Building/Zoning Permits

North Cornwall Township currently handles Zoning and Building questions and permits in house. Please contact our office if you have questions regarding these matters.

Zoning Ordinance

Zoning Map

Petition to Appeal to Zoning Hearing Board

Sign Ordinance #327

Regulations for Permanent Signs

Subdivision and Land Development (Resolution 2021-10)

Zoning Permit Application

Conditional Use Application 

North Cornwall issues all building and zoning permits for home projects, housing developments, signs and commercial projects within the Township. To determine which permit you need for your project, please read the information below:

  • Zoning Permits – are designed for small projects that do not require PA code inspections, which include sheds, fences, cement slabs, patios, decks (less than 30 inches in height), hardscaping walls (under 4 feet in height), attached carports, accessory structures under 1,000 square feet, greenhouses, and agricultural buildings.
    When submitting, be sure to have a completed Zoning permit application, construction drawings and/or specifications of the project, and a detailed site plan of your property. This site plan must give detailed information of every permanent structure on your property with each dimension listed, the location of the proposed project (plus dimensions) and how many proposed feet for placement from the property lines. An example can be found on the Applications/Permits page (link can be found below).
  • Building Permits – projects that require code inspections, specifically projects that will have electric &/or plumbing installed (including a shed, deck, patio), decks over 30 inches in height, hardscaping over 4 feet in height, generators, canopies or awnings attached to structures, additions, new homes, in-ground pools, basement finishing. These are just a few examples. Please contact us if you are unsure.
    When submitting, be sure to have a completed Building permit application (either residential or commercial), the non-refundable permit application fee (either $100.00 for residential permits or $250.00 for commercial permits), 3 sets of construction drawings/plans, and a detailed site plan of your property. This site plan must give detailed information of every permanent structure on your property with each dimension listed, the location of the proposed project (plus dimensions) and how many proposed feet for placement from the property lines. An example can be found on the Applications/Permits page (link can be found below). Lastly, be sure to indicate which inspection company you prefer to work with (information and options can be found below).
  • Sign Permits – this application is only appropriate for businesses looking to replace an existing sign or install a new sign, which includes wall lettering. All questions should be directed to the Zoning officer.
    When submitting, be sure to have a completed Sign permit application, the non-refundable permit application fee of $150.00, 3 sets of construction drawings/plans (signed & sealed by an engineer), and a detailed site plan of the property. This site plan must give detailed information of every permanent structure on the property with dimensions and the clear sight triangle from the entrance of the facility (if the sign will be located by the driveway entrance into the facility), and the proposed feet for placement from the property lines. Lastly, be sure to indicate which inspection company you prefer to work with (information and options can be found below).

For more information on the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), visit the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s website: www.dli.state.pa.us then select Building Codes from the Quick Links section on the right margin.

UCC Appeal Application

INSPECTION COMPANIES

Since the inception of the state wide uniform construction code, we have two well qualified companies retained for all required inspections. When applying for any building, sign, demolition or other type of permit that requires inspections, applicants must choose either Associated Building Inspections (ABI), or Commonwealth Code Inspection Services (CCIS). Please visit their websites for additional information:

ABI: www.weknowcodes.com

CCIS: www.codeservices.net

DEMOLITION

Demolition projects require a Township issued permit. Click here for a complete packet.
NOTE: All refuse must be taken to the Greater Lebanon Refuse Authority. A pre-demolition meeting shall take place with Township officials and the Greater Lebanon Refuse Authority prior to demolition.

Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132)

FOR YOUR PROTECTION: have any contractor working on a home improvement project provide their state license number to you as proof that they have registered with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, as per the requirements of Act 132. All contractors MUST carry their registered license with them.

On July 1, 2009, Act 132 of the State of Pennsylvania took effect, which requires all contractors to register with the Office of the Attorney General prior to contracting their services for home improvement projects. Act 132 offers protection to consumers, requires contracts between consumers and contractors, and provides for civil and criminal penalties for violations of Act 132 and fraud.

For more information on this law or to find out how to become registered, CLICK HERE for the Office of Attorney General’s website.

Documents and Examples for Reference and Information

Construction of Roadside Pillars (37KB pdf)

Requirements for Tents/Membrane Structures (37KB pdf)

Code Requirements for Residential Swimming Pools (51KB pdf)

Zoning Information for Residential Swimming Pools (45KB pdf)