Do I need a permit?

The following guidelines apply to single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, townhouses and structures that are considered to be an accessory to these types of residential structures.

***Please note there may be other residential uses/structures/scenarios that are not specifically listed on this document that may require Zoning Permits or Building Permits. This list is to provide general guidance but may not be all encompassing. Please call the Borough Office with any questions.

Decks, Porches and Patio  

Requires a Zoning and Building permit application.

Porches or Decks with a Roof

  • Requires a Zoning and Building permit application.

Enclosing a Porch or Patio

  • Requires a Zoning and Building permit application.

Sheds & Garages

  • Under 1,000 square feet of total floor area and accessory to a single family dwelling, requires a Zoning Permit Application
  • 1,000 square feet of total floor area or larger, requires a Zoning and Building permit application.

Fences

  • Fences 3 feet to 6 feet high requires a Zoning Permit

Swimming Pools

  • ALL swimming pools that are capable of holding 24 inches or more of water requires a Zoning and Building permit application.

Hot Tub or Spa

  • Indoor requires building permit application.
  • Outdoor requires a Zoning and Building permit applications.

 Additions

  • Any size requires a Zoning and Building permit application.
  • Garage attached to the house requires a Zoning and Building permit applications.
  • Carport attached to the house requires a Zoning and Building permit applications.

Alterations

  • Alterations that involve structural changes require a Building permit application.
    • A Zoning permit may be required, depending upon the scope of work. Please do not proceed with a project of this type with out first contacting the Borough Office for guidance.

Changes to an Existing Mean of Egress

  • Removal or change requires a Building permit application.
    • A Zoning permit may be required, depending upon the scope of work. Please do not proceed with a project of this type without first contacting the Borough Office for guidance.
  • Ramp requires a Zoning and Building permit applications.
  • Exit Door requires a Building permit application.
  • Stairs requires a Zoning and Building permit applications.
  • Handrails requires a Building permit application.
  • Guard System requires a Building permit application.

New Homes

  • Traditional requires a Zoning and Building permit applications.
  • Manufactured (New or used) requires a Zoning and Building permit applications.
  • Modular requires a Zoning and Building permit application.

Demolition

  • Residential Structure requires a Building permit application.

Sidewalk/Curb

  • Sidewalk and Curb construction requires a Zoning permit application.

 

If a project involves:

  1. Removal replacement, re-enforcement or cutting of any structural beam or header or any load-bearing support wall requires a Building permit application.
  2. Work or service to the electrical service to the dwelling or an accessory structure that will require an inspection by the power company requires a Building permit application.
  3. Cutting away of any wall, partition, or portion thereof requires a Building permit application.
  4. Addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any electrical wiring requires a Building permit application.
  5. Addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any mechanical equipment requires a Building permit application.
    1. For example, HVAC, furnace and hot water heaters.

Any portion of a dwelling or residential accessory structure that will be used for Commercial purposes (open to employes or the public) Require a Zoning permit application

Examples:

  Most (if not all) of these examples will require variances.

              1. Professional offices
              2. Business office
              3. Notaries
              4. Beauty shops, nail salons, barber shops
              5. Car or equipment repair
  • Change of use requires Zoning and Building permit application.
  • Driveways require Zoning permit application.
  • Temporary structures require a Zoning permit application.
  • In-Law Suites requires Zoning and Building permit application.
  • Home base Business and No Impact Home Based Business requires Zoning permit application.
  • Residential Change of Use/Conversions requires a Zoning and Building permit application.

Please keep in mind that doing work regulated by the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) without a permit WILL result in an enforcement action being taken against you by the municipality, and upon conviction, you may be subject to fines and penalties up to and including $1,000 per day of each violation.

Occupying any structure without a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Code Officer is a serious violation and will also result in enforcement action. Please do not occupy or begin using any structure without a Certificate of Occupancy.

If you fail to obtain permits, inspections and Certificates of Occupancy, it is very likely that you will have serious difficulties when  you eventually try to sell your house or property, as all structures built since April 9, 2004, must have a legal Certificate of Occupancy.