Permit Guidance
In Easttown Township, permits are required for most construction and renovation projects to ensure compliance with safety and building code regulations. If you are changing the footprint or the use of an existing building, your project may require an initial zoning or stormwater review prior to issuance of a building permit. Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development and Stormwater Management requirements can be found in the Easttown Township Code.
Important Emails
Add the following email addresses to your email contact list to ensure you will receive notices regarding permits:
- noreply@traisr.com - for permit approvals or payment requests
- easttown@easttown.org - for permit application review emails, or general permit inquiries
All permit application packages can be submitted in-person, or uploaded online using the Permit Portal. Click to Access the Permit Portal. All fees and other related costs can be found in the current Fee Schedule. View the Current Fee Schedule.
Once a complete application is submitted, an administrative review is completed to ensure the basic application components have been received. Any incomplete application submissions must be completed or have an extension requested in writing within thirty (30) days of the initial review.
When administrative review is complete, the appropriate township official will begin their review, and reach out to the applicant directly if further information is needed.
Zoning Permits are reviewed and approved by the Zoning Officer. Unless agreed upon in writing, approval or denial of a zoning permit will be issued electronically within thirty (30) days.
Projects that Require Zoning Permits
Zoning permits are generally required for proposed changes that will occur on the parcel/lot and the exterior of buildings as well as changes to the use of a property. Please refer to Chapter 274 Natural Resource Protection and Chapter 455 Zoning of the Township of Easttown Code for specific details.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- New fence installation
- Existing fence replacement (removal and re-installation of roughly 50% or more of existing fence qualifies as replacement)
- Generator installation
- Hardscape improvement/installation (i.e. driveways, patios, walkways, retaining walls, etc.)
- Adding accessory buildings/structures (i.e. sheds, gazebos, decks, garages, pools/spas, etc.)
- Expanding buildings/structures (i.e. home additions, covered porch/patio, etc.)
- Demolition
- New Construction
For parcel-specific zoning information such as Zoning District, Dimensional Standards (i.e. lot size, impervious surface, setbacks, etc) and Allowable Land Uses, check out MapLink, the interactive zoning map for Easttown Township. For best search results by address, it is recommended to exclude the street type (example: Enter 123 Main instead of 123 Main Street).
Drainage Permits are reviewed and approved by the appointed Township Engineer. Unless agreed upon in writing, approval or denial of the permit will be issued electronically within thirty (30) days.
Projects that Require Drainage Permits
Drainage permits are generally required for proposed changes that significantly increase the impervious surface of the parcel/lot. Typically, additional impervious surface between 500 and 999 square feet will require a Simplified Drainage Approach. Additional impervious surface of 1000 square feet or more will require a standard or Non-Simplified Drainage Approach.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Hardscape improvement/installation (i.e. driveways, patios, walkways, retaining walls, etc.)
- Adding accessory buildings/structures (i.e. sheds, gazebos, decks, garages, pools/spas, etc.)
- Expanding buildings/structures (i.e. home additions, covered porch/patio, etc.)
- New Construction
Please refer to Chapter 388 Stormwater Management of the Township of Easttown Code for specific details.
Building Permits (includes Mechanical and Re-roof) are reviewed and approved by the Township Building Code Official. Unless agreed upon in writing, the review, approval or denial of the permit will be issued within fifteen (15) or thirty (30) days (depending on the submitted drawings).
Projects that Require Building Permits
Building permits are required for proposed changes that are governed by the Uniform Construction Code. For more details, please refer to Chapter 160 Construction Codes, Uniform of the Township of Easttown Code and the 2009 International Residential Building Code, 2008 National Electrical Code, and Act 45 of 1999 of the State of Pennsylvania and all amendments, collectively known as “Codes.” All Construction is required to meet applicable provisions of these Codes.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Electrical installation, repair, replacement (i.e. lighting, outlets, car chargers, etc.)
- Mechanical installation, repair, replacement (i.e. Furnace, Air Conditioning, etc.)
- Roof replacement or repair
- Interior Renovations (i.e. remodeling, finished basement, etc.)
- Adding accessory buildings/structures (i.e. decks, garages, pools/spas, etc.)
- Expanding buildings/structures (i.e. home additions, covered porch/patio, etc.)
- New Construction
- Demolition (partial or full)
Road Occupancy Permits are reviewed and approved by the Director of Public Works. Review, approval or denial of the permit will be issued electronically within thirty (30) days.
Projects that Require Road Occupancy Permits
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Utility Installation
- Driveway
- Temporary Dumpster
If you have questions about permits for a project, please reach out to the Township.