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State Lawmakers Gather Input On Updating Demolition Codes, In Wake Of Deadly Building Collapse

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - State lawmakers are gathering input on updating demolition codes, in the wake of last month's fatal building collapse at 22nd and Market Streets.

Two state house committees heard from unions and the demolition industry on State Representative Bill Keller's bill strengthening the standards to apply for a demolition permit.

"We want to add a little more money, 15 percent to get a permit, to have a fund so that we could get building inspectors more training," said Keller.

The bill would also require the state to review the qualifications of code officials.  During the hearing at the Independence Seaport Museum, Jim Dollard, the safety coordinator for IBEW Local 98, said standards need to be tighter.

"What happened at 22nd and Market proves that the industry can't police itself and that we have major flaws in code enforcement," said Dollard.

The bill would provide oversight in Philadelphia, but lawmakers talked about allowing municipalities statewide to opt-in.

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