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There is still far too much misinformation circulating among code officials and inspectors in Pennsylvania, and unfortunately, some of it dates back to the early days of UCC enforcement. The idea that inspectors are only obligated to perform a short list of "mandatory inspections" continues to linger, despite being legally and professionally inaccurate. This article is meant to help clear the air and raise the standard by focusing on five critical facts that every certified inspector, building code official, and municipal decision-maker in Pennsylvania should understand.
The duties of an inspector are not left to interpretation. Section §401.7 of the Uniform Construction Code lays out certification category specifications in exact terms. Each category lists specific areas and systems that the inspector is responsible for inspecting. These responsibilities are not advisory. If an inspector holds a certification in a given category, they are required by law to perform the tasks tied to that certification. For example, an inspector certified under §401.7(10) as an Energy Inspector:
§401.14 of the UCC is clear. Inspectors and third-party agencies can be decertified for any of the following: incompetence or gross negligence, failure to enforce the UCC, or acting in a manner that presents a danger to public health or safety. If a certified plumbing inspector is not inspecting DWV systems, cross connections, or pressure testing, that is a failure of duty. If an energy inspector is not verifying insulation, duct sealing, or lighting compliance, they are not meeting the responsibilities laid out in their certification. The Department has full authority to revoke certification for these failures.
Third-party inspection agencies are not exempt. In fact, under §401.11 and §401.12, they are explicitly required to ensure that every employee performing inspections is certified in the appropriate category and that they carry liability insurance. Just like municipal officials, they are subject to decertification under §401.14 for failing to enforce the code, failing to carry required insurance, or employing uncertified inspectors. No one gets a pass simply because they are working for a third-party company.
This is one of the most overlooked and frequently violated rules in the UCC. §401.3 states:
Inspectors and code officials are not there to help a contractor push a job through or to turn a blind eye to noncompliance. §401.14(a)(10) addresses this head-on:
The Uniform Construction Code in Pennsylvania is not vague about the duties and boundaries of certified inspectors. It spells them out clearly, and it provides enforcement mechanisms for when those duties are ignored. It is time we move past the outdated myths that still linger from the early days of implementation. Whether you are a municipal inspector or work for a third-party agency, your certification defines what you are legally responsible to inspect. And the UCC gives the Department the tools to revoke that certification if you fail to meet your obligations.
It is time to raise the bar in Pennsylvania. The code is clear. It is up to us to follow it.
The duties of an inspector are not left to interpretation. Section §401.7 of the Uniform Construction Code lays out certification category specifications in exact terms. Each category lists specific areas and systems that the inspector is responsible for inspecting. These responsibilities are not advisory. If an inspector holds a certification in a given category, they are required by law to perform the tasks tied to that certification. For example, an inspector certified under §401.7(10) as an Energy Inspector:
Duties include verifying R-values, caulking and sealing, HVAC efficiency, duct insulation, lighting controls, and more. These tasks must be performed. Skipping them is a failure to fulfill the legal obligation tied to that certification.
§401.14 of the UCC is clear. Inspectors and third-party agencies can be decertified for any of the following: incompetence or gross negligence, failure to enforce the UCC, or acting in a manner that presents a danger to public health or safety. If a certified plumbing inspector is not inspecting DWV systems, cross connections, or pressure testing, that is a failure of duty. If an energy inspector is not verifying insulation, duct sealing, or lighting compliance, they are not meeting the responsibilities laid out in their certification. The Department has full authority to revoke certification for these failures.
Third-party inspection agencies are not exempt. In fact, under §401.11 and §401.12, they are explicitly required to ensure that every employee performing inspections is certified in the appropriate category and that they carry liability insurance. Just like municipal officials, they are subject to decertification under §401.14 for failing to enforce the code, failing to carry required insurance, or employing uncertified inspectors. No one gets a pass simply because they are working for a third-party company.
This is one of the most overlooked and frequently violated rules in the UCC. §401.3 states:
If you are not certified in accessibility, you cannot perform accessibility inspections. If you are not certified in energy, you cannot inspect energy code requirements. It does not matter how much experience you have or how long you have been in the field. Certification is not a formality. It defines the legal scope of what you are allowed to inspect.
Inspectors and code officials are not there to help a contractor push a job through or to turn a blind eye to noncompliance. §401.14(a)(10) addresses this head-on:
The role of the inspector is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by enforcing the code without bias. Inspectors are not customer service representatives. They are public safety professionals bound by state law.
The Uniform Construction Code in Pennsylvania is not vague about the duties and boundaries of certified inspectors. It spells them out clearly, and it provides enforcement mechanisms for when those duties are ignored. It is time we move past the outdated myths that still linger from the early days of implementation. Whether you are a municipal inspector or work for a third-party agency, your certification defines what you are legally responsible to inspect. And the UCC gives the Department the tools to revoke that certification if you fail to meet your obligations.
It is time to raise the bar in Pennsylvania. The code is clear. It is up to us to follow it.
