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  1. M

    PA Returns to 2018 Accessibility Standards immediately

    The sad thing is that I had to find out about the from a friend. Nobody from the state has notified me of this yet. That's why I posted it here, assuming most others likely don't know about it either.
  2. M

    PA Returns to 2018 Accessibility Standards immediately

    Apparently, PA L&I did something different in the way they adopted the accessibility standards late last year. I just received this message in an email: Here is a link to the actual ruling (for those of us who enjoy reading this stuff): 2021 Accessibility Commonwealth Court Ruling
  3. M

    Deck post to footing connection

    Thanks. I figured simpson made something, but I wasn't sure where to start looking.
  4. M

    Deck post to footing connection

    I'll make this quick. Sonotubes filled with concrete, terminating above grade. Deck was built with posts resting on top of concrete and no connectors. Is there a listed bracket available that can achieve the requirements of section R507.4.1 of the 2018 IRC without the need for disassembly of...
  5. M

    Low cost basic permitting software?

    The exact reason that I said low cost and basic. Being that I am still working 40 hours per week at my full-time job, I am just looking for a way to keep things easy and organized. I have been reviewing the outgoing service's fees. My overhead will likely completely wipe out the income from...
  6. M

    Low cost basic permitting software?

    The title pretty much says it all. I have been working for a municipality my entire career, but have recently decided to branch out at the request of some local townships who are losing their third-party inspection service because the guy is retiring. We are an extremely rural area and there...
  7. M

    26' gazebo occupancy classification?

    Thanks. That makes sense. I was looking for the occupancy it most closely resembled based on how it is used. I have a habit of making things more complicated than they need to be.
  8. M

    26' gazebo occupancy classification?

    The city is removing and replacing a gazebo in a small downtown park. Nobody, including the PE, seems to have a clue what occupancy group to place this gazebo in. It is 26' in diameter (about 530 sq ft floor area) with an accessible ramp to access it. I immediately want to place it into the A...
  9. M

    electric tankless water heater UL 499

    Okay, I feel the need to add one thing to my post above. IF the appliance is not a listed appliance - the code is enforced 100%. There is way too much crap for sale on ebay & amazon that doesn't meet any standard and, IMHO, shouldn't be installed anywhere.
  10. M

    electric tankless water heater UL 499

    IPC 504.4 specifies "storage water heaters" when requiring a relief valve. Tankless water heaters are not storage water heaters. IRC P2803.1 requires a relief valve on appliances used for heating water or store hot water - so this required here, except maybe by R102.4 in the exception where it...
  11. M

    Indirect waste - elevation issue

    Interesting you brought this up. I went back and looked. We are currently transitioning from the 2009 i-codes to the 2015. After reviewing the 2009 IPC section 802.1.8, I realized that this sink can be directly connected to the drainage system. 2015 IPC section 802.1.8 requires indirect...
  12. M

    Indirect waste - elevation issue

    Thanks for the help. An extra set of eyes always helps. I was focusing on the plumbing & never considered raising the sinks. As for each compartment having to drain independently, this permit was issued while we were still under the 2009 IPC, so that won't be a problem. The sizing of the GI...
  13. M

    Indirect waste - elevation issue

    I recently ran into this during a final inspection at a restaurant. The plumber wasn't aware of the need for indirect waste (2009 IPC). I am trying to be as reasonable as possible, but I just don't see an easy fix for this one short of cutting up some concrete. Does anyone have any ideas on...
  14. M

    Sewer utility regulation vs. municipal regulation

    I have done a bit more research into my issue. Apparently, prior to adoption of the PA UCC, the city's plumbing inspector did inspect work on sewer laterals. The sewer authority was (until yesterday) under the assumption that this was still happening. I have reviewed the sewer authority...
  15. M

    Sewer utility regulation vs. municipal regulation

    I just wanted to clarify, I am not speaking of ownership or responsibility for the line. I am only questioning which regulation apply to the lateral - the UCC or the utility's. Based on the responses so far, I am guessing there is no statewide standard created by the PA public utility commission.
  16. M

    Sewer utility regulation vs. municipal regulation

    In PA, where in the system does the utilities regulations kick in? Electric is everything leading up to and including the main service panel. Gas is typically at the meter. Obviously, the PUC grants the utility the authority to set their own regulations for these installations. It has always...
  17. M

    Help with 2011 E3 exam

    They will give you that information for a fee. I am considering that option considering I feel I should have done better. I think I may have been sure I answered some correctly, while I was actually wrong - which is very concerning.
  18. M

    Help with 2011 E3 exam

    Okay, a bit of history - I have had my E1 for about a year. I recently took the E2 and passed it on the first shot (as I have with every ICC exam I have ever taken - 14 certs in total). So, about 3 weeks ago I gave the E3 a shot. I ran out of time, getting a 68% and leaving the last 7...
  19. M

    Change of occupancy- Groub B to Single Family Dwelling

    There is a COO on file from an antiquated state regulation (PA Fire & Panic Act) which was mostly replaced by I-codes in 2004. Under the state regs this COO remains valid. This Occupancy Group is equivalent to a B. cda, I completely agree with you. I enjoy cooking and I am envious every time...
  20. M

    Change of occupancy- Groub B to Single Family Dwelling

    So, just to clarify, even though the structure hasn't been updated since before the days of any real building codes, it is okay to just print out a COO with a single family dwelling classification? At minimum, I believe I should enforce R314.3.1 and R315.2. (smoke & CO alarms in existing...
  21. M

    Change of occupancy- Groub B to Single Family Dwelling

    Code: 2009 I-Codes History of the structure: Single Family Dwelling probably built in 1920s. In 1960 the American Red Cross purchased it and began using it as their regional office. It is now being purchased by someone who wishes to use as a single family dwelling again. With the exception...
  22. M

    L&I handles the University of Pittsburgh?

    Never mind. I found that the University of Pittsburgh falls under the definition of State-related institution, which does meet the definition of State owned building. My mistake. Don't take a legal definition at face value. Who would have thought that a state owned building doesn't have to be...
  23. M

    L&I handles the University of Pittsburgh?

    The University of Pittsburgh is renovating the first floor of a local office building (that they own) into a museum and mercantile. I received a call from city hall stating that they had dropped off paperwork that needed signed that exempts them from obtaining a building permit from the...
  24. M

    Demo causes accessory structure to become primary

    I called the zoning officer in on this one. He agreed that the demo of the primary structure but not the accessory structure could cause problems. He said it is likely a grey area in our zoning ordinance and that he would have to discuss it with the city solicitor. I called the applicant to...
  25. M

    Demo causes accessory structure to become primary

    No, it is a garage. It was likely built prior to the need for permits. The reason I was asking is because it has always been an accessory structure, but once the house is demolished, it will no longer be accessory to anything. As you probably know, PA expanded the exemption for SFD accessory...
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