Franklin Township, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within Franklin Township, Greene County. Listed as OPT-IN on the Commonwealth UCC municipality table. Commercial inspections are handled through K2 Engineering; residential inspections run through the township building code official.

Department

Franklin Township Building Code Official; K2 Engineering (Frank Monack) for commercial inspections

Address

Franklin Township Municipal Building, 568 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370

Phone

724-627-5473

Email

franksup@comcast.net

Website

https://franklintownshipgreenecounty.com/useful-info/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete Franklin Township's checklist before permit issuance, including planning approval for subdivisions and land developments other than single-family dwellings.
2. Obtain sewage approval, potable water evidence, and driveway or road occupancy approval as applicable.
3. If using contractors or subcontractors, submit workers' compensation paperwork and include contractor registration numbers on every document.
4. Complete and notarize the building and zoning permit applications and attach the required plot plan and drawings; submit three blueprint copies if blueprints are required.
5. Wait for township review — allow 7 to 10 days for approval.
6. After approval, pay the fees identified by the township, receive the permit, and call the listed inspection contact before covering work.
7. After final inspection, contact the Franklin Township building code official for the occupancy permit before use.

Typical processing time: Allow 7 to 10 days for approval per the Franklin Township permit packet.

Source: Franklin Township Building Code Official; K2 Engineering (Frank Monack) for commercial inspections

General Requirements

Franklin Township requires applications before permits can be issued for new buildings, alterations, additions, changes of use, demolition, occupancy permits, and zoning approvals.

Required Documents

• Planning approval when applicable
• Sewage permit
• Potable water evidence
• Driveway or road occupancy permit
• Workers' compensation form and certificate
• Contractor registration number on every submitted document
• Notarized building and zoning applications
• Plot plan
• Drawings
• Three blueprint copies when required

Permit validity

Franklin Township's public packet did not state a separate local expiration rule. Pennsylvania UCC default rules provide 180-day commencement and inactivity deadlines, with a maximum validity of 5 years from issue date unless extended.

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code in an OPT-IN municipality, with local pre-July 1, 1999 amendments flagged by the Commonwealth UCC table.

Owner-builder

The form allows the owner or authorized agent to apply, but all work must comply with state law and local ordinances and the applicant must swear to the filing before a notary.

Contractor requirements

Franklin Township requires contractor and subcontractor registration numbers on every document and workers' compensation paperwork where contractors are used. Pennsylvania home improvement contractors performing work over $5,000 must also confirm HICPA registration.

Fees

Payment note

The public packet leaves fee lines blank for office completion. Confirm current fee amounts directly with Franklin Township after plan approval.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Franklin Township before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Residential: Steve Coss, Franklin Township, 724-627-5473 (phone)
• Commercial: Frank Monack, K2 Engineering, 724-322-2166 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections must be approved before construction can continue. A final inspection is required before the occupancy permit is issued.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code in an OPT-IN municipality, with local pre-July 1, 1999 amendments flagged by the Commonwealth UCC table.
• Verify contractor license: Pennsylvania HICPA Contractor Registration
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Greene County Municipalities Directory
• Pennsylvania UCC Municipality Table
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Franklin Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Franklin Township, PA?

Franklin Township requires applications before permits can be issued for new buildings, alterations, additions, changes of use, demolition, occupancy permits, and zoning approvals.

How do I apply for a building permit in Franklin Township, PA?

1. Complete Franklin Township's checklist before permit issuance, including planning approval for subdivisions and land developments other than single-family dwellings. 2. Obtain sewage approval, potable water evidence, and driveway or road occupancy approval as applicable. 3. If using contractors or subcontractors, submit workers' compensation paperwork and include contractor registration numbers on every document. 4. Complete and notarize the building and zoning permit applications and attach the required plot plan and drawings; submit three blueprint copies if blueprints are required. 5. Wait for township review — allow 7 to 10 days for approval. 6. After approval, pay the fees identified by the township, receive the permit, and call the listed inspection contact before covering work. 7. After final inspection, contact the Franklin Township building code official for the occupancy permit before use.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Franklin Township, PA?

Typical processing time is Allow 7 to 10 days for approval per the Franklin Township permit packet..

What work is exempt from building permits in Franklin Township, PA?

The following work is generally exempt: Fences no more than 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons if the height-to-width ratio does not exceed 2 to 1; Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; Window awnings that project no more than 54 inches and need no additional support; Uncovered decks with floor no more than 30 inches above grade; Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring; 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 Franklin Township before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Franklin Township, PA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Residential: Steve Coss, Franklin Township, 724-627-5473, Commercial: Frank Monack, K2 Engineering, 724-322-2166.

Other cities in Greene County