Community Development - Permits

Code Enforcement Department Staff

Contact Information

Telephone

A residential accessory structure such as a utility or storage shed and gazebos less than 1,000 square feet requires a zoning permit. If the shed is greater than 250 square feet, it will be required to meet the principal yard setbacks for the zoning district of your property location. Any shed,garage or accessory structure over 1,000 square feet requires a building permit and use and occupancy permit with inspections. Requirements for a typical shed are:

1. A site plan showing the location of the utility shed indicating setbacks from all property lines. The size of the shed must be indicated on the permit application and on the site plan. Please refer to the LPT SAMPLE SITE PLAN PLOT PLAN.

2. All shed must be placed on either:

      A) A 3" CRUSHED STONE BASE
      B) A 6" CONCRETE SLAB
      C) CONCRETE PIERS 12" IN DIAMETER ON EACH CORNER           OF THE SHED- 36" DEEP.  CEMENT BLOCKS SHOULD           NOT BE USED BECAUSE OF SETTLEMENT AND SHIFTING. .

3. Sheds must be anchored to the above bases in an approved manner

4. A  pre-fabricated shed must be noted on the zoning permit application.

5. A shed constructed on-site must have a sketch of the shed and materials used to construct the shed and must accompany the zoning permit application.

6. In the case of a corner lot, the front yard setback distance requirements for the accesory structure applies on both street or road frontages.

7. See zoning permit fee for proper payment.

A building permit is a license to begin construction of a building project or to install equipment regulated by the code. Permits and inspections are necessary to verify that Township building and fire code standards are met. If not, the public's health, safety and welfare could be at risk. The Township has currently adopted the 2003 International Residential Code in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as its standard for residential construction and equipment installations.

If you hire a professional contractor to do the work, select a qualified builder who is familiar with Township building codes and procedures. This could save you time, money and eliminate potential problems. The codes apply whether a professional or a do-it-yourselfer does the job. Most people realize that new buildings, additions, remodeling, decks, outbuildings such as sheds and garages, and swimming pools, and demolition of existing structures usually require building permits and inspections. Less obvious projects that require permits include fire alarm and security systems, spas or hot tubs, water heaters, wood or gas stoves, masonry or factory built chimneys, and work involving electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems.

After contacting the Department, you must complete an application and submit the permit fee, plans and information in order to obtain a building permit. Code officials can also provide information that will help your project be a success and avoid potential problems, which could cost you time and money.

The permit application will require basic information about the project, such as who will perform the work, what work will be done and how the work will be done. The application also will ask you to submit sketches, plans or other documentation for review. If the construction plans do not comply with the Building Code, Zoning and other related Ordinances, a code official can help you adjust your plan to meet the requirements for a permit.

To receive a permit you will have to pay a permit fee. The fee helps defray the cost of the Township's resources spent on the application, review and inspection process. The fee also gives you access to the Department's knowledge and experience when you have questions about the construction project.

Work must be performed in accordance with the approved plans. Any proposed changes to the original approved plans need to be brought to the attention of the code official. Some changes will require review and approval of revised plans.

Once the work begins, the Township will inspect each phase of construction; that is, footings, foundation, framing and final inspection. It is the responsibility of the permit applicant to schedule inspections. Normally, you want to give the Department at least two days notice for an inspection. If the code official finds that some work does not meet code, our inspector will tell you so and what needs to be done to bring the work up to acceptable compliance standards.

When the work is complete and the code official approves the final project, you will receive a Certificate of Use and Occupancy. This Certificate formally marks completion of the project with the knowledge that it meets Building Code and Zoning Requirement standards.

If you have a specific question or need assistance please send us an e-mail, telephone call, or stop by the township offices, we would be glad to help.

Department Scope

Hiring a Reputable Contractor

Your local builders association is a nonprofit association representing the residential construction industry in your area. In conjunction with 40 other local associations around the state, they comprise the Pennsylvania Builders Association. Together, the 41 local associations have more than 11,000 employer businesses working to assure you of high quality and up-to-date workmanship for your new home or remodeling project. These businesses believe their first responsibility is to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for all Pennsylvanians. These businesses strive to incorporate high
standards of health, safety and good sound design in all homes and are proud of their relationship with the builders association.
Hire a professional builder who is a member of the builders association. If you are ready to build a new home or remodel an existing one, you are probably wondering what to look for in a responsible builder. Here are some tips on how to choose a builder or remodeler:

• Ask if the contractor is a member of a builders association.
• Take your time. Most problems occur when consumers fail to investigate contractors carefully before hiring them.
• Ask for an insurance certificate to verify current workers' compensation and general liability insurance.
• Ask for references. Talk with others who have had work done by the contractor about the company's capabilities and quality of workmanship.
• Make sure the contractor has a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers.
• Incorporate any warranties, guarantees or other promises in your written contract. Always insist on a written contract and written change orders.
• Be specific about starting and completion dates. Some delays are unavoidable and beyond the contractor's control.
• Beware of an unusually low bid or low advertised price. If a contractor cannot pay for labor, materials and overhead, you are both in trouble.
• Select a contractor you are comfortable with--one who understands your tastes and needs and with whom you can communicate easily.

Beware of these warning signs of possible trouble ahead when selecting a contractor:

• You cannot verify the name, address and telephone number or credentials of the contractor.

• The salesperson tries to "high pressure" you into signing a contract by using scare tactics, threats or intimidation.

• Although reputable builders sometimes offer special discounts for advertising purposes, watch out for contractors who offer unusually low prices in exchange for advertising. Protect yourself by asking the contractor for a list of previous clients who also had been offered the special rate in exchange for advertising considerations.

• Call the references and ask them if they received the promised quality workmanship and special rate.

• The contractor does not comply with your request for references or the references have some reservation about the contractor.

• You are unable to verify that the contractor is insured.

A Site Plan 

The safety of children and the general public are the prime concern with pools. The following is applicable for private residential pools only.

1. Building Permit application must be filled out completely.

2. A Plot Plan showing all setbacks for the pool must be submitted. All pools -(waters edge) must be 10'  from all property lines, must be kept out of all easements and cannot be placed in the front yard.

3. All pools MUST be ten (10) horizontal from overhead house electric service line, if not, line must be twenty-two (22) feet above pool and ten (10) feet from any underground utilities (storm or sanitary sewer easements). Exact dimensions and setbacks of improvements (filters, heaters, coping, decking) must be shown on plot plan.

4. A grading plan is required to ensure proper stormwater control (a stormwater seepage bed may be required) to ensure neighboring property’s are not effected.

5. An Electrical Permit Application must be completed & submitted

6. A PA One Call serial number is required for in-ground pools only.

7. The homeowner or pool company must have the property marked where the pool will be placed (stakes, chalk lines, spray paint etc.)

8. All swimming pools or spas will require a minimum 4 foot high barrier (per Section AG105, Swimming Pool Barrier equirements) around the entire swimming pool area with a self locking, self closing gate (latches shall be placed on inside of gate at least three (3) inches from top) which swings out away from pool.. If the wall of an above ground swimming pool is used as the barrier, then the ladder area shall be fenced to meet these requirements (removable ladder is NOT acceptable). Hot-tubs require self-closing, self-latching tops per ASTM F1346 standards. Where a wall of a house, garage or other structure is used as part of the barrier, doors/screen doors leading to the pool area shall be alarmed or shall be self-closing and self-latching with the latch located 54" minimum above floor level. Alarms shall sound no more than 7 seconds after the door is opened and last at least 30 seconds at a level of 85 decibels. Alarms shall reset automatically and be capable of being deactivated for no more than 15 seconds to permit a single passage. Deactivation touchpad(s) and switches shall be not less than 54" above the floor. All gaps within 18" of the latch shall be less than 1/2". If the fence has horizontal rails wire mesh with opening of 4” vertical and 1 3/4" horizontal outside of the fence. For in-ground pools a temporary fence shall be placed at the time the pool is excavated and shall be maintained in place until a permanent fence is installed.

9. If a gas or propane heater is installed, the PA Energy Code requires a solar blanket to cover pool/spa
or hot tub.

10. The Permit Card must be posted in a conspicuous place at the site of construction.

Electrical Requirements for Above-ground Swimming Pools

1. GFCI(ground fault circuit interrupter)-protected convenience receptacle is needed 10’ to 20’ from the pool.

2. Pool pump receptacle needs to be 20 amp twist lock GFCI protected with an in use cover (5’ away from pool).

3. Conduit for the pool pump shall be minimum cover of 18”.

4. Pool pump receptacle shall be mounted on a post usually 4’ x 4’ pressure treated.

5. Pool pump receptacle feed wires shall be individual conductors in conduit PVC or metal.

6. Pool motor needs to be bonded to the pool with a #8 solid copper wire.

7. If the ladder is metal it must also be bonded to the pool.

8. All metal within 5’ of inside wall of pool shall be bonded to the pool with #8 solid copper.

9. Bonding connectors shall be stainless steel, brass, copper or copper alloy.

10. The pool pump must be listed and labeled for swimming pool use.

.
A GRADING PLAN IS REQUIRED FOR ALL IN-GROUND POOLS

A Zoning Permit must be obtained for all boundary fences. Fences located in the side or rear yards are exempt from property line setback requirements. The maximum height of the fence is 8 feet and barb wire is prohibited. The fence must be located on the applicant’s property but no minimum distance is required from that property line. A recommended 1.5' separation distance is recommended however for maintainance of both sides of the fence.  The "aethically pleasing" side of the fence must be facing outwards from your property. When erecting a fence or building, the property owner must know where their property line is located. If property lines or other markers are not available, the property owner needs to determine their location before applying for a zoning permit or starting any construction. A professional surveyor should be contacted if you do not where your property pins or monuments are located on the property.

 NOTE:

Fences to be located within the front yard area or otherwise located along a road or street are permitted, provided that: (1) such fences are not located in the clear sight triangleor road right-of-way; (2) such fences are located, constructed and maintained so as not to obscure or impair the visibility of an operator of a motor vehicle exiting or entering the property; (3) such fences are no higher than 5' from grade; and (6) such fences are see-through type fencing, being constructed of chain-link, post and rail, picket or other similar type fencing material.

Township Ordinances

Permit Application Forms

RESCheck for Energy Compliance

LPT Workers Comp Form

  Please Note

Residential and Commercial Construction projects are currently governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) which references the 2003 International Code Council Codes. Please note that the currently adopted codes will be updated to the 2006 International Codes beginning on January 1, 2007. Please click here: 2006 ICC Building Code Book Information for a ordering a copy of the codes.

Fee Schedules

2008 Building Code Appeal

2008 Code Enforcement   

The following is a sample list of permits required for construction inspection within Lower Providence Township. The permit holder is responsible for requesting the required inspections.

PLEASE NOTE: Inspections are typically made between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM   Monday thru Friday

Inspection requests must be made 48 hours in advance. To request an inspection, please call 610-539-2642

• Barns (1,000 sq. ft.)
• Building

• Residential: New dwelling, addition/alteration and/or repairs and accessory buildings. (over 1,000 sq. ft.)

• Commercial & Industrial: New building, addition/alterations and/or repairs, tenant fit out, and all accessory buildings.

• Decks
• Demolition
• Electrical - all repairs and new services
• Garages - over 1,000 sq. ft.
• HVAC - all repairs and new systems
• Plumbing - all repairs and new systems
• Residential Resale (Use and Occupancy)
• Swimming pools (Above and In ground)
• Certificate of Compliance (Commercial)
• Tank Installation or Removal
• Sprinkler Installation
• Signs (Temporary signs)

The following are considered Zoning Permits and DO NOT require Normal Township Inspections:

• Footings / Foundations: Bearing soil (prior to pouring concrete)
• Wall inspection / foundation walls (inspect forms prior to pouring concrete)
• Rough Frame inspections (inspect sill and frame, plumbing prior to enclosing piping in walls, floors, slabs, etc.)
• Rough Electric: Third (3rd) party inspections agency is required prior to rough framing inspection. Upon completion, an inspection sticker will be placed on the electrical panel. The approved agency will forward an inspection certification card to Lower Providence Township Code Department.
• HVAC (prior to enclosing walls and floors)
• Back fill inspection
• Insulation
• Drywall
• Final or Use & Occupancy: upon completion of all work, inspections of all code requirements for safety. Authorization to occupy the newly erected space. (This inspection is required for Residential Resale's)
• Storm drainage, paving, curbing, sidewalks or driveways.
• Swimming pools, steel frame, grading and earth removal specifications, electrical, back fill concrete to forms in some installations and final pool inspections to include fencing, gates, locks and alarms when required and final 3rd party electrical inspections and setbacks (must be verified prior to excavation.

Richard Firth
M. Steven Gillan
Thomas M. Heisner
Rick Moscariello
John Ruggerio

The Code Enforcement Department will, at the time of discovery, require that any construction being performed without the proper permits be abated and a stop work order will be issued immediately. All permits will be charged a penalty fee also.