CODES & PERMITS
Codes Department
Hours:
Monday - Friday 7:00
am - 3:30 pm
Zoning Inspections:
Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Building Inspections:
November through
February:
Monday & Wednesday 7:30 am - 10:30 am
Tuesday & Thursday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
March, April, September & October: Monday,
Wednesday & Friday 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
May through August:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am - 10:30 am
Thursday 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION PACKAGES
CODES & PERMITS INFORMATION
This page is intended to help answer many of the most common questions that we receive on codes and permits. It is not a complete list of all of the rules and regulations that exist in the Township.
We encourage you to contact the Building Code Official at 610-269-4174 with any additional questions that you may have or with any items that need further clarification.
The normal permit turn-around time averages three weeks. All permits will be reviewed in the order that they are received. Permits with incomplete information must be resubmitted again and will be reviewed in the order in which they are resubmitted. Building inspections will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis, according to our staff’s available slots.
We realize the stress experienced by many people when having a building constructed or renovations done. Some things that can be done by you to help us speed up your application include:
You need a permit for construction because, as of April 9, 2004, it is a state law under PA Act 45 of 1999. Permits ensure safe construction by protecting public health, safety and welfare. Permits allow code officials to help to reduce potential hazards of unsafe construction by guaranteeing that minimum construction standards are met.
Each permit type has different fees based upon the Township's costs to review and inspect the structure. Inside your permit pack there will be a breakdown of the fees.
Only if you are replacing more than 25% of the roof shingles or if the construction involves structural work, such as replacing rafters.
You do not need a permit unless the new windows are a different size than the old ones.
No, a building permit is not necessary; however, zoning permits are required.
To ensure safety and that the job is done correctly.
In order to ensure a safe design, and to accommodate for additional loads, such as snow. Existing decks are not designed to support such loads.
Why is it more difficult to get a building permit in West Bradford Township than in other townships?
West Bradford Township prides itself on the quality and safety of construction that goes on in our township. We have a strict policy of being code compliant for every situation: no matter how large or small.
A detailed plan review is done with each application that includes a site plan, building design, foundation plan, floor plan, cross section, elevations, electrical, heating and ventilation, drainage and vent piping, and water distribution. Each area has numerous sub-areas for the inspector to review.
Because of this strict code compliancy, there are fewer fires, less severe weather damage, and fewer flooding problems caused by sub-standard construction. When these incidents occur, they are less severe because of our high standards. Property insurance rates are generally lower in our Township than in similar townships.
Our inspectors maintain a legal and moral obligation to the residents of West Bradford Township and will follow it to the letter of the law and code.
On average, it takes about two weeks to get a permit application approved. During the heavy home improvement season (Summer) it can take up to three weeks. The inspector first reviews each permit application and checks to see if it is filled out completely and correctly. Then he begins to look at the plot plan to see if everything will fit properly and follow all zoning regulations. Next he begins to look at the actual plans to see if all building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes are being followed and if proper materials are being used. If everything passes this review, then the permit is approved and construction may begin once the permit has been paid for and picked up by the applicant.
One house permit may take the inspector several hours to review. Each permit gets 100% of the inspectors attention, whether it is for a deck or for a $500,000 home.
Why does the inspector seem so picky during inspections?
The inspector is there for the homeowner. He is making sure each and every aspect of the construction follows all codes. What may seem small to a home owner or contractor, may be the difference of a roof staying on in a strong storm, a fire not spreading from one level to another, a sewer line not leaking, or a deck not collapsing.
What does the inspector really do?
A summary of our Code Enforcement Officers duties include:
· Reviewing permit applications
· Going out on numerous site inspections all over the Township
· Going to court hearings for non-compliance of zoning and building codes
· Talking to residents about construction concerns
· Continuing education
· Checking out all calls concerning code violations
and local ordinancesWe have made, and continue to make, changes in the way we do things in order to review applications more quickly. However, our first priority will always be the quality and safety of the homes in our Township. We may not always be able to do things as fast as you, and we, would like.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.