Lower Paxton, PA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Zoning permit section
- § 203-1202, General requirements for zoning permits
- Apply to
- The Zoning Officer, in writing
- Decision deadline
- Granted or refused within 60 days of application
- Repairs exemption
- No permit if use and exterior dimensions do not change
- Work before permit
- Fee doubled under § 203-1202(K)
- Building code
- Uniform Construction Code adopted in § 90-7(A)
Summary
In Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, § 203-1202 requires a zoning permit before a change in use or the erection, construction, improvement or alteration of any structure, applied for in writing to the Zoning Officer and granted or refused within 60 days. Building code permits run through the Uniform Construction Code adopted in § 90-7.
A. A zoning permit shall be required prior to a change in use of the land or structure, or the erection, construction, improvement, or alteration of any structure or portion thereof, or the alteration or development of any improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operations or the erection or alteration of any signs specified in Article X of this chapter. ... C. No zoning permit shall be required for the repairs or maintenance of any structure or land provided that such repairs do not change the use or the exterior dimensions of the structure, or otherwise violate the provisions of this chapter. D. Application for zoning permits shall be made in writing to the Zoning Officer. E. Such zoning permits shall be granted or refused within 60 days from the date of the application.
Full Breakdown
Two layers apply in Lower Paxton Township. The first is the zoning permit in § 203-1202 of the Lower Paxton Township Code, which the Zoning Officer issues. The second is the building code, which the Board of Supervisors adopted in Article III of Chapter 90.
Under § 203-1202(A), a zoning permit is required prior to a change in use of land or a structure, or the erection, construction, improvement, or alteration of any structure or portion thereof. It also covers the alteration or development of any improved or unimproved real estate, including mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operations, and the erection or alteration of signs specified in Article X. Subsection B adds animal waste impoundments, lakes, ponds, dams and other water retention basins. Subsection C exempts repairs or maintenance of a structure or land if they do not change the use or the exterior dimensions or otherwise violate the chapter.
Application is in writing to the Zoning Officer, and the permit is granted or refused within 60 days of the application. The owner or lessee, or the agent of either, applies, and an applicant other than the owner needs the owner's written authorization. Under subsection K, work started before the permit is obtained doubles the fee set by ordinance or resolution of the Board of Supervisors, and paying the higher fee does not excuse any other penalty. A rejection is in writing with reasons, and the Zoning Officer informs the applicant of the right to appeal to the Zoning Hearing Board.
On the building code side, § 90-6 elects to administer and enforce the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, Act 45 of 1999. Section 90-7(A) adopts the Uniform Construction Code in 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401-405, as the municipal building code of the Township. Section 90-8 lets the Board of Supervisors choose by resolution how it is administered, and § 90-10 sets fees by resolution. Chapter 90 does not itself list which projects need a building code permit; that comes from the adopted code.
Violations & Fines
Section 203-1202(K) doubles the permit fee when work or a use starts or changes before the required permit is obtained, and states that paying the increased fee does not relieve any person from complying with the chapter, other Township ordinances, or penalties and enforcement actions authorized by the chapter. The Zoning Officer can also revoke a permit issued on a false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application or plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a zoning permit required in Lower Paxton Township?
Do repairs need a zoning permit in Lower Paxton Township?
How long does Lower Paxton Township take to decide a zoning permit?
What happens if work starts before the permit in Lower Paxton Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lower Paxton
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