When Do I Need A Zoning Permit?

Zoning Permits are required for accessory buildings or structures; post or pier mounted lights; brick or masonry piers; masonry mailboxes; certain types of walls; fences and gates, home office, home occupation, signs, and commercial projects. Building Permits may also be required depending on the use, size and construction.

It is very important to apply for your permit prior to conducting any of the activities above. The Township must confirm that the use is permitted, setbacks are complied with, and that you are not potentially disturbing your septic system.

Why You Need It

A Zoning Permit is also required prior to the start of any of the following activities:

• Erection, construction, movement, placement or expansion of a structure, building or sign.
• Change of the type or expansion of an existing use of a structure or area of land or creation of a new use.
• Creation of a new use, including but not limited to: single family dwellings, fences, patios, decks, sheds, pools, accessory buildings, driveways, home office, home occupation, new commercial projects, etc.
• Grading.
• Demolition of a structure.

In general, Residential Building Permits are required for:

• A new single family dwelling.
• Any home addition, including sunrooms and covered patios.
• An accessory structure over 500 s.f.
• A deck over 30” above grade and/or has a roof.
• An above-ground or in-ground pool, more than 24” deep.
• A hot tub.
• Retaining walls over 48″ high.
• Interior alterations that require a structural change.
• A change of a required means of egress.
• Addition to, or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical.

A Use and Occupancy Permit is not required when an existing dwelling is sold. However it is required for a new single family dwelling, and for any construction related to a Building Permit.  Use and Occupancy Permits are also required for any change in use.

Driveway Permits

Required any time you repair, repave (overlay) or reconstruct your driveway.

Burning Permits

Burning permits are only granted for agricultural/farm properties to burn brush or for those fires set solely for recreational or ceremonial purposes. In general, open burning is prohibited in Lower Nazareth Township.

Peddler's Permits

Required for anyone canvassing or soliciting orders or contributions goods or merchandise, door-to-door within Lower Nazareth Township.

Applications for Permits may be found on the Forms, Publications, and Ordinances page.

Building Permit

Application Process

1. Pre-Application
   
   Prior to application of a building permit, an applicant shall obtain all required pre-construction approvals, including but not limited to: subdivision & land development, sewer, zoning, stormwater management, PADOT, and erosion and sediment control.

2. Complete Application
   
   Applications shall include a signed permit application, (2) set of plans and supporting documentation, proof of Worker’s Compensation coverage, and the permit fee. Plans for residential projects do not have to be drawn by an architect. Plans for commercial projects, however, must be signed and sealed by an architect or engineer licensed in Pennsylvania. Regarding Worker’s Compensation insurance, a property owner doing their own work is not required to provide proof of insurance; however, they are required to sign the waiver stating they are performing the work themselves.

3. Application Review
   
   Upon receipt of a complete application, the application will be submitted to the Township’s Third Party Agent for their review and approval. The review shall determine whether the construction described is in accordance with the PA Uniform Construction Code. Residential permits will be approved or denied during the (15) business days permitted by law. Commercial permits will be approved or denied under a (30) business day review period. If there are any questions or the application is denied, you will be notified in writing by the Lower Nazareth Township Building Code Official listing the reasons for denial.

4. Application Approval
   
   Upon approval of the application, one set of plans and documents will be returned to the Applicant to be kept on the site at all times. The second set will be retained by the Municipality. The permit must be posted in a visible location for the street for the duration of the construction process. A building permit is valid for (1) year from the date of application with an option to apply for an extension, which must be in writing.

5. Schedule Inspection
   
   The Applicant shall call for inspections in accordance with the inspection schedule attached to the permit. Any zoning or outside agency approvals shall be obtained prior to scheduling a final building inspection. Upon receipt of final approval, the Township’s Third Party Agent will notify the Township accordingly. The Building Code Official will issue a Use and Occupancy permit within (5) days of notice by the Construction Code Official. Any outstanding issues with zoning or outside agencies may delay issuance of a Use and Occupancy permit.

The application for a Building Permit may be found on the Forms, Publications, and Ordinances page.

UCC Codes

PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC Codes)
The codes adopted from the ICC Library that are used by Lower Nazareth Township.
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ICC Library

International Code Council Library
You are limited in your abilities to search and print, however all sections of the codes are available for you.
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