Overview

A municipality which has adopted an ordinance for the administration and enforcement of the Uniform Construction Code shall establish and appoint members to serve on a board of appeals under 35 P. S § 7210.501(c).

Responsibilities

The Board of Appeals shall hear and rule on appeals, requests for variances and requests for extension of time. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of the Uniform Construction Code has been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of the Uniform Construction Code do not fully apply or an equivalent form of construction is to be used.

Composition

The composition of a Board of Appeals is governed by all of the following: A member of the Board of Appeals shall be qualified by training and experience to pass on matters pertaining to building construction. Training and experience may consist of licensure as an architect or engineer, experience in the construction industry, and training or experience as an inspector or plan reviewer.

The Board of Appeals consists of four members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors. All members are Township residents and serve a five year term. The Board is assisted by a Solicitor who provides legal counsel and writes the decision. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month on as-needed basis as cases demand, and are held at the Township Building. The members of the Board of Appeals volunteer their time and only the solicitor is paid for legal services.