Community Development
The Community Development Department facilitates the orderly planning, zoning, building, permitting, code enforcement, economic development, and redevelopment of residential, commercial, rural and industrial properties, in accordance with Township, State, and Federal regulations. The Department is staffed by trained professionals that are dedicated, fair, and proactive within the community.
One important function of the Department is to ensure the safety of the community through enforcement of the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). This Code mandates that the Township perform inspections of building footers, foundations, structural framing, plumbing, sewer, handicap accessibility, and final finished work of projects which include new construction, additions, alterations, and remodeling.
Adoption of the UCC and associated inspection requirements ensures the quality of the construction and the safety of those who live or work in the facility. The Department’s inspectors are all trained and certified by the State of Pennsylvania.
The Department is also responsible for the coordination of the review and approval of Subdivision and Land Development Plans. Planning for the community is accomplished in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Township’s Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2006.
Plans are evaluated to determine compliance with the applicable regulations found in Chapter 22 of the Township’s Code of Ordinances. There may be as many as six to eight projects under review at any given time.
Zoning permits and the correction of zoning violations are handled through the Department as well. These permits are required for improvements such as signage, swimming pools, driveways, fences, and decks. When a violation is identified, the Township works to resolve the issue with the property owner.
The Pennsylvania State legislature adopted the 2018 International Building Codes on February 12, 2022. Residential and Commercial Building permit applications will be reviewed and inspected for compliance with the 2018 International Building Codes.