Permit Requirements

Building Permits

Building permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace an electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system which the 2018 International Code regulates and applicable sections of 2018 IRC as adopted by PA UCC.

Carports, Detached Private Garages, Greenhouses, and Sheds larger than 200 square feet are considered accessory buildings. Buildings under 1000 square feet and accessory to a detached single family dwelling do not require a building permit (a zoning permit is still required and it is best to talk to the Code Administrator to verify that you meet the requirements for this exception.)

Sheds less than 200 square feet in size are required to be 10 feet off all property lines and require a Zoning Permit.

Ordinary repairs to structures do not require building permits (however these are required to meet the Code).

Ordinary Repairs

  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finishing work
  • Swings and other playground equipment accessory to 1 and 2 family dwellings
  • Prefabricated pools that are less then 24 inches deeps
  • Windows awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not extend more than 54″ from the exterior wall and do not require additional support
  • Window replacement without structural change
  • Replacement of existing siding
  • Replacement of exterior rain water gutters and leaders
  • Minor electrical repair and maintenance work such as the replacement of receptacles, switches, and fixtures in the same location
  • Replacement of faucets, lavatories, sinks, water closets, and other plumbing fixtures in the same location

Not Ordinary Repairs

  • The cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof
  • The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load bearing support
  • The removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting is exit way requirements
  • The addition to, alteration of, replacement, or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent, or similar piping
  • The addition to, alteration of, replacement, or relocation of any electrical wiring
  • The addition to, alteration of, replacement, or relocation of any mechanical systems

Driveway Permits

Driveway permits are required for the expansion, relocation, or installation of a new opening onto a township road, or the temporary use of an area to access a Township road.

If located on a State Road the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has similar regulations.

Home Occupation Permits

A home occupation permits are required in order to conduct any business out of a residential property.

Sign Permits

The placement of any sign requires a sign permit.

Any sign is defined as any permanent or temporary structure or part thereof, or any devise attached, painted, or represented directly or indirectly on a structure or other surface that displays or includes any letter, work, insignia, flag, or representation, which is in the nature of a advertisement, announcement, visual communication, direction, or is designed to attract the eye or bring the subject to the attention of the public.

Zoning Permits

A zoning permit is required anytime you change the use of a property or structure, install a new structure, relocate an existing structure, or enlarge a existing structure. This includes the installation of sheds and fences.