MUNI-PHILADELPHIA COUNTYlocal legislationPLACED ON FILE

Proposed Update to Philadelphia Building Code

Original title: April 14, 2026 TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: I am submitting herewith for the consideration of your Honorable Body the following proposed Ordinance: AN ORDINANCE Amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code,” by amending Subcode “B” (The Philadelphia Building Code) and adopting the 2021 edition of the “International Building Code,” as published by the International Code Council, with various amendments thereto, as authorized by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act, all under certain terms and conditions. I hereby recommend your favorable consideration of this proposed Ordinance. Respectfully, Cherelle L. Parker Mayor

April 16, 2026

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The Frame

What this does

This ordinance updates the technical standards for all new building construction and occupancy in Philadelphia, which dictates the safety and design requirements for developers and property owners.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Property Developers

Developers must comply with the updated 2021 building standards for all new construction projects.

Construction Contractors

Contractors must adhere to the new technical requirements and amendments outlined in the updated building code.

Philadelphia Residents

Residents are subject to the safety and construction standards applied to new buildings and renovations within the city.

What changed

Last recorded activity April 16, 2026.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has submitted a proposal to update the city's building construction code by adopting the 2021 edition of the International Building Code. This ordinance would modify Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code to align local regulations with updated national standards.

Key Facts

The ordinance proposes adopting the 2021 edition of the International Building Code.
The proposal amends Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code, specifically Subcode B (The Philadelphia Building Code).
The update is authorized under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act.
The ordinance includes various local amendments to the International Building Code standards.
The file number for this legislative item is 260332.

Why It Matters

This ordinance updates the technical standards for all new building construction and occupancy in Philadelphia, which dictates the safety and design requirements for developers and property owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the International Building Code?

It is a set of standardized regulations for building construction and safety published by the International Code Council, which cities often adopt to ensure modern safety practices.

How will this affect my property?

If passed, this ordinance updates the construction standards that must be met for new building projects or major renovations in Philadelphia.

News Coverage

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Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift95% confidence

Modernization of Building Standards

The city is moving to adopt the 2021 edition of the International Building Code, indicating a shift toward more recent national safety and construction standards.

International Code Council

Connected Entities

personCherelle L. Parker“Mayor of Philadelphia who submitted the ordinance.”Map →

organizationCity Council of Philadelphia“The legislative body considering the ordinance.”Map →

organizationInternational Code Council“Publisher of the International Building Code.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

webapi.legistar.com

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance60
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy10
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment5
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz15
Current news / social attention level

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