Permits, Residential Construction Requirements & Sidewalk Inspections

General Permit Information

Many types of building, construction, renovation, demolition, and property alterations require permits under Borough Ordinances and/or the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC).

Before beginning any project, you must contact the Borough Code/Zoning Office to determine whether a permit is required. Starting work without a required permit may result in enforcement action, stop-work orders, and additional fees.

Permit fees vary depending on the type and scope of work. The Code Department will assist you in determining the proper permit classification and applicable fee schedule.

Residential Permit Requirements

Permits are typically required for, but not limited to:

New homes and additions
Garages and accessory structures
Decks and patios
Fences
Roof replacements
Structural alterations
Finished basements
Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work
Driveways
Pools (above-ground and in-ground)
Demolition projects

If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact the Zoning and Code Enforcement Office before beginning work.

Required Residential Permits (ZP: Zoning Permit) (BP: Building Permit)

1. Decks

30″ or less at the highest point of the deck walking surface measured from the adjacent grade, not located at the main exit door and without a roof: ZP
Over 30″ at the highest point of the deck walking surface measured from the adjacent grade or if the deck is located at the main exterior door: ZP and BP
Replacing an existing deck requires ZP and BP

2. Porches or Decks with a roof: ZP and BP regardless of the height of the walking surface

3. Enclosing a Porch or Patio: ZP and BP

4. Sheds or Garages:

Under 1,000 square feet of total floor area and accessory to a single-family dwelling: ZP
1,000 square feet of total floor area or larger: ZP and BP

5. Fences:

Fences 3 feet to 6 feet high: ZP
Fences higher than 6 feet: ZP and BP

6. Retaining Walls:

Up to and including 4 feet high measured from the adjacent grade: ZP
Retaining walls higher than 4 feet at any point measured from the adjacent grade: ZP and BP

7. Signs:

All Business Signs require submission of Zoning Permit (ZP) and rendering.

8. Swimming Pools:

All swimming pools that are capable of holding 24″ or more of water: ZP and BP *Barriers (e.g. fence) required by the International Residential Code must be provided

9. Hot tub or Spa:

Indoor: BP
Outdoor: ZP and BP

10. Additions:

Any size: ZP and BP
Garage attached to the house: ZP and BP
Carport attached to the house: ZP and BP

11. Alterations:

Alterations that involve structural changes: BP *A zoning permit may be required, depending upon the scope of work. Please do not proceed with a project of this type without first contacting the codes office for guidance.

12. Changes to an Existing Means of Egress:

Removal or change: BP *a zoning permit may be required, depending upon the scope of work
Ramp: ZP and BP
Exit door: BP
Stairs: ZP and BP
Handrails: BP
Guard system: BP

13. New Homes:

Traditional: ZP and BP
Manufactured (new or used): ZP and BP
Modular (new or used): ZP and BP

14. Demolition:

Residential Structure: ZP and BP
Commercial Structure: ZP and BP

15. The Project Involves:

Removal, replacement, re-enforcement or cutting of any structural beam or header or any load-bearing support wall: BP
Work or service to the electrical service to the dwelling that will require an inspection by the power company: BP
Cutting away of any wall, partition, or portion thereof: BP
Addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping: BP
Addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any electrical wiring: BP
Addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any mechanical equipment: BP

Required Submission Documents

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

All permit applications must include the following at the time of submission:

1. Site Plan (Required for All Exterior Work)

A site plan must clearly show:

Property boundaries and dimensions
Existing structures
Proposed improvements
Setback distances from property lines
Driveways, sidewalks, and easements (if applicable)

Hand-drawn plans are acceptable if legible and drawn to scale.

2. Signed Contract

A copy of the signed contract between the property owner and contractor must be submitted.

If the homeowner is performing the work, a signed statement indicating the work will be completed by the property owner is required.

3. Project Cost

The total cost of the project must be provided. Permit fees are based on the declared construction value.

Applications submitted without site plans, signed contracts, or project costs will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

Additional documentation (construction drawings, structural details, manufacturer specifications, etc.) may be required depending on the scope of work.

Contractor Requirements

All contractors performing work within the Borough must:

Be properly licensed
Provide current insurance documentation naming the Borough of Hellertown as an additional insured

Sidewalk and Curb Inspections (Required for Property Transfer)

In accordance with Borough Ordinance, a sidewalk and curb inspection is required prior to the sale or transfer of any property.

The inspection must be scheduled with the Code Office well in advance of closing to avoid delays.
The current property owner/seller is responsible for bringing sidewalks into compliance with Borough standards.
Any required repairs must be completed prior to settlement unless an escrow agreement is approved.

Sidewalk deficiencies commonly include:

Cracking or heaving
Vertical displacement
Deteriorated concrete
Unsafe walking conditions
Missing sidewalk or curbing or missing ADA Ramp if property located on corner at street or alley

Failure to complete required sidewalk repairs may delay property transfer.

Important Reminder Regarding Sidewalk Replacements

Please be advised that the issuance of a zoning permit by the Borough of Hellertown does not relieve the applicant, property owner, contractor, or any other responsible party from complying with all applicable Borough ordinances.

All work authorized by the issued zoning permit must be completed in accordance with the specifications and requirements outlined in Chapter 385, Section 385-17 of the Borough of Hellertown Code of Ordinances.

In addition, required inspections must be scheduled and completed in accordance with Chapter 385, Section 385-16. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to contact the Borough Zoning and Code Enforcement Office to schedule all required inspections at the appropriate stages of the project.

Failure to adhere to the required specifications or failure to obtain the necessary inspections may result in enforcement action, including but not limited to stop-work orders, fines, penalties, or other remedies permitted under the Borough Code of Ordinances.

Your cooperation in ensuring compliance with Borough regulations is appreciated.

Do not begin construction prior to receiving permit approval. Permit review times vary depending on the complexity of the project.

To avoid delays:

Submit complete applications
Ensure all required documents are included
Allow adequate time for review and inspection scheduling

If you have any questions regarding inspection scheduling or ordinance requirements, please contact the Borough Zoning and Code Enforcement Office prior to proceeding with work.

Site Plan Review & Land Development

Borough of Hellertown, Pennsylvania

The Borough of Hellertown requires site plan review and land development approval for certain projects to ensure safe, orderly, and compliant development.

Under the Zoning Ordinance, site plan approval is required prior to the issuance of a building permit where applicable (§450-78A).

What is Site Plan Review?

Site plan review is the process by which the Borough evaluates how a property will be developed or used. Plans must demonstrate compliance with zoning requirements and include details such as:

Building location and layout (§450-78B(1))
Parking, access, and circulation (§450-78B(2))
Pedestrian facilities (§450-78B(3))
Landscaping, buffering, and lighting (§450-78B(4)–(5))
Stormwater management and utilities (§450-78B(6)–(7))

All required information must be provided at the time of submission for review by the Borough (§450-78B).

What Triggers Site Plan Review?

Pursuant to §450-78A, site plan approval is required prior to issuance of a building permit for uses identified in the Zoning Ordinance, particularly those that may impact site layout, traffic, and infrastructure.

This generally includes:

Non-Residential & Multi-Family Uses

Commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development (Article IV; §450-78A)
Multi-family residential development (Article IV; §450-78A)

New Construction

Construction of a new principal building (§450-78A)

Changes or Expansions Affecting Site Layout

Change in use affecting parking or circulation (§450-78A)
Building additions or site expansions (§450-78A)
Modifications to parking areas, access drives, or loading areas (§450-78B(2))

Uses Specifically Requiring Site Plan Review

Any use listed in the applicable zoning district regulations that requires site plan approval (Article IV; §450-78A)

What Triggers Land Development Approval?

Under the Borough’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), land development is defined and regulated under Chapter 390.

Land development approval is required for:

The improvement of one lot for two or more principal buildings (Chapter 390, Definitions – “Land Development”)
Development of nonresidential property (Chapter 390, Definitions)
Development of multi-family residential projects (Chapter 390, Definitions)
The division or subdivision of land into two or more lots (§390-11)
Construction of shared access drives, parking areas, or common facilities (Chapter 390, Definitions)

Land development plans must be submitted and reviewed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 390, Articles III and IV (application procedures, plan processing, and approvals).

When Site Plan / Land Development May NOT Be Required

The following typically do not require site plan or land development approval, though permits may still be required:

Interior alterations with no change in use (§450-78A, applicability)
Minor exterior changes not affecting site layout (§450-78A)
Single-family detached dwellings on individual lots (Chapter 390, Definitions – exclusion from land development)

Final determination is made by the Zoning Officer based on the specific scope of work.

Review Process Overview

1. Pre-Application (Recommended)

Applicants are encouraged to meet with Borough staff prior to submission (Chapter 390, optional sketch plan procedures).

2. Application Submission

Applications must include all required plans and documentation (§450-78B; Chapter 390, Article III).

3. Plan Review

Plans are reviewed by:

Borough staff and consultants
The Hellertown Planning Commission (Chapter 390, Article IV)
The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (§390-13)

4. Planning Commission Recommendation

The Planning Commission reviews the application and provides a recommendation (Chapter 390, Article IV).

5. Borough Council Action

Final approval or denial is issued by Borough Council (§390-15; MPC compliance).

Important Notes

A building permit shall not be issued until site plan approval is granted where required (§450-78A)
Applications must be complete to be accepted for review (Chapter 390, Article III)
Additional approvals may be required (e.g., stormwater, PennDOT highway occupancy permits) (§450-78B(6); external agency requirements)
Review timelines are governed by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) (Chapter 390; MPC reference)

Need Help?

If you are unsure whether your project requires site plan review or land development approval, please contact the Borough prior to submitting an application.

Zoning and Codes Department