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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Driftwood Borough
Jones Township states sewage, zoning, and UCC building permits are required in that order for new dwellings, mobile homes, recreational cabins, and other regulated structures; zoning and floodplain approval also apply through Cameron County.
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not over basements
- Exempt Shallow prefabricated pools
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Certain window awnings
- Exempt Certain low decks
Note: Zoning, floodplain, sewage, road occupancy, and stormwater approvals may still apply even where the UCC exempts the work from a building permit.
- Application
- Plot plan
- Two sets of construction drawings
- Zoning approval
- Sewage or sewer approval
- E and S or stormwater permits if required
- Road occupancy permit if required
- Workers compensation evidence when filed by an agent or contractor
- Building code
- Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. PA L&I states the 2021 ICC based UCC update took effect January 1, 2026.
- Permit validity
- Pennsylvania UCC permit validity rules apply. A permit becomes invalid if work does not begin within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may sign the permit application themselves; no separate local owner-builder policy was posted beyond the standard owner or agent certification on the forms.
- Contractor requirements
- Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act registration applies to home improvement contractors performing work over $5,000; workers compensation documentation is required where applicable.
Application process
Typical processing: Pennsylvania UCC regulations require action on a complete application within 30 business days unless a longer period is agreed to or another statute applies; incomplete plans can add weeks or months.
- 01 If the project needs sewage approval, obtain sewer approval or an on-lot sewage permit first.
- 02 Apply to Cameron County Zoning Officer Michelle Reed for zoning and floodplain approval.
- 03 Prepare the Jones Township UCC application, plot plan, drawings, sewage or sewer approval, zoning permit, and any stormwater, road occupancy, or assessment approvals that apply.
- 04 Submit the application package and nonrefundable plan review fee to Jones Township Building Code Department.
- 05 Jones Township reviews the package and issues the permit after approvals and payment of the calculated permit fee.
- 06 Schedule inspections with at least 48 hours notice and obtain final approval or certificate of occupancy if applicable.
Typical processing time: Pennsylvania UCC regulations require action on a complete application within 30 business days unless a longer period is agreed to or another statute applies; incomplete plans can add weeks or months.
Fee schedule
Driftwood Borough building permit fees
Plan review fees are nonrefundable; checks are payable to Jones Township.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 814-929-5138 or 814-594-6194 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 48 hours notice is required.
- Time windows
- Only footer inspections are given a specific appointment time.
Typical sequence: Footer, foundation, framing with rough trades, energy, wallboard if required, sanitary approval, then final inspection and certificate of occupancy where applicable.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Driftwood Borough permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Driftwood Borough, PA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Driftwood Borough, PA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Driftwood Borough, PA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Driftwood Borough, PA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Driftwood Borough, PA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Driftwood Borough, PA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Jones Township Building Code Department for UCC building permits; Cameron County Zoning Office for zoning and floodplain; Driftwood Borough office for local coordination before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.