Building Permit Application
Click here to download the Application in Adobe Acrobat - PDF Format.    
Zoning Permit Application
Click here to download the Application in Adobe Acrobat - PDF Format.    

• When do I need a Building  or Zoning Permit?

According to Section 150-363 of the West Manchester Township Zoning Ordinance, a building permit shall be required:

• prior to a change in use of land or structure
• or the erection, construction, improvement or alteration of any structure or portion thereof
• or the alteration development of any improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations
• or the erection or alteration of any permanent signs and/or temporary signs classified as T-1, T-3, T-4, T-5, T-8, T-9 and T-10 in Article XXVII of this Chapter

Building permits shall also be required for:

• the construction or installation of animal waste impoundments, lakes, ponds, dams or other water retention basins.

No building permit shall be required for:

• repairs or maintenance of any structure or land, provided that such repairs do not change the use, the exterior dimensions of the structure or otherwise violate the provisions of this chapter.

  What Type of Building Permit Do You Need?

West Manchester Township requires permits for many types of construction and building work in residential structures. Some jobs will require only a “Zoning Permit” and other jobs will require a “Building Permit”. These are separate permits with their own application forms. Zoning permits typically do not require an inspection. Building permits are typically for jobs that fall under the State Building Code and do require an inspection.

Examples of work that requires a Zoning Permit:

-Construction and/or installation of a shed, unattached carport, or unattached garage.
-Construction and/or installation of a fence.
-Construction and/or installation of a patio or porch with no roof or walls.
-Construction and/or installation of a walkway on the property other than the sidewalk.
-Construction and/or installation of a deck where the deck is not more than 30” high.
-Widening an existing driveway.

Examples of work that requires a Building Permit:

-Above ground and in ground swimming pools, even “wall-less” pools!
-Building an addition onto your house
-Adding a garage or carport attached to your house.
-Adding a roof to a patio, porch, or deck where the roof requires support columns.
-Construction and/or installation of a deck where the deck is more than 30” high.
-Installation of doors and windows if the new doors and windows are of a different size.
-Almost all electrical work.

Examples of work that does not require any permit:

-Repair and replacement of existing structures such as floorboards in a deck.
-Replacing existing siding on a house.
-Replacing windows and doors when the new windows and doors are of the same size as the old ones.
-Replacing a garage door (however, replacing a manual door with an electric door will require an electrical permit).
-Wallpaper, carpet, tile, paint and interior cabinetry such as kitchen cabinets.

How do I apply for a Building or Zoning Permit?

• For a Zoning Permit, fill out a zoning permit application available from the Township Office or on our Web Site and provide:

• Site plan showing proposed work.
• Site plan must show property lines, existing structures, proposed construction, and distances to lot lines.
• Dimensions must be provided for all information on the site plan.
• Total construction cost of the project.
• The Zoning permit fee is based on $5.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost.
  

• Depending on the type of work proposed and the location, there may be an eight ($.08) cents charge per square foot for new impervious surface for stormwater management.

• The Zoning Officer will review applications for zoning compliance and contact you if changes are necessary for approval.

• A zoning permit will be issued upon payment of the designated fee (amount depends on the Project cost). The zoning permit will be accompanied by written comments.

• The average time to process an application is three (3) to five (5) business days.

• Site plan showing proposed work.
• Site plan must show property lines, existing structures, proposed construction, and distances to lot lines.
• Dimensions must be provided for all information on the site plan.
• Two (2) complete sets of stamped sealed construction plans.
  
• Total construction cost of the project.
• The building permit fee is based on $5.00 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost.
  

• Depending on the type of work proposed and the location, there may be an eight ($.08) cents charge per square foot for new impervious surface for stormwater management.

• The Zoning Officer will review applications for zoning compliance and contact you if changes are necessary for approval.

• A building permit will be issued upon payment of the designated fee (amount depends on the Project cost). The zoning permit will be accompanied by written comments.

• The average time to process an application is 15 days for a residential permit and 30 days for a commercial permit..

Building Permit Application
Click here to download the Application in Adobe Acrobat - PDF Format.    
Zoning Permit Application
Click here to download the Application in Adobe Acrobat - PDF Format.