ZONING AND BUILDING

Fee Resolution

GUIDE TO THE BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS

Below, you will find a "Step by Step Guide to the UCC Permitting Process".  This provides a comprehensive summary of the process to receive all permits for construction in Wayne Township.  In all cases of residential construction, the following steps are required:

• A septic or public sewer connection permit is the initial step.  In the public sewer areas of the township this permit is received from the township secretary.  Simultaneously, a written request must be filed with the Corry Municipal Authority for sanitary sewer hook-up.  In all other areas of the township, a septic permit must be received from the Erie County Health Department.  Contact Josh Skopow at (814)451-6759 for the necessary application.
• If the proposed structure is not being served by an existing driveway, application must be filed for a Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) from the Townships or PennDOT.  Contact the township to determine whether access is to a Township or State highway.  The HOP fee is now due.  The appropriate fee schedule is available from the township.
• File application for a zoning permit with the township.  This application is used to determine compliance with the permitted uses, lot sizes, and property line setbacks for each zoning district.  A sketch of the property must be submitted showing, to scale, the size and location of all proposed and existing structures and their distances from property lines and roadways.  Measure the front setback from the center of the road to the building line.  If the proposed construction meets all zoning requirements, a zoning permit will be issued.  The Zoning fee is now due.  These fees are based on the cost of construction.  Since 2006, the fee schedule is as follows:

• Application is filed with Building Inspection Underwriters, Inc. (BIU) for a building permit. You must submit a copy of your zoning permit and two copies of your construction plans and specifications for review.  Building plans that conform to the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) will receive a building permit.  All inspection fees are paid directly to BIU and are now due.  These fees are directly related to the scope of inspection required based on the submitted plans.
• Construction is inspected for compliance with the approved plans.
• When the final inspection has been satisfactorily completed, a certificate of occupancy will be issued.

 Building Inspection Underwriters (BIU) Website Link:  www.biupa.com

As always, feel free to call the Township Secretary with any questions or concerns:
814-663-1663.

BUILDING CODE BOOKS NOW AT CORRY PUBLIC LIBRARY
If you are considering a construction project, you should visit the Corry Public Library for the most up-to-date information on how to make sure your project meets all building code requirements.  The Northwest Pennsylvania Tri-County Council of Governements (COG) purchased a five-volume set of books published by the International Code Council that outlines all of the latest regulations required for construction projects.  COG donated the books to the library for use by its patrons.  This set of books replaces older code books published in 2003.   

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Under the 2009 International Residential Code, newly constructed one & two family homes must be equipped with sprinkler systems beginning 1/1/2011.  Construction costs are projected to increase $4,000 for compliance.  If a complete application is submitted for the UCC permit prior to the effective date, the construction will not be subject to the requirement. 

Residential sprinkler systems can be constructed as wet systems, dry systems or dual interlock pre-action systems.  Presently there are no residential sprinkler heads on the market for a dry system.  Because the residential sprinkler heads are fast response type, commercial sprinkler heads cannot be used, except in unheated & unoccupied areas.

Areas of Residences Not Required to be Protected by Sprinkler Systems:
:: Attics, crawl spaces & normally unoccupied concealed spaces that do not contain fuel-fired appliances
:: Clothes closets, linen closets, & pantries not exceeding 24 sq. ft. (SF) in area, with smallest dimension not greater than 3 ft
:: Bathrooms not exceeding 55 SF in area
:: Garages, carports, exterior porches, and unheated entries adjacent to an external door

ATTENTION ::  HOME OWNERS, HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS
The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (Act 132 of 2008) became effective
July 1, 2009.  Contractors who perform home improvements for which the total cash value is $5,000 or more per year are now required to register with the Office of Attorney General.

Consumers are encouraged to contact the Office of Attorney General to verify the registration of a contractor before signing an agreement for home improvement services.  The registration information can be obtained by calling (Toll-Free) 1-888-520-6680, or by visiting the website at:  www.attorneygeneral.gov. 

Home improvement contractors paid a non-refundable application fee which is renewable every two years.  Upon approval of the application by the Office of Attorney General,  contractors received a certificate and a registration number that must be displayed in all advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals with consumers in the Commonwealth.