BUILDING PERMIT AND INSPECTION PROCESS

(Based on new IBC)

1.

2.

Glossary of Terms
UCC -

Uniform Construction Code Named and adopted by the State of Pennsylvania,

Department of Labor and Industry. This code included the IBC and has been
created because Pennsylvania has different and/or more stringent requirements
for various items (elevator code, accessibility code, PA Boiler code, etc.).

IBC -

International Building Code

OPT OUT -

Local municipality (city, township or borough) does not review the project for
compliance to the IBC code. The project is then submitted to the Pennsylvania
Department of Labor and Industry and is subject to UCC/IBC.

OPT IN-

Local municipality (city, township, borough) reviews the project for compliance
to the latest International Building Code as adopted by PA (L&I Boiler and
Elevator Code preempt the IBC Code). The municipality will perform review
with either staff personnel or outside agency.

Code Official -

Person who is qualified to review contract documents for compliance to the code.

Pre-Construction Phase
Architect/Engineer (A/E) Contacts local municipality to verify their status (opt in or opt out) to
determine what codes are applicable for the design and who will review the design for code
compliance. This action is a line item on FPCMs Responsibility Matrix.
A/E Designs Building.
A/E submits for a preliminary code review looking to identify any major code interpretation
differences, issues, and establish a relationship with the code official. This action is a line item on
FPCMs Responsibility Matrix.
A/E incorporates comments as required.
A/E completes design to submit project for a final review and starts the building permit process.
If opt out municipality, then submission and approval by Pennsylvania Labor and Industry and
proof of this approval to local municipality for Building/Permit (plus local municipalities paperwork,
fees, etc.)

3.

Construction Phase
Contractor (usually general) retrieves building permit from local municipality.
Inspection Process - The inspector for the project is established from the proceeding process. If opt
in local municipality, the inspector is either the staff code official or the outside agency.

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 For an opt out local municipality, the local Labor and Industry Inspector will perform the same
types of functions as in the past.
Phased Occupation Same as the past except for difference between opt in and opt out local
municipality.
4.

Special Inspections
RFP is prepared by A/E during pre-construction phase to solicit special inspection services on behalf
of the Owner. This action is a line item on FPCMs Responsibility Matrix.
Geotechnical Engineer will have opportunity to prepare a proposal for additional scope items.
Owner awards service (responsibility matrix).
Construction Manager is notified by A/E on required special inspections and then CM is to coordinate
with Inspection Agency.
Cost for these special inspections needs to be allowed for in Plancon D.

Note: Boiler Inspections and Elevator Inspections may be handled by the ______????

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