News & Updates ∴
Scroll below for news and announcements.
October 28th COMMONWEALTH COURT has issued an opinion in Pennsylvania Builders Association v. Department of Labor and Industry. Effective immediately all enforcement of the 2021 Accessibility standards must end. All accessibility shall comply with the 2018 Accessibility requirements. More information may be found here: https://www.psats.org/commonwealth-court-decision-enjoins-enforcement-of-2021-ucc-accessibility-updates/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=commonwealth-court-decision-enjoins-enforcement-of-2021-ucc-accessibility-updates
To help you understand where your permit may fall with this decision, here are a couple of tips:
For all permits already issued before October 26 – All work and inspections must comply with the 2021 Accessibility standards and your Certificate of Occupancy must reflect this.
If you and the code official decide to revert back to the 2018 codes….NEW PLANS must be submitted and reviewed.
For permit applications submitted and not yet issued under the 2021 Accessibility Standards – All plans must be re-submitted to comply with the 2018 Accessibility Standards unless you (applicant) wishes to comply with the 2021 Accessibility Standards (this would be the most stringent option).
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August 2022
ABI has moved!!!
Our new office location is at 1647 N. Reading Rd., Stevens, PA 17578
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Landis Place Update: It was a beautiful day to see that the roof is finally going on to one of Lancaster Cities newest mixed-use 55+ living projects!!
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February 18, 2022
ABI is pleased to announce that Sadsbury Township has chosen us for their third party code compliance and zoning services! We are looking forward to working with everyone at the township office as well as with all the businesses and residents!
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February 2, 2022
Ephrata High School progress photo….
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January 14, 2022
Project update: Ed Poorman inspected the overhang at Penn Medicine/LGH Emergency Department today. Benchmark Construction passed with flying colors again! Nice job!
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January 2022
A fond farewell to Don Forry….
With over 33 years in code administration, plan review and inspection experience, Don Forry is hanging up his hard hat! Don began his career at Centre Region Code in State College and then moved to Manheim Township as the commercial / fire code official, and the director of code compliance. He instructed for PCCA and PHRC, served on the PABCO Board of Directors and UCC Review and Advisory Council as vice chair. Don joined ABI in 2017 (after his first retirement!) and his expertise as a Commercial Building Inspector/Plans Examiner and Master Code Official will be missed. Don plans on spending his retirement traveling and playing golf. We will miss Don’s easy smile and his ability to make us laugh. We wish Don a wonderful retirement, he’s earned it!
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Project Update: Landis Place
The newest mixed-use, 55+ living project located in the heart of Lancaster City. Landis Place will offer 79 apartments, interior parking as well as commercial space.
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December 2021:
To view the new PA UCC Code adoptions and updates please click HERE
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December 2021
The ABI elves were happy to help at this year’s Toys 4 Tots at the Park City Mall. What a rewarding way to give back and help the families in our community.
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November 22, 2021
Progress photo for the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Emergency Department Expansion
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July 2021
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Emergency Department Expansion is underway! The 40,000 SF expansion is slated to open in 2022. ABI is pleased to be working with Benchmark Construction Company and Perkins & Will on this project.
ABI Diversifies: Launches Property Maintenance & Housing Division
Lancaster – October 1, 2017: Associated Building Inspections (ABI) is pleased to announce that they now offer Property Maintenance and Housing Inspections to all municipalities in south central PA.
Most people are aware of Building Codes, but few are aware that most municipalities have only adopted building codes for new construction. Existing structures and properties are exempt from enforcement by Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code (UCC). While every Municipality enforces the state code in some fashion, few enforce Property Maintenance and Housing Inspections.
Blighted property is a serious concern that continues to increase as our communities age and grow. With the addition of the Property Maintenance Division, ABI will continue to meet the code enforcement needs of our communities. We offer a wide range of enforcement that can meet all of your municipal needs. A well implemented property maintenance program encourages economic stability and promotes a healthy community.
ABI’s President, Edward Poorman, announced the initiative to provide a needed service to municipalities that are struggling to keep up with the minimum maintenance requirements for existing structures and exterior property areas. The purpose of the Property Maintenance Division is to enforce the Property Maintenance Code, which is intended to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by requiring existing structures and properties to comply with the provisions adopted by each municipality.
ABI works with each municipality to create a program that meets the specific needs of their residents. If a property or structure does not comply with the regulations adopted by the municipality, it shall be required to abate all deficient items by making needed repairs or alterations. The goal is to ensure that all existing properties and structures meet a minimum level of health and safety as required by code.
“We are expecting to see an increased need for Property Maintenance and Rental inspections”, Poorman said. “We are hearing from municipalities that are not interested in waiting for a tragedy to happen before they take action. It puts your mind to rest to know that the municipal officials are looking out for their resident’s interests.” Edward Poorman, President ABI
ABI Acquisition/Sale Announcement:
Lancaster – August 31, 2017: Associated Building Inspections is under new ownership. On August 31, Edward Poorman purchased Associated Building Inspections Incorporated (ABI) from Randy B Maurer. As a result of the transaction, Edward Poorman will assume the role of President of Associated Building Inspections LLC. Randy Maurer, ABI’s founder, will be named Vice President of Internal Operations. All other employees will continue in their current roles. ABI will remain headquartered in Ephrata PA.
Edward Poorman holds an Associates Degree in Architectural Engineering and a Bachelors Degree in Architecture . Ed holds many inspection certifications in building, plumbing, mechanical, energy and electrical for both residential and commercial applications. Ed Poorman was also a Sergeant in the Marines and a Iraq Veteran of War.
ABI remains committed to the highest level of code enforcement, and the new structure will enable ABI to expand their role in the area and provide additional value-added services to municipalities, contractors, designers and the construction industry as a whole.
Associated Building Inspections seasoned management team has done a tremendous job building a successful track record and outstanding relationships with its municipal and private customers. ABI has strong focus on customer satisfaction and creative, cost effect, code based, solutions to meet the needs of their customers.
ABI has built a reputation on employing subject matter experts in their respective fields. This sets the bar very high for excellence in building code enforcement. A standard that will not change with new ownership.
“I am very excited for this opportunity”, said Mr. Poorman. “It is a honor and privilege to partner with Randy Maurer. Randy has set the bar very high in this industry. While this acquisition denotes a change in ownership, our customers should rest assured that the fundamental principles that make ABI an industry leader in code enforcement will not be compromised.”
“We look forward to growing our breadth and diversity in code enforcement. We will continue to deliver the highest possible service to our customers. Life safety is paramount; our customers can continue to rely on us to ensure that all local and state codes are enforced in all aspects of the construction process.” Edward Poorman, President Associated Building Inspections LLC., August 31, 2017