How Scranton Handles Building Safety: A Practical Guide

Scranton maintains 100 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building safety. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Scranton falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Fire Sprinkler Requirements

Pennsylvania repealed the statewide mandate for sprinklers in new one- and two-family dwellings effective retroactively to January 1, 2011 (Act 1 of 2011, HB 377). Scranton does not impose a local residential sprinkler mandate. New townhouses, commercial buildings, and existing buildings undergoing significant renovation remain subject to the sprinkler triggers in the IBC and IFC adopted through Chapter 201 (Construction Codes, Uniform) and Chapter 243.

Key details: 1- and 2-Family Sprinkler: Not required (Act 1 of 2011). Townhouse Sprinkler: Required (IRC R313.2). Commercial Trigger: IFC Sec. 903.2 (size/occupancy). Permit Authority: Scranton LIPS. Designer Credential: PE or NICET Level III/IV.

Installing or modifying a sprinkler system without a UCC permit is a violation of 34 Pa. Code Section 403.42 and Scranton Chapter 201. Penalties under the UCC are up to $1,000 per day under 35 P.S. Section 7210.903. Operating a building required to be sprinklered without functional sprinklers is enforceable by the Bureau of Fire under Chapter 243; the Bureau may issue a Notice of Violation and, for life-safety risks, an order to vacate. Disabling or tampering with a required sprinkler system is also a criminal offense under 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3304 (Criminal mischief).

Lead Paint

The City of Scranton does not have a stand-alone municipal lead ordinance. Lead hazards in Scranton are addressed through the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (42 U.S.C. Section 4851), EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (40 CFR Part 745), the Pennsylvania Lead Certification Act (35 P.S. Section 5901), and the Pennsylvania Department of Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program enforced locally through Scranton's Chapter 373 rental inspections.

Key details: Federal Disclosure Rule: 24 CFR Part 35 (pre-1978 housing). EPA RRP Threshold: >6 sq ft interior / >20 sq ft exterior. PA Lead Certification Act: 35 P.S. Sec. 5901. Local Tie-In: Scranton Code Ch. 373 inspections. Pre-1950 Housing: Majority of Scranton stock.

Federal Lead Disclosure Rule violations carry civil penalties up to $19,507 per violation (2024 inflation-adjusted) under HUD/EPA enforcement, plus treble damages payable to the tenant or buyer under 42 U.S.C. Section 4852d(b)(3). Pennsylvania Lead Certification Act violations can result in license suspension and civil penalties up to $5,000 per day. Failure to abate a lead-related violation identified during a Chapter 373 rental inspection can result in refusal or revocation of the Rental License, plus fines under the general penalty section of the Scranton Code.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Scranton actively enforces its lead paint requirements.

Pest Control

Scranton regulates rodent and insect infestation through Chapter 360 (Property Maintenance) of the Codified Ordinances, which adopts the International Property Maintenance Code, and through Chapter 373 (Rental Property) inspections. IPMC Section 309 requires extermination of pests by the owner of structures and shared infestations in multifamily buildings; Sections 304.5 and 308 require rodent-proofing of exterior openings and approved garbage containers.

Key details: Code Authority: Scranton Ch. 360 (IPMC). Pest Elimination Owner Duty: IPMC Sec. 309. Rodent-Proofing Standard: 1/4 in mesh / 1/2 in opening. Multifamily Rule: Owner pays if 2+ units affected. Rental Licensing Phone: (570) 348-4193.

IPMC violations are enforced by Scranton LIPS through Notices of Violation. Failure to abate within the period stated in the notice (typically 30 days, shorter for severe public-health hazards) can lead to escalating administrative fines and city-contracted abatement charged back to the owner as a municipal lien. Severe infestations in rental units may trigger revocation of the Chapter 373 Rental License and a notice of unfit for human habitation. PA Pesticide Control Act violations can carry separate civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense plus license suspension by the PA Department of Agriculture.

The Bottom Line

Scranton's building safety rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Scranton is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Scranton's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.