Question 1

DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?

Accepted Answer

Pennsylvania operates under the statewide Uniform Construction Code. Whether you need a building permit depends on structural scope, and project type. Residential projects typically require permits for new builds, structural alterations, or changes to the means of egress, but generally exempting cosmetic updates and minor repairs. Just about all Commercial projects require a permit.If you are unsure whether your project needs a permit, contact our office for clarification before you begin work.Please visit the state website for more details:

Question 2

WHAT IS THE PERMIT PROCESS AND TURN-AROUND TIME?

Accepted Answer

The building permit process involves application submission, plan review, fee payment, and inspections. All applications and plans can be submitted to dsmith@unitedcodeconsultants.com. Once received, we will proceed with the review and respond back with a decision within 5-10 business days. Click on our applications and guides page for more information on what is required for submittal.

Question 3

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION?

Accepted Answer

There are several ways that you can schedule an inspection. You can call or text in your request to: 724-328-3633 (preferred method), you can email your request to: dsmith@unitedcodeconsultants.com or contact the main office at: 724-492-1301 to schedule your inspection. Please provide a minimum of 24hrs notice to schedule your inspection.

Question 4

HOW MUCH IS MY PERMIT AND WHEN DO I PAY?

Accepted Answer

Permit costs are detailed in the fee schedule found on the "Applications" page. Please keep in mind that every building permit includes a State fee, Municipal fee and Technology fee. Building permit fees are due upon approval and prior to issuance. Zoning ONLY permit fees are to be paid upon submittal of your application.REVIEW OUR FEE SCHEDULE BELOW ➔

Question 5

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT WITH MY QUESTIONS?

Accepted Answer

United Code Consultants is comprised of a dedicated team each with specific job duties. Please contact the team member below that best fits your need:Rachel Nelson, Office Administrator: Billing, Payroll, Communications, Issuances of Certificates, Contracts, Scheduling, RTK requests, general office questions.Contact info: 724-492-1301, contact@unitedcodeconsultants.comDennis Smith, Chief Building Inspector, BCO, CZO, Planning Director (Robinson Twp.): Residential & Commercial permit submissions, plan reviews, inspections, general building questions. Contact info: 724-328-3633, dsmith@unitedcodeconsultants.comJeff Donatelli, Department Manager, Zoning Officer, BCO, CZO: Residential & Commercial zoning reviews and permits, zoning questions, signs, zoning ordinances, general zoning questions and Residential & Commercial building inspections.Contact info: 412-537-6653, jdonatelli@unitedcodeconsultants.comSteve Kozuch, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, CCEO: Municipal ordinances, property violations, non-traffic citations, court hearings, rental inspections, residential occupancy inspections.Contact info: 412-773-1790, skozuch@unitedcodeconsultants.comAshley White, Code Enforcement Officer, CCEO: Municipal ordinances, property violations, non-traffic citations, court hearings, rental inspections, residential occupancy inspections.Contact info: 412-868-7555, codeenforcement@unitedcodeconsultants.comDon Ware, Certified Fire Inspector, CFI: Conduct routine safety inspections of existing buildings, verify compliance with adopted fire codes, and test fire protection systems.Contact info: 412-868-1242, dware@unitedcodeconsultants.com

Question 6

WHAT ARE THE CURRENTLY ADOPTED CODES IN PENNSYLVANIA?

Accepted Answer

Pennsylvania currently adopts the following codes:2021 International Building Code (IBC): Chapters 2–10, 12–29, and 31–35, with exclusions2018 IBC Chapter 11: Accessibility2017 ICC A117.1: Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities2020 National Electrical Code (NEC): Commercial only2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC)2021 International Residential Code (IRC): With exclusionsResidential Electrical: 2021 IRC provisions, not the NEC2021 International Fire Code (IFC)2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC): With exclusions2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)