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1. I am planning a project, but need a site map or plot plans for my permit. How can I obtain this information?

While Easttown Township does not have a catalogue of site maps or plot plans for every property within its jurisdiction, you may submit an Open Records request to access any site maps, plot plans, or lot drawings on file from previous permits or historical property records. Additionally, aerial views of each property along with district information, set back requirements, and land use information can be found using Easttown Township's interactive zoning map, MapLink. If you are seeking high levels of detail for your property, you may wish to hire a company to create a site map or perform a land survey.

2. How much does a Building permit cost in Easttown Township?

All Building permits (including Re-roofing and Mechanical permits) have an application fee and a permit fee. Note: A permit is not valid until the required fees are collected.

As of December 2022,
according to the Easttown Township fee schedule* the application fee is $75 for
residential properties and $105 for non-residential or multi-family properties.

The permit fee for
all building permits is calculated as 2% of the project cost.

Kindly note that
additional fees apply for Certificates of Occupancy (CO). If a building project
requires a CO, a fee will be added to the permit cost upon approval ($75 for residential projects and $105 for non-residential). Should
a residential temporary or conditional CO be requested, another fee will be charged for the additional CO.

*The Easttown Township Fee Schedule is reviewed and
approved annually by the Board of Supervisors. Please be sure to review the
most current fee schedule prior to applying for your permit.

3. I did not receive an automated payment request email from noreply@traisr.com after receiving notice of permit approval. What do I do?

If you did not receive an automated payment request email within 24 hours of your permit approval notice, please call or email the Permit Clerk at 610-687-3000 or easttown@easttown.org. Please note that the automated payment request process for final permit fees due does not apply to zoning permits or drainage permits.

4. Do I need to post a copy of my permit on-site?

There is not a specific requirement to post the permit on-site, however, the permit holder must keep a
copy of the permit and any released plans on the work site until the completion
of the construction.

5. Does my permit expire? If so, when?

A zoning permit expires (becomes invalid) after one year from the date of issuance.

A building permit expires (becomes invalid) unless the authorized construction work begins within 180 days after the permit’s issuance or if the authorized construction work permit is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after the work has commenced. A permit holder may submit a written request for an extension of time to commence construction for just cause. The building code official may grant extensions of time to commence construction in writing. A permit may be valid for no more than 5 years from its issue date.

6. My permit has already been issued. I'd like to make changes to the originally approved plans. What do I do?

All work shall be performed in accordance with the approved construction documents. The permit holder shall submit a revised set of construction documents for approval for changes made during construction that are not in accordance with the approved construction documents.

7. How can I change a contractor on my permit?

In order to change, remove, or add a new contractor to your open permit, submit the following information in person or by email to easttown@easttown.org: 

1. Letter signed by the applicant and property owner referencing the permit number and informing the township of the addition/change/removal of contractors
2. Certificate of Insurance showing Easttown Township as the Certificate Holder for new contractor listing the following: 
   • General Liability Coverage
   • Worker's Compensation Coverage
     • If the contractor is not required to carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance, a notarized affidavit must be submitted
3. Copy of contractor’s PA Home Improvement Registration 
   • If the contract does not hold this registration, the contractor must register with the township directly

8. Electrical - How do I submit an electrical permit?

An electrical permit
would be considered a type of building permit and can be applied for using the
general building permit application (parts X and XI on page 3 are specific to
electrical work). 

Note: Easttown Township does not provide the required electrical
inspection services in order to authorize work to be installed in construction
projects. The contractor of record shall supply their own electrical inspection
through an authorized agency. For all work requiring an electrical permit, an
approved third party electrical underwriter must
be selected and all submitted electrical plans must contain an approval stamp from the chosen underwriter.

9. Electrical - What is a third party electrical underwriter?

A third party electrical underwriter is an agency certified by the PA Department of Labor
& Industry.  

Underwriters provide code services to ensure all electrical
installations comply with applicable provisions of the National Electrical
Code and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.

10. Electrical - What third party agencies are approved electrical underwriters for Easttown Township?

• American Inspection
  Agency, Inc. – 610-678-4336 | 342 Miller Road, Sinking Spring, PA 19608
• Bureau
  Veritas-Atlantic Inland Inspection, Inc. – 610-543-3925 | 790A Parkway Drive,
  Broomall, PA 19008
• Code Inspections,
  Inc. – 215-672-9400 | 603 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA 19044
• Commonwealth Code
  Inspections Service, Inc. – 717-664-2347 | 176 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545
• Middle Atlantic
  Inspections, Inc. – 215-322-2626 | 302 East Pennsylvania Boulevard,
  Feasterville, PA 19053
• Middle Department
  Inspections Agency, Inc. – 610-696-3900 | PO Box 2654, West Chester, PA 19380
• United Inspection
  Agency (Len Warren) – 215-542-9977 | 716 N. Bethlehem Pike, Suite 300, Lower
  Gwynedd, PA 19002

11. Emergency - I had an repair performed without a permit due to an emergency. How do I obtain a permit?

Emergency repairs or replacement of equipment may be made without first applying for a permit if a permit application is submitted to the building code official within three (3)
business days of the repair or replacement.

12. Plumbing/Sewer - What is the difference between a Plumbing permit and a Sanitary Sewer permit?

A plumbing permit is considered a type of building permit and can be applied for using the general building permit application. The scope of work for this type of permit would be limited to work performed on interior plumbing. 

A Sanitary Sewer permit application is separate from the general building permit application and applies to work performed between the principal building and the sewer main. This includes, but may not be limited to, repairs to the sewer lateral as well as disconnection, reconnection, or new connection to the sewer main.

Costs for Sanitary Sewer permits will vary depending on the scope of work. Please refer to the most recent Easttown Township Fee Schedule for more details.

13. How can I obtain a temporary/conditional certificate of occupancy?

A building code official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy (CO) for a portion or portions of the building or structure before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit if the portion or portions may be occupied safely. The building code official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.

In order to request a temporary/conditional certificate of occupancy in Easttown Township, kindly submit the following:

1. Letter of instruction signed by the permit holder requesting a conditional CO referencing the open building permit number, property address, and date by which the project is expected to be completed.
2. $10,000 check deposit* to be held in escrow until project completion. 

*Please note projects related to an open subdivision plan may be subject to a different deposit amount. 

14. My building project is now complete. When will I receive my final Certificate of Occupancy?

If a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required for your project, a final occupancy inspection must be conducted and all outstanding payments (permit fees and Township Consultant Fees) must be paid in full. Provided all fees are paid and final inspection has passed, the Building Code Official will issue a final certificate of occupancy within five (5) business days.*

*Per the Easttown Township fee schedule, a Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until all outstanding payments (permit fees and Township Consultant Fees) have been paid in full.

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1. How do I dispose of my television?

Please visit the Household Hazardous Waste informational page: Household Hazardous Waste Information

2. How do I view current Planning Commission applications?

Land Development and Subdivision applications that are being reviewed by the Planning Commission, can be viewed by following the link below: Current Applications

3. How do I report a pothole?

Please fill out the form available at the link below:

Submit a Concern

4. How do I obtain a property file?

Please visit our Open Records page, by clicking the link below: Open Records Information

5. How do I report a dead deer?

Please follow this link: How to report a dead deer

6. How do I provide input regarding this website?

Easttown Township believes that transparency and effective communication is essential to good governance and encourages residents and stakeholders to provide input regarding ways to improve its methods. If you have any suggestions regarding the layout or information provided on this site, please let us know! Email us at easttown@easttown.org or call us at 610-687-3000. Thank you! 

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1. ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS, NEW CONSTRUCTION (RESIDENTIAL)

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work The submitted construction drawings shall be signed and sealed by an Architect or Engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Construction drawings shall include, but not limited to, the following: Foundation Plan indicating: Dimensions of the structure and foundation. Depth and width of the footings (concrete footings to be a minimum of 36 inches below finished grade, 8 inches thick, and 2,500 psi). Size, thickness, and materials used for foundation walls. Details on sub-grade material and preparation. Floor Plan by level indicating: Interior layout and dimensions with bearing and nonbearing partitions. Beams and supports with materials, sizes, spacing, and spans. Size, spacing, span, and bridging of floor joists. Smoke and carbon monoxide detector locations. Optional Framing Plan upon Township’s request. Roof Plan indicating: Size, spacing, and span of ceiling joists. Size, spacing, span, and slope of rafters. Size of the ridge. Size and spacing of collar ties. Type, thickness, and R-factor of insulation. Details on sheathing, flashing, felt, and shingles. Details on roof openings, including attic ventilation, valleys, access, and connections. Wall Section indicating: Wall plates, stud sizing and placing, type and placement of rack bracing. Details of facade materials. Clear span for cantilever frame sections and headers above openings. Type, thickness, and R-factor of insulation or Res Check for energy compliance. Cross Section indicating: Foundation and framing members including pre-engineered structural members. Certification stamped by an Engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for each type of pre-engineered structural members. Submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application. Submit two (2) copies of the plumbing system showing the size of all drains, vents, traps and materials. For new residential dwellings, submit two (2) copies of the mechanical system showing the duct work, complete heat loss calculation, and specifications. For additions or alterations to residential dwellings, submit two (2) copies of the mechanical system showing the duct work and complete heat loss calculation for a new heater.  If using an existing heater, the complete heat loss calculation must treat the existing space and addition as one unit.

2. DECK CONSTRUCTION (RESIDENTIAL)

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• The submitted construction drawings shall include, but not limited to, the following:
  • Footing Layout Plan indicating location, size, and type.
  • Framing Plan indicating the size, spacing, and attachment method of all members.
  • Railing and star details indicating the size, spacing, and attachment method of all members.
• If installing electric power of 120 volts or greater, then submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application.
• If installing plumbing, then submit two (2) copies of the plumbing system showing the size of all drains, vents, traps and materials.
• If installing gas appliances, then submit two (2) copies of the mechanical system.

3. DEMOLITION

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• If the building is NOT a single-family dwelling, an inspection must be completed for asbestos and all hazardous materials shall be removed by a certified contractor. Certification of asbestos and all hazardous material removal shall be submitted with this Building Permit Application.
• Submit utility companies’ letters attesting that services are disconnected from the building. Please note that the sanitary sewer will be disconnected and inspected by Easttown Township after the permit is issued and before any demolition is started.
• Submit a letter outlining how the demolition is to take place and where the demolition materials will be disposed of.
• Submit a letter from a certified exterminator that the building is inspected and free from rodents.

4. FINISHED BASEMENT

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• The submitted floor plan shall include, but not limited to, the following:
  • Entire area of the basement.
  • Rooms labeled by use.
  • Existing features located, such as doors, windows, and stairs.
  • Cross section detail of walls to be constructed.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector locations.
  • Type, thickness, and R-factor of insulation.
  • Emergency escape and/or second means of egress.
  • For any structural work, plans shall be signed and sealed by an Architect or Engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application.
• Submit two (2) copies of the plumbing system showing the size of all drains, vents, traps and materials.  If an ejector sump with pump is to be used, then also submit the manufacture’s specifications.
• Submit two (2) copies of the mechanical system showing the heating and cooling system.  If using the existing heating and cooling equipment, then provide calculations to prove it is large enough to heat and cool the entire dwelling.  If adding a new system, then provide the location of the new equipment and duct work and provide calculations to prove it is large enough to heat and/or cool the finished area.

5. GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• Submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application.
• Submit two (2) copies of the mechanical system diagram.
• Submit two (2) copies of the all equipment’s technical specifications.
• Submit a copy of well permit issued by the Chester County Health Department (CCHD).  If the well is to be drilled prior to this Application, then the Applicant must inform the Township in writing and submit the CCHD Permit.

6. SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• The submitted construction drawings shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
  • Detail materials to be used.
  • Provide technical specifications of the system to be used.
  • For roof top installations, the construction drawings shall be signed and sealed by an Architect or Engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to approve the existing roof for the added dead loads.

• Submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application. 

7. STANDBY GENERATOR

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• Submit two (2) copies of a diagram of the gas line to be installed, that includes location, size of gas line, and materials to be used.  If using SST gas pipe, then it must be installed per the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application.

8. SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• The submitted construction drawings shall include, but not limited to, the following:
  • Details of the pool, decking, and other structural elements related to the pool construction.
  • Details on the fence to enclose the pool, including height, gates, locks, alarms, and type of fence to be installed or for existing fences proof that it meets today’s standard for pool fencing.

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1. Does it matter if non-recyclable materials get placed in the recycle container?

Yes!

Items that don’t belong in the recycling can damage sorting machinery, causing expensive delays.  

Also, when the wrong materials get mixed in with the right ones (known as “contamination” in the recycling world), it reduces the value of other recyclables that were sorted correctly.

2. What items are eligible for weekly recycle pickup?

The following items can be combined into the recycling bin:

• ALUMINUM/STEEL CANS (flattened when possible) - beverage cans, emptied/punctured aerosol cans
• CONTAINERS - resin codes 1-7 only
• GLASS BOTTLES/JARS - clear, brown or green (empty and rinse - labels can remain)
• PAPER - e.g. cardboard/cardboard containers, clean food boxes (wax liners removed), corrugated boxes, magazines, newspapers, tearable envelopes, school or office paper, shoe or gift boxes, telephone books, wrapping paper (non-metallic)
  
  Combine all papers, flatten or cut boxes to fit the recycling bin.  
  Larger corrugated or cardboard boxes must be cut and flatted into 2'x2' pieces.

3. What items are NOT eligible for weekly recycle pickup?

The following items are NOT able to be recycled and should be placed in the trash:

• Aluminum foil
• Any material with food debris
• Batteries of any kind
• Blue glass
• Coat hangers
• Colored-in coloring books
• Drinking glasses
• Electronics
• Food or grease-stained pizza boxes
• Glass cookware or bakeware
• Hardbound books
• Light bulbs
• Machine parts
• Metal folding chairs and shelving
• Microwave oven trays
• Mirrors
• Motor oil bottles
• Non-tearable envelopes
• Packing peanuts
• Paper plates, towels and napkins
• Perfume or cologne bottles
• Plastic plates, cups and cutlery
• Porcelain or ceramics
• Six-pack rings
• Styrofoam of any kind
• Thermal fax paper
• Tools
• Tubing
• Wax-coated paper or cardboard
• Window or auto glass
• Wire
• Wraps and packaging

4. Can I put leaves and branches curbside for pickup?

Yes. On designated Yard Waste Collection Days (see current schedule), residents may place yard waste, such as leaves and branches, out for collection.

All yard waste must be placed in open-ended trash containers to be emptied or in biodegradable paper bags. Branches can be placed for collection outside of a container if they have been cut down and tied together with string. 

Limbs and branches must not exceed 6ft in length and 4 inches in diameter. 

5. How can I dispose of items that the hauler is not able to collect?

For items not accepted by Easttown Township's contracted hauler, contact Chester County Solid Waste Authority for additional disposal resources at 610-273-3771 or visit their website https://www.chestercountyswa.org/.