North Huntingdon, PA

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Planning & Zoning

1. Does a carport require a permit?: Yes, a carport requires a residential permit and you must follow the garage/accessory structure guidelines. View Ordinance No. 867 Accessory Structures (PDF)

2. What are the restrictions for corner lots?: Corner lots fall under different guidelines for front and side property lines. For more information, refer to the
Corner Lot Diagram (PDF)

3. What size deck can I build without a permit?: At grade decks 30 inches or less in height do not require a permit.

4. What guidelines should be followed for driveways?: Driveways may not exceed 25 feet in width at road edge back to the right-of-way line. It may be wider beyond the right-of-way.

5. What are the guidelines for fences?: Fencing cannot exceed 6 feet 6 inches in height and cannot block vehicular vision. Decorative fencing can face either side; property owner's preference. While fencing can be located directly on the property line, the Township strongly recommends the fence be placed inside the property line to allow enough room for maintenance on both sides without infringing on the neighboring property. From the face of your home to the front property line is the front yard and fencing cannot exceed 4 feet in height and cannot block vehicular sight vision. From the face of your home to the rear property line is the back yard. Corner lots are considered to have 2 front yards. For more information, please refer to the Corner Lot Diagram (PDF)

6. Do I need a permit for a garage or accessory structure?: Require a Residential Permit. They cannot exceed 624 square feet nor be any higher than 14 feet in height measured from the floor to ridge. These structures cannot infringe on the side yard setback and must be located a minimum of 10 feet from the rear property line. No accessory structures can be built in the required front yard. For more information, please view Ordinance No. 867 - Accessory Structures (PDF)

7. Where can I find more information on Grading, Excavations, and Filing?: For more information on Grading, Excavations, and Filling please view Chapter 84 - Grading, Excavation & Filling (PDF)

8. Do home occupations require a permit?: Home occupations (business) are permitted and require a Home Occupation Permit for a one-time fee of $100. For more information, view 814 - Home Occupation (PDF).

9. Can I have livestock?: The Township Zoning Ordinance No. 765 only permits poultry (chickens) and livestock to be kept on a farm, defined as:

Farm: Any parcel of land containing at least two (2) acres which may be used for gain in the raising of agriculture products or at least 10 acres or more for livestock, poultry and dairy products. It includes necessary farm structures with the prescribed limits and the storage of farm equipment. It excludes the raising of fur bearing animals, riding academies, livery or boarding stables, and dog kennels.

Farms with poultry or livestock are a permitted use in both residential and commercial zoning districts subject to the minimum area requirements set forth in Section 811 of the Zoning Ordinance as follows: Farms and Livestock Area Requirements: R-2/20 acres, R-3/15 Acres, and R-4/10 Acres. Any housing or feeding structures shall be centrally located and in all cases shall be located a minimum of 250 feet from property lines.

10. Can I have multiple dwellings on a property?: Only 1 principle structure is allowed per lot. However, certain zoning districts allow duplexes and other multi-family buildings.

11. What is a paper street?: A “paper street” is an unopened road, alley or street drawn and depicted on a recorded plan of lots or subdivision which is recorded in the Recorder’s Office of Westmoreland County. However, this street is not constructed or built. Under Pennsylvania law, a street that is unopened and not constructed or built within 21 years of a plan being recorded is considered a paper street and the public and North Huntingdon Township lose any rights to the use of that street.

The only individuals who have any rights remaining in the paper street are those property owners within the plan or subdivision that established the paper street. North Huntingdon Township has no duty or responsibility for maintenance, improvements or repairs to paper streets. These streets are private and are the responsibility of the various individual property owners in the plan or subdivision. Since other property owners have the legal right to utilize a paper street, these may not be blocked or obstructed by vegetation, walls, fences or structures.

12. How long does it take to have a permit reviewed?: North Huntingdon Township has 15 business days to review residential building permits and 30 business days for commercial permits.

13. When do I pay for my permit?: Payment for building permits are taken when the permit has been approved.

14. When is a permit required?: Permits are required for the following:
- All Swimming Pools
- Commercial Addition
- Commercial Construction
- Deck With Roof
- Detached Garage
- Elevated Deck (31 inches or higher)
- Home Occupation
- Larger Windows
- New House Construction
- Residential Addition
- Retaining Walls Above 4 feet
- Signs
- Storage Shed

15. When is a permit not required?: Permits are not required for the following:
- Deck 30 Inches or Less
- Home Siding and Retaining Walls 4 Feet or Less
- Patio Slab
- Repaving of Driveway
- Replacement of Same-Size Windows
- Replacement of Shingles

16. What are the guidelines regarding recreational vehicles?: Recreational vehicles must be parked in your driveway or on an impervious surface.

17. Does a retaining wall require a permit?: Less than 4 feet does not require a permit. Over 4 feet requires an engineered design and permit application.

18. Does a shed require a permit?: The following is a breakdown in shed permits:
- Under 200 square feet requires a $25 Zoning Permit Application.
- 200 square feet or larger requires a Residential Building Permit Application.
- 100 square feet or smaller can be located 5 feet from the side and rear property lines.
- 101 square feet or larger must be a minimum of 10' from side & rear property lines.
- Only 1 shed permitted per lot.

19. Does a setback require a permit?: Setbacks are dependent on the zoning district. Contact the Planning and Zoning Office to determine current zoning.
Contact the Planning & Zoning Department.

20. Does a sign require a permit?: Find more information on our Sign Permits page.

21. Does a swimming pool require a permit?: All pools, in-ground and above-ground, require a Swimming Pool Permit. Follow setbacks the same as an accessory structure (Corner lots please refer to Corner Lot reference diagram). Temporary fencing or barrier must be provided during construction. For more information view the Uniform Construction Code's Swimming Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs (PDF)

22. How long does it take to have a Zoning Hearing Board appeal to be reviewed?: It is approximately a seven (7) week process. For more information view the Zoning Hearing Board Relevant Case Findings (PDF)

23. How long does it take to process a subdivision and land development application?: It takes a minimum of seven (7) weeks to process. An application must be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department. The Planning Commission recommends to the Board of Commissioners the approval or denial of a plan. View the Subdivision Land Development Ordinance (PDF)