Questions Regarding BIU in Millcreek Township

    October 9, 2012 - Questions tonight for Millcreek Township Supervisors from a local architect and a developer regarding the process to obtain a building permit.

    Building Inspection Underwriting of Pennsylvania provides services to administer and enforce the uniform construction code in several local townships.

    At least one local developer has a problem with that system.

    In June 2004, Millcreek, Harborcreek and Fairview townships awarded a contract to BIU.

    BIU receives, reviews and acts on applications for uniform construction code permits and will inspect work to make sure it complies with regulations.

    Architect Chip Wachter from KidderWachter describes BIUs role.

"In Millcreek, BIU reviews the drawings to see how they comply with the building code, which is the law, and if they comply with the code you're given a building code and you can proceed and if they do not comply they're rejected," Wachter said.

    At the Millcreek Township meeting, Greg Rubino, realtor and developer, addressed the supervisors about the process.

    He says that others haven't come forward because they're afraid of retaliation from BIU.

    Supervisor Brian McGrath says some are concerned the process is too lengthy.

"They're reviewed, there are comments made, changes have to be made, so that there is actually an extended period of time that goes by and as in most businesses, time is money and they feel they need to improve on that process," McGrath said.

    Attorney Joe Messina says that he's representing builders and architects who feel the system is flawed and is seeking change from BIU.

"We're asking for an alternative to that process so it increases competition so we have fair evaluations of plans being submitted," Messina said.

    On the other hand, Wachter says BIU is easy to work with.

"They're very exceptional in holding your hand and walking you through the process at the beginning of the job and understanding where the red flags might be," Wachter said.

    McGrath says a meeting will be held to discuss the current process.

    He says he doesn't foresee any significant changes.