Forms and Permits
Applying for a Building Permit under the PA Uniform Construction Code
Township UCC Building Permit with Fee Schedule Attached
Residential Plan Submittal Guide (for use with any Residential building)
Commercial Plan Submittal Guide (for Commercial projects)
Above Ground Pool Requirements
Township Moving Permit Application
Township Zoning Permit Application
Township Subdivision/Land Development Application
Zoning Hearing Board Application
Procedures for Installation of an On-Lot Sewage System
Mobile Home Park Removal Permit
When Do I need a Building Permit?
Commercial Building Permits – A permit is NOT REQUIRED for the following work:
Building Construction:
- Fences that are not over 6 feet high.
- Oil Derricks
- Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the lowest level of grade to the top of the wall.
- Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and ratio of height to width does not exceed 2 to 1.
- Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and that are not located over a basement or story below it and which are not part of an accessible route. - Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finishing work.
- Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
- Prefab swimming pools less than 24 inches deep do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
- Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes that do not include service stations.
- Swings and other playground equipment.
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and no not include additional support of group R-3 as applicable in the IRC and group WU occupancies.
- Moveable cases, counters and partitions that are not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.
- Window replacement without structural change.
Electrical Work:
- Minor repair and maintenance work that includes that replace of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
- Electrical equipment used for radio and TV transmissions. The provisions of the UCC apply to the equipment and wiring for power supply and the installation of towers and equipment.
- The installation of a temporary system for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.
Gas Work:
- A portable heating appliance.
- Replacement of a minor part that does not alter approval or equipment or make the equipment unsafe.
Mechanical Work:
- A portable heating appliance.
- Portable ventilation equipment.
- A portable cooling unit.
- Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment governed under the UCC.
- Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
- A portable evaporative cooler
- A self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and placed into action by motors that are not more than 1 horsepower.
Plumbing Work:
- Stopping leaks in a drain and a water, soil, water or vent pipe. The UCC applies if a concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and is removed and replaced with new material.
- Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and installation of water closets, faucets, and lavatories if the valves or pipes are not replaced or rearranged.
An ordinary repair does not require a permit. The following are NOT ordinary repairs:
1. Cutting away a wall, partition, or portion of a wall.
2. The removal or cutting of any structural beam or lead-bearing support.
3. The removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affective the egress requirements.
4. The addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical.
Residential Building Permits – A permit is NOT REQUIRED for the following work:
Building Construction:
- Fences that are not over 6 feet high.
- Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the lowest level of grade to the top of the wall.
- Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and ratio of height to width does not exceed 2 to 1.
- Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and that are not located over a basement or story below it.
- Prefab swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.
- Swings and other playground equipment.
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not include additional support.
- Installation of an uncovered deck where the floor of the deck is no more than 30 inches above grade.
- Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring.
An ordinary repair does not require a permit. The following are NOT ordinary repairs:
1. Cutting away a wall, partition, or portion of a wall.
2. The removal or cutting of any structural beam or lead-bearing support.
3. The removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affective the egress requirements.
4. The addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical.
A Building Permit is required prior to the construction of the following:
- New Homes
- Home additions
- Attached or detached garages
- Decks over 30 inches from ground level
- Deck or porch roof
- Porches with or without roof structures
- Chimneys
- Remodeling or alterations of the house which involves changing the structure or supporting members
- Roof changes to the roof or roof replacement
- Sheds (Zoning permit)
- Swimming Pools
- Spas/hot tubs
- Plumbing, Mechanical and electrical installations in new homes or additions
- Mobile homes
- New electrical or plumbing work that is not a minor repair or replacement
Minor repairs and alterations do not require a permit. Minor repairs or alterations do not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress or rearrangement parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements. Ordinary repairs shall not include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
Demolition permits must be obtained prior to the demolition of any existing building or structure. This permit is separate from that required for construction, alteration, or renovation of existing buildings. Receipt of a Demolition permit does note relieve the permit holder of compliance responsibilities under other state or federal laws and regulations.
Building Permit Procedure –
The applicant will submit a building permit application along with the appropriate application fee to the Township.
The Township and the building inspector reviews the application for code and zoning compliance
The applicant is contacted for further information if necessary
Upon review and approval the applicant is notified of the permit fee amount.
Applicant pays the permit fee and obtains the permit.
Applicant contacts the building inspector for required inspections.
A certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Township after ALL inspections are successfully completed.
Permits are valid for one year, after which a permit can be renewed.
Heidelberg Township Public Information Policy
TOWNSHIP TAX STRUCTURE (2010)
Township Taxes 2.2 mills
County Taxes 10.25 mills
School Taxes 49.41 mills
Note: One mill generates one dollar per thousand dollars of the real estate assessed valuation.
Earned Income Tax (a 1% tax on the earned income of the residents)
Township .5%
School District .5%