BUILDING/FIRE/ZONING PERMIT GUIDE

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Ginger Virginia Tate
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1 BUILDING/FIRE/ZONING PERMIT GUIDE Summary Guidelines The following is an instructional guide that will serve to assist you in securing the various permits issued by the Bureau of Code Administration. In addition to the instructional sections contained herein, the following are some standard procedures that apply to all of the permit applications: Payment for any permit must be with a check or money order that is issued to the City Treasurer No work may commence without an approved permit. All permits applications must be completed and with the necessary information, i.e. drawings, etc. attached. All permit applications must be completed legibly and to include proper addresses with the appropriate zip code, contact phone numbers and . Any false statements or incomplete information on your permit application will cause your permit application to be denied and returned. All permit applications must be signed and dated. All contractors and sub-contractors must have a valid Mercantile License or trade license if applicable as well as valid liability insurance. Indicate at the top of your application if you want your permit mailed to you or if you desire to pick up your permit at our office. Your permit placard must be posted in a conspicuous place. Progressive inspections require a 24-hour notice.

2 All permits expire if work has ceased and is not continuous for a period of 6 months. Electrical Permit Instructions : Contractors applying for an electrical permit must have a valid Master Electrical license or documentation from the Master Electrician granting the approval for a Journeyman Electrician to secure an electrical permit. All electricians must possess a license issued by the City of Harrisburg. All Master Electricians must possess valid liability insurance. Complete all information on application. Electrical work conducted on properties in a flood plain must comply with flood plain regulations. A building permit must also be secured for estimated costs of $1, or more. If any part of the service is being changed, i.e. service cable, meter base or panel, the property must be brought into compliance with the minimum city code requirements enclosed herein. If a property is placarded for water termination, an electrical permit will not be issued until the placard is lifted. For commercial installations, sealed blueprints prints must accompany the permit application. In addition to sealed blueprints, they must be certified by a third party plan reviewer. Contractors must indicate what third party inspection agency will be inspecting their electrical work. All Master Electricians must possess a valid Mercantile License. Sign and date your application.

3 Building Permit Application Instructions : The Building permit application is your comprehensive permit application which includes the total proposed improvements to the property. The following represents the requirements needed to complete your application in a timely manner: Complete sections I through D. Complete section E in detail as to what type of work is being performed. Additional paper may be attached. A site drawing with construction detail is required for all decks, accessory structures and new construction. Site drawings must indicate rear, front and side setbacks from the existing property lines. Complete section F indicating all improvements inclusive of electrical, plumbing, sprinkler work, HVAC etc. Indicate the sum of all improvements in the Total Cost of Improvements section. This will dictate the cost of your building permit. (Sprinkler/Fire Prevention Code fees may be included on your building permit application) 2 sets of signed and stamped drawings from a design professional indicating compliance with the adopted International Building Code for commercial buildings and buildings utilized by the general public for the following types of work: a) For a change of use, new or substantial construction work in commercial/industrial buildings or buildings utilized by the general public. (substantial is defined as work where the cost of such exceeds the 50% of the market value of the building) b) Work where the floor layout and the path of egress are altered for the above types of construction. c) When substantial rehabilitation of a commercial building, 20% of the total cost of improvements must be dedicated to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Improvements. New fire sprinkler installations require sealed drawing to be approved by the City.

4 When submitting commercial drawings, the electrical portion of the plans must be signed by a third party electrical plans reviewer. A flood plain elevation certificate is required for all-new construction and substantial rehabilitation in the 100-year flood plain. (substantial is defined as work that exceeds 50% of the market value of the building) Flood plain construction must comply with the current adopted building and zoning codes. New or substantial flood plain or construction may require a special exception or variance before a permit can be issued and may require review by the Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board. Work that involves improvements to the exterior of a building that exists in a registered historic district requires review by the Planning Director. Extensive modifications may require a separate approval by the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board. Complete Section G. Any contractor or sub-contractor must be listed and must possess a valid Mercantile License. Sign, date and indicate your address on your application. No building permit may be secured for properties that have been condemned by the City of Harrisburg without the submittal of a structural analysis by a licensed structural Engineer. Progressive Inspections are required by The Bureau of Codes Administration for all new construction, extensive rehabilitation or as indicated by the Bureau of Codes Administration. MINIMUM CITY ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND SUBSTANTIAL REHABILITATION April 2018 New Construction - All Articles of 2008 NEC Apply Existing Dwellings - When a new service or distribution panel is installed or when substantial remodeling or rehabilitation work is performed in an existing dwelling the following minimums shall apply:

5 1. Two separate 20 amp branch appliance circuits shall be installed to serve each kitchen. 2. All existing receptacles within 6 feet of a water source shall have ground fault protection. 3. Enough general lighting circuits shall be installed to provide a minimum of three (3) watts per square foot of floor space. 4. Each habitable room shall have a minimum of one switch operated light fixture and two duplex receptacles or two remote duplex receptacles, one to be switch operated. Every room shall have a wall switch at one point of entry (a) (4) - If a receptacle(s) is (are) to be installed in crawl spaces or at below grade level in unfinished basements, they shall have ground fault protection with the following exceptions: (a) laundry receptacles, (b) single receptacle located and identified for a cord and plug appliance such as a refrigerator or freezer, (c) single receptacle supplying a permanently installed sump pump. Sump pumps require a dedicated 20-amp circuit. 6. One separate 20-amp branch circuit shall be installed to laundry, area, if one exists. 7. All grounding type receptacles shall be grounded. 8. Bathrooms:All bathrooms shall have a duplex receptacle adjacent to the lavatory and it shall have ground fault protection. All existing receptacles in bathrooms shall be grounded and be ground fault protected. 9. Floor mounted receptacles must be moved to baseboard or wall, unless proper floor boxes are installed. 10. One additional receptacle must be installed in the cellar other than a laundry circuit. 11. Outside receptacle must be grounded it must be G.F.I. and weather protected.

6 12. All electrical fixtures and devices shall be checked for proper junction boxes and also for proper grounding where required. 13. All receptacles where stationary appliances are plugged in must be grounded. 14. Any exposed knob and tube wiring that is connected and active shall be removed. 15. All other wiring methods must comply with 2008 NEC except for repair or replacement. When inspecting a property under Rental Inspection, if no service work is required, check minimum #1,3,4, and 7 to 14. If #1 has to be done, #2 will also be done. #5 will be done when any of these are installed. Minor remodeling work will be checked the same way. When bathrooms and/or kitchens are remodeled, all requirements for these rooms shall be enforced. Note: Properties in the 100-year flood plain: Should any portion of the electrical service require replacement, the distribution panel must be installed 3 above the 100-year flood plain elevation. Should replacement of a service not be necessary and the distribution panel exist below the 100-year flood plain elevation, a disconnect must be installed 3 above the 100-year flood plain elevation, and the existing distribution panel may be re-fed to as a sub-panel, to meet the intent of the Federal mandate relative to 100 year flood plain installations. Most frequently asked questions : 1) Question: How long will my permit take to process? Answer: In most cases your permit application will be processed within 48 hours. However, the larger the job the more time it will take to review the application and drawing, if applicable. In accordance with the adopted Statewide Building Code, residential permit applications must be approved within 15 business days. Commercial permit applications must be approved within 30 business days. 2) Question: What codes does the City of Harrisburg utilize? Answer: The City of Harrisburg in accordance with State law is under the

7 2009 International Codes, sections of the 2015 Codes and the 2008 National Electric Code. The City of Harrisburg remains under the 2000 International Property Maintenance Code as amended. Contact the Assistant Codes Administrator for additional information at ) Question: Can I mail my permit application to the Bureau of Codes Administration? Answer: Yes, as long as all the pertinent information and permit fees accompany your application. Your permit application will then be processed in the order it was received. Applications should be sent to: The Martin Luther King Government Center, Bureau of Codes, 10 N 2 nd Street, Suite 205, Harrisburg, Pa ) Question: If I have a multi-phase job must I take a permit out for the entire job or can I take out permits as I go? Answer: Yes, it s called fast tracking. You may secure progressive permits for each phase of construction. As long as each phase has passed progressive inspections you may continue fast tracking until the job s completion. 5) Question: What if my project involves street excavation? Answer: You should contact the City Engineer s office at ) Question: What if my project involves the tapping of the City s sewer main? Answer: You must contact the Capital Region at ) Question: What if my project involves the tapping of the City s water main or securing a water meter?

8 Answer: All questions regarding tapping a City water main or securing a water meter should be referred to Capital Region at ) Question: What if I change contractors in mid-course of my project? Answer: You must send the current contractor a certified letter stating their removal from the project with a copy of such being sent to the Bureau of Codes Administration. Your new contractor will be required to secure a new permit for the work with the knowledge that they will be assuming full responsibility for all past and future work on the project. 9) Question: What if my work involves the blocking of a public parking area? Answer: You need to contact Parking Enforcement for more information at ) Question: What if I have questions regarding activation of my water charges? Answer: You need to contact the Capital Region at ) Question: What if I have questions on dumping debris at the incinerator located in the City? Answer: You need to contact Coventa Development Co. on 1670 S 19 th Street at ) Question: What if my project includes the installation of a sprinkler system? Answer: You will need to submit a set of sealed drawings to the Bureau of Codes. 13) Question: What if my project includes the blocking of a public street of other public thoroughfares? Answer: You will need to contact the City s Engineers Office at to obtain authorization. 14) Question: What if my project is in a municipal Historic District and I am doing exterior improvements?

9 Answer: Your project may require further review and approval by the City s Planning Bureau to assure compliance with historic standards. You would have to contact the City s Planning Bureau at ) Question: What if my project exists in the 100-year flood plain? Answer: It will depend on the nature of the work proposed. If it is new construction or extensive rehabilitation you will need to contact the Bureau of Planning for approval. If your work involves either repair of replacement of building components then a standard building permit will suffice. 16) Question: What if for some reason I cannot complete the work proposed on my building permit application and I delay in finishing the work in a continuous manner? Answer: Your building permit will expire after 6 months if work is not continuous. In this case you will have to reapply for a new building permit.