Pennsylvania repealed the statewide mandate for sprinklers in new one- and two-family dwellings effective retroactively to January 1, 2011 (Act 1 of 2011, HB 377).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.
Pennsylvania's residential sprinkler history is critical context for Scranton homeowners. The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) Section R313, which would have required sprinklers in all newly constructed one- and two-family dwellings effective January 1, 2011, was repealed retroactively by Pennsylvania Act 1 of 2011 (House Bill 377), signed by Governor Corbett on April 25, 2011. Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code at 34 Pa. Code Chapter 403 currently does not require sprinklers in new detached one- and two-family homes. New townhouses (three or more attached single-family dwellings) remain subject to IRC Section R313.2 and must be sprinklered. Scranton has not adopted a local residential sprinkler mandate at Chapter 201 (Construction Codes, Uniform) or Chapter 243 (Fire Prevention), so the state default applies. Commercial and multifamily sprinklers are governed by IBC Chapter 9 and IFC Section 903 as enforced through Chapter 201. IFC 903.2 typically requires automatic sprinkler systems in Group R occupancies (apartments) and in Group A, B, M, S, and F buildings above certain size or occupant-load thresholds. The Scranton Department of Licensing, Inspections and Permits (LIPS) reviews sprinkler plans through the PA UCC permit process, which requires sprinkler drawings stamped by a Pennsylvania-registered professional engineer or NICET Level III/IV designer. The Scranton Bureau of Fire conducts acceptance tests.
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).
Scranton, PA
Outdoor swimming pools in Scranton must be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with openings no wider than 2 inches and self-latching gates. The Penns...
Scranton, PA
Scranton's Zoning Ordinance regulates fence height, location, and visibility but does not prescribe a closed list of allowed residential materials. Wood, vin...
Scranton, PA
Scranton's Zoning Ordinance allows fences on the property line and does not require neighbor consent. Boundary and partition-fence disputes are resolved unde...
Scranton, PA
Scranton exempts most residential fences with a fair market value under $500 from a zoning permit, but a permit is still required in the Floodplain Overlay a...
Scranton, PA
Scranton's Code of Ordinances Chapter 169 (Animals) caps the total combined number of dogs and cats over three months of age at six (6) per residential lot o...
Scranton, PA
Scranton's local wildlife-feeding enforcement runs through Chapter 169 nuisance provisions of the Code of Ordinances and property-maintenance rules against a...
See how Scranton's fire sprinkler requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.