Building Permit Requirements for New Residential Dwellings and Additions Code Enforcement Office (610-933-4424) The following documents shall be submitted : 1. Zoning Permit Application (and Structure Placement Certification). A zoning permit must be submitted and approved before a building permit application is accepted for review and approval (Ordinance 162, as amended). Zoning permits are distinct and separate from all other permits. The property owner must also sign this form, or provide written permission authorizing the applicant to sign the form. 2. Plot Plan. Provide a plan view drawing of the property showing the location of all existing improvements (house, garage, pool, patio, decks, etc.), property set back lines, easements, and proposed location of new structure(s). Check with the zoning officer to determine the building setbacks in your zoning district. Provide on the plan(s) the dimensions of the structures from the property lines. Indicate the total square footage of impervious surface created by all existing and proposed structures to ensure compliance with the allowed coverage in your district. 3. Structure Placement Certification. The property owner or the installing contractor shall certify with his signature that the placement of all newly built or newly placed structures complies with the currently adopted zoning ordinance and any recorded land development plats applicable to the property and zoning district where it is to be located. 4. Maintenance of Stormwater Management Facilities. The property owner, his assigns, and the installing contractor, shall agree to be responsible to maintain, in perpetuity, each stormwater facility constructed to control the rate and quality of stormwater runoff. 5. Building Permit Application. All items --1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10, 11 and 12 must be completed. Item 12 is especially important and must include the total cost of the proposed improvement. Additional information detailing the cost breakdown on the plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits will be necessary in order to calculate the required permit fees. The Building Permit is to be signed by both the property owner and installing contractor (if he/she is the applicant). 6. Construction Drawings and Design Documents. At the discretion of the building code official, construction (structural) drawings stamped by a design professional engineer or architect certified and licensed in the State of Pennsylvania may be required for new residential dwellings and residential additions if the proposed design cannot be verified by the adopted building codes. Two (2) sets of drawings and support documentation, which shall include the following, are required: Foundation plans should include dimensioned plan view and details of footings, walls, waterproofing, columns, perimeter/ interior drainage, radon mitigation, control joints, etc) Floor plans must show first and second floors (and basements and third floors if accessible, greater than 6 feet high, and used for storage or habitability). Identify the use for each room, all plumbing fixtures, door and window schedules, exterior decks and porches, etc. Include structural information on joist and rafter sizes, spans and spacing; indicate point loads, special materials, etc. Structural plans should include full crosscut sectional drawings of each area to be constructed, and a wall section; beam and girder and column sizes; chimney and fireplace details, etc. Plumbing Permit should provide a riser diagram and information on supply lines, waste water lines, sewage drainage lines, and vent piping (riser diagrams), which identify sizes and type of pipe being proposed. Provide manufacturer s specs on proprietary materials and equipment (including hot water heater) being supplied by the plumbing contractor. The 2009 IRC code requirements for joist, stud and rafter cutting and notching requirements, and pipe protection shall be acknowledged by the Master Plumber prior to issuance of the permit. Electrical Permit should include floor plans indicating panel size and location, quantity and locations of receptacle and lighting fixtures and appliances, a load design estimate sheet, general parts and material identification, etc. Electrical drawings must be reviewed and approved by a qualified electrical plans examiner certified in the state of Pennsylvania prior to submittal to the building code official. Note: State certified electrical plan examiners are listed on the PA Labor & Industry web site: www.dli.state.pa.us/. Generally, most Electrical Underwriters are certified plan examiners, although many electrical contractors may also have current certifications. The building code official will verify all certifications of qualified individuals listed on the web site. 1
Mechanical Permit. Floor plans showing location and sizing of all major pieces of HVAC equipment; heating and cooling load calculations; manufacturer s appliance specifications (heating/cooling unit efficiency rating, BTU rating/capacity, tons, AFUE, etc.); air flow and duct line diagrams; liquid fuel and gas systems equipment specs and materials; type, size and length of all pipe venting for fuel burning appliances, etc. Energy Conservation. The 2009 IECC Energy Code requires a whole structure energy design profile be provided. Specifications for insulation of walls, roof and ceilings; window and door fenestration; heating and cooling unit efficiencies, air leak prevention details -- all must be selected and accounted for. The builder must select and indicate to the building official one of three prescriptive methods of energy conservation, i.e., Chapter 11 of the IRC, the 2009 IEEC code, or the PA Alternative Residential Energy Provisions. It is recommended that a Res-check program calculation be submitted to satisfy this requirement. This program is free and can be downloaded off the internet from www.energycodes.gov. Drawing/document submittals must provide sufficient detail and information to allow the code official to determine whether the overall construction and individual components meet the code. Construction drawings are usually drawn to a scale of ¼ = 1, must be legible, and must be drawn on a suitable material. The General construction drawings may include elements of each of the above described plans such as a framing schedule, size, grade and species of studs, header, beams and girders; manufactures specs for truss systems and engineered products; window and door schedules (size, egress, energy specs); interior and exterior finishes; roofing materials, etc., as well as plumbing and electrical and mechanical information. However, it is likely that the subcontractors will need to supplement the general information with more specific documentation, e.g., heat/cooling load calculations, electrical load design lists, plumbing riser diagrams, etc. 7. Stormwater Control and Environmental Protection. Property improvements which increase impervious (non-absorbing) surfaces can concentrate and increase the velocity or rate of stormwater runoff from the property. It is necessary to account for stormwater runoff depending on the size of the property, its topography and the amount of new impervious cover created. The applicant shall submit a site plan showing those measures which will address E&S and stormwater. Location of soil stock piles, silt fencing, stabilization methods, diversion berms, sediment basins, and storm water control basin(s) --including sizes, capacity, and possible engineered design complying with zoning ordinance 27-1507 may be imposed as a requirement of the building permit. This will be determined by the building official and/or the Township engineer. The applicant shall also sign and submit a Maintenance of Storm Water Management Facilities form with the zoning permit. The applicant may be directed to submit a plan to the Chester County Conservation District for review and approval depending on the size of the area to be disturbed, or a special condition such as its proximity to flood plain, wetlands or exceptional quality waterway. 8. Additional Permit Requirements. Before a building permit for new residential construction can be approved, there may be several other permits and documents which need to be submitted for review. Several if not all of the following permits/documents shall be required: Proof of Ownership (Deed, Tax Receipt, or sales agreement) On-Lot Well Permit (Chester County Health Dept, 610-344-6526) On-Lot Sewage Treatment Permit (Chester County Health Dept, 610-344-5275) Operation & Maintenance Agreement with East Vincent Twp. for on-lot sewage permit. East Vincent Wastewater Services agreement to connect to the public sewer (610-933-4424) Agreement with PA American Water Co. for public water connection. Plumbing, Electrical, and/or Mechanical Permits (see item # 6 above) Driveway Permit (Township or PennDOT) Highway Occupancy permit (Right of Way encroachment) Grading Permit (monitored and inspected and approved by the township engineer) Professional Services Agreement for Individual lots* * Individuals improving or developing a single lot, after subdivision has taken place, shall execute a Professional Services Agreement with the Township to cover miscellaneous costs incurred with their project. The agreement includes the establishment of a Professional Services Escrow Account. The Escrow Account covers the expenses of the Township for advisory services in reviewing the application. Escrow amounts shall be established on a case by case basis. All unused funds shall be returned to the applicant eighteen (18) months after the completion of the project/development, or upon written cancellation of the project/development upon approval by the Board of Supervisors of the refund. The Professional Services Escrow Account funds shall be replenished within fifteen (15) days as they are depleted to fifty percent (50%) of the original amount. 9. Contractor s Registration. All contractors for new single and/or multi-family dwellings must register and pay a fee to perform work in East Vincent Township (Code of Ordinances Ch.5, Part 2). The registration fee will be doubled if work is begun before registering; and, all work accomplished up to that time will be failed and may be required to be dismantled in whole or in part before proceeding. NOTE: A residential addition is defined by the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (PA Act 132 of 2008) as a home improvement, in which case township fees are not required. Master Plumbers/ plumbing contractors must register and pay a fee for all work performed in East Vincent Township (Code of Ordinances Ch.5, and Part 3). 2
10. Insurance. Unless the property owner himself is performing all work and construction, PA Act 44 of 1993 requires a declaration regarding Workers Compensation Insurance (WCI) from each contractor be provided to the township. The contractor must prove that he carries Workers Compensation Insurance by providing a certificate of insurance from his insurance carrier with East Vincent Township named as the certificate holder. If he does not carry WCI, he must provide a notarized affidavit stating that he is self employed, that he has no employees, and he does not carry WCI. Affidavit forms are available from the code enforcement office. 11. Fees. Permit fees shall be determined by the Building Code Official after review of the application documents requested. Review and approval or denial of permit applications shall be accomplished within fifteen (15) working days after all documentation listed above is received. The applicant shall be notified to pay the permit fee prior to issuance of the permit. NO WORK MAY BEGIN UNTIL PERMITS ARE ISSUED AND PICKED UP BY THE APPLICANT, AND CONTRACTORS ARE REGISTERED (*IF REQUIRED). 11. Inspections. Required inspections will include stakeout to verify location of structure; building site and footing preparation before they are poured; foundation (water proofing and damp proofing, sill plate anchoring, interior and exterior drainage, etc); exterior sheathing (before covering or wrapping!!!); basement and garage slabs (before pouring); radon preparation; rough framing and flashing (after rough plumbing, rough HVAC and rough electrical are installed), insulation and energy preparation (air barrier and air sealing and caulking), wallboard (before spackling), and final Use and Occupancy inspection. Erosion and sediment (E&S) control of the work site will be continually monitored, and the worked stopped if E & S measures are not being observed. Rough and final electrical inspections by a certified electrical underwriter are be required. The township Roadmaster will perform all final driveway inspections, which shall be approved prior to the issuance of a final occupancy permit. The township engineer or the Conservation District inspector will perform final grading and stormwater facility inspections before escrows held under a professional services agreement are released back to the property owner or applicant. Requests for inspections shall be made 24 to 48 hours prior to each inspection. Leaving a message on the answering machine does not constitute a request for an inspection. You must talk to or receive a return call from the building inspector in order to be assured that the time and location of the requested inspection will be honored. Failure to contact the inspector for a required inspection will result in an automatic failed inspection notice, a possible stop work order and a possible fine, or both. Building code violations will be prosecuted to the extent allowed by law. Any regularly scheduled inspection that fails a third inspection will require a follow up inspection whose cost must be assumed by the property owner/building permit applicant. 3
Residential Permit Application Checklist New Single Family Dwelling Application Ref: 1 Zoning Permit -- signed by property owner, or provided with written authorization from the property owner giving permission to the applicant to perform work. 2. Plot Plan of property showing locations of existing and proposed structures with dimensions to the property lines, setbacks, easements, slope, septic fields, etc. 3. Building placement certification, signed by a professional engineer (P.E. or surveyor). 4. Maintenance of Stormwater Management. Facilities form. 5. BUILDING PERMIT all sections completed and signed. Plumbing Permit completed by master plumber registered in East Vincent Twp. Electrical Permit completed by electrical contractor registered in East Vincent Twp. Include drawings and load sheet that have been reviewed and signed by a qualified electrical underwriter are required. Mechanical Permit. completed by mechanical contractor registered in East Vincent Twp. Include heating/cooling load sheet calculations, equipment specs, and duct and air flow diagrams. Must include contract cost of all HVAC equipment and labor on permit. Contractor Information list all contractors on the form(s) provided. 6. Energy Conservation Profile provide energy conservation design details either by RES_Check or IECC code book prescriptive method. 7. Driveway Permit (Township) all sections completed, signed by property owner/ applicant. A $400.00 escrow shall be held for the paving of the first 20 feet 8. Driveway Permit (State) issued by PennDoT in the name of the property owner 9. On-lot well permit issued in the name of the property owner obtain from Chester County Health Department (610-344-5275). 10. On-lot sewage treatment permit issued in the name of the property owner -- obtain from the Chester County Health Department (610-344-5275). 11. Proof of public water connection agreement with PA American Water Co. 12. Proof of public sewer tapping fee payment obtain from EVWS (610-933-4424). 4
13. Proof of public sewer tapping fee payment obtain from EVWS (610-933-4424). 14. Proof of property ownership, i.e., tax receipt, deed, settlement papers. 15. Erosion and sediment control plan showing locations of all silt fences, berms, swales, etc. 16. Storm water facilities plan showing location, size, and design of all water catch basins. 17. Construction drawings (2 sets) at ¼ =1-0 scale showing dimensioned plan views of foundation, each floor, appurtenances (porches, decks, patios), accessory buildings, elevation views, section views, structural framing identification, connection details; notes and declarations relative to compliance to all current state, county, and local building codes, statutes and regulations. The township building official may request a professional engineer s stamp be affixed to any drawings whose structural design cannot be verified by building code review. 18. Building permit fees amount to be determined by building official after plan review. Other Requirements: Contractor Registrations. All contractors will need to register before starting any work. Registration period is January 1 st to December 31 st. Proof of Workers Compensation Insurance coverage (required by PA Act 44) must be provided by each contractor; or, a notarized affidavit declaring that he does not carry Workers Compensation Insurance coverage. Professional Services Agreement. May be required for individual lot development after subdivision has taken place or special conditions demand. Applicant will be required to pay for Engineering, Legal, and Township Administration fees for review and processing of documents or on-site inspections of special construction, e.g., storm water detention basins, road and culvert construction, storm water and impervious coverage design and review, or grading inspections relative to any required permit. Escrow monies must be determined and in place with the Township prior to issuance of permits. Grading permit may be required for all public improvement work, and if special grading and drainage structures are required on individual lots. Fire Permit (commercial) Sprinklers systems, fire safety design and costruction, and any fire code apparatus/installation will require stamped drawings from a professional design engineer. Special structures permit, e.g., storage tank, tower, pump station, electrical building, etc. Obtain from the building official after drawings are submitted to and reviewed by the township engineer. Zoning hearing relief is usually required. 5