“When is a permit required”?
In cases of simple cosmetic changes, such as new siding
or new kitchen cabinets, a permit is not required. For
remodeling that adds square footage to your home or make
structural modifications, a permit will definitely be needed.
The most requested permit types include decks (building
permit), swimming pools (building permit), sheds over 200
square feet (building permit), and sheds less than 200 square
feet (zoning permit).
In general permits are required for:
• New Buildings
• Sheds and other accessory buildings
• Additions
• Residential work (decks, garages, pools)
• Porch Roofs
“Why are permits required?”
A building permit is an official approval issued by the
Borough that allows you or your contractor to proceed with
a construction project on your property. It is intended to
ensure that a project complies with building and zoning
requirements. Building permits are also about safety. By
enforcing construction standards, the Borough gives you the
best chance to avoid fire, structural failure or something as
simple as a child getting his head caught between deck or
stair posts.
The Borough is also required to enforce numerous Federal
and State construction and development regulations to
ensure your project is safe and is an asset to the Borough.
These regulations are reflected through the Pennsylvania
Uniform Construction Code (building permits), the
Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (planning and
zoning permits) and various Federal and State regulations
that affect stormwater management.
“Where do I get a building or zoning permit?”
Building and zoning permits are issued by the Borough of
Plum through the Department of Community Development,
located in the Borough Building at 4575 New Texas Road.
Permit applications can be downloaded from the Borough
website (www.plumboro.com) or picked up Monday through
Friday during normal business hours.
“What can I do to prepare for the permit process?”
Before you apply for a building or zoning permit you are
encouraged to call or visit us to discuss your project. The
Building Code Official will provide you with information on
whether the type of work you wish to perform requires a
permit; requirements for plans and construction documents;
permit fee information, and inspection requirements. For
larger projects we encourage pre-application meetings
where appropriate staff (public works, engineering, etc) can
be scheduled to attend.
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“What are the steps involved in the permitting process?”
• Application Submittal: Completed applications (hard
copy only) can be submitted to the Building Code
Official during normal business hours. The application
will document the “who, what, when, where and how”
of the project. Applications must be signed by the
property owner, construction drawings are needed,
and proof of workmen’s compensation or an affidavit
of exemption is required. Almost every project will
require a stamped survey showing the location of
the project on your lot, distances to property lines, all
existing and proposed structures drawn to scale, and all
easements and rights-of-way. Incomplete applications
will be handed back to you or mailed back to you. The
application can be resubmitted for review once all the
required items are available for review.
• Review: The Building Code Official guides the
application through the process. Most applications
are reviewed by a building inspector and the zoning
officer. Factors that influence the length of time it takes
to review a request include completeness, accuracy,
and clarity of the plans and application; lot / property
specific issues; availability of contacts (owner, architect,
engineer); workload of staff at the time of application,
and the type of permit. Most residential permits end
up being issued within a few days of application
submission.
• Permit Issuance: After the Building Code Official and
the Zoning Officer sign the application a permit is
issued. You will receive a call from the Borough letting
you know that the permit is available to be picked
up and the fee to be paid. The permit will be signed
by the building code official and the zoning officer. A
list of required inspections will be included with the
permit. According to the PA Uniform Construction
Code: “A permit becomes invalid unless the authorized
construction work begins within 180 days after the
permit’s issuance or if the authorized construction work
permit is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after
the work has commenced”.
• Inspections: You or your contractor are responsible
for calling and scheduling the required inspections
at least 48 hours ahead of time. This advanced notice
allows the Borough to maximize the inspectors’ time
and efficiency. Once on site, the inspector will look at
the work completed and insure that it meets code as
well as matches the approved permit and construction
documents.
• The Building Code Official will close out the permit
when construction is complete and code compliance is
achieved. The final inspection marks the completion of
your project and gives you piece of mind that you have
met the minimum safety standards as required by code.