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1. What is the process for obtaining a building permit?

Building permits, both commercial and residential, are required in the Township of Hampton to erect, modify, remove or repair all structures. This includes everything from new building constructions and additions to accessory structures such as sheds, garages, and fences. A permit is also required for signs, both temporary and permanent. Supplemental documents such as a survey or plans are required for most building permits. The specific supplemental items required to obtain a building permit depend on what type of permit application you will need.  By State law, the Township has 15 business days to process residential building permits and 30 business days to process commercial building permits; however, turn-around time is often 1-2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the review.  

Building permits vary in cost and scope according to the type of construction. The basic building permit fees and supplemental requirements are listed on each individual application. For more information about building permits and fees, please contact the Permitting Office located at 3101 McCully Road, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call 412-486-0400 Extension 1304.

2. What types of structures require a permit?

All new construction projects will require the issuance of an approved permit prior to the start of construction. The following types of construction that require permits may include, but are not limited to; new construction (new homes, additions, new commercial structures), renovations (commercial renovations and some kinds of residential renovations), decks, hot tubs, pools (both in-ground and above-ground), fences, invisible fences (or underground fences) for pet containment, sheds, and hard (impervious surfaces) over 400 square feet in size.  This list is not all inclusive and your project may or may not qualify.  Please contact the Permitting Office for more information about whether a permit is needed for your project.  

3. How long will it take to get an answer on my permit application?

By State law, the Township must provide an answer on all residential permit applications within 15 business days and on all commercial permit applications within 30 business days.  The typical turnaround time for permit reviews is 1-2 business weeks; however, much of the timeframe depends on the complexity of the review and the number of departments that must review the permit application.  For status updates on your permit application, please contact the Permit Clerk at 412-486-0400 x 1304 or permitting@hampton-pa.org

4. Will I need engineered plans?

The building code contains prescriptive methods for most types of construction. Essentially this means that the International Codes Council publishes a series of method of construction for various types of projects, which a homeowner can follow to be assured that their project is "up to code." As such, if a property owner or contractor supplies plans that follow the relevant prescriptive methods outlined in the current building code, those plans do not need to be designed or stamped by an engineer (or architect - depending on the situation). However, some projects to require "engineered" plans. The following list covers some of those instances; however it is not all-inclusive. Please contact the Permitting Office to determine if your specific project will need engineered plans. 

• If you are proposing a construction method that is not covered in the code, then you will need to supply engineered plans.
• If you are building a deck that will support an additional weight (i.e. free-standing roofs/pergolas, hot tubs, built-in kitchens, or storage buildings), these plans must be designed and stamped by a PA certified engineer.
• If you are constructing a retaining wall that is over 4' high, you will need to submit engineered plans for the wall
• If you are using a pre-engineered building material (i.e. an engineered truss), you will need to submit an engineered plan, which is often provided by the manufacturer with the purchase of the material. A stamped manufacturer's spec sheet is acceptable in this case.  
• Plans for an entirely new house must be stamped by a PA certified architect or engineer. 
• Plans for an entirely new commercial structure must be stamped by a PA certified architect or engineer. 

As stated above, this list is not all-inclusive. Please contact the Permitting Office to determine if your specific project will need engineered plans.  

5. Can I use a hard top / retractable / auto cover instead of a fence for my in-ground pool?

No - Hampton Township requires a fence around all pools that are in-ground or semi in-ground. This applies to all pools with a wall height that is less than 48". Although there are options for commercially available for an automatic cover, that cannot be used instead of a fence. This is for safety reasons. The fence must meet all requirements in the 2018 International Residential Code, including being at least 48" in height, with a self-latching and self-locking gate. Pools with a wall height that is 48" or higher (above ground) do not need a fence as long as there is no deck or stairs leading to the pool. In that case, a flip-up/locking ladder may be used instead of a fence.

6. Do I need a permit to install or improve a driveway or patio?

All installations or improvements of driveways on Township-owned roadways require the submission of a Driveway Improvement Permit.  Link to form: Driveway Improvement Permit

If you are installing more than 400 square feet of impervious surface area on your property (which includes concrete, asphalt, or packed gravel), you will need to  obtain a permit for this work and install Township approved on-site stormwater management controls.

If you are converting an existing gravel driveway or patio area into a paved surface, and the new area exceeds 400 square feet, you will need to obtain a permit for this work and install Township approved on-site stormwater management controls.

Additionally - the State requires that ALL projects using machinery for excavation must be reported via the PA-One Call System.  This can be done on the PA One Call Website - https://www.pa1call.org/PA811/Public/  or by calling 811.

Please contact the Permit Office to obtain the correct permit applications for your project.  Email: permitting@hampton-pa.org or 412-486-0400 x 1304

7. Can I get a verbal answer on my plans?

The Township's staff is here to discuss projects and provide guidance to residents and contractors in meeting the Township's requirements; however, residents often want to get a verbal answer on whether a project is feasible while having discussions with staff. Please be aware that the official review of any permits, plans, plan changes, projects, or other hypotheticals will only occur once the required paperwork has been submitted. This is necessary so we can check for things you may not be aware of, either in the codes or on your property. Things such as utility line easements or private rights-of-way can be easily overlooked during planning but present a challenge to construction. Something that seemed ok in concept may need to meet additional requirements after a review of the survey. For this reason, a final "ok" is never given verbally and expenditures related to a planned project should never be spent until written approval is provided from the Township. This policy is in place as a protection for residents so they can have the Township's approval of their project in writing and the assurance that they can proceed without questions or challenges from staff or neighbors. 

8. What do I need if I'm putting a fence on my property?

In order to build a fence, including invisible fences or underground pet fences, in the Township of Hampton, one must obtain a fence permit. The requirements for building a fence are found in Section 310-72 of the Zoning Ordinance No. 776. For more information about fence permits and fees, please contact the Permitting Department located at 3101 McCully Road, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call the department at 412-486-0400.

9. How do I schedule a building inspection?

Please Note: A minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required to schedule all inspections.  You will need to provide your name, phone number, address, permit number, and type of construction.

To schedule a final zoning inspection for an accessory structure (shed / fence / carport / etc.) OR to schedule a stormwater inspection for a sump/stormwater control please call the Township Permitting Office at 412-486-0400 x 1304. 

To schedule a building inspection please contact the Township Building Inspector, Kevin Karman, directly at 412-491-6868 or by emailing BuildingInspector@hampton-pa.org.

To schedule an electrical inspection, please contact the Township Electrical Inspector, Gene Meaner, directly at 412-821-0337 x 39. 

10. Can I have chickens on my property?

The keeping of chickens on residential properties is permitted only in the RA, RB, CA, and CB zoning districts, subject to the following regulations:

• A permit is required (fee: $50.00). Please see the "Permits" page to download the application or stop by the Permitting Office to pick up a copy. 
• The property must be at least 20,000 square feet in size (about 1/4 acre)
• The property must be used for a single-family dwelling (not permitted on townhouse, duplex, or condominium lots).
• Residents who a part of a homeowners' association must obtain approval from their HOA.
• The keeping of chickens can only be be for personal use. The selling of chickens, eggs, manure, roosters, or anything else related to this use is prohibited. The butchering of chickens on-site is also prohibited.
• For properties up to 1 acre, a maximum of 5 chickens are permitted. For properties over 1 acre, a maximum of 10 chickens are permitted. 
• Male chickens over the age of 6 months (i.e. roosters) are not permitted.
• Renters must supply written permission from the property owner or landlord when applying for a chicken permit.
• Chickens must be kept within an enclosed structure (i.e. coop), which must be fenced-in.
  • The coop must be set back at least 40' from all property lines and must be in the rear yard (for corner lots only, the coop may be in the side yard).
  • The coop must be surrounded by a fence, which must be set back at least 25' from all property lines and must restrict the chickens' grazing area to the side yard (for corner lots only, the fence may be enclose the side yard). 
  • A combined fence/coop structure may be used, and must be set back at least 40' from all property lines and must be in the rear yard (for corner lots only, the structure may be in the side yard). 
  • All coops must be at least 6 square feet in size, with an additional 2 square feet for each chicken over 5 in number.
  • Coops must be covered, predator-proof, thoroughly ventilated and of sufficient size for the chickens to be able to move around freely. Coops must be enclosed on all sides and have doors and openings covered in material to prevent vermin and predators from entering.
  • No scrap or mismatched material may be used in the construction of the coop. The coop must be pained or stained a color that is "in harmony" with the surrounding area.
  • Coops must be maintained and sanitized regularly to prevent vermin and obnoxious odors.
  • Feed and droppings must be stored in secured, rodent-proof containers or within an enclosed structure. If stored outside, all feed/waste containers must be set back at least 40' from all property lines.
  • Any vacant coops must be removed within one (1) year.
• Residents are responsible for preventing excessive noise, offensive odors, or unsanitary conditions that disturb neighbors or threaten the public health. The keeping of chickens and storage of any associated waste or feed may not create conditions harmful to the public health or which create safety hazards, odors, unsightliness, or public nuisances.

11. What do I need if I'm putting in a pool or hot tub?

A building permit is required prior to construction of all above ground and in-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, and similar structures. Portable spas that simply plug in may not require a permit. All in-ground pools must have a 4 foot high fence with a locking gate.

All above-ground pools which are two to four feet in depth need to have a fence with a locking gate. Above ground pools over four feet do not need a fence, however they must have a removable ladder. For more information regarding the fees or permit applications, please contact the Permitting Office, located at 3101 McCully Road, Allison Park, PA from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call the department at 412-486-0400 Extension 1304.

12. What do I need if I have to do excavation on my property?

Before excavating on your property where utilities such as electric, water, telephone and gas lines are buried, state law requires that you notify the affected utilities at least 10 days prior to digging. The utilities then have 3 days to locate their utilities for you. This service is better known as PA One Call. This law is designed to protect you from serious injury and the liability that digging could cause.

Depending on the scope of work, grading and filling projects on both residential and non-residential properties require an Earth Disturbance Permit. You are required to apply for an Earth Disturbance Permit before excavation can begin. The cost of such permits vary dependent on the nature of the work. If you would like more permit information, visit the Permit Department at 3101 McCully Road, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call them at 412-486-0400.

13. How do I get a demolition permit?

If you are planning a construction project in the Township of Hampton that will involve the demolition of a structure, contact the Township of Hampton Permitting Office to learn all the required and recommended steps to perform demolition work. These include written releases from all utility companies certifying that services have been disconnected and an asbestos exemption certificate, when applicable. Please contact the Township Permit Clerk for the most current fee schedule.

If you would like a demolition permit application or more information regarding the permit process contact the Permitting Office at 3101 McCully Road from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call them at 412-486-0400 Extension 1304.

14. How do I go about getting a conditional use permit?

Property in the Township of Hampton is divided into several zoning districts with classifications such as conservation, residential, industrial, or commercial. Different districts have different stipulations as to what type of uses are permitted. When a property owner wishes to establish a use that is not considered a permitted use but is listed as a Conditional Use, they may apply to the Township of Hampton for Conditional Use approval.

Conditional Uses are uses on a property that may be granted by the Township Council after receiving recommendations from the Township's Environmental Advisory Council and Planning Commission after a public hearing has been conducted. The conditions for use must still abide by the Comprehensive Plan of the Township, avoid incompatible land uses, and serve the interests of the surrounding community. The Planning and Zoning Department can advise you as to which uses will require Conditional Use approval.

Please contact the Department of Community Development for the most current fee schedule. The application will go through the Township review process which requires it to be placed on the agenda for the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), the Planning Commission and Township Council, which includes a Public Hearing. The EAC meetings are usually held on the first Monday of each month, Planning Commission on the second Monday and Council Meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of the Month. The EAC and Planning Commission meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and the Township Council meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. All meeting are held at the Municipal Building, 3101 McCully Road and are open to the public. It is strongly recommended that you attend your hearing to answer potential questions or concerns that you may have. For more information or to receive a Conditional Use application, contact the Township of Hampton Planning and Zoning Department located at 3101 McCully Road, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call them at 412-486-0400 Extension 1307.