Building & Zoning Department
Phone: 724-693-3106; 412-788-4888, ext. 106
The Building and Zoning Department is open from 7 a.m.- 3 p.m., Monday through Friday and is located in the Municipal Building at 400 North Branch Road. The Building Inspector is typically in the field throughout the day, however is always in the office and available between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The Inspector can be reached at 724-693-3106 or by email. Inspections can be scheduled by calling the inspection scheduling hotline at 724-693-3125. Always check with the Building and Zoning Department to determine what permits may be needed before making any improvements to your home, business or property.
The Building and Zoning Department is responsible for:
Enforcement of the PA Statewide Building Code
Building Inspections
Fire Inspections
Residential Plan Review
Building Permit Issuance
Zoning Permit Issuance and Inspections
Sewer-Tap Inspections
Sign Permit Review and Issuance and Inspections
Property Code Enforcement
The Building and Zoning Department does not handle plumbing or electrical inspections, commercial plan reviews, septic systems or health inspections. Plumbing inspections and the issuance of plumbing permits are handled by Allegheny County Health Department Plumbing Inspection Division at 412-278-2515. Electrical inspections and commercial plan reviews are conducted by any State of Pennsylvania Certified third party inspector or agency. Please click on the following link for a list of local State approved electrical inspection agencies and commercial plan review examiners. Inspection Agencies
Building and Zoning Permit Application -Application to be used for building, zoning, fire, occupancy, sign and demolition permits
Permit Fees- Fee schedule for residential, commercial, sign, occupancy and demolition permits
Workers Compensation "Affidavit of Exemption" Form -Form must be completed and submitted with building and zoning permit application if there is no worker's compensation insurance
Residential Building and Zoning Permit Quick Guide-Contains basic requirements and procedures for obtaining residential, building and zoning permits.
Residential Building and Zoning Permit Packet- Contains detailed requirements and procedures for obtaining residential building and zoning permits.
Deck and Deck Roof Packet- Contains detailed requirements and procedures for deck permits. You should also download the Residential Building and Zoning Permit Packet.
Decks that are less than 30 inches above grade, detached accessory structures (such as sheds, carports or garages) less than 1,000 sq. feet and agricultural buildings are required to obtain a zoning permit, however, are NOT required to obtain a building permit.
Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Packet- Contains detailed requirements and procedures for pool, spa and hot tub permits. You should also download the Residential Building and Zoning Permit Packet.
Any Swimming Pool capable of containing greater than 24 inches of water (whether permanent, portable or inflatable) must obtain a building permit.
No permits are required for ordinary repairs, replacements or the following types of work; roof shingle replacement, siding installation or replacement, fences, residential play ground equipment, window replacement (as long as there are no opening size changes to the bedroom or basement windows) door replacements, finished basements (as long as there is no structural work), on grade patio's, sidewalks or deck floor board replacement only (deck floor boards do not include guardrails or the supporting structure such as posts, beams or floor joists).
Fence Information - requirements regarding the installation of residential fences
Residential Finished Basement Guide- information regarding finished basements.
Requirements for New Modular Homes- information concerning modular homes
New Manufactured Home Permit Guide - Requirements for the replacements or new installation of a manufactured home
Commercial Building and Zoning Permit Quick Guide- Contains basic requirements for commercial building, zoning and fire systems permits and plan reviews
Commercial Plan Review Requirements- Contains requirements for submitting construction documents for commercial plan review
New Business Guide- Requirements for opening a new business, home occupation or No-Impact Home Based-Business
Special Event Permit Application- Application for special events such as car shows, tent sales and outdoor entertainment venues
Sign Guide- Contains basic requirements for obtaining a sign permit
Residential Required Inspections- List of required inspections for all residential permits except decks. Includes inspection scheduling hotline information.
Deck and Pool Required Inspections- List of required inspections for deck and pool permits. Includes inspection scheduling hotline information.
Zoning Permit Required Inspections- List of required inspections for all zoning and sign permits. Includes inspection scheduling hotline information.
Commercial Required Inspections-List of required inspections for all commercial permits. Includes inspection scheduling hotline information.
Fire Required Inspections-List of required inspections for fire sprinkler, fire alarm and kitchen hood fire suppression systems. Includes inspection scheduling hotline information.
PA Alternative-2006- Used for Residential energy compliance in lieu of ResCheck or the IECC
U.S. Department of Energy ResCheck or ComCheck- Used for energy compliance in lieu of using the PA alternative or IECC
PA Statewide Building Code- Link to the Pennsylvania uniform construction code.
