North Strabane Township, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Township staff administer zoning, plan review, code enforcement, and UCC permits for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related construction work.

Department

North Strabane Township Department of Community Development, Building / Code Enforcement

Address

1957 Route 519, Canonsburg, PA 15317

Phone

724-745-8880

Website

https://www.northstrabanetwp.com/160/Building-Code-Enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Use the Township permit portal to submit building, zoning, and planning applications.
2. Upload the required construction drawings, plot plan, proof of workers compensation, proof of ownership, HOA approval where applicable, highway occupancy permit if needed, and sewage / septic documentation.
3. Submit a complete application only; incomplete commercial applications are not accepted or held.
4. Wait for Township review and permit issuance before starting work.
5. Schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance and complete final occupancy approval where required.

Typical processing time: Residential reviews are stated as seven to ten days; allow two weeks for approval.

Source: North Strabane Township Department of Community Development, Building / Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Permits are required to construct, enlarge, or demolish a building; change the use or occupancy of a building or structure; or install or alter plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems and equipment.

Required Documents

• Plot plan / survey
• Construction drawings
• Proof of workers compensation
• Deed or proof of ownership
• Sewage or on-lot septic permit when required
• HOA approval when applicable
• Highway occupancy permit where necessary

Building code

Pennsylvania UCC administered by Township building inspectors.

Owner-builder

Residential packet allows an unlicensed person to prepare plans for certain one- and two-story wood-framed single-family dwellings, accessory structures, and decks under conventional construction provisions.

Contractor requirements

Workers compensation proof or exemption is required; no separate local contractor license requirement was clearly published.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Nominal fee $30; residential demolition $75; nonstructural residential permits $50; residential final occupancy permit $50

Plan check fee

Additional legal, consultant, and engineering fees for applications, hearings, appeals, or inspections may be charged for complete or subsequent review.

Permit fee formula

Residential building permit cost times 0.6 percent; nonresidential building permit cost times 0.75 percent; residential zoning permit $0.75 per $1,000 with $10 minimum; nonstructural residential permits $50 flat.

Payment note

All fees must be paid in advance; additional legal, consultant, and engineering costs may be billed; credit card fee is 1 percent of total.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2023).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the North Strabane Township Department of Community Development, Building / Code Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact the Building / Code Enforcement office (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections must be scheduled 24 hours in advance on a first come, first served basis

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: All required inspections will be listed on the building permit placard when issued; occupancy final follows completion.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania UCC administered by Township building inspectors.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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