Manheim Township

Zoning permits are required for covered new construction and site changes; building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire, pool/hot tub, and certificate of use and occupancy permits are handled by Code Compliance.

• Exempt Small sheds and outbuildings up to 400 square feet
• Exempt Low decks 30 inches or less above grade
• Exempt Patios
• Exempt Paved terraces
• Exempt Fences
• Exempt Some driveway reconstruction or expansion
• Exempt Sidewalks or walkways outside the road right-of-way

Note: Township states zoning permits are required for all new construction not requiring a building permit. Confirm any claimed exemption directly with Planning & Zoning or Code Compliance because the public page is a permit-routing guide, not a full exemption ordinance digest.

Building code

Pennsylvania UCC administered locally by Manheim Township

Owner-builder

Permit applications may be submitted by owners or authorized applicants; no separate township owner-builder summary page was located.

Contractor requirements

Pennsylvania home improvement registration rules apply where required; township also publishes contractor-related registration forms for some specialty work.

1. 01
   Determine whether the project needs zoning only, or both zoning and building/code review.
2. 02
   Submit the zoning permit packet or online zoning application with site plan and required stormwater exemption form if applicable.
3. 03
   For building permits, submit a completed application, fee worksheet, two plan sets, and two site plans to Code Compliance.
4. 04
   Await township review in order of submittal and respond to comments.
5. 05
   Pay fees and receive the issued permit.
6. 06
   Call the township or the approved third-party agency listed by the township for required inspections and final approvals.

Typical processing time: Township goal is 10 business days for residential building permits and 25 business days for non-residential projects; zoning review time varies seasonally and is handled in order of submittal.

Source: Code Compliance Department for building permits; Planning & Zoning Department for zoning permits ↗

Over-the-counter permits require applicable fee at submission; other fees are paid during permit processing.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• 717-569-6406 ext. 6 for many residential electrical, plumbing/mechanical, and occupancy inspections (phone)
• Some non-residential electrical inspections are through approved third-party electrical inspection agencies (other)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical sequence: Rough inspections, trade inspections, certificate of use and occupancy inspection where applicable, and final inspection.