Residential building permits are needed prior to construction of any of the following:

  1. New Homes
  2. Additions to Existing Homes
  3. New Decks to Existing Homes
  4. Deck Replacements
  5. Stair Replacements
  6. Porches
  7. Roof – (Over existing decks, patios, dormers, ora change from a flat roof to a pitched)
  8. Finished Basements
  9. Detached Garages (over 400 sq ft)
  10. Sheds (over 400 sq ft)
  11. Remodeling (If it involves structural changes)
  12. Conversion of Non- habitable space to habitable space Or converting rooms to bedrooms

What do I need to get my building permit?

The following items are required if applicable in order for the permit process to begin:

  1. Highway Occupancy Permit (If you live on a State road and plan any construction. You must have this permit.)
  2. Township Driveway Permit (If you live on a Township road)
  3. Copy of Active Sewage Permit (If you live on a Township road)
  4. Contractors Information – PA Registration Number (Attorney General Insurance & Workers Compensation Information)
    (Workers Compensation Insurance Form is available in downloadable form.)
  5. Active Zoning Permit (See Zoning Application Process)
  6. Two (2) Sets of Construction Drawings
  7. Completed Building Permit Application
  8. 911 Sign in place on property

Construction Drawing Requirements

Pennsylvania is currently using the 2009 International Residential Code.

All plans must be designated in accordance with this code.

Table R301.2(1)Climate and Geographic Design Criteria
QROUND SNOW LOAD WIND WIND SPEED(mph) SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM

Weathering Frost Line depth Termite
WINTER DESIQM TEMP ICE BARRIER UNDERLAYMENT REQUIRED1 FLOOD HAZARDS AtR FREEZING INDEX MEAN ANNUAL
TEMP
40 LB 90 B
SEVERE 42″ M-H25
10° F Yes Firm 1000 48° F
Table R301.SMinimum Uniformly Distributed Live Loads
(in pounds per square foot)
USE LIVE LOAD
Attics without storage 10
Attics with limited storage 20
Habitable attics and attics served
with fixed stairs		 30
Balconies (exterior) and decks 40
Fire escapes 40
Guardrails and handrails 200h
Guardrail in-fill components 50h
Passenger vehicle garages 50a
Rooms other than sleeping room 40
Sleeping rooms 30
Stairs 40c

Permit Process

  1. Applicant submits a completed application to the township along with all the required information as detailed in the previous pages.
  2. Township reviews plans for code compliance.
  3. Applicant is notified when plans are either approved or denied. If plans are not approved, applicant will reveive a plan deficiency notice.
  4. Apllicant must come to township to pay for permit and obtain paperwork.
  5. Applicant must post permit on property.

General Information

  1. Laminated permit must be posted so it is visible from the street.
  2. A list of required inspections is provided on laminated permit. All applicable inspections must be checked off as passed before moving on to next phase of construction.
  3. Inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. To schedule building, plumbing, or insulation inspections, call (570) 685-2990 Ex. 17
    To schedule electric or mechanical inspections call (570) 493-1229Information needed when scheduling inspections is as follows:

    • Permit Number
    • Site Address
    • Type of Inspection
    • Day and Date When Inspection is Needed
    • Phone Number of Person Requesting Inspection.
  4. One set of township approved plans must be on site and accessible to building inspector.

Please Note:
It is the applicants responsiblility to call for final inspections. New homes, additions and dects can not be used or occupied until all final inspections are completed and a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Failure to follow these instructions could result in legal action and possible fines.