ADVOCATING ON YOUR BEHALF

Pennsylvania has more than 1,700 self storage facilities, serving a statewide population of 12,807,060 (2018). The Pennsylvania Self Storage Association has helped spearhead several changes to lien laws in the Keystone State but some priorities remain.

The PASSA is ever vigilant in protecting the industry from unnecessary laws or regulations. If you have questions or concerns regarding the industry’s relationship with the government, please feel free to contact us.

Legislative Update -  July 2021

Pennsylvania HB 1103 passed the House in June by a 200-1 vote. This bill is very similar to the bill originally filed by Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York) in 2019. If passed, the bill would reduce newspaper advertising requirements; would set a late fee safe harbor of $20 or 20% of the monthly rent, whichever is greater; and would expressly allow for online lien sales. The bill is expected to be considered by the Senate Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure soon. Please ask your Senator to support this important legislation.

 

Pennsylvania Legislative Update - April 2019

PASSA and SSA are working with the legislature to introduce a bill that, if passed, would allow for alternative methods of advertising lien sales and would set a late fee safe harbor of $20 or 20% of the monthly rent, whichever is greater.

Changes to the International Building Code Affect Self Storage - April 2019

With the support of its Code Committee, the Self Storage Association successfully pursued several key changes to the 2021 International Building Code. 

1. An exception has been added to IBC Section 2902.3.3 to permit an increase in the location (to greater than every other floor) and maximum distance of travel (to greater than 500 ft) for restrooms.  The location and travel distance must be approved by the code official.
2. The maximum allowable height of sprinklered facilities made of Type IIB materials (unprotected steel) and Type IIIB materials (noncombustible or fire-retardant-treated wood stud exterior walls and any interior construction) has been increased from 3 stories to 4 stories.  The Code continues to have total floor and building square footage limits. 
3. Pursuant to modified IBC Section 903.2.9, storage facilities are exempt from the automatic sprinkler system requirement if: (1) the total fire area is 12,000 sq. ft. or less; (2) the combined total fire areas are 24,000 sq. ft. or less; (3) the facility is no greater than one story above grade plane; and (4) all storage spaces are accessed directly from the exterior. 

These changes go into effect as they are adopted by local and state governments over the next several years.  Prior to the adoption on the local and state level, storage developers can request that the code official rely on the 2021 changes as acceptable alternative methods of construction pursuant to section 104.11 of the existing International Building Code.

Please email Joe Doherty with any questions or to receive supporting documentation for these changes.