APPROVAL
Philadelphia Code § A-203
in effectSECTION A-203 APPROVAL
A-203.1 Approved materials and equipment: All materials, equipment and devices approved by the code official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.
A-203.2 Used materials and equipment: The use of used materials, equipment, appliances and devices that meet the requirements of the technical codes for new materials is permitted. Used equipment and devices shall not be reused unless they have been reconditioned and placed in good and proper working condition, tested, and approved by the code official.
A-203.3 Alternative materials and equipment: The provisions of the technical codes are not intended to prevent the installation of any material, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by the technical codes, provided that any such alternative has been reviewed and approved. The commissioner is authorized to approve an alternative material, design or method of construction upon favorable recommendation of the Board of Building Standards (Board of Safety and Fire Prevention for matters exclusive to the Fire Code) when he or she finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of the technical codes, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the technical codes in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.
Exception: Alternative materials, designs or methods of construction not specifically prescribed by the technical codes may be permitted by the code official in accordance with Sections A-203.3.1 or A-203.3.2. 42
A-203.3.1 Research and investigation: Sufficient technical data shall be submitted to substantiate the proposed installation of any material or assembly. If it is determined that the evidence submitted is satisfactory proof of performance for the proposed installation, the code official shall approve such alternative subject to the requirements of the technical codes.
Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of the technical codes, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of the technical codes, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the code official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the Department. Test methods shall be as specified in the technical codes or other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, testing procedures shall be subject to the approval of the code official. Tests shall be performed by an approved agency. The cost of all tests, reports and investigations required under these provisions shall be paid by the applicant.
A-203.3.2 Research reports: Supporting data, where necessary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in the technical codes, shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources.
A-203.3.2.1 Evaluation services. Materials, product, and methods of construction that were evaluated as meeting subcodes of the Building Construction and Occupancy Code by the ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. or an evaluation service accredited under ISO/IEC 17065:2012, “Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services” (or equivalent), are approved for use. The use shall conform with the evaluation. 42.1
A-203.3.2.2 Testing laboratories. Materials, equipment and devices bearing the label or listed by a testing laboratory or quality assurance agency accredited by the International Accreditation Service, Inc. or another recognized agency under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” (or equivalent), are approved for use if: 42.2
1. The testing laboratory or quality assurance agency deemed the material as meeting standards required by the Building Construction and Occupancy Code, and
2. The scope of accreditation is applicable to standards required by the Building Construction and Occupancy Code.
Notes
41 | Amended, Bill No. 030780 (approved December 31, 2003).
42 | Added, Bill No. 180175 (approved June 6, 2018).
42.1 | Amended, Bill No. 260393 (approved June 12, 2026), effective July 1, 2026.
42.2 | Amended, Bill No. 260393 (approved June 12, 2026), effective July 1, 2026.
Source: City of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Code and Home Rule Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/philadelphia/latest/philadelphia_pa/0-0-0-268134Fetched: 10/27/2026