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Upper Merion adopts 2021 International Fire Code, establishes commercial inspection chapter
Summary
The Board unanimously adopted Chapter 87 to implement the 2021 International Fire Code for commercial inspections, setting inspection authority, fees, enforcement procedures and an appeal process.
The Upper Merion Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on May 14 to adopt an ordinance adding Chapter 87 (Fire Prevention) to the Township Code and to implement the 2021 International Fire Code for commercial inspection and enforcement.
Township Solicitor John Walko told the Board the new chapter establishes definitions, inspection authority and procedures, fee schedules, recordkeeping, administrative enforcement and appeal rights, and sets the circumstances under which an inspection warrant may be sought on probable cause. "This new chapter is establishing the entirety of what's necessary for a commercial fire inspection program," Walko said.
Board members asked procedural and timing questions. Vice‑chair Bill Jenaway described the action as necessary to complete the Township’s inspection authority, and Supervisor Tina Garzillo and others noted the ordinance follows the State’s more recent adoption of the code. With no public objection, the Board adopted the ordinance by a 5‑0 vote.
The ordinance includes provisions for annual inspections, inspection reports, penalties for noncompliance and a right of appeal; Walko said warrants for inspections remain subject to a district justice's approval and probable cause standards. The Board marked proof of publication and submission to the county law library in the hearing record.
