Since the mid 1980's West Hanover Township has enforced a local building code, which governs building construction for residential and non-residential structures in the Township.  In 1999 the Pennsylvania State Legislature enacted into law Act 45 of 1999, the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act an its regulations governing the requirements for building construction throughout Pennsylvania.  With the adoption of Chapter 88 in the West Hanover Township Code, the Township acted to "opt in" and fully enforce in West Hanover Township the provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC).  Today, the Township's Building Code Official and inspectors coordinate and conduct the appropriate inspections and manage the oversight of construction in the Township through the issuance of building permits and occupancy  and other related construction permits.  The Building Code Department performs plan review and implements building codes that are applicable to residential and commercial building applications and permit processes, including plumbing, mechanical and electrical installations. The Building and Code Enforcement Department:

• Processes construction permits of all types;

• Performs plan check and inspections;

• Performs fire safety inspections independently and with the Township Fire Marshal;

• Enforces Other Life/Safety and Nuisance Codes adopted by the Township.

 
Building Code Official

The primary means of ensure minimum levels of building construction safety and quality is to enforce the Uniform Construction Code.  The public involvement in private construction of homes and other facilities begins with the building permit application.  In West Hanover there are generally two types of permits: (1) residential construction permit and (2) the commercial building permit.  The Township also has specialized permits related to pools, decks and other structures.  All permits are acknowledged under the UCC and Township Code of Ordinances.  The Township uses the building permit as a method of policing and enforcing the Township building code regulations prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.  The building permit authorizes construction and the occupancy certificate authorizes a builder to sell and occupy a structure because the municipal requirements are met.

The Building Code Official focuses on the UCC and other building construction related codes adopted by the Board of Supervisors.  If the applicant's (a developer or builder) building project specifications meet the requirements of the UCC, as the Building Code Official interprets them, the permit is approved, the project commences and the building project is inspected periodically during course of construction.  If plans and drawings related to a project are not met, the building permit application is not issued and construction may not commence.  Unlike the Township Zoning Officer, the Building Code is vested with some minor discretionary power to augment requirements or to meet the intent of the UCC and to protect some safety needs.  However, if the applicant and builder disagree with the Building Code Official interpretation and determination, their remedy is to appeal the decision to the Building Code Board of Appeals.  The Township Building Code Official oversees, administers and makes determinations on all building and construction permits on behalf of the Township.  

Harold Arndt - Building Code Official
harndt@westhanover.com

Tim Russell - Building Inspector

Building Code Reference Information

The following table provides links to a variety of information and materials related to building and construction in West Hanover Township.