ZONING & BUILDING CODE PERMIT INFORMATION
When do I need a Zoning Permit?
A permit is needed when adding, altering or demolishing any structure, removing a mobile home, establishing or paving a driveway connected to a township road, registering an emergency alarm, instituting a change of or non-conforming use, setting up a transient retail business, erecting or adding to a sign, undertaking other activities such as mining and excavating. Real estate and temporary signs need no permit, but are subject to criteria within the zoning ordinance. Please check with the Township Zoning Office with any questions concerning the necessity of a permit. TO SAVE YOURSELF A LOT OF POTENTIAL GRIEF, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE TOWNSHIP BEFORE BEGINNING ANY WORK. IF YOU BEGIN WORK WITHOUT A PERMIT YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO REMOVE WHATEVER HAS BEEN STARTED!! A BUILDING CODE PERMIT MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED.
*FEES FOR APPLICATION & PERMITS OBTAINED SUBSEQUENT TO CONSTRUCTION ARE DOUBLE THE NORMAL AMOUNT
What are Building Code Permits & How do I get one?
A Building Codes Ordinance was passed in Tunkhannock Township on December 30, 2002 in anticipation of a statewide Ordinance that is expected to be passed in 2003. These codes are for the protection of the property owners. Construction must meet Uniform Construction Codes and, when passed, Act 45. Specific questions concerning Building Codes should be directed to Richard Alloway, Guardian Inspection Services, Inc. His company has been hired as our Code Enforcement Agency. He can be reached at 570-894-2801. He will be more than happy to walk you through the steps necessary to obtain a Building Codes Permit.
How do I get a Zoning Permit?
A permit is obtained by returning a completed application form along with all required information and the applicable fee. The application fee is applied to the final permit price, but is non-refundable if the application is denied. A Zoning Permit is a legal document, binding the applicant to the information submitted for the permit approval and to the restrictions set forth in all applicable Township Ordinances. The permit will be approved or denied within 30 days of receipt. The applicant is notified. Most Zoning Permits are valid for one year from the date of approval. A Zoning Permit must be obtained before a Building Codes Permit will be issued.
What information is required to obtain a Zoning Permit?
A list of items required for most Zoning Permits are included with the permit application. However, the Zoning Officer, Board of Supervisors, or Township Planning Commission may request any additional information depending on the requested use. Always check township zoning ordinances for all restrictions governing your requested activity.
What are the setback requirements?
Setbacks, minimum acreage requirements, maximum coverages are all particular to a specific use. Generally most setbacks are: 40’ from front, 30’ from back, 20' from sides, for lots over 1 acre; 10' foot sides for lots under 1 acre. Most accessory structures observe the required front yard setbacks and are permitted 10' from side or rear property lines
Always check Township Zoning Ordinances for all restrictions governing your requested activity.
What is a Certificate of Completion?
A Certificate of Completion is a certificate issued by Tunkhannock Township. It certifies that the construction has complied with the Tunkhannock Township Zoning Ordinances. All Zoning Permits require a Certificate of Completion. The Certificate of Completion is included in the permit fee. You must obtain a Certificate of Completion before a Certificate of Occupancy can be obtained.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy is a certificate issued by Guardian Inspection Services. It certifies that the construction has complied with the Building Code. Building, Change of use, Driveway, Demolition, and Sign permits require a Certificate of Occupancy. This is necessary to verify that the activity is completed and the standards set forth within the permit application were met. In the case of new construction or change of use, a Certificate of Occupancy is needed prior to use; and in the case of demolitions the site must be secured and clear of debris prior to any further activity. The Certificate of Occupancy is included in the permit fee. You must obtain a Certificate of Completion from Tunkhannock Township before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.
I live in a private development. How does this affect obtaining a Zoning Permit?
All residents of private developments within Tunkhannock Township are required to obtain Township Zoning permits of all applicable activities. Each private development may have restrictions governing activities within the development. It is the residents' responsibility to abide by these restrictions, and the responsibility of the development's administrative body to enforce these restrictions. In the case where Township and private development restrictions conflict, the more restrictive will apply.
CHECK TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCES FOR ALL RESTRICTIONS GOVERNING YOUR REQUESTED ACTIVITY.
PERMIT MATERIALS CHECKLIST
Permits may require, but are not limited to the items on the following list. To expedite the processing of your permit application, please use the following checklist. Contact the Township Zoning Officer prior to application submittal if the inclusion of any of the following items renders a hardship, or to verify the applicability of a particular item to your requested activity.
______ Completed permit application form.
_____ Scaled plot plan showing property dimensions, improvement dimensions and locations of existing and proposed structures, including setback lines.
_____ Detailed floor plans and scaled elevation views of improvement
_____ Copy of current septic permit (if applicable)
_____ Copy of deed.
_____ Construction contract with conditions and total cost.
_____ Completed workers compensation liability form.
_____ Detailed rendering of completed sign.
Establishment of driveways or paving connecting to Township roads require pre and post inspections by the Township Road Master.
A Certificate of Occupancy and Completion is required upon the fulfillment of the permitted activity.
Permitted activities may require an inspection by the Zoning Officer of the staked out foot print prior to construction
The Zoning Office has thirty (30) days to approve a permit application from the date of submittal. Applications and permits are considered submitted or approved upon receipt of required fees.
Applications & permits are not valid until all applicable fees are paid.
PLEASE CHECK WITH THE TOWNSHIP PRIOR TO BEGINNING ANY CONSTRUCTION.
FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2007
- Residential Construction $75.00
- Commercial New and Additions $50.00
- Detached Residential Accessory Building
- Residential Alterations
- Commercial Construction Repair & Replace
- Misc. Building Detached
MINIMUM PERMIT AMOUNT IS $50
Residential Construction (including mobile homes) .22 per square foot
Detached residential accessory building (over 100 square feet) * .22 per square foot ( max. $220)
Commercial construction .32 per square foot**
Co-locating Antenna $50 per antenna
Above Ground Pool $50
In Ground Pool .22 per square foot
Fencing .22 per linear foot
Additions / Extensions Residential .22 per square foot
Commercial .32 per square foot
Carports Residential .10 per square foot
Commercial .20 per square foot
Commercial $75
Repair, Replace or Remodel (including 25% or more of shingles/siding)
No Additional Square Footage Residential $50
Commercial $75
Additional Square Footage Residential .10 per square foot
Commercial .20 per square foot
Establish Driveway $75 per connection
Paving Driveway $75 per connection
Temporary Signs N/C
Political Signs (above 4 square feet) $30 + $50 cash bond
All Other Signs $50 + $2.50 per square foot
Change of Use (with no new construction) $30**
Demolition/Removal $30
Alarm Registration $20
Temporary Event $30
Home Occupation $30
Conditional Use Application $300**
Conditional Use Hearing $750**
Zoning Hearing Board $500**
Joinder Deed Application $200
Minor Subdivision Plan $250.00 5 lots and under**
Major Subdivision $750.00+ $75 per lot**
Transient Retail Merchant $300 annual calendar year
Junkyard License $200 annual calendar year
Trash Hauler N/C
* Detached residential accessory buildings under 100 square feet do not require a
permit.
** Additional engineering review costs, advertising & stenographer's fees may apply
FEES FOR APPLICATION & PERMITS OBTAINED SUBSEQUENT TO CONSTRUCTION ARE DOUBLE
THE NORMAL AMOUNT
BUILDING CODE PERMITS MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED