City Code, ExplainedBetaPardon our dust while we build this out — expect some changes along the way.

This chapter adopts Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code as the City's building code and sets rules for construction, alteration, repair, and occupancy of buildings, along with the permit fees and enforcement process for that work.

Who this affects

Anyone constructing, altering, enlarging, repairing, moving, or demolishing a building or structure in the City, as well as anyone seeking a certificate of occupancy, zoning permit, or zoning variance.

Key rules

• The Uniform Construction Code, 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401 through 405, as amended from time to time, is adopted as the municipal Building Code.
• No permit required by the Building Code may be issued until the prescribed fee is paid, and permit amendments require payment of any additional fee due to increased estimated cost before approval.
• Construction/alteration permit fee: $30 for construction under $1,000, plus $10 for each additional $1,000 of construction, with no limit.
• Permit to remove a building to another lot: $50 per $1,000 of the estimated value of the building in its completed condition after removal.
• Permit to move a building to a new location within the same lot: $20 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of moving, new foundations, and work to make the building usable in its new location.
• Demolition permit fee: $150 for demolition contracts under $10,000, plus $10 for each additional $1,000 or part thereof, with no limit.
• Certificate of occupancy permit fee: $75.
• Regular zoning permit fee: $50.
• Zoning variance fee: $750 for commercial use; $450 for single-family residential use.
• If work under a permit is abandoned or discontinued, the fee for uncompleted work may be adjusted and refunded, but no refund of a prescribed minimum fee is made; if discontinuance is due to permit revocation, any refund is withheld until all penalties have been collected, and work may not resume until a new application and permit are obtained.
• The Code Enforcement Officer, upon proper identification, has authority to enter any building, structure, or premises at any reasonable hour to discharge official duties.

Penalties

Any person, firm, or corporation violating this chapter shall be fined not more than $1,000 for each offense with costs; in default of payment, the violator may be imprisoned for up to 30 days. Imposition of a fine does not excuse the violation or permit it to continue.

Notable and archaic details

• The chapter defines "estimated cost" to exclude the cost of excavation, grading, painting, decorating, or other work that is merely for embellishment and not necessary for the safe and lawful use of the building.
• The chapter defines "Corporation Counsel" as the City Solicitor of Pottsville.