Cumru Township, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Cumru Township administers zoning, building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and related permits within township limits.

Department

Codes Department; Code Enforcement

Address

1775 Welsh Road, Mohnton, PA 19540

Phone

(610) 777-1343

Website

https://www.cumrutownship.com/departments/codeenforcement.html

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start at the township Code Enforcement page and download the correct permit form for building, zoning, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, pool, generator, demolition, sign, or other scope.
2. Complete the pre-application/building permit packet, which screens related approvals such as sewer, demolition, electrical, stormwater, curb/sidewalk/driveway, sign, plot plan, plumbing, HVAC, pool, workers compensation, affidavit of ownership or consent, and certificate of occupancy.
3. Submit the required plans. Cumru's fee schedule states 2 plan sets are required for residential permits and 3 plan sets for commercial permits. New construction building permits must include a plot plan.
4. Include workers compensation certificate or affidavit of exemption and any owner consent affidavit required.
5. Pay permit processing, zoning, building, and state surcharge fees.
6. After issuance, schedule inspections with township inspection staff and obtain any needed certificate of occupancy.

Source: Codes Department; Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Township specifically reminds residents that accessory structures including sheds, decks, fences, and pools require permits. The building permit packet also screens for demolition, electrical, stormwater, street opening, curb/sidewalk/driveway, use permits, signs, plumbing, well, HVAC, and certificates of occupancy.

Required Documents

• Applicable permit application
• 2 residential or 3 commercial plan sets
• Plot plan for new construction and when requested
• Workers compensation certificate or exemption affidavit
• Affidavit of ownership or consent for all permits
• Any sewer, stormwater, conservation district, or other outside approvals triggered by the project

Permit validity

All permits expire 6 months from issuance. They may be extended for up to an additional 6 months at the issuer's discretion. Extensions beyond 2 years generally require payment of one-half of the original permit fee.

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code

Owner-builder

Property owner may claim workers compensation exemption if the owner will perform all work and no outside contractors or parties will be employed.

Contractor requirements

Township requires workers compensation coverage documentation or exemption affidavit.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Plan check fee

Building permit fee includes one review of building plans. Commercial new buildings and alterations also list a $200 plan review fee.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. New one- and two-family dwellings use $250 plus $0.40 per square foot plus zoning review, processing fee, and state surcharge. Residential additions use $150 plus $0.40 per square foot. Accessory buildings use $50 plus $0.20 per square foot. Commercial new buildings and alterations use 1 percent of contract cost plus zoning review, plan review, inspection fees, and state surcharge.

Reinspection fee

Commercial any additional inspections are $125 each.

Payment note

Township notes the state surcharge is included in the schedule and subject to Commonwealth change. Additional stormwater or consultant review costs may apply.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2020).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Codes Department; Code Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (610) 777-1343 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Fee schedule states building permit inspections include footing, foundation, rough framing, steel, accessibility, life safety, energy, wallboard, and final. Other permits are inspected according to project scope.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code
• Verify contractor license: PA 811
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Code Enforcement
• Permit Fees
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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