Dunkard Township

Permits are used for erection, repair, renovation, demolition, change of occupancy, pools, signs, and other common residential or commercial building work. Pennsylvania UCC rules also require permits for regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work unless exempt.

• Exempt Fences no more than 6 feet high
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge
• Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons if the height-to-width ratio does not exceed 2 to 1
• Exempt Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
• Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
• Exempt Window awnings that project no more than 54 inches and need no additional support
• Exempt Uncovered decks with floor no more than 30 inches above grade
• Exempt Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring
• Exempt Ordinary repairs, except work that removes load-bearing elements, affects required egress, or rearranges regulated plumbing, gas, mechanical, or electrical systems

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with McMillen Engineering or Dunkard Township before proceeding.

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as enforced in an OPT-IN municipality. McMillen's form references the current UCC and the 2021 series of I-Codes for local enforcement work.

Permit validity

A permit becomes invalid if work does not begin within 180 days after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. A permit may not remain valid more than 5 years from issue date without extensions.

Owner-builder

Public McMillen forms allow an owner or applicant to file directly, but the permit holder remains responsible for inspections and compliance.

Contractor requirements

Pennsylvania home improvement contractors performing work over $5,000 must confirm HICPA registration. McMillen's forms require contractor information; manufactured housing work requires a HUD licensed installer.

Source: McMillen Engineering, Inc. ↗

1. 01
   Download the applicable McMillen permit application.
2. 02
   Complete the owner, location, valuation, and contractor information and identify the type of improvement.
3. 03
   Obtain and attach any required local zoning, sewage, driveway, and stormwater approvals before review when they apply.
4. 04
   Submit the completed application and plans to McMillen Engineering for code review.
5. 05
   Respond to review comments if requested and wait for permit issuance before starting regulated work.
6. 06
   Call for inspections during construction and obtain final approval or certificate of occupancy before use.

Typical processing time: Pennsylvania UCC regulations generally require a decision within 15 business days, or 5 business days with qualifying design professional certification. No McMillen-specific turnaround posted.

Source: McMillen Engineering, Inc. ↗

Confirm fee amount and accepted payment method with McMillen before submission.

• McMillen Engineering, 724-439-8110 (phone)
• info@mcmilleng.com (email)

Typical sequence: Typical UCC phases include foundation, systems, framing, wallboard where applicable, and final inspection, followed by certificate of occupancy where required. No work may be concealed until approved.

A reinspection fee will apply if the permit is unavailable for sign-off during inspection.

Source: McMillen Engineering, Inc. ↗