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Pennsylvania Individual Architect License AND Firm Registration Renewal
Your Pennsylvania license will expire on June 30, 2011. You can conveniently renew your license and firm registration online with a credit card by visiting the Department of State's secure website at https://www.mylicense.state.pa.us. You are encouraged to submit your renewal for your individual Architect License and Firm Registration at least 30 days prior to the expiration date to ensure it is renewed on time.
Please note that both individual licenses and firm registrations must be renewed!
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House Bill 377
now Act 1 of 2011
House Bill 377 (Everett, R-Lycoming) passed the Senate by a vote of 33-17. The House quickly voted in concurrence to the Senate amendments by a vote of 129-68 and sent the bill to Gov. Tom Corbett for his signature. The legislation was subsequently signed by the governor.
The Senate of Pennsylvania approved HB 377 to remove the current mandate to install automatic sprinkler systems in new single-family homes. As amended by Senator John R. Gordner (R-27) in the Labor and Industry Committee, HB 377 also requires the Commonwealth to opt-in to any new or amended provisions of the International Code to ensure they are applicable to Pennsylvania rather than to opt-out, as is the current condition. Those decisions will be made by the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council (UCC RAC) within the Department of Labor and Industry. The legislation also made changes to the UCC RAC voting process.
Six key points of HB 377:
1. The sprinkler mandate is removed from one- and two-family homes (townhouse requirement remains intact).
2. Increased fire protection is provided for lightweight floor assemblies.
3. Builders are required to offer sprinkler systems to buyers at point of sale.
4. Energy efficiency trade-offs for log home manufacturers and builders are provided to help them meet today's energy requirements.
5. HB 377 provides retroactivity for those homes when permits have already been issued.
6. Amends the UCC RAC process to require a 2/3's vote on RAC recommendations
AIA Pennsylvania was neutral on the sprinkler issue, but focused on the preserving the function of the UCC RAC and the UCC itself. We were able to make some headway in our efforts to protect the UCC RAC and the code adoption process. We were able to remove an expansion in the number and a change in the composition of the RAC members that would have seriously impeded the RAC's ability to objectively operate. The RAC remains a balanced body of builders, architects, engineers, building inspectors, and elected officials charged with the responsibility of vetting new and amended provisions of the ICC suite of codes prior to adoption by L&I. We were not successful in preventing other changes to the RAC process, the most problematic being a new requirement that RAC recommendations have a minimum 2/3rd's vote of the RAC membership. Our outreach efforts have included the offer to serve as a resource to the House committee on subsequent issues impacting the UCC.
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UCC e-Alerts
Periodically, the Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety in the Department of Labor & Industry sends out UCC e-Alerts as a service to code officials, elected officials, design professionals, contractors and other persons who are interested in news, issues or developments related to the Uniform Construction Code.
If you have not previously requested this service, please send an e-mail message with the Subject listed as "UCC e-Alert Sign-Up" to the following address:
RA-LI-BOIS-UCCealert@state.pa.us.
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Architects Day
Once again, on April 12, 2011, architects from across the Commonwealth came to Harrisburg to advocate on behalf of the profession of architecture.
To kick off the day, former State Senator Earl Baker spoke to the attendees about the importance of talking to a legislator and the importance of developing relationships with a House or Senate standing committee.
The Senate of Pennsylvania honored AIA Pennsylvania and Architects Day with a citation sponsored by State Senator John Rafferty (R-44).
Joining Senator Rafferty on the floor of the Senate were (left to right): Richard DeYoung, AIA, Regional Director; Paula R. Maynes, AIA, Government Affairs Chair; and William J. Bates, AIA, President.
Throughout the day, architects met with legislators and attended meetings back at the AIA Pennsylvania offices. Prior to lunch, the AIA Pennsylvania Annual Meeting was held. It was here that the 2011 Government Award was presented. This award is given in recognition of significant contributions to, or particular support of, the progession and business of Architecture and/or the built environment. Anyone working in state or local government, such as legisltors, department secretaries, township officials, etc. are eligible for the awards as an individual or specified group. Sendator John C. Rafferty and Representative Matthew H. Smith have collectively exhibited legislative leadership in the promotion of sustainable communities.
During lunch at the Hilton, there was a seminar "From the Room to the Street to the City: One architect's journey into public life." by Harris Steinberg, FAIA.
The day concluded back in the Capitol Rotunda for the awards presentation and reception. Our reception was once again held at the Lt. Governor's Office Suite and Balconies. It was very well received by members and staff of both the House and Senate.
(left to right): Rep. Steve Bloom, Rep. Sheryl Delozier, Rep. Mark Keller, Rep. Mauree Gingrich, and Rep. Sandy Major
By any measure, Architects Day was a successful day for all who attended. We hope to see you there next year.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Powell, Trachtman, Logan, Carrle & Lombardo
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Langan Engineering and Environmental Services
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Citizen Architect Recognition
At its 2011 Annual Presidents Dinner, AIA Pennsylvania honored members who serve in a volunteer capacity on Pennsylvania State Government committees, boards and task forces.
These "Citizen Architects" not only make a significant contribution of their time, but contribute greatly to the quality of life in the Commonwealth. Honored at the dinner were:
Arthur Hall Adams, AIA: Department of Environmental Protection, Sewage Advisory Committee
John Bowie, AIA: Capitol Preservation Committee
Chirstine DeOliveira Carl, AIA: State Architects Licensure Board
Howard Graves, AIA: State Architects Licensure Board
Carl J. Handman, AIA: Uniform Construction Code Advisory Council
Jeffrey Kidder, AIA: State Historic Preservation Board
John Martine, AIA: State Architects Licensure Board
Vern L. McKissick,III, AIA: Department of General Services Selections Committee
Dallas Miller, AIA: Uniform Construction Code Advisory Council
Martin Jay Rosenblum, AIA: State Historic Preservation Board
Scott Spiezle, AIA: Department of Environmental Protection Climate Change Advisory Committee
A. Stevens Krug, AIA: Department of Environmental Protection Climate Change Advisory Committee (alternate)
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Pennsylvania Alumni
& Fellows Reception
If you are attending the national convention, please join us in honoring AIA Pennsylvania members that have advanced to Fellowship in The American Institute of Architects.
Friday, May 13, 2011
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Belle Chase Room
Hilton Riverside
2011 New Fellows
Joanne Aitken, FAIA (AIA Philadelphia)
Frank W. Grauman, FAIA (AIA Philadelphia)
Richard L. Maimon, FAIA (AIA Philadelphia)
Special thanks to our partners:
Marywood University, School of Architecture
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Powell Trachtman Logan Carrle & Lombardo
We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any questions, please contact: Rebekah Waddell at (717) 236-4055 or rwaddell@aiapa.org. |
Government Affairs Survey
In an effort to enhance AIA Pennsylvania's Government Affairs program, we would like to get your opinions and feedback regarding the Pennsylvania Architects Political Action Committee (PA PAC). The PA PAC supports candidates for office in State government that are favorable to AIA Pennsylvania's issues and/or who it is important to develop relationships with because they have significant influence over our issues.
This anonymous survey will take no more than 5 minutes to complete. The results will be used by the PA PAC Strategic Planning Task Force to develop a 5 year strategic plan.
Thank you for taking the time to do this survey. Your response is very important to us in our work on behalf of you and our other colleagues here in Pennsylvania.
Sincerely,
Phillip Foreman, AIA
PA PAC Management Committee Chairman
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