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. 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
8. Hot tub or Spa:
- Indoor: BP
- Outdoor: ZP and BP
9. Additions:
- Any size: ZP and BP
- Garage attached to the house: ZP and BP
- Carport attached to the house: ZP and BP
10. 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.
11. 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
12. New Homes:
- Traditional: ZP and BP
- Manufactured (new or used): ZP and BP
- Modular (new or used): ZP and BP
13. Demolition:
- Residential Structure: ZP and BP
- Commercial Structure: ZP and BP
14. 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.