Pennsylvania · Building code

The building code in force in Pennsylvania now.

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code Ch. 401-405): 2021 I-Codes as amended by the RAC (IBC, IEBC, IRC, IECC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, ISPSC, IWUIC), effective Jan 1, 2026. Enforced by Municipalities that opted in enforce through certified code officials or third-party agencies; L&I enforces where a municipality opted out; the Review and Advisory Council (RAC) reviews ICC editions and L&I adopts by regulation. Checked on the primary source; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Building code in Pennsylvania

Checked on the source

In force

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code Ch. 401-405): 2021 I-Codes as amended by the RAC (IBC, IEBC, IRC, IECC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, ISPSC, IWUIC), effective Jan 1, 2026

Reg. #12-125 (final-omitted; IRRC approved Oct 16, 2025; published Nov 8, 2025) adopted nearly all 2021 ICC provisions; IEBC omits storm-shelter Section 1106. 2021 accessibility updates remain enjoined (Commonwealth Court, Oct 26, 2022).

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Municipalities that opted in enforce through certified code officials or third-party agencies; L&I enforces where a municipality opted out; the Review and Advisory Council (RAC) reviews ICC editions and L&I adopts by regulation

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

Comments due Feb 2, 2027

2024 I-Code review at the RAC: public comments due Feb 2, 2027; no adoption or effective date set

What a building has to do

1 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

Monthly

Accessible pool entry: a pool lift or sloped entry in place and working whenever the pool is open (pools with 300 or more linear feet of wall need two accessible entries; a spa needs one: lift, transfer wall or transfer system); the rule sets no inspection interval; a monthly check that it works and is charged is common practice2010 ADA Standards §242 and §1009; 28 CFR 36.211 · U.S. Department of Justice (enforced through complaints and lawsuits) · Checked against the source 2026-09-28.

Questions about the building code in Pennsylvania

Which building code applies in Pennsylvania today?

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code Ch. 401-405): 2021 I-Codes as amended by the RAC (IBC, IEBC, IRC, IECC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, ISPSC, IWUIC), effective Jan 1, 2026. Reg. #12-125 (final-omitted; IRRC approved Oct 16, 2025; published Nov 8, 2025) adopted nearly all 2021 ICC provisions; IEBC omits storm-shelter Section 1106. 2021 accessibility updates remain enjoined (Commonwealth Court, Oct 26, 2022).

Who enforces the building code in Pennsylvania?

Municipalities that opted in enforce through certified code officials or third-party agencies; L&I enforces where a municipality opted out; the Review and Advisory Council (RAC) reviews ICC editions and L&I adopts by regulation.

What changes next for the building code in Pennsylvania?

Comments due Feb 2, 2027. 2024 I-Code review at the RAC: public comments due Feb 2, 2027; no adoption or effective date set