Do I Need a Permit?
Below is a list of situations where a permit may be required. Please note this list is not exhaustive and you may contact the Planning Department for assistance.
PERMIT NEEDED
• New construction of or addition to a residential structure
• Internal alterations to a residential structure involving plumbing, electrical, or structural changes( removal, addition, or modification of walls)
• Exterior alteration of a residential structure except as noted below
• Accessory structures such as sheds, decks, detached garages, generators, solar panels, chicken coops, pergolas, roof structures, pools, pool houses, hot tubs and other similar
• Fences and retaining walls
• Modification to the grade or slope of a lot
• Demolition of a structure
Do I Need a Permit to Install a Fence?
What are the fence rules and regulations?
1. Fences shall be defined to include a front and back face. The finished side of the fence shall be considered the front face, and the front face shall be oriented toward the exterior of a lot so that a maximum of 80 % of each structural member of the fence, unless a split rail fence, shall be visible from an adjacent lot.
2. Privacy fences shall include fences with slat spacing of less than one inch.
3. No fence in the residential zoning districts shall be barbed wire or electric, excluding use on a farm.
4. No privacy or chain link fence may be constructed forward of the front setback lines.
5. No front yard fence shall exceed four feet in total height( measured from the ground to the highest point of fencing material).
6. No side or rear yard fence shall exceed six feet in total height( measured from the ground to the highest point of fencing material).
7. Fences, including decorative fencing, shall not have unprotected spikes or similar components.
Do I need a permit to install a fence? Yes, all fences installed in Peters Township require a permit.
How do I obtain a fence permit?
Apply online through the Peters Township permit portal accessible on the Peters Township website under Permit Applications.
PERMIT NOT NEEDED
• Internal remodeling of a residential structure that does not involve utilities or structural changes
• Replacement of siding, doors, or windows of same size on a residential structure
• Roof repair or replacement on a residential structure without structural modifications
• New or alterations to landscaping on residential lots
• New or alterations to driveways
Apply online through the Peters Township permit portal accessible on the Peters Township website under Permit Applications. Complete the Residential Building Permit application selecting the work type appropriate to your project. Each application contains a checklist of items needed to complete our review. The time frame for approval of the permit varies based on the type of structure / modification proposed. Contact the Planning Department at( 724) 942-5005 or permitapplications @ peterstownship. com for questions about permits and the application process or for assistance in completing an online application.
What documents are needed to apply?
Please provide a description of the fence( dimensions, materials, and image), contractor’ s certificate of liability insurance, and a current survey to scale showing the location of the fence and gates. The survey must include all existing structures and improvements on your property.
There is a utility easement on my property, can I install a fence in the easement?
Contact the utility to see if it’ s permissible to install a fence in your preferred location. An Easement Encroachment Agreement may be required before an application is reviewed.
How long does it take for a fence permit to be approved?
Once submitted, fence permit applications are reviewed for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and location on the property. Typically, the review is completed within 2-3 weeks.
Do I have to contact PA One Call prior to digging?
Yes, permits involving digging require a PA One Call by state law. Call 811 or visit pa1call. org at least 3 days prior to digging.
If I have questions about fences or the permitting process, who do I contact?
Call the Planning Department at( 724) 942-5005 or email questions to permitapplications @ peterstownship. com. eters Township PETERS TOWNSHIP NEWS www. peterstownship. com 724.941.4180
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