly a matter of life and death and preventing serious injury. Such chains shall be taut when in place. (d)  Omission. We will teach you how to determine the code compliant size of your footings based on the soil type and tributary loads. Railings or handrailings shall be installed on all stairways 3 feet or more in height. Review the Deck Permit Submittal Guide (PDF) for permit and plan requirements. The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: Commercial decks attached to multi-family buildings, such as apartment buildings or businesses, are regulated under the International Building Code (IBC). Review the Deck Permit Submittal Guide (PDF) for permit and plan requirements. Please direct comments or questions to. Oiling platform—A raised flooring constructed for the purpose of oiling machinery. Oiling platforms shall be constructed in a permanent and substantial manner at least 18 inches in width with a standard railing along one side. This section cited in 34 Pa. Code §  47.235 (relating to wood railings). Balustrades 36 inches in height from the middle of the tread may be installed on stairways. The provisions of this Subchapter G adopted February 10, 1926; amended through August 1, 1968, unless otherwise noted. Residential Deck Construction 34 The Pennsylvania regulation related to Residential Construction codes changed effective December 31, 2015. Pa Uniform Building Code . Because regulations vary location to location, be sure to check for information through your state or city website or contact your state's division of building standards and codes. Wood posts which are an integral part of the under or over structure are acceptable if they meet the spacing and strength requirements specified in § §  47.232—47.233 (relating to construction; pipe railings.) You can't build in a setback area. Building code requirements for exterior decking railings and stairways are especially stringent because decks fall into the category of critical health and safety matters. Pennsylvania’s statewide building code is generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Wood railings shall be not less than 2 inches by 4 inches finished size. Reference should be made to Plate 1 of the Appendix. construction must be completed in accordance with UCC-adopted building codes; and for which building permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy are required under the UCC without exception (Section 403.62(a)). 6848 (November 28, 2020). Roof decks shall be covered with approved roof coverings secured to the building or structure in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Uniform Construction Code. (b)  Toeboards of not less than 7/8 inch in thickness may be accepted by the Department if they conform to the requirements of § §  47.241—47.242. Metal railings other than pipe shall be of a section at least equal in strength to that of 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 by 3/16 inch angles. No two bolt holes shall be in line with the grain of the wood. R507.9.1 Attachment to resist vertical load. The … In connection with festooners, drying rooms and other operations which require the operator to frequently reach across the railings provided, the Department may accept railings not less than 36 inches high if they conform to all other requirements. The IRC requires guardrails to be at least 36" in height, measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. (b)  Alternate type. Reference should be made to Plate 5 of the Appendix. The IRC specifies that decking boards must be made from 2 x 6 lumber or composite boards with a minimum spacing of 1/8 inch between boards. In these municipalities, the Department has no code enforcement authority, except where the municipality lacks the services of a person certified as an \"Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner.\" If a municipality has \"OPTED-OUT,\" the Departm… Construction in Pennsylvania, including the City of Pittsburgh, is regulated by the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act or PA Act No.