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Builders in McCandless would see more inspections, less state oversight under state code

Builders in McCandless would see more inspections, less state oversight under state code

Building projects would face additional inspections if McCandless adopts the state's new Uniform Construction Code, but plans for most commercial structures no longer would have to be approved in Harrisburg.

Those were two of the changes described during a public hearing Monday on the Uniform Construction Code adopted by the state Legislature in 1999. The code would replace the familiar Building Officials Code Administrators, or BOCA, code, as the basis for municipal regulation.

McCandless and other municipalities across the state have until July 8 to act on the new building rules.

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If a community adopts the new code, it would have the option of retaining any local requirements that equal or exceed state mandates. Communities that don't adopt the new code must rely on the state Department of Labor and Industry to do commercial inspections and on private inspectors to oversee residential construction.

Bruce Betty, McCandless land use administrator, said he knew of no community in Allegheny County that is not in the process of adopting the state code.

McCandless council's zoning committee will discuss the proposed ordinance May 10. Formal action is expected May 24.

While council members had questions for Betty, no residents commented on the proposed changes.

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McCandless first adopted building and plumbing codes in 1946, and the town has regularly updated those rules, Betty said.

Council President Robert Powers and Councilman Harry Lyon asked who would handle inspections under the new code.

The Uniform Construction Code offers several options, Betty said, and town council could select or change the inspection method by resolution.

McCandless would likely continue to use its own employees to do most inspections, Betty predicted, but those inspectors would have to be certified in up to 11 different specialties.

The town has relied on private contractors to perform electrical inspections. If the state code is adopted, McCandless would have to sign formal agreements with certified inspectors to cover such work.

Allegheny County traditionally has provided plumbing inspection services throughout the county, and council members indicated they hoped to continue that policy.

Between the time ground is broken and the municipality issues an occupancy permit, most construction projects are inspected eight times, Betty said. Under the new rules, the number of inspections would rise, he said, but most plans for commercial construction no longer would have to be sent to the state Department of Labor and Industry for review. Elevators, boilers and state-owned buildings still would have to be approved in Harrisburg.

The number of inspections would depend on the complexity of the project, he said.

The proposed new code also requires creation of an appeals board to mediate disputes over interpretation of building regulations. McCandless would likely join other North Hills communities in creation of a regional board.

In other business, Barry Heffner, owner of Heffner Outdoor Advertising, asked council to consider his offer to build passenger shelters at a minimum of 10 bus stops in the town.

Heffner, who lives in McCandless, proposes to sell advertising space to cover the costs of constructing and maintaining the shelters.

Town Manager Tobias Cordek agreed to forward his plan to staff for review. McCandless also may consider proposals from other companies, he said.

"I understand that council can select or de-select locations to place shelters where they would be best for riders," Heffner said. He has proposed an initial set of 10 shelters but would like to see that number grow to as many as 15.

"It's time to get a move on this proposal," Powers assured him.

First Published: May 2, 2004, 4:00 a.m.

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