Pennsylvania Builders Association

Uniform construction code - pennsylvania was one of the last states, in 2004, to implement a statewide uniform building code. Previously the state was a patchwork of building codes defined by each municipality, and some areas had no building codes. The state's uniform construction code adds value by providing consistency to building requirements across pennsylvania and ensuring a higher level of quality and building safety than was available previously. Pba works continuously to monitor changes proposed to building codes by the international code council and to review challenges to the state's ucc by local governments wanting special exceptions. Pba plays an important role as an advocate for a reasonable and consistent statewide building code that properly balances the needs of building professionals and new home consumers. This responsibility includes attendance at international codes conferences and frequent testimony before the general assembly on state building code issues.

Regulatory priorities and judicial advocacy - pba's government affairs efforts include tracking, reporting on and often lobbying for legislation that will improve builders' ability to provide quality, affordable housing. Pba also watches and acts to improve or prevent the introduction of harmful legislation, regulation and/or judicial determinations that are likely to have a negative impact on the housing industry or housing consumers. This takes considerable effort as a number of state agencies can produce regulations that can negatively impact homebuilding. The most pertinent state agencies are the department of environmental protection, the department of labor and industry, and the department of transportation. Pba staff and members meet regularly with state agency officials, and they frequently testify before legislative committees on regulations that could impact new home construction and housing affordability. Under the banner of judicial advocacy, pba also maintains an industry action fund for mounting court challenges against poorly conceived laws or regulations that could harm the state's homebuilders or negatively impact the affordability of housing for the state's homebuyers. Members pay an annual $20 assessment as part of their dues to fund such litigation. Past legal challenges included such issues as government-mandated fire sprinklers in single-family homes and townhouses, environmental regulations that are not supported by sound scientific data, and local ordinances that unfairly discriminate against new construction. Pba plays a critical role by spearheading such legal campaigns because it is uniquely positioned to address these concerns that otherwise would go unopposed.