Faq's

Frequently Asked Questions About Building and Zoning

Do you come out and survey my property lines?
No. Only a PA. licensed surveyor may set property corners. It is the applicant's responsibility to locate the property lines if the corner pins are marked or found to ensure proper placement of the improvement. Amity Township reserves the right to require surveying if property lines are not apparent (most cases do not require a survey).
How do I find out the size of my lot?
Most subdivisions are kept here in our office. They will show plot plans and lot sizes. Copies are available upon written request. The fee is $.15 per copy.
Is there a Use and Occupancy Permit required for the resale of a property?
A use and occupancy permit is not required for the sale of a residential dwelling or non-residential property. A building permit is, however, required for any change of use or occupancy on all non-residential buildings.

Sheds
Do I need a permit to place a shed on my property?
Yes. Most sheds only require a zoning permit. Zoning permits are $50 and applications generally take 2-5 business days for processing. If the shed or "accessory structure" is over 500 sq. ft. it will also require a building permit.
How close to the property line can I have it?
If the shed is placed behind the rear wall of the dwelling and it is less than 192 sq.ft. it must be set back 5' minimum from the side and rear property lines. If it is greater than 192 sq.ft. and the shed is in front of the rear wall of the dwelling, there are different setback dimensions based on the location of your property. They will be listed on the Zoning Permit.
Are there inspections required?
Yes. Two. One "setback" inspection is don after you mark where you want to put the structure and one "final" inspection after you place the structure in it's proper location. Upon approval of the final inspection, a certificate of occupancy will be issued and mailed to you. You may not occupy the structure until you receive this document.
What if I want to build one myself?
That is permitted. There are no inspections required for the construction of sheds under 500 sq. ft., however, you still need the two inspections to measure setbacks and placement.
What if I want to pour a concrete pad?
As long as the structure is not over 500 sq. ft. you may pour a concrete pad without an inspection. The pad must be poured or placed per the required setbacks on the permit.

Fences
Do I need a permit to put up a fence?
Yes. Applications are available here or at our office. The fee is $50. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days.
Where can I put my fence?
Fences 4' high must be placed within the property lines. Fences over 4' high must be setback 2' from the property line and may not be in the front yard. All fences must be kept out of all easements, rights-of-way, and sightlines of streets intersections and driveways. all fences that are for the required barriers of a pool must meet the IRC.
Are there any inspections?
Yes, two. A "setback" inspection is done as soon as you mark where you want to put the fence and a "final" inspection after your fence is installed. You must call the office to set up the inspections. Upon approval of the inspections, a certificate of use will be signed and mailed to the applicant.

Above-Ground Pools
Do I need a permit to install an above-ground pool?
Yes. Applications are available here or at out office. The fee is $50 for the zoning permit and $104 for the building permit. Processing usually takes 7-10 business days.
What about an inflatable pool?
If the water is 24" deep or deeper, it is classified as a pool. They require the same permits and inspections. Fences may also be required.
Where can I put my pool?
In the side or rear yard only. The pool, filter, equipment, decks and accessories must all be set at least 10' from the rear property line and setback at least the required distance from the side property line based on the applicable requirements.
Do I need to put up a fence?
Possibly. All pools must have a barriew that is 48" high surrounding the pool. Some above-ground pools are higher than 48", which creates the required barrier. Ladders to pools must be lockable. If there is any access to the pool that is less than 48", most likely a fence must be installed. All fences that are of the required barriers of a pool must meet the IRC.
Are there any inspections?
Yes. You will need to set up 3 inspections. One "setback" inspection for proper placement prior to setting up the pool, one "electrical service" inspection for the electric trench before you backfill and one "final" inspection for the electrical connections, bonding and the pool placement and proper barriers. Once the pool is 100% complete, call to set up the "final" inspection. Upon approval of the final inspection a certificate of occupancy will be signed and mailed to the applicant. The pool may not be used until you receive this document.

Businesses
Do I have to get a business license to open a business in Amity?
No, you do not need a business license ot open a business in an existing commercial building or space. You do need a zoning permit to operate a no-impact home-based business or home occupation.
What's the difference between the two?
A no-impact home-based business only requires a zoning permit. A home occupation requires an additional approval from the Board of Supervisors. Home occupations allow traffic, deliveries, signs and some employees.
What permits do I need to open a business in an existing building?
Any change of use or occupancy in a commercial building requires a zoning permit and may or may not require a building permit. You will also need all other licenses that may be required by other PA government agencies, i.e. the health department.

Decks
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Yes. All decks require a Zoning Permit. If the deck is attached and being supported by securing to a house or structure or 30" or higher above grade at any point, it will also require a building permit. The fees are $50 for a zoning permit and $150 for a building permit. Processing generally takes 7-10 business days.
Where can I put my deck?
The setbacks from the property lines vary depending on what zoning district your property is in, combined with what utilities you have to the property.
Are there any inspections?
Yes. You will need to set up 4 inspections. First, is a "setback" inspection for proper placement prior to construction. Second, is a footing inspection for proper depth (30"). Third, is a "rough framing" inspection after the joists are built and lastly, is the "final inspection" for the railings and decking. Upon approval, a certificate of occupancy will be signed and mailed to you. The deck may not be used until you receive this document.
Do I have to get my deck designed by an architect to provide blueprints?
No, in most cases. We accept most sketch drawings or computer drawings as long as they show the types and sizes of the construction and material. Here is a sample deck drawing of the minimum information we require to be submitted with a deck permit application.
How deep do footing have to be?
In the Township, 30" minimum from grade to the bottom of the footing.

In-Ground Pools
Do I need a permit to install an in-ground pool?
Yes. The fee is $50 for the zoning permit and $154 for the building permit. Processing usually takes 7-10 business days.
Where can I put my pool?
In the side or rear yard only. The pool, filter, equipment, decks and accessories must all be setback at least 10' from the rear property line and setback as least the required distance from the side property line based on the applicable zoning district your property is in.
Do I need to put up a fence?
Yes. All in-ground pools must have a barrier surrounding the pool. All fences that are for the required barriers of a pool must meet Appendix G of the IRC.
Are there any inspections?
Yes. You will need 5 inspections. First, is a "setback" inspection for proper placement. Second, is a "footing" inspection for all soils under any placement of concrete. Third is an "electrical service" inspection for the electric trench to the equipment prior to backfilling. Fourth, is a "bonding" inspection to insure that all metal parts and lighting around the pool are connected together and secured to the pump motor with proper #8 AWG wire. Finally, the "final" inspection once the pool is complete to verify connections and barriers meet the proper codes. Upon approval a certificate of occupancy will be mailed to you. The pool may not be used until you receive this document.

Animals
How many horses can I have on my property?
Please refer to the general agricultural ordinance to calculate how many horses you can have. Do not include dwelling, paving, and accessory structures in any contiguous grazeable acreage.
How many goats can I have on my property?
Please refer to the general agricultural ordinance to calculate how many horses you can have. Do not include dwelling, paving, and accessory structures in any contiguous grazeable acreage.
How many chickens can I have on my property?
Please refer to the general agricultural ordinance to calculate how many horses you can have. Do not include dwelling, paving, and accessory structures in any contiguous grazeable acreage.