City of Allentown

Pennsylvania

City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101

Sheet Metal Technician Law – FAQ’s

On March 11, 2009 Mayor Ed Pawlowski signed Bill Number 87-2008 which establishes a new ordinance of the Allentown Code entitled, “Sheet Metal Technician.” It places requirements on those persons working on sheet metal systems.

  1. What qualifies as a “sheet metal system?”

“Sheet Metal Systems” are defined as all duct work, ferrous and non-ferrous, including applicable materials and parts used for providing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and exhaust to buildings or structures

  1. Who is allowed to work on sheet metal systems in the City of Allentown as a result of this new law?

Any person (except an owner working on his/her primary residence or a property with three (3) units or less) that has a Sheet Metal Systems Technician License or Apprentice Permit that has been issued by the Bureau of Building Standards and Safety.

  1. How does one obtain a Sheet Metal Systems Technician License?
  2. Fill out an application form (available online or at City Hall)
  3. Pay an application fee of $180.00
  4. Qualify through at least one of the following criteria:
  5. Pass an examination approved by the Sheet Metal Licensing Board
  6. Meet the requirements of reciprocity
  7. Receive licensure during the grace period to end at the close of business on August 8, 2009

A grace period has been established that allows existing sheet metal system workers to be licensed as Sheet Metal Systems Technicians without examination provided that they proved proof of a minimum of 8,000 hours of job related experience. The grace period for such licensing will end at the close of business on August 8, 2009

  1. How does one obtain a Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice Permit?
  2. Fill our an application form (available online or at City Hall)
  3. Pay an application fee of $90.00
  4. Qualify through at least one of the following criteria:
  5. Provide proof of enrollment in registered Sheet Metal Systems Technician Apprenticeship Program
  6. Meet the requirements of reciprocity
  1. How often will I have to renew my License/Apprentice Permit?

The Licenses and Apprentice Permits will be renewable every two years. Future payments for renewal of Licenses and Permits will therefore need to be made by December 31, 2010, 2012, 2014, etc.

  1. Will there be a surcharge if I do not pay my renewal fee on time?

Yes. A surcharge in the amount of $90.00 for Licenses and $45.00 for Permits will be assessed for all fees that are not received by January 31, 2011, 2013, 2015, etc.

  1. Has reciprocity been established with any other jurisdiction?

To-date reciprocity has not been established with any other jurisdiction. For Allentown to establish reciprocity, the Sheet Metal Licensing Board must determine that the other jurisdiction maintains licensing qualifications equal-to or greater than those established here. The other jurisdiction must then agree to grant equal recognition to currently practicing, competent persons holding licensure from the City of Allentown, Bureau of Building Standards and Safety.

  1. Who is required to be licensed?

Any and all persons working on sheet metal systems must be either a Sheet Metal Systems Technician License or a Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice Permit holder. Apprentice Permit holders may only work under the supervision of a certified Sheet Metal Systems Technician.

  1. Will the Bureau of Building Standards and Safety maintain a database of all approved Sheet Metal Systems Technicians and is the database public record?

Yes. The Bureau of Building Standards and Safety will maintain a public database of all persons that hold a valid Sheet Metal Systems Technician License or a Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice Permit.

  1. Will Sheet Metal Systems Technician License and Apprentices be required to carry identification?

Yes. All holders of a Sheet Metal Systems Technician License or a Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice Permit will be required to carry a license card issued by the Bureau of Building Standards and Safety at all times while they are on a job site in Allentown.

  1. Are there penalties for working on sheet metal systems without the required license or permit or for employing workers that do not have the required certificate or permit?

Yes. The law provides for fines on individuals of $100 to $300 for each violation per person and $500 to $1000 on corporations, partnerships, or other business entities in violation of the ordinance. These fines will be levied on the company, the individual worker, and/or any person that directs work to be done on a sheet metal system by unqualified personnel.

When any person or employer is found to be performing work on a sheet metal system in violation of the license and/or permit requirements the Bureau will take action to prevent further work from being performed by that person or employer up to and including license suspension and revocation, until full compliance with the requirements is ensured.

  1. What are the key dates that I need to remember?

As of April 10, 2009 the City of Allentown, Bureau of Building Standards and Safety is accepting applications for persons to be licensed or permitted in sheet metal system work. On August 8, 2009, the grace period for current workers to receive a license without testing will end. By this time, all candidates must submit an application form, the required fee, and all related documentation proving they have a minimum of 8,000 hours of job related experience or completed an approved apprentice program.

On or after August 9, 2009 all permit applications submitted for work incorporating sheet metal systems must be made by a person holding a valid Sheet Metal Systems Technician License or a Sheet Metal Systems Apprentice Permit.

  1. Will there be job site enforcement of the new law?

On or after August 9, 2009 the Bureau of Building Standards and Safety will deploy inspector s to audit projects and respond to complaint calls.

Please contact, Todd Collins, at (610) 437-7534 or with any questions or comments.

Application forms and more detailed information is available for viewing and download on the City’s website: www.allentownpa.gov/sheetmetal