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Enacted

Update to Philadelphia Building and Safety Codes

Original title: Amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” by amending Subcode “G” (The Philadelphia Fuel Gas Code), Subcode “PC” (The Philadelphia Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities), and Subcode “EB” (The Philadelphia Existing Building Code), and adopting the 2021 editions of the “International Fuel Gas Code,” “Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities,” and “International Existing Building Code,” as published by the International Code Council, with amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act, all under certain terms and conditions.

Record date · June 4, 2026

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What This Bill Does

This legislation updates Philadelphia's building, fuel gas, and existing building codes to align with the 2021 standards. It ensures local regulations remain consistent with state-mandated construction requirements.

Why it matters

Property owners, contractors, and developers must now comply with the 2021 international safety and construction standards for all new projects and renovations in Philadelphia.

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Property owners

Must ensure that any new construction or renovation work complies with the updated 2021 building and fuel gas codes.

Directly affected

Contractors and developers

Must follow the new 2021 code requirements for all building permits and construction activities in Philadelphia.

Directly affected

Department of Licenses and Inspections

Responsible for enforcing the updated building and safety codes during the permitting and inspection process.

Key Facts

  • The bill adopts the 2021 editions of the International Fuel Gas Code, the Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities, and the International Existing Building Code.
  • The legislation amends Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, specifically Subcodes G, PC, and EB.
  • The updates are authorized under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act.
  • The bill was introduced on April 23, 2026.
Show all 6 facts
  • The bill has been officially enacted.
  • The legislation includes specific local amendments to the international standards as permitted by state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this affect my current building project?
Projects must now adhere to the updated 2021 international standards as modified by the city's specific amendments.
Why is the city changing these codes?
The city is updating its local codes to maintain compliance with the and to adopt current industry safety standards.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

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Full breakdown

Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.

Discoveries

1 pattern noticed across the record

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift100% confidence

Standardization of Building Codes

The city is moving to align its local regulations with the 2021 international standards, ensuring consistency with state-level requirements.

Connected Entities

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act, Philadelphia City Council, International Code Council
otherPennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act“State law authorizing the adoption of these codes.”Map →
OrganizationPhiladelphia City Council“Legislative body that enacted the bill.”Map →
OrganizationInternational Code Council“Publisher of the building codes being adopted.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

webapi.legistar.com

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance60
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy10
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment5
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz10
    Current news / social attention level

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