Press Release Issued by the PA Builders Association Calling for a Stop to the Implementation of the 2009 Uniform Construction Building Code!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2010
Contact: Scott Elliott
717-730-4380, ext. 3010 (office)
717-649-6522 (cell)
selliott@PaBuilders.org
Press Statement by PBA Executive Vice President Douglas Meshaw
on PBA Legal Brief Filed Today to Stop Implementation of the 2009 Building Codes
Today, the Pennsylvania Builders Association filed a lawsuit asking for an injunction to stop implementation of the 2009 Uniform Construction Code in Pennsylvania. Let me explain why we are taking this action.
When the state’s Uniform Construction Code was signed into law by the governor in 1999 and went into effect in 2004, no one could have anticipated the full impact of this change on new home buyers, builders and local governments.
The state’s building code has been a good thing, providing general uniformity of building standards across Pennsylvania and ensuring a baseline of performance for new home construction. However, no one anticipated the merger of the three building code groups in existence at that time and the tremendous expansion of building code requirements that would result. This is vividly demonstrated in the illustrations available to the press and the public on the Web at this address: http://www.pabuilders.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=878
Also, no one foresaw the expense that would come with major changes to the building code every three years, as is required in Pennsylvania. The cost of these code changes every three years is just too much for municipalities, builders and Pennsylvania homebuyers to bear – especially during a slow economy.
Consider, for example, that the 1999 BOCA code book, which contained all the building codes at that time, was 370 pages. In comparison, today’s International Residential Code book is a full 870 pages. And there are additional code books that supplement the IRC book that weren’t even around in 1999. The building codes have grown beyond comprehension.
Additionally, developments in the national and state code development process have led builders and local governments to question the reasonableness of the building standards that are produced. Most notably, conduct during the 2008 codes meeting in Minneapolis suggests the code development process has serious flaws.
We’ve tried every avenue possible to prevent the imposition of the 2009 building codes in Pennsylvania. First, by our vocal opposition during the national and state processes through which building codes are developed and revised. Second, through the legislative process with bills proposed last fall to extend the 2006 Pennsylvania building codes for three years. (See House Bill 1809 and Senate Bill 1114.)Since we were unsuccessful in those efforts, our only option now is to work through the judicial branch of government to seek an injunction.
The fact that we are challenging the introduction of the 2009 building codes in court should make clear how strongly we object to the unreasonable expansion of building code requirements, which will drive up the cost of an average single-family home in Pennsylvania by more than $10,000. The added costs brought on by all the components of a building code that changes significantly every three years simply cannot be borne any longer – especially during the current slow housing market.
People already in homes may feel the costs associated with these new, expanded building codes don’t impact them. But they will when they want to move up to a bigger home, or when their children want to purchase their first new home.
The Pennsylvania Builders Association is one of the few groups that consistently speaks on behalf of new homebuyers. If we don’t fight the imposition of the 2009 building codes and their associated costs, many of our customers will be priced out of a new home.
We need to revisit how we develop building codes in Pennsylvania to better control these escalating costs. For instance, there are other states that do not automatically adopt the new international building codes every three years, and we think this is a change that should be considered for Pennsylvania.
We are proposing that the 2006 building codes in Pennsylvania be extended for three years to allow adequate time for interested groups to discuss with state legislators how the building code development process in Pennsylvania can be improved to deliver quality homes at affordable prices.
The pleadings and briefs we filed today are available on the Web for your review at: http://www.pabuilders.org/associations/4216/files/PETITION%20FOR%20REVIEW%20APP%20%20BRIEF%20%28L0397996%29.pdf Thank you.
About PBA
Chartered in 1952, the Pennsylvania Builders Association is a nonprofit professional trade organization representing 8,200 member-companies from across the commonwealth. PBA members and their 255,000 employees include builders, remodelers, material suppliers, subcontractors, consultants, lending institutions, utilities and others involved in the housing industry.
PBA serves its membership by providing proactive leadership on state regulatory and legislative issues and by offering products and services to its 40 local associations and chapters that enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of its members. PBA serves Pennsylvania communities and consumers through its steadfast efforts to protect homeownership rights and advocate for affordable housing options. PBA is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders.
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Pennsylvania Builders Association; 600 N. 12th St. Lemoyne, PA 17043
717-730-4380; 800-692-7339; admin@pabuilders.org