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Commercial Modular building in PA

Mr. Inspector

Mr. Inspector

SAWHORSE
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
4,656
Location
Poconos/eastern PA
I received plans for a modular bathroom for a campground. PA has requirements for residential modulars but is silent on commercial modulars. I am not sure if they are even allowed or if they do not need a permit. Maybe someone that is more familiar with this can help.
 
Mr. Inspector said:
I received plans for a modular bathroom for a campground. PA has requirements for residential modulars but is silent on commercial modulars. I am not sure if they are even allowed or if they do not need a permit. Maybe someone that is more familiar with this can help.
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Commercial modular buildings are absolutely regulated in PA. The Industrialized Housing Act (Act 70 of 1972) and the PA-UCC require them to be reviewed and approved at the state level before they can be installed. The PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) oversees the approval process, but that does not mean they’re exempt from local permits and inspections.

I dealt with this a lot in PA and worked directly with DCED to confirm that once a modular commercial structure hits the site, it must comply with all applicable IBC requirements for egress, emergency lighting, exit signs, accessibility, fire safety, and foundation requirements. The local jurisdiction is fully responsible for ensuring compliance with those codes, along with verifying site-specific zoning, utility connections, and final inspections.

This absolutely requires a permit, and local enforcement isn’t optional just because the structure was pre-approved at the state level. If the guy submitting the plans is questioning whether he even needs a permit, he’s already off track. Modular or not, it's still a commercial structure that needs to meet code.
 

Approved Manufacturers​

DCED has issued the Pennsylvania Notice of Approval to each of the listed manufacturers of industrialized housing, housing components, industrialized buildings or building components that indicates the approval of the manufacturer’s building systems documentation, compliance assurance program and the authority to receive and attach insignias of certification.

This list identifies the limitations of each manufacturers approval, (residential, commercial or both) as noted on the Notice of Approval.

Manufacturers who would like approval to construct modular homes for placement in Pennsylvania, please email Michael Moglia, Chief, Housing & Buildings Standards Division, at mmoglia@pa.gov.
 
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