Permits
As part of the Borough’s responsibility to oversee and regulate certain activities within the community, permits are required in order to undertake specific actions. Some permits cost vary with the size of the project, while others are set at a fixed fee. The following list is not all-inclusive, but provides examples of the type of permits required in Brookville; for further information, contact the Borough Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Matt Hasselback at 814-715-4822.
Building Permit: In 2004, the Brookville Borough elected to option to the provisions of Pa. Act 45 which is the Statewide Uniform Construction Code. All non-residential construction projects are now governed by the International Building Code/2009. All residential construction must now follow the International Residential Code/2009. The National Electrical Code/2008 Edition is now the Electrical Code.
PERMITS REQUIRING BUILDING CODE INSPECTIONS
It is the joint responsibility of the owner, lessee, if any, and the contractor to determine that the permit has been obtained before performing any work. It is unlawful for any contractor or subcontractor to perform any work for which a permit is required unless a permit is obtained and posted as required by the Building Code.
Applications shall be submitted to the Building Official for the following activities, which will require Code inspections:
* Construct or alter a structure
* Construct and addition
* Demolish or move a structure
* Make a change of occupancy
* Installation of equipment
OBLIGATIONS DURING CONSTRUCTION
A condition of a Building Permit is that the applicant completes the work as approved by the municipality in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance and the Building Code and the plans approved by the Zoning Officer and the Building Inspector.
Applicants are required to post their Building Permit in a window or other prominent place on the site and to keep a copy of the building plan on the site.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A PERMIT
Contact the Borough Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Matt Hasselback at 814-715-4822.
WHY BUILDING PERMITS ARE REQUIRED
A Building Permit serves as formal and legal permission to start any construction project. The assurance of a permit indicates that plans for a new structure, addition, renovation, foundation, prefabricated structure, temporary building or mobile home have been approved by the inspector and that plans comply with the municipal Zoning Ordinance and the Statewide Building Code.
PERMIT PROCESS
(Step by Step)
* The APPLICANT completes a BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION for the proposed new construction, remodeling, or accessory structure. EXAMPLES: Including but not limited to:
Dwellings Buildings Manufactured
Garages Decks (homes)
Porches Sheds
* Change is use or occupancy of a property.
Installation of new plumbing, electrical or mechanical equipment.
* The APPLICANT submits the application along with a plot plan drawing or floor plan drawing, and the required fee, to:
PennSafe Building Inspections Services, LLC
175 Beaver Drive
PO Box 486
DuBois, PA 15801
Phone: 814-375-1111
www.PennSafeBIS.com
* The Building Official reviews the application for completeness and compliance with the Building Code and other local requirements. The applicant may request a consultation meeting with the Building Official regarding the submittal. The review period takes a minimum of three days from the date the completed form is received. The maximum review period is 30 days.
* The Building Official issues the Building Permit or denies the application accordingly.
* The APPLICANT completes the project according to the terms outlined in the application.
* The Building Code Inspector performs all required inspections of the project in progress and a final inspection at the end of the project.
* The Building Code Inspector notifies the Inspection Office that the work authorized under the permit is completed and meets all Code requirements for occupancy.
* The Building Official checks the completed project. If the project is a principal dwelling unit, an addition to the dwelling, or an accessory structure, which required Building Code Inspections, the Building Official issues an Occupancy Permit. After the Occupancy Permit is issued, the property owner may then move personal items into the newly constructed area.
* All other construction projects will receive a Final Inspection Approval certificate at the completion of the project.
CONSTRUCTION EXEMPT FROM PERMITS
Repair and replacement projects, which do NOT involve structural changes to a building, do not require a permit. Siding and gutters are such an example.
For example, shingle replacement will not require a permit. Replacement windows or doors do not require a permit, unless the existing opening will be made larger, which is a structural change. Note that there are minimum size requirements for all windows, including replacement. Cosmetic works, such as painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry or counter tops, does not require a permit. re-installation of plumbing fixtures, such as tubs, sinks, and toilets, does not require a permit.
ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS
All construction requiring electrical wiring or services must be inspected by individuals authorized by PennSafe Building Inspections Services, LLC and must conform to the National Electrical Code.
The electrical fee is incorporated into the Building Permit Fee; however, if a project involves ONLY electrical work and no other construction, a special Electrical Permit will be issued.
FACTS ABOUT DEMOLITION
Before any building is demolished, either in part or completely, the applicant is required by the Building Code to obtain a Building Permit for the removal of the structure. This applies to accessory buildings as well. The purpose of this permit is for the removal of the building from your tax records and to document the removal of any non-conforming structures.
SMOKE DETECTORS
Under the Statewide Building Code, all new dwellings, all residential additions and alterations involving living space, must have smoke detectors wired directly into the electrical system of the house and they must have a battery backup. Smoke detectors are required in each bedroom and on each level of the home, including the basement.
In new home construction, the detectors must be interconnected, so that they all sound simultaneously. Any alteration of an existing house, such as a family room addition or finishing a basement, will require the smoke detectors to be installed in these areas as per code. If an alteration of an existing house it to the entire house, then the smoke detectors must be installed in the same manner as new construction requirements.
Special conditions must be met if a building permit is sought for a project within the floodplain; floodplain maps are available from the Borough office. A checklist of specific data required for building permits is provided to applicants. The fee for the permit is determined by the cost of the proposed improvement project. Please call the Borough office at 849-5321 before beginning any construction project.
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