Last August, Philadelphia Mayor James F. Kenney signed an executive order for the re-establishment of the Plumbing Advisory Board to propose substantial updates to the city’s plumbing code, which has not undergone significant change since 1995.

Through the executive order Mayor Kenney seeks to incorporate the formatting and modernity of the International Plumbing Code into the Philadelphia Plumbing Code "as a blend to allow for the use of new materials, products or methods of construction as applicable."

The executive order calls for the reconstitution of the Philadelphia Plumbing Advisory Board. Per the order, "individuals with technical expertise in the design and installation of plumbing systems can provide the city with valuable assistance in updating code requirements."

The seven members, appointed by the mayor, consist of the following: four registered master plumbers; one Pennsylvania licensed or registered design professional experienced in the design of plumbing systems; one development community representative; and one sustainability community representative.

The board also consists of three non-voting ex-officio members that include: one member from the Department of Licenses and Inspections; one member from the Streets Department; and one member from the Water Department; each appointed by their respective Commissioners.

The board will make its recommendations to the Commissioner of Licenses and Inspections and the Board of Building Standards regarding Philadelphia's adoption of an updated Philadelphia Plumbing Code based on the model plumbing code developed by the International Code Council that is consistent with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act 45 of 1999.