Code Enforcement
If you have trees that you would like to remove, this is allowed without a Permit, as long as you are not harvesting the trees for their value (timbering). However, if it is your intent to timber, click here for a copy of the Township’s Timbering Ordinance.
Yes, you need to be aware of any Floodplain areas located on a property, and following specific guidelines, they can be built upon.
You can find this information on the Township’s Floodplain Ordinance #376
Yes. In accordance with ordinance #287, failure to register within 30 DAYS OF OCCUPANCY may result in the issuance of a citation to the property owner and/or tenant. Click the links below for the appropriate form:
Should you have any questions, please contact Jacque Rouggie in the Township office at 412-767-5333, ext. 322 or via email at: jrouggie@indianatownship.com.
If you plan to disturb the earth, you are required by PA law to notify the underground utility companies of your intent to do so. This is a FREE service. Notification occurs by calling PA One Call at “8-1-1” or 1-800-242-1776. You can call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They will then notify the nearby utility companies of your intent to dig. The utility companies are responsible to mark where their underground lines are located with colored flags, paint or chalk. This ensures that you do not damage one of their lines. For more information on the PA One Call System, please go to: www.pa811.org.
Click here for more information: PA One Call Brochure
Contact the Allegheny County Health Department’s Septic Division at 412-578-8040.
First, refer to the Zoning Map, to determine the Zoning of your property. If you are unable to figure it out, please feel free to call the Code Enforcement Office for assistance. Once you know what Zoning District you are in, you can refer to the Zoning Ordinance #368.
No. For these projects you need to obtain a Zoning Permit. The fee for a Zoning Permit is $75.00. When applying, you will also need to submit a copy of a plot plan of your property, and draw on where the fence or structure is going to be located. Fences can be put right on your property line, but we advise that you leave enough space so you can work on the other side, if needed, so as not to trespass on your neighbor’s property. For accessory structures, you must abide by the setbacks for your Zoning District, as set forth in the Zoning Ordinance, Table III-B. In all Zoning Districts other than “Village Residential”, you may deduct an additional 5′ off of the setbacks for the side and rear property lines. NOTE: Although Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs are considered accessory structures, they would require a Building Permit in lieu of a Zoning Permit. Accessory structures over 1,001 square feet would also require a Building Permit.
A Building Permit is required for interior renovations in two instances. Interior renovations that involve structural change and all basement renovations. Basement renovations are important because of the implementation in the Building Code for emergency escapes as a secondary means of egress from the basement. You are required to have two ways to exit the basement: interior stairs and directly to the exterior through a door, window or emergency escape window. For basement renovations that include installing a bedroom or bedrooms, each bedroom is required to have a secondary means of egress.
For interior renovations NOT requiring a Building Permit other than above, homeowners should be aware that an Allegheny County Plumbing Permit may be required for any plumbing renovations. Contact the Allegheny County Plumbing Division at 412-578-8036 for more information.
Also, homeowners performing electrical alterations MUST have an electrical inspection done to assure the safety of the work. Homeowners can contact any certified electrical inspector. Anyone needing assistance in finding a certified electrical inspector can contact the Township Code Enforcement Office.
To schedule an inspection, contact Jacque Rouggie at 412-767-5333, ext. 322 at least 24 hours in advance. For Commercial or Industrial Projects, contact Office Manager, Amanda Lish from PCS at 724-449-2661.
If the project is for a Commercial Property, you will also need to complete the Application Form from Professional Code Services (PCS) who is our third-party plan review and inspection agency for Commercial and Industrial Projects. You can click here to download their form. Note: Some pages may not apply to all projects.
The cost of a residential Building Permit is as follows: a $50.00 filing fee for all permits, plus an additional $6.00 for every $1,000 of the construction cost for projects over $8,000.01 in construction costs. For projects under $8,000.00 in construction costs, the price is $50.00 plus the $50.00 filing fee. In addition, if it is a new home or a business, an additional occupancy fee will apply. If it is a Commercial or Industrial Permit, the cost is set by PCS’ Fee Schedule and cannot be determined until the plan has been provided. The fee is based on “use” and “construction type”. PCS can be reached at 724-449-2633.