GENERAL PERMITTING GUIDELINES
DESIGNED: JACK WISNER
WHAT IS A ZONING PERMIT?
• A zoning permit is ‘a local government authorization ensuring a proposed construction or land use complies with local zoning ordinances.’ Zoning permits are typically required anytime impervious area is increased on a property. This means that anytime a new patio, walkway, driveway, etc. are added, a zoning permit is generally required.
WHY DO WE NEED ZONING PERMITS?
• The point of a zoning permit is to ensure that land use aligns with local ordinances and prevents conflicts with property owners. Zoning permits are designed to prevent landowners from improperly using their property. They look at adjacent properties as a whole and prevent one property from hindering another by what is being built.
WHEN DO I NEED A ZONING PERMIT?
TYPICALLY, DO NEED A ZONING PERMIT
• PATIOS (>500 SQ FT)
• DECKS
• PORCHES
• ATTACHED ROOFS
• PERGOLAS
• DETACHED SHEDS
• DETACHED GARAGE
• RETAINING WALLS
• RAISED PATIOS
• CAR PORTS
• REMOVAL OF LARGE TREES
• FLOODPLAIN WORK
• DRIVEWAYS
• MAJOR EXCAVATION (OVER 2500 SQ FT)
DECK INSTALL - (BANACH)
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE – (JOSEPH)
TYPICALLY, DON’T NEED A ZONING PERMIT
•SMALL ON GRADE PATIOS (<500 SQ FT)
•NON-STRUCTURAL RETAINING WALLS (LESS THAN 3’)
•LANDSCAPE EDGING
•FREE-STANDING PLANTERS
•GRAVEL PATHS / BEDS
•MINOR GRADE CHANGES (LESS THAN 24” OF HEIGHT DISTURBED)
•SOD INSTALL
•MULCH INSTALL
•STONE / RIVERGRAVEL INSTALL
•SURFACE LEVEL COSEMTIC CHANGES
GRAVEL INSTALL – (HAUPT)
SOD INSTALL– (JOSEPH)
WHAT IS A BUILDING PERMIT?
• A building permit is ‘official authorization from a local government to begin construction, alteration, or demolition of a structure, ensuring the project complies with local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations for public safety and proper property use.’ Building permits are typically required for most new construction, additions, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. They can also be required for more minor projects depending on the severity (decks and fences).
WHY DO WE NEED BUILDING PERMITS?
• The point of a building permit is to ensure the construction of a project is safe, legal, and complies with health and zoning regulations. The number one priority of building / zoning officials is to ensure the safety of the public and the occupants of the proposed construction. Building permits serve as a quality standard and prevent future costly renovations / demolition due to improper infrastructure.
WHEN DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
TYPICALLY, DO NEED A BUILDING PERMIT
• DECKS
• PORCHES
• ATTACHED ROOF
• PERGOLAS
• DETACHED SHED
• DETACHED GARAGE
• RETAINING WALLS
• RAISED PATIOS
• BRIDGE
• STRUCTURAL FIREPLACES
• CHANGING FLOOR LAYOUT
• CHANGING ROOFLINE
• NEW ELECTRICAL WIRING
• ADDITIONS TO SEWER
• CAR PORTS
BRIDGE INSTALL- (BENDER)
FIREPLACE INSTALL – (WONSIEWICZ)
TYPICALLY, DON’T NEED A BUILDING PERMIT
• REPLACING COUNTERTOPS
• ON-GRADE PATIOS
• NON-STRUCTURAL RETAINING WALLS (UNDER 3’)
• UPDATING FIXTURES (SINKS, BATHTUBS, TOILETS, ETC.)
• NEW ROOFING MATERIAL (SAME ROOFLINE)
• NEW FLOORING
• NON-STRUCTURAL BOULDER WALLS
• SHEDS
• PLANTINGS
• STONE INSTALL
• GRAVEL INSTALL
• MULCH INSTALL
ON-GRADE PATIO – (BARE)
BOULDER WALLS – (SHEAFFER)
GRAVEL INSTALL – (YINGLING)
HOW DO I START THE PERMITTING PROCESS?
Go online and search the township of which the work is to be completed
Navigate to that township’s website and search for ‘permitting’
Locate the forms that apply to your specific project.
Call the township office and ask to speak with the ‘permitting department’
Verify that the permit applications you choose line up with what the township representative thinks you need.
Fill out required forms and produce any plans that are required.
Submit the forms online through the township or take (2) hard copies of all applications to the permitting office.
Wait for approval or failure of permits from the township.
Start the desired construction.
Complete required inspections throughout the construction process.
WHAT ARE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS?
• Zoning permits are almost always required anytime impervious area is being altered.
• Building permits are almost ALWAYS required when a new structure is being erected (besides some sheds and fences)
• If you fail to get the needed permits, it can lead to significant fines, stop-work orders, required demolition of unpermitted work, or even LEGAL ACTION.
WHAT IS THE WLC WAY?
• At Weaver’s Landscape Company, we must notify clients when permits are likely required. On our contract conditions, it states; ‘Client responsible to obtain any necessary permits.’ We can then inform them that they are responsible for permitting tasks unless they ask us specifically to be responsible. We are willing to help them work through the permitting process but will not unless asked to do so. The exception to this would be if we feel more comfortable getting a permit, we will notify the homeowner we are doing so and get their approval.
• When unsure if a permit is required, call the local government or township to get clarification. Let them know exactly what you are looking to do or achieve, and they will lead you in the right direction.
• The cost of permits is typically rested on the client of the project unless noted otherwise by salesman.
