Cranberry Township, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within Cranberry Township. Building and zoning administration is handled by the township through its Building & Zoning Codes pages and online portal.

Department

Planning & Development Services, Cranberry Township

Address

2525 Rochester Road, Suite 400, Cranberry Township, PA 16066-6499

Phone

(724) 776-4806

Website

https://www.cranberrytownship.org/846/Residential-Building-Permits-Decks-Sheds

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the permit type from the township's Building & Zoning Codes guidance.
2. Create an account in the Online Portal.
3. Submit the correct online application. Cranberry's residential page directs applicants to use the Residential Building Permit - Modifications to Existing Application for decks over 30 inches above grade, sheds over 1,000 square feet, and unenclosed porches, and the Residential Zoning Permit for smaller utility sheds and low decks.
4. Upload the required lot survey or plot plan and structural design documents or manufacturer details.
5. Wait for township review and respond to any questions or corrections.
6. Once approved, obtain the permit through the portal and proceed with construction.
7. Schedule required inspections through the portal and obtain final inspection closeout.

Typical processing time: The township states the PA UCC allows up to 15 working days for review of residential building plans

Source: Planning & Development Services, Cranberry Township

General Requirements

Cranberry requires building permits for listed residential work such as decks over 30 inches above grade, sheds over 1,000 square feet, unenclosed porches, certain fences, and pools. The township also states a building permit is required for a residential fence or wall over three feet in height within a front yard setback and for residential fences over six feet high.

Required Documents

• Online application
• Lot survey or plot plan showing the proposed structure and setbacks
• Structural design documents or manufacturer brochure showing dimensions, materials, spacing, attachment details, and footer depth

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The township's fee resolution ties permit valuation to the current ICC permit fee schedule and type of construction factor table.

Owner-builder

HOA review is advised before permit filing if applicable

Contractor requirements

Workers compensation exemption affidavit link is posted on the inspections page. For residential home improvement work over $5,000, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor registration requirements may apply at the state level.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Plan check fee

Non-residential building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing plan review fee is 0.002 times estimated construction value, with a $100 minimum, due with application

Permit fee formula

Residential principal structures: $50 up to $1,000 and $7 per $1,000 thereafter. Residential structural alterations: $50 flat. Residential accessory structures (attached decks, porches, roofs, pools, hot tubs, spas, utility structures over 1,000 sq ft): $75. Non-residential: $75 up to $1,000 and $9.50 per $1,000 thereafter.

Payment note

The fee resolution also adds a $5 technology fee per application received

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Residential fences up to six feet high that are not within a front yard setback
• Residential utility sheds under 1,000 square feet (use zoning permit instead)
• Decks that are 30 inches or lower above grade (use residential zoning permit instead)

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online Portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be made by 3:30 p.m. the prior business day

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays

Time windows

Applicants may request an AM or PM slot in portal notes

Typical inspection sequence: Permit-specific inspections through construction, then final inspection to close the permit

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The township's fee resolution ties permit valuation to the current ICC permit fee schedule and type of construction factor table.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Residential Building Permits
• Online Portal
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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