Jul. 05, 2017
HARRISBURG – After vigorous debate, the House on Thursday passed
House Bill 1469, introduced by Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), which would give private homeowners and small businesses more options for Uniform Construction Code enforcement inspection services.
The bill would amend the PA Construction Code Act (Act 45 of 1999) to require municipalities, which use a private, for-hire third-party agency to enforce the Uniform Construction Code contract, to use at least two or more such entities for inspection services.
The legislation was the result of numerous complaints from homeowners in Carbon County and across the state. Complaints range from inconsistent interpretations of the code and long wait times to rude and unprofessional conduct.
“This legislation will break up the monopoly, provide for more thorough and timely inspections and drive down costs. This is mandate relief for individuals and homeowners,” said Heffley. “It
is time to stand up for people, not special interests. House Bill 1469 does not compromise any safety standards, but it simply dissolves the monopoly on code enforcement inspection services.”
The legislation would have no impact on municipalities that have their own indigenous code enforcement program, such as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. The bill would require that municipalities provide at least two options for inspection services, or the homeowner would be able to contract with any state licensed inspector. The bill would also strengthen whistleblower requirements and crack down on faulty home inspectors.
The bill passed the House 107-86 and must now be considered by the Senate.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Dux
717.260.6695
mdux@pahousegop.com
RepHeffley.com /
Facebook.com/RepHeffley