Zoning, Building, and Occupancy Permit Process for Biglerville Borough

Zoning, Building, and Occupancy Permit Process for Biglerville Borough

The State has adopted The Uniform Construction Code that all municipalities are required to follow. This new Building Permit Process is an improvement over the old procedure. If you need a permit please contact the borough office and contact our Zoning Officer, Wayne Smith at 677-9488. He will issue the required borough permits and instruct you on the steps to be taken to get the permits for the UCC.

Zoning Permit Process for Biglerville Borough

Zoning is a method that a community may use to regulate the use of land and structures. It is initiated by the Adoption of a Zoning Ordinance designated to protect the public health, safety, and welfare and to guide growth. 

When Zoning was first utilized, its primary purpose was to prevent a property owner from using his or her property in ways which were a nuisance or actually harmful to a neighboring property owners. However, over the years the scope of Zoning has expanded. Municipal governments keep certain land uses out of a neighborhood. They also recognize its value as a “positive” tool for encouraging certain development and for creating an attractive community. In addition, Zoning now frequently attempts to control development in areas subject to flooding, to preserve natural features (Wetlands, Forests, Aquifers) and Historical features and to save Farmland. 

The Zoning Ordinance is composed of Two Parts, the text and Zoning Map. The text of the Ordinance contains the community development objectives and the necessary technical provisions to regulate the use of land and structures and to establish Bulk, Height, Area, Setback and other standards. The Zoning Map delineates the boundaries of the Specific Districts R Zones created in the Ordinance.

Pennsylvania State Department of Community and Economic Development

Planning Series #4 Zoning. Harrisburg: State of Pennsylvania, 1999. 

Occupancy Permits

The Biglerville Borough requires an Occupancy Permit with each transfer of deed to properties located within the borough or if a single-family residence is changed to a multi family residence. This application must be filed at the borough office 15 days prior to settlement. The application is available at 33 Musselman Avenue, Biglerville and the fee is $50.00. A walk-thru inspection is required. 

Biglerville Borough Building Permit Process 

Phone: 717-677-9488
Fax; 717-677-4027 
Email: biglerville@comcast.net 


What is required to obtain a building permit?

 Review the list of required items to determine if your application is subject to any of the special requirements listed here. Not all applications will require the same supporting items. 

A. Completed applications signed by property owner or agent.
B. UCC construction drawings
    1. 2 copies of construction drawings for residential construction.
    2. 3 copies of construction drawings for commercial construction.
C. Fee, Make Checks Payable to BIGLERVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL
    1. Fee schedule is $4.00 and amount based on square feet AND BASE RATE OF $40
    2. Additional inspections fees apply for building permits on UCC Projects
D. Sketch of site
    1. Attach a sketch of the site showing the property lines, existing
        building dimensions and features and the proposed location of the
        improvement and dimensions.   This information will be used for
        determining zoning requirements.
E. Statement of proposed use
    1. Include a short description of the proposed use of the improvement.
        Any addition to living space MUST include the number of additional
        bedrooms.
F. Stake Out
    1. Place stakes or other markers indicating the corners of the proposed
        improvement.
G. Stormwater Requirements.
    1. Any improvements over 1,000 square feet must include a storm water
        plan that must be reviewed and approved by the borough engineer.
        There is a separate fee and deposit required for this portion of the
         requirements.
    2. A stormwater plan is required if more than 1,000 square feet of soil is
        disturbed.
    3. Must see Code Enforcement Officer for individual plans.
H. Proof of Worker’s Compensation (W/C) Insurance
    1. A certificate of W/C insurance must be provided to the borough office
    2. If none is required by state law, an exemption certificate
        can be notarized and provided to the borough and this will be valid for any 
        job within the borough for one year.
I. Driveways must meet stormwater and subdivision 
   ordinance requirements
    1. If the driveway is off the state roads must obtain a
        PENNDOT permit and provide a copy of the same to the borough office.
J. Sewer and Water Permits
    1. These permits are available only when building permits
        are applied for and if permits are available the connection fees are as follows:
    1. Water connection fee - $1,469 per edu
    2. Sewer connection fee - $3,261 per edu
    3. Inspections fees are $25 to $35 per inspection
M. Land Development Plan is required for:
    1. Two or more residential buildings on one lot
    2. Any non-residential buildings.
    3. Not required for accessory buildings 

Frequently Asked Questions

Biglerville Borough has contracted with a third party inspector. When the building/zoning permits are issued, you will be given the inspector’s phone number or you may get that number any time when you ask for it including prior to permits being issued for any questions. It is the contractor’s responsibility to contact the inspector and arrange for the required inspections. You must give the inspector a minimum of 24 hours notice. Inspections will be stamped on the building permit placard.
The code enforcement officer will complete his review within 7 days of receipt of all portions of the permit. Depending on the size of the project the UCC review may take 2 weeks.
You must start construction within 90 days of receipt of the permit or it is void. Otherwise, you have one year to complete the project. You may request an extension.
 
The borough will issue an occupancy permit for new dwellings or certificate of compliance when the improvement is completed. Please notify the office upon completion of the improvement. For UCC projects you must return the placard with inspection stamps to obtain an occupancy certificate. It is a violation of the ordinance to occupy an improvement prior to receipt of an occupancy certificate which is granted by our code enforcement officer.
 
Place the placard where it can be easily seen from the highway. Failure to properly display the placard may result in unnecessary to validate the construction. For UCC projects, the permit must be accessible to the building inspector.
Upon receipt of a completed applications and fees, the code enforcement officer will review the applications and verify the required items. An onsite inspection will be made to verify the information on the permit applications. Additional onsite inspections may be necessary to assure the improvement is property located and continues to comply with ordinances. A final on site inspections will be made with the project is completed.
Immediately stop construction and apply for a permit. The code enforcement officer will do a preliminary review and if it complies with ordinances, it will be granted a permit. If there are violations to our ordinances, it may be necessary to remove the improvement. The property owner is responsible for costs involved in corrections to the violation.
The improvement must be built as described in the building permit application. If you need to make minor changes in the plan submitted, you must contact the code enforcement officer. The proposed changes will be reviewed and, if appropriate, be noted on the application.
A building permit is required for any construction activity which either changes the u se of a property or changes the building structurally. A building permit from Adams County is required for any construction over $2,500 in value. County permits are available from the assessor’s office in the courthouse (337-9837)
 
All structural changes are subject to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Exceptions are made for residential accessory buildings less than 1000 square feet and agricultural structures. There are also exceptions for vacation cabins and religious purposes. Please contact the zoning officer to discuss specifics of your situation.
You must submit an application before you begin construction. You should apply thirty days before your expect to start your construction.