Rental Unit Occupancy Permit Application

Rental Inspection & Occupancy – PA MPC (2022), 2021 IRC, 2021 IBC & 2021 IPMC

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1. Owner / Landlord Information

Mailing Address*

2. Property Information

0 of 10 max characters
In a Floodplain?

3. Rental Unit Information

Building Type
Application Type
Rental Type
Heating Fuel
Check all that apply.
Fuel-Burning Appliances?
Attached Garage?

4. Life Safety Self-Inspection

The owner or agent must complete this section. The code official will verify these items at inspection.
Smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each story (including basement)
Carbon monoxide alarms outside each sleeping area (fuel-burning appliances or attached garage)
Each bedroom has an emergency escape and rescue opening (window or door) that opens freely
Exits are clear, unlocked from inside without a key, and not blocked
Stairs have handrails, and guards are provided at open sides more than 30 in. above the floor or grade
Dwelling unit fire separation is intact (two-family, townhouse, and multi-unit buildings)
Heating system and water heater are working and have been serviced
GFCI protection at receptacles within 6 ft of a water source (sinks, tubs, showers), and at all garage, laundry, and exterior receptacles
No exposed wiring, missing cover plates, or extension cords used as permanent wiring
Automatic sprinkler and fire alarm systems inspected and tested (if provided)
Each bedroom has at least 70 sq. ft., plus 50 sq. ft. per occupant when occupied by more than one person
No bedroom is the only means of access to another bedroom
Heating system can maintain 68°F in habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms
Hot and cold running water at all required plumbing fixtures
Exterior and interior (roof, walls, floors, stairs, windows, doors) in good repair; no pest infestation
Approved garbage and rubbish storage provided
Address numbers visible from the street

5. Regulations

Zoning – PA Municipalities Planning Code (MPC, February 2022):

  • The zoning officer may not permit any use or change of use that does not conform to the zoning ordinance (MPC §614). Converting a dwelling to add rental units, or to a rooming house or short-term rental where regulated, requires zoning approval first.
  • Nonconforming uses may be registered by the zoning officer (§613); any use in violation of the zoning ordinance is subject to enforcement (§617), and the municipality may act to prevent illegal occupancy (§515.1).

Building – 2021 IRC and 2021 IBC (PA UCC):

  • One- and two-family dwellings and townhouses fall under the 2021 IRC: smoke alarms (R314), carbon monoxide alarms (R315), emergency escape and rescue openings (R310), means of egress (R311), and guards (R312).
  • Buildings with three or more dwelling units are Group R-2 under the 2021 IBC, including requirements for dwelling unit separations, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detection, and automatic sprinklers where required.
  • Any construction, alteration, or conversion (including adding units or bedrooms) requires a building permit. A change of occupancy in an existing building is reviewed under the 2021 IEBC.

Property Maintenance – 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), where adopted by the municipality:

  • Existing rental units are inspected for ongoing maintenance under the IPMC; repairs and alterations must follow the IRC or IBC.
  • Exterior and interior structure, sanitation, garbage storage, and pest control (Chapter 3).
  • Light, ventilation, and occupancy limits, including minimum ceiling heights and bedroom sizes of at least 70 sq. ft., plus 50 sq. ft. per occupant when more than one person sleeps in the room (Chapter 4).
  • Plumbing facilities and hot and cold water supply (Chapter 5); heat supply capable of maintaining 68°F in habitable rooms, and safe electrical systems (Chapter 6).
  • Means of egress, emergency escape openings, and fire protection systems, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (Chapter 7).
  • Units found unsafe or unfit for human occupancy may be placarded and vacated until corrected.

6. Submittal Checklist

Check Included or N/A for each item.
Floor plan of each unit showing bedrooms, escape openings, alarms, and exits
List of all rental units in the building with bedrooms and maximum occupants
Local managing agent designation (if the owner lives outside the area)
Heating system service record (within the past 12 months)
Sprinkler / fire alarm inspection reports (IBC buildings with these systems)
Zoning approval (required for conversions or added units)
Copy of the existing Certificate of Occupancy or prior rental permit (if available)

7. General Requirements

Supporting documents must be mailed, emailed (info@codesassessmentpros.com), or dropped off at our office.

The unit may not be rented or occupied until the rental occupancy permit is issued. An inspection is required, and all required fees must be paid before the permit is issued.

Failure to provide all information will result in the application being deemed incomplete, returned to the applicant and not reviewed. Review time will start with a completed application submittal.

Floor Plan Sketch

Sketch the floor plan of the rental unit. Label each room, mark bedrooms and their emergency escape windows, smoke and CO alarm locations, and exits, with room dimensions (in feet). Draw your sketch with north at the top of the page.
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: pdf, jpg, jpeg, png, tif, tiff, doc, docx, Max. file size: 1 GB, Max. files: 10.
    Upload your floor plan sketch. Reminder: supporting documents must be mailed, emailed (info@codesassessmentpros.com), or dropped off at our office.

    Invoice & Payment

    Enter the name and the mailing address or email address the invoice should go to. Payment can be made by check (mailed or dropped off at our office) or by card.

    8. Owner Certification

    Certification
    Type your full legal name to sign this application electronically.