DEFINITIONS
Deck or Patio – Any outdoor living area, without a roof, in excess of 24 square feet constructed on or above the surface of the ground.

ZONING REQUIREMENTS

• All property owners or contractors constructing any deck must apply for a Zoning Certificate prior to applying for a building permit and prior to beginning construction.

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• The following items are required to obtain a Zoning Certificate:

  • Completed Zoning Certificate application

  • Survey or site plan of the property with the deck drawn to scale and distance of deck from side and rear property clearly indicated.

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• Zoning Certificate fee is due after the certificate is issued to the property owner.

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• Decks and their stairs, stoops and unenclosed porches without enclosed habitable foundation and without a roof shall be permitted to project into required front and side yards no more than three feet and shall be no closer to the rear property line than 20 feet.

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BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

• Installation of an uncovered residential deck, where the floor of the deck is no more than 30 inches above grade, does not require a building permit.

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• All other types of residential decks require a building permit.

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• Deck must be constructed in compliance with current PA UCC Building Codes.

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• Submittal of building plans (if applying for a building permit).

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• Contractor or property owner Certificate of Liability Insurance and Certificate of Workers Compensation Insurance (if applying for a building permit).

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REVIEW PROCESS

• After submitting a Zoning Certificate application (and Building Permit application if necessary), the Township Zoning Officer will review the request. If approved, the Zoning officer will issue a Zoning Certificate and notify the applicant to pick-up certificate and pay the related fee. If denied, the property owner has the right to request a zoning variance with the Zoning Hearing Board.

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• The Zoning Officer will transfer all approved zoning requests to the Building Inspector (if necessary). The Building Inspector will review all building plans and contact applicants with approval or denial. Applicants must pay related permit fees when they pick-up the permit.