Regulations & Requirements on Buildings

PLEASE NOTE: This is an outline of some significant provisions applicable to Pennsylvania Christian schools. Many details are omitted for brevity. KCEA's Administrative Handbook and its frequent Special Reports give the necessary details.

Displaying Public Notices -- Applicable to All

• Building Occupancy Permits
• Underground Tank Notice*
• Pressure Boiler Notice*
• Elevator Inspection Notice*
• Food Handlers and Kitchen Facilities* (These areas are regulated in certain counties and municipalities by local health departments. Permit/regulatory postings may be required.)

* = These postings are required, as applicable.

When Building or Renovating

• In the 1990’s, State approval of building plans (for safety) and building permits are almost universal. A few areas control their own permit process and inspection process. However, basically all within Pennsylvania are required to go through the State Department of Labor and Industry for plan approval before the local government will issue final permits to occupy a building.
• State approval is not required when one changes a door, window, wall surface, or similar feature (as long as it does not affect safety, such as changing code).
• State approval is required when one modifies egress within the building or egress out of the building, including removing doors, adding or moving walls, and changing stairs and handicap ramps (because this does affect safety).
• New construction must meet handicap requirements as do any substantial remodeling projects.

Building, Remodeling, and Maintenance

• Federal AHERA annual notification to students and staff, follow management plan closely, six-month inspections, regular training of staff, documenting all new materials going into building, etc. (required of schools only)
• Other Federal (asbestos) laws apply AHERA-type mandates to all public buildings, including churches
• Federal NESHAP for all remodeling (no visible dust)
• State Asbestos Occupations Accreditation and Certification Act for all remodeling, repair, encapsulation, removal, etc.
• State Department of Labor and Industry review for Fire and Panic Law compliance, including, but not limited to:
  • Any change in use or occupancy of a building
  • Any redesign or relocation of egress or doorway, including handicap ramps