Frequently Asked Questions

Examples of the type of work require a permit are as follows: Please note these are the most common and not a full list. If you are unsure if the work you are doing requires a permit, please contact the Codes Department.

• Additions/Alterations/Repairs 
• Building demolition - commercial and residential
• Decks   **(include zoning and drainage fee)
• Fences
• Finished basements
• Hardscape (patio, walkway, steps)
• Heater/Air Conditioner/Generator - install or replacements
• Kitchen and bath renovations
• New buildings
• New electrical or plumbing services
• New sewer or water service
• Photovoltaic installations (roof or ground mounted solar panels)
• Pools (Inground/Above Ground)
• Re-roofs
• Sewer line repair or replacement
• Sheds
• Signs
• Solar panels
• Stand-by generators
• Tenant fit-outs
• Underground and above ground tank removal or installation
• Water line repair/replacement
• Wood burning stoves

See the Township fee schedule. Fees for inspections and permits are under the following headings:

• Construction Permits
• Rental Inspection Fees
• Fire/Life Safety Inspections
• Inter-Municipal Transfer of Liquor License

Residential permit applications can take up to 15 days, depending on volume of permits received.

Commercial permit applications can take up to 30 days with possible extension to 60 days, depending on the complexity and the completeness of the submitted application.

Please Note: you may NOT proceed with work until an approved permit has been issued.

24-hour notice is required for all inspection requests. Please email permits@westwhiteland.org to schedule.

Required inspection schedule will be listed on approved permit when issued.

Completed permit application (complete all trade sections that apply such as building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.) 

Identify all contractors and include a certificate of worker’s compensation and liability insurance for each contractor. West Whiteland Township must be listed as a certificate holder on each certificate.

Plot (Site) plan- show all existing structures and impervious coverage on the property. Include lot size in square feet if known. Include dimensions for all existing structures. Show proposed improvements with dimensions and set back measurements to each property line (front, rear and both sides) 

Completed REScheck (Energy audit showing building envelope performance, energy use, loss, etc.) Free software program can be downloaded from the Department of Energy’s website. 

Construction drawings - Submit one electronic set with the application. Drawings must include footer/foundation, floor system, wall system, ceiling/roof system, plumbing, electrical and mechanical details. 

NOTE: Structural drawings for proposed structures more that one story above grade must be sealed by a PA registered architect or engineer. 

West Whiteland Township does not require a use and occupancy permit for buying or selling a single-family dwelling.

West Whiteland Township adopted and enforces the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the codes and standards referenced therein. Currently PA mandates that we use the 2021 International Codes. Handicap Accessibility regulations are taken from the 2021 International Building Code and referenced standards. These codes may have additions, deletions, and changes; please contact the Codes Department or see our Code of Ordinances for a complete list of adopting ordinances containing changes to the stock language of the above code editions. 

In a residential district, customary household pets (cats, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, etc.) are allowable. 

For non customary household pets (including but not limited to chickens and goats), the keeping of animals is limited to properties that qualify for agricultural use. To qualify for agricultural use the following conditions apply:

• Property must be at least five acres
• A property of five acres or more allows for the keeping of two farm animals.
• A property of ten acres or more allows for the keeping of more than 2 farm animals and not more than 4 horses.

A permit is NOT required for repaving of a residential driveway if you are not changing the size or location/access. 

A permit IS required for new driveways or if you are modifying the size or location of an existing driveway and/or making additional cut outs at the street's entrance.  

Remember to check the existing impervious coverage of your lot as you plan the proposed project.

Open Burning 

Open burning is the burning of materials wherein the products of combustion are emitted directly to the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. 

Open burning of any waste material, yard waste, construction or trade waste or other non-approved material or fuel is PROHIBITED. The burning of leaves, sticks, construction debris, trash, etc. is strictly prohibited. 

Township officials are authorized to order the immediate extinguishment of any fire if at any time such fire is deemed a public nuisance or hazard to life and/or property. For more details, please refer to our open burning ordinance. 

Portable Fire Pits

Portable fire pits are those that are professionally manufactured. They are permitted when used at any single-family dwelling in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions. These units can be fueled by solid (wood, coal, etc.), liquid or gaseous fuel. 

The Township has the authority to order the extinguishing of ANY portable fire pit if it is determined that such use presents a hazard to life and/or property.

Site Constructed Fire Pits/Outdoor Fireplaces

Site constructed fire pits and fireplaces are those that are built on site, usually in conjunction with hard scaping or deck projects. These types of units can be fueled by solid, liquid or gaseous fuel. These projects require permits issued by the Township prior to construction. 

Makeshift firepits such as burn barrels, drums, stacked stones, etc, are NOT approved and shall not be used. The Township has the authority to order the extinguishing of ANY site constructed outdoor fireplace or fire pit if it is determined that such use presents a hazard to life and/or property. 

Outdoor Cooking Appliances

Outdoor cooking appliances can be solid, liquid or gaseous fuel burning and must be professionally manufactured and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and specifications. Portable cooking appliances such as grills or smokers do not require permits. 

Stationary cooking appliances such as pizza ovens, outdoor stoves or ovens shall not be installed or constructed until a permit is issued.