Building Codes in PA?

Question

Hello all, I have a couple questions concerning building codes in PA.
I am currently doing a renovation and eventually I will move in.

The first question I have is about applying for an occupancy permit. The building inspector said that I must have a furnace installed before i move in, however since it will be summer when i move in and I plan on having it installed in a couple of months ~ Is this the law? do i need to have the furnace before i move in?

Second question. Concerning smoke alarms. Both the electrical inspector and building inspector said that the smoke alarms must be wired together so that if one goes off they all will.. I searched online and have an electrical book and have not found where it says it is required. Only that will provide best protection.

Another electrical question. The Electrical inspector said that I must use child safety plugs in all rooms.
Why can't I use the regular plugs and buy child safety plug protectors??

I am concerned that both inspectors are trying to give me a hard time. I do not have a problem abiding by the codes if and only if they are the codes.. I believe the electrical inspector is trying to get me to pay a friend of his to do the work instead of myself. And i believe the building inspector is trying to be a dick because he thinks im only doing this for money.. which im not, im going to live there for a few years..

anyways, any help or direction to find out where this information is would be appreciated. thanks.

Answer 1

Building codes are local laws that you really need to ask at your local code enforcement office not from random people all over the world.



Yes you must follow what the building inspector told you. They know your local laws. We do not.



Again building codes are local law. You are not going to find them in any electrical how to book. If TWO officials told you what you needed to do then you are not being very smart in questioning it.



3rd question: AGAIN listen to the inspector! They have a job for a reason!



You sound like the kind of person that does not trust anyone from the government. Chill out. The world is not out to get you.

Answer 2

The building inspector has no reason to give you a hard time and electrical books do not state building codes. A "book" could not possibly state building codes since they vary everywhere. New structures must be to code - period. Either comply or expect huge fines and then, you still must comply. In some cases, if the structure is not to code, they can make you tear it down and if you do not, they will, at your expense and they will foreclose on the house to get their money. If you can do the work yourself - to code, go ahead. I believe he probably felt that you were not qualified and he is just trying to save you grief thinking it will not pass but, if you are qualified enough to do a good job that meets code, go ahead. He cannot insist that you use who he wants you to use to do the work.

Answer 3

1. Yes, you have to have a working furnace before you get a COP.

2. Remember building codes are different in different cities. Your codes are not the same as my codes. You city's codes are that the smoke alarms must be wired together.

3. Because covers are not as safe and the law in your area is that you have to use the actual child safe electrical outlets.



You can ask the inspectors for the actual code enforcement numbers in your area if you don't believe them.

Answer 4

All of this info is in the code book for the area. It is not available to the public.

All of the requirements you have mentioned are generally known.

No occupancy permit will be issued until each one is installed and passed by

the inspector. Child proof outlets are a must because the protectors you mention

can easily be removed by any child as have been proven.

Answer 5

Yes, it's the law. Your city building dept. can provide details. Building codes are not only state-specific, but local governments can enforce more stringent requirements. Looking online and in "electrical books" is not the way to go. Nothing you state about the inspectors' alleged "motives" makes any sense at all.

Answer 6

he made it quite clear. alarm issue is probably local - it wouldn't be in any electric code book. if you don't do what the inspectors told you, you won;t pass and you'll have to spend more money to REDO it and pass so don;t be an idiot