Code Enforcement

Building Permits are required for new construction of residential and commercial buildings as well as additions, sunrooms, renovations, garages, decks, porches, roofs, signs and swimming pools.

Zoning Reviews are required for all sheds, fences,  retaining walls, driveway expansions, patios and sidewalks.

An application for a Building Permit, or Zoning Review does not grant permission

for the job to start.  No work may start until the permit is issued.

All permits will be charged a $4.00 service fee in accordance with Act 13 of 2004 passed by the Pennsylvania Legislature.  The Township is required to submit these fees to the Commonwealth on a quarterly basis to fund required training associated with the recently adopted Uniform Construction Code.

All Building Permits must be posted so they are visible from the street.  Building Permits are not finalized until the necessary inspections are completed.

Code Enforcement Staff

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Building Code Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply for a permit?

2. Can you recommend a good contractor?

3. I am selling my home, does the Township require a resale inspection?

4. I want to change my basement to living space, will I need an additional exit to the outside?

5. Who Needs Building Codes?

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Fire Safety Frequently asked Questions

1.   Evacuating Your Pets
2.   How often should my fireplace be cleaned?
3.   Where are smoke alarms required in my home?
4.   Opening Burning Rules
5.   Emergencies happen every day around the world but what happens when the emergency is in your
      neighborhood, your town or your city? Are you prepared, where do you go, what do you need,
      what should you do to protect yourself and your family?
6.   Escape From Fire
7.   Fire Safety Checklist
8.   Fireworks Safety Tips
9.   FEMA Fireworks Safety
10. Recreational Fires
11. Flood Insurance
12. Helping Kids Overcome Their Disaster Fears
13. Don't Let Your Flood Insurance Policy Lapse
14.  Decorating for the Holiday

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Building Code Answers to FAQs

1.   How do I apply for a permit?

• Permit applications (all kinds) are available at the Township Building from 8:00 - 4:30 p.m.
  Monday thru Friday or on the website.

2.   Can you recommend a good contractor?

If you are planning to do any renovation or work at your residence that may require a permit there are a few things you should be aware of.  An important part of the permit process is the inspection of work at various phases during construction. The minimum inspections should consist of a footing inspection (if adding an addition), a framing inspection, a rough and final electrical inspection, and a Final/Use & Occupancy inspection.

 

The Final/Use & Occupancy Inspection insures that all work is completed in accordance with the Township Building Code. Upon completion of this inspection a Use & Occupancy Certificate will be issued. Final payment should not be made to your contractor until this permit is received, which officially completes the project.  

 

When choosing a contractor be sure that they are insured and do not be afraid to ask for references. Any contractor that hesitates to produce this information should not be used. Also take the time to check out the references, including looking at previous work they have

done.

Beware of deals that sound too good to be true; they usually are.

 Do not let this happen to you!!!!

Any questions? Please call the Code Enforcement Office.

3.   I am selling my home, does the township require a resale inspection?

• You must first apply for a Certificate of Occupancy by completing the form and submitting the fee. After allowing 10 business days for processing, you may call the Township Building and schedule an inspection (24-hour notice is required).  If your home passes the inspection, the Inspector will issue a Certificate of Occupancy.  This certificate must be dated within 30 days of settlement. 

4.   I want to change my basement to living space, will I need an additional exit to the  outside?  Yes

In Towamencin Township, for any basement renovations after January 1, 2001, under the International Residential Code the following applies:

R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required. Basements with habitable space and every sleeping room shall have at least one openable emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door opening for emergency escape and rescue.  Where openings are provided as a means of escape and rescue they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches (1118mm) above the floor. Where a door opening having a threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening and is provided with a bulkhead enclosure, the bulkhead enclosure shall comply with Section R310.3. The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the window or door opening from the inside. Escape and rescue window openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Section R310.2

R310.1.1 Minimum opening area. All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.530 m²). Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet (0.465 m²).

R310.1.2 Minimum opening height. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610mm).

R310.1.3 Minimum opening width. The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm).

R310.1.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys of tools.

R310.2 Window wells. Window wells required for emergency escape and rescue shall have horizontal dimensions that allow the door or window of the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened. The horizontal dimensions of the window well shall provide a minimum net clear area of 9 square feet (0.84 m²) with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches (914 mm). Exception: The ladder or steps required by Section R310.2.1 shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 inches (152 mm) into the required dimensions of the window well.

R310.2.1 Ladder and steps. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) below the adjacent ground level shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be required to comply with Sections R314* and R315*. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (304 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center vertically for the full height of the window well.

R310.3 Bulkhead enclosures. Bulkhead enclosures shall provide direct access to the basement. The bulkhead enclosure with the door panels in the fully open position shall provide the minimum net clear opening required by Section R310.1.1. Bulkhead enclosures shall also comply with Section R314.9*.

R310.4 Bars, grills, covers and screens. Bars, grills, covers, screens or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or window wells that serve such openings, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with Sections R310.1.1 to R310.1.3, and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.

For referenced sections of the code or if you have questions, please call the Township Building.

5.   Who Needs Building Codes

We all do - whether in our homes, offices, schools, stores, factories, or places of entertainment. We rely on the safety of structures that surround us in our everyday living. The public need for protection from disaster due to fire, structural collapse, and general deterioration underscores the need for modern codes and their administration.

 

HOW RELIABLE ARE THEY?

 

Most aspects of building construction, electrical wiring, heating, sanitary facilities- represent a potential hazard to building occupants and users. Building codes provide safeguards. Although no code can eliminate all risks, reducing risks to an acceptable level helps.

 

WHAT IS A BUILDING CODE?

 

Practically, it is the government’s official statement on building safety. Technically, it is a compendium of minimum safety standards arranged in a systematic manner (codified) for easy reference. It embraces all aspects of building construction, fire, structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical.

 

WHY SHOULD MINIMUM SAFETY CODES APPLY TO MY OWN HOUSE?

 

For several reasons:

 

• For your personal safety, and that of your family, and the guests invited into your home.

• To ensure the economic well-being of the community by reducing potential spread of fire and disease.

• For the conservation of energy.

• To protect future home purchasers who deserve reasonable assurance that the home they buy will be safe.

 

Local building departments provide a wide range of services beyond the usual plan review and building inspection process. These range from the administration of planning or zoning laws to housing maintenance inspection, nuisance abatement, and a number of other related or ancillary duties.

 

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Answers to Fire Safety FAQs

       Evacuating With Your Pets

Family pets should never be left behind in an evacuation. As families in evacuation areas prepare for hurricane season, they also need to plan for the family pet according to state and federal emergency management officials.
 

Decide now where you and your family will stay if local officials call for an evacuation. Many hotels or shelters may not allow pets. Prepare an emergency kit for each pet in a waterproof, easy-to-carry container. Families evacuating in their own vehicles can use this check list:

• A secure pet carrier, cage or crate, plus leash and collar or harness for each pet

• Muzzle (Anxiety and stress can cause any pet to bite. A muzzle serves to protect both the pet and other people.)

• An up-to-date identification tag on your pet's collar and proof of ownership, such as a picture of you with your pet

• Veterinary records and medications, such as flea or heartworm treatment, along with emergency contact information

• One week's worth of food and water for each pet, including dishes, spoon and a can opener

• Written feeding and medication instructions, including what NOT to feed your pet

• Clean-up supplies: paper towels, newspaper, kitty litter with pan and scoop for cats, sealable bags for disposing of waste, wet and dry wipes and hand sanitizers

• Pet toys, bedding and treats

For more information on care for household pets and livestock during evacuation and sheltering, go to:

Get A Game Plan Website: www.GetAGamePlan.org

    Where are smoke alarms required in my home?

Protect Yourself and Your Family Today!

In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape.

 

Why Should My Home Have Smoke Alarms?

In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are a very important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety devices you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

What Types of Smoke Alarms Are Available?

There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market but they fall under two basic types:  ionization and photoelectric.

Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.

Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different yet potentially fatal fires, and because homeowners cannot predict what type of fire might start in a home, the USFA recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms.

In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.

Okay, Where Do I Put Them?

Smoke alarms are required in all sleeping rooms and at least 1 on every level of the house including the basement.  To prevent false activations of the detectors do not install them within 5 feet of any bathroom or kitchen.  Also keep them at least 3 feet away from supply and return ducts for HVAC units

Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Are Smoke Alarms Hard to Install?

If your smoke alarms are hard wired, that is wired into the electrical system, you will need to have a qualified electrician do the initial installation or install replacements.  For battery powered smoke alarms, all you will need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self adhesive and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. 

For all smoke alarm installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions because there are differences between the various brands.  If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help.

How Do I Keep My Smoke Alarm Working?

If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:

1.      Smoke Alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to
      manufacturer’s instructions.

2.      In standard type battery powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the
      whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

3.      In hard-wired, battery back-up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least
      once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

What if the Alarm Goes Off While I’m Cooking?

Then it’s doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking.  Instead clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may need to be moved to a new location. Some of the newer models have a “hush” button that silences nuisance alarms.

How Long will my Smoke Alarm Last?

Most alarms installed today have a life span of about 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it. Some of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.

Anything Else I Should Know?

Some smoke alarms are considered to be “hard-wired.” This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery backup. It’s important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year. 
 

The U.S. Fire Administration would like to remind you of some important fire safety and prevention information.

• Plan and practice escape plans several times a year.

• Make sure your whole family knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.

• Obtain and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.

• Install carbon monoxide detectors.

• Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.
  
  
  “Install. Inspect. Protect.”

   “Every year, more than 3,000 people die in home fires in the United States; most of whom are in homes without a working smoke alarm. To prevent these deaths, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is sponsoring a nationwide Install. Inspect. Protect. Campaign designed to raise awareness about how working, properly installed smoke alarms can lower a person’s chances of dying in a fire.

   The USFA recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home; testing them monthly; changing alkaline batteries at least once a year; and installing ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms.

  Click the link below for a short video with more information.

  http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smokealarms/materials/educational.shtm

  Remember INSTALL. INSPECT. PROTECT.”

OPEN BURNING RULES

1. Who can burn: ONE and TWO FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS ONLY

2. What you can burn: Yard trimmings including leaves, only.

3. What you cannot burn!   Garbage, household, business or industrial trash or similar waste products

4. Where you can burn: More than 50 feet from any structure, vehicle or fuel tank and more than 25 feet from any property line

5. Where you cannot burn!   In any street, alley or any right of way

6. When you can burn:

• Saturdays and Sundays only, during the months of January, February, March, June, July, August, September and December.

• Daily during the months of April, May, October and November

Additional Information:

• Prior to any burning, the resident shall be required to notify the Township Police Department.

• You may not start before 08:00 AM and the fire and all embers must be completely extinguished before dusk, on the same day ignited.  Smoldering debris is not acceptable.

• The fire must be attended constantly by a responsible person.

• You must have an operating garden hose long enough to reach 15 feet beyond the burn pile.

• The pile size must not exceed 5’ x 5’ x 3’ high.  If more piles exist, only one pile may be burning at a time. 

• You may not use flammable liquids to accelerate the burning of the pile.

• You may not burn during high winds, drought or weather inversions or when deemed hazardous by the Fire Marshal.

• The fire must be free burning and not generating excessive smoke.

• Any embers discharging from the fire must be controlled and may not enter onto adjacent properties.

• If a complaint is received due to excessive smoke or fire embers entering onto adjacent properties, the Fire Marshal’s Office or the Police Department may order the fire to be extinguished.

• If high winds exist, a ban will be placed on any “open burning” for the remainder of the day.

      The fire must be completely extinguished by dusk on the same day it was ignited. No extension of this time may be granted.

 

54-4 Violations and Penalties 

Any persons who shall violate any of the terms or provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof before a District Justice, be sentenced to pay a fine or penalty not exceeding $1,000 and the cost of prosecution for each offence.  This is to be collected as like fines or penalties and costs, due collectible by law.

Any questions may be referred to the Fire Marshal’s Office during normal business hours at 215-368-7602, extension 1104.

Kevin Pezzano
Fire Marshal

(Reference:  The Code of Towamencin Township, Chapter 54)
(Reference:  International Fire Code – as adopted by Towamencin Township)
(Reference:  PA Department of Environmental Protection [PADEP] Regulation 129.14)

    Emergencies - How To Protect Yourself

In an emergency, knowing what to do is your best defense. Start now by learning the risks, making an emergency plan and getting involved to help others.”  Get the basics on what you need to be prepared at ReadyPA.

   Recreational Fires

Burning shall be permitted for recreational and entertainment purposes such as bon fires and campfires. Permission for such fires is required by the Fire Marshal at least 48 hours prior to the event. Contact the Fire Marshal's office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for approval.

The attached Application must be submitted to the Fire Marshal for approval.

   Helping Kids Overcome Their Disaster Fears

When kids see news about a storm or flood or other kind of disaster it can make them feel helpless, experts say. Or they may hear their friends or relatives talking about what happened to them during a storm or flood; the kids' eyes widen and their ears perk up. They wonder if they could be hurt in a disaster. 

Help your children overcome their fears by being involved in planning a family emergency supply kit. Together you can make a list of the things you need to have in your kit. If you find there are items that should be included and you do not have them in the house, go shopping together for them. Make disaster preparedness a project you do together.

Here are some things you may want to talk about and plan for:

• What kinds of supplies will be on your list for your emergency supply kit;

• How you are preparing the family home for a disaster;

• How you will evacuate if necessary and where you will go (to friends or relatives or a shelter);

• Where you will meet if you're not at home when the disaster strikes;

• Who you will call to "check in" if you become separated during the disaster.

A good project for youngsters to do in advance is assemble a "kids activity kit" that may include:

• Favorite books;

• Crayons, coloring books, pencils and paper;

• Favorite toys or stuffed animals;

• One or two board games;

• A deck of cards;

• A favorite blanket or pillow.

Kids who take an active role in disaster preparedness are less fearful and can also be a big help if a disaster happens.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a disaster information Web site just for kids. Parents and teachers are encouraged to log onto www.fema.gov/kids/ for more disaster facts and information for children.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

   Don't Let Your Flood Insurance Policy Lapse 

Towamencin residents keeping an eye on the forecast for heavy rains and flooding should know that a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers their best protection against loss.

Those who already have flood insurance policies are encouraged to check their policy each year, update as necessary, and make sure premiums remain paid in full.

Flood damage is not covered under homeowner insurance policies, and there is no guarantee that federal disaster assistance will be available when a flood occurs. Federal disaster assistance is limited, and often in the form of a loan which must be repaid with interest.

Flood insurance is available to homeowners, business owners, and renters.  Policies offer up to $250,000 coverage for homeowners, up to $100,000 for personal property and up to $500,000 each for business contents and buildings. It takes 30 days for new NFIP policies to go into effect.

For more information or to find an insurance agent near you who sells flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov, or call the NFIP at 888-FLOOD29. The hearing- or speech-impaired should call TTY 800-427-5593.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

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