When Is A Permit Required?

Permits are required in Londonderry Township for many things.
The listing below is NOT a conclusive list of all the permits or projects that may be required to have permits.
If you have questions regarding permitting or if permits may be required for your particular project, please call our team at 717-944-1803 or email us

What Type of Project?
New House
New single family homes in Londonderry Township require multiple permits including but not limited to:

Building Permit
Zoning Permit
Stormwater Permit
Floodplain Permit (Possible)
Septic or Sewer Permit (through SEO or Public Utility)

Other permits maybe required by outside agencies not issued by Londonderry Township depending on the scope of the project
Addition or Changes to my House
The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (PA UCC) states:

"Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a residential building or erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace an electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the UCC shall first apply for a permit"                                                                      - PA UCC 403.62(a)

Any property owner or contractor wishing to do work in Londonderry Township that meets this statement is required to apply for a building permit.

Additional permits depending on the scope of work may include but not be limited to:

Zoning Permit
Stormwater Permit
Floodplain Permit
Septic/Sewer Permit (through SEO or Public Utility)

Other permits maybe required by outside agencies not issued by Londonderry Township depending on the scope of the project.
 

A "REPAIR" does NOT include the following:

Cutting of any load bearing wall or portion of a wall

Removal or cutting of a structural beam or load bearing support

Removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting egress requirements

Addition to or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste vent or similar piping, electrical wiring or mechanical equipment

Barns and Agricultural Buildings
The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (PA UCC) defines an "Agricultural Building" as:

"Agricultural Building:
1) a structure utilized to store farm implements, hay, feed, grain or other agricultural or horticultural products or to house poultry, livestock or other farm animals, a milk house and a structure used to grow mushrooms

2)the term includes a carriage house owned and used by members of a recognized religious sect for the purposes of housing horses and storing buggies

3)the term DOES NOT (emphasis added) include habitable space or spaces which agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged and shall not be construed to mean a place of occupancy by the general public" - PA UCC 401.1 Definitions

Section 403.1(b)(4) of the PA UCC lists Agricultural Buildings as Excluded from the requirements of the UCC and that they are not required to have a permit review or inspections.

It is the policy of Londonderry Township have a building permit application filed for these structures along with a written narrative to support any requested exemption under that definition and section of the PA UCC. Upon determination that the project does meet the criteria for an Agricultural Building a determination will be issued in the form of a Building Permit document stating the exemption.

This exemption applies to the State Building Code (PA UCC) ONLY!!!! other permits and approvals are required and include but are not limited to:

Zoning Permit
Stormwater Permit
Floodplain Permit

Other permits maybe required by outside agencies not issued by Londonderry Township depending on the scope of the project.
New Commercial Buildings
Changes to a Commercial Building
Driveways
Pools
Decks & Patios
Decks:

Decks require various permitting depending on the scope of the project

Decks UNDER 30" (inches) above grade require permitting which include, depending on the scope of the work
Zoning Permit
Floodplain Permit

Decks OVER 30" (inches) above grade require permitting which include, depending on the scope of work
Building Permit
Zoning Permit
Floodplain Permit

Any deck that is proposed to have a roof or other similar covering constructed above it, or that will have any electrical outlets is required to submit for a building permit

Patios:

Patios require various permitting depending on the scope of the project

Patios by creating ground cover and redirecting rainfall from its natural path require permits that include but are not limited to
Zoning Permit
Stormwater Permit
Floodplain Permit

A Building Permit is required for any patio which will be supplied with electric by way of lights or outlets, gas for grills or other cooking appliances, plumbing for outdoor sinks, roof or other covering structures, and decorative or retaining walls 4' (feet) in height or higher.

Other permits maybe required by outside agencies not issued by Londonderry Township depending on the scope of the project.
Fences
Detached Garages
Sheds and Other Accessory Structures
Replacing or Fixing my Septic System