Permit Application Process
The Building Department is responsible for handling all zoning, planning, building permit approvals, land development, and subdivision matters of the Township. The Department is responsible for the issuance of various building and zoning permits, performs field inspection of all construction projects, and also conducts detailed reviews of subdivision and land development plans that are submitted to the Township for consideration by the Board of Supervisors.
IMPORTANT
Permits MUST be submitted IN PERSON.
Credit card payments are only accepted for IN PERSON payment. A 4% convenience fee will apply for all credit card payments. NO credit cards will be taken over the phone or online.
Permits MUST be picked up IN PERSON. Permits CANNOT be emailed or mailed.
Permit placards MUST be displayed at the building site so the permit numbers can be attached to field reports completed by the Inspectors.
Complete and submit application(s) – complete in entirety, the appropriate building application package and/or zoning application package.
Fees are collected at application, except for Building Permit Fees, which are collected at issue. Refer to the Township Fee Schedule for a complete list of fees and their collection due dates.
Submission and Approval Process
Submission Process
Upon receipt of your application and supporting documents (in person) the Permit Coordinator will:
- review your application to ensure correct completion,
- request any omitted items and/or clarification of submitted plans, and
- submit your application to the Zoning Officer and/or the Building Code Official for review and approval.
Review and Approval Process
Review and Approval of Your Permit – After the Zoning Officer/Building Code Official receives complete applications and deems the submitted documents are in compliance with construction codes, zoning ordinances, and other municipal and state ordinances (approved), one set of plans is returned to you.
The review and approval of your residential/commercial application will be performed within 15/30 business days, respectively, of receipt of your completed* application.
The applicant will be notified by the Permit Coordinator via telephone and/or email when the permit is approved and ready within the timeframe noted above. Permits MUST be picked IN PERSON. Permits CANNOT be emailed or mailed.
*If the Zoning Officer/Building Code Official does not approve your application, you will be asked to correct the code violations or appeal the decision.
Receipt of Your Permit – Permits are documents granting legal permission to commence work based on the approved plan. All permits must be posted in a window or other prominent place at the construction site with a copy of the approved plans at the site.
Any changes to the original plans will require a new review and approval process and must be submitted to the Permit Coordinator, who will log the receipt of new plans and forward to the Zoning Officer/Building Code Official. Work performed on changes to plans not approved by the Zoning Officer/Building Code Official/Township is in violation of municipal, county, and state laws and subject to fines and additional fees.
Inspection Process
Arrange Township Inspections – Each major phase of construction must be inspected by the Inspection Officer to make certain the work conforms with all codes and the approved plans. Inspections required for your project will be indicated on the permit.
Schedule a Building Inspection (Commercial or Residential)- The permit applicant must call the Building Inspection Officer (Matt Spellman) directly at 484-880-3910 to request an inspection providing contractor name, contractor phone number, address of job location, permit number, and type of inspection.
If the Building Inspection Officer finds work that is out of compliance with the approved plans, the applicant will be advised in writing of the violation and remedy. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until resolved and a follow-up inspection takes place.
Setback or Zoning Inspection – Scheduled directly with the Zoning Officer (Tracey Franey) directly through her office at 484-254-5375.
Stormwater Inspection – Scheduled directly with the Township Engineer, LTL Consultants, Ltd. at 610-987-9290.
Note: The Township is required to supply a list of all building and zoning permits to the Chester County Assessment Office. A County Assessor will visit your property with no appointment. Refer to Chester County Assessment Process in your permit application package for full details.
Certificate of Occupancy
Receive Certificate of Occupancy – is the formal document marking completion of your construction project, compliance with all codes and provides permission to occupy your new/renovated building.
Structures may not be used/occupied until a certificate of use and occupancy has been issued by the Building Inspection Officer.