Pipes cause trouble in Syracuse buildings (laws contradict each other in overregulated NY)

Gannett News ^ | 6/28/03

[Behind Liberal Lines]

SYRACUSE -- The state's new building code allows plastic plumbing in commercial buildings, but state labor law requires metal, and that's causing problems in Onondaga County.

The state Labor Department wants 22 developers in the county to rip plastic plumbing out of 27 new buildings, even though it complies with the state building code. Of the 28 buildings cited statewide, 27 are in Onondaga County.

The state's new building code, which builders were allowed to use starting in July 2002 and which took full effect at the start of the year, says plastic pipe can be installed in commercial buildings. However, the state Legislature approved a labor law in August 2001 requiring metal plumbing in commercial buildings starting Jan. 1, 2002.

A state investigation began after a local plumbers' union representative did some research. Businesses cited now must decide whether to replace their plastic plumbing or spend time and money challenging the law or seeking a variance.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

I'm surprised, especially in overregulated New York, that there aren't more contradictory laws out there.

This is just another example of how overregulation drives business out of states like New York.

But, hey, don't worry, a few more tax increases will bring them back, right?

[Gorzaloon]

Sounds like the Pipefitters' Union found out where the legislators' kids went to school.