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Code Compliance DepartmentBuilding and Fire Code Administration & Enforcement
On December 31, 2006, Manheim Township adopted the 2006 International Code Council family of Codes in accordance with the PA Construction Code Act. Those codes are as follows:
Additionally, the UCC Education Fee will increase to $4.00 per permit. Department Contact Information
Staff:
Mailing Address: Department of Code Compliance Manheim Township Business Hours: 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (Excluding Holidays) Telephone Number: (717) 569-6406 Ext. 6 Fax Number: (717) 560-4183 E-Mail: codecompliance@manheimtownship.org Office Location:
General Department Information In 1986 the Department of Code Compliance was created to administer and enforce the codes. The Department is staffed by a director; six full-time inspectors, one part-time inspector, a full-time department secretary and one part-time permit clerk. Currently, the Township administers and enforces the 2006 International Codes in accordance with the PA Uniform Construction Code which went into effect in June, 2004. The mission of the Department is to provide a safe environment for our citizens who reside, work and recreate in Manheim Township. The professional staff is committed to help you, as our valued customers, with any questions concerning the permit process. We live in a growing community, as is reflected by its vigorous construction activity. In 2006, an estimated $147 million dollars of construction value was performed that resulted in the issuance of 1949 permits and the performance of 9,608 inspections. The time to call the Department of Code Compliance is before you start a project to avoid problems and delays. By submitting the proper information, the permit can be issued in a timely manner. Tell us what you plan to do, and we will explain the code requirements and assist you until the project is completed in accordance with the codes. Permit submittal guides are available to help you better understand the process. A building permit is a license to begin construction of a building project or to install equipment regulated by the code. Permits and inspections are necessary to verify that Township building and fire code standards are met. If not, the public's health, safety and welfare could be at risk. The Township has adopted the 2003 International Residential Code in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as its standard for residential construction and equipment installations. If you hire a professional contractor to do the work, select a qualified
builder who is familiar with Township building codes and procedures.
This could save you time, money and eliminate potential problems. The
codes apply whether a professional or a do-it-yourself er does the job. Most people realize that new buildings, additions, remodeling, decks, outbuildings such as sheds and garages, and swimming pools, and demolition of existing structures usually require building permits and inspections. Less obvious projects that require permits include fire alarm and security systems, spas or hot tubs, water heaters, wood or gas stoves, masonry or factory built chimneys, and work involving electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems. After contacting the Department, you must complete an application and submit the permit fee, plans and information in order to obtain a building permit. Code officials can also provide information that will help your project be a success and avoid potential problems, which could cost you time and money. The permit application will require basic information about the project, such as who will perform the work, what work will be done and how the work will be done. The application also will ask you to submit sketches, plans or other documentation for review. If the construction plans do not comply with the Building Code, Zoning and other related Ordinances, a code official can help you adjust your plan to meet the requirements for a permit. To receive a permit you will have to pay a permit fee. The fee helps defray the cost of the Township's resources spent on the application, review and inspection process. The fee also gives you access to the Department's knowledge and experience when you have questions about the construction project. Post the building permit at the construction site so it is visible from the street. Work must be performed in accordance with the approved plans and the 2003 International Residential Code. Any proposed changes to the original approved plans need to be brought to the attention of the code official. Some changes will require review and approval of revised plans. Once the work begins, the Code Compliance department will inspect each phase of construction; that is, footings, foundation, framing and final inspection. It is the responsibility of the permit applicant to schedule inspections. Normally, you want to give the Department at least two days notice for an inspection. If the code official finds that some work does not meet code, our inspector will tell you so and what needs to be done to bring the work up to acceptable compliance standards. When the work is done and the code official approves the final project, you will receive a Certificate of Use and Occupancy. This Certificate formally marks completion of the project with the knowledge that it meets Building Code and Zoning Requirement standards. For more information about permits, inspections and the code regulations, visit the Code Compliance Department at 1840 Municipal Drive, call us at (717) 569-6406, option 6 or contact us by email to codecompliance@manheimtownship.org. Lastly, please know that any open burning of refuse, leaves, or trimmings is prohibited by the Township Fire Code Ordinance. Thank you in advance for your cooperation! Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Becomes A Reality On June 14, 2004, the Manheim Township Commissioners officially adopted the new statewide building code, officially known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). This Code will be administered and enforced in every municipality throughout the Commonwealth. The UCC sets minimum standards for design and construction; the 2003 International Residential Code is the new standard for residential construction while the 2003 International Building Code is the new standard for non-residential construction. "In Manheim Township we've had a Code Compliance Department in place since 1985 so residents won't experience any significant changes to the permit process. However with the adoption of any new building code there are always numerous technical code changes," explained Don Forry, Director of Code Compliance. He stated that the code changes apply to new construction, alterations, additions and installation or alteration of equipment regulated by the Code. The following list highlights several code changes for residential construction:
For further information about the new statewide building code or code issues, contact the Code Compliance Department, 569-6406, option 6, or email dforry@manheimtownship.org. For information about zoning permits or other zoning issues, contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 569-6406 option 7 or e-mail: planningzoning@manheimtownship.org. Dean Johnson from the Hometime television show communicates how the building department is here to help and protect the public. Click here to view: On Your Side, The Building Official:
When Is A Residential
Building Permit Required? Building permits are required for new homes, additions, alterations, basement remodeling, sunrooms, swimming pools, spas/hot tubs, decks and accessory buildings larger than 400 square feet. (Always check with the Zoning Department before starting any project which does not require a building permit because a zoning permit may be required.) It's never too early to start the planning process for new building projects. Maybe this will be the year for that new deck, swimming pool, hot tub, spa, basement alteration or sunroom addition! Thoughts of warm weather, coupled with tax refunds, contribute to a tidal wave of home improvement permit applications and plans submitted to the Code Compliance Department each year. Proper planning and complete permit applications with accurate plans can help eliminate unnecessary delays and costs and we may be able to issue your building permit within a two-week time frame. Permit applications are processed and reviewed in the order they are received. Don't forget the permit process includes compliance with both the Township Zoning Ordinance and the 2003 International Residential Code as part of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. Permit submittal guides are available for your use and reference at the Municipal Office, 1840 Municipal Drive. Selecting a qualified contractor is also an important consideration. It is suggested that you ask the contractor for a list of projects performed in the Township which were successfully completed in accordance with Township standards. Also, it is suggested your construction contract include a provision stating that final payment will be withheld until all work is completed and inspected and approved by a Township Code Official. The Township will perform various inspections during construction, as noted on the permit, to verify compliance with the Township approved plans and building codes. To speak with a code official, contact the Department of Code Compliance at 569-6406, option 6, or e-mail: codecompliance@manheimtownship.org. The Planning and Zoning Department may be contacted at 569-6406, option 7, or by e-mail: planningzoning@manheimtownship.org.
Submittal Guides (PDF Format)
For best viewing, right-click the links above and select "Save Target As..." or "Save As..." to save the pdf file on your computer. You can then double-click the saved file to view the contents offline. You can also pick up a hard copy of the submittal guides at the Municipal Office, 1840 Municipal Drive, during normal business hours. The pdf files require Adobe Reader version 6 or later to view. Don't have Adobe Reader? ====> Applications for permits issued by the Code Compliance Department are three to four-part, carbonless copied forms and therefore are not available on-line. If you are unable to pick up an application during our regular business hours, please contact us by phone or by email and we will mail you the appropriate application. For Building Permit (Construction) Fees, chose either Residential or Non-Residential Permit Fee Schedule Worksheet Below for a detailed schedule of fees. Residential Building Permit Fee Schedule Worksheet (PDF) Non-Residential Building Permit Fee Schedule Worksheet (PDF) Applications for permits issued by the Code Compliance Department are three to four-part, carbonless copied forms and therefore are not available on-line. If you are unable to pick up an application during our regular business hours, please contact us by phone or by email and we will mail you the appropriate application. The fees for all other permits issued by the Code Compliance Department are as follows: ** In addition to the permit fee, a $4.00 UCC Mandated Education Fee will be assessed on all permits issued by the Code Compliance Department.
Plumbing/Mechanical and Electrical Permit Fees** are based on the material and labor dollar value of the work performed as follows:
Sign Permit Fees ** are $75 for each non-electric sign and $150 for each electric sign.
If you should have any questions regarding the permit fees, please do not hesitate to contact the Code Compliance Department at (717) 569-6406 ext 6 or email us at codecompliance@manheimtownship.org. Thinking of Selling
Your Home? When placing your home on the market for sale one of the first things you should consider is whether your home has a valid Certificate of Use and Occupancy. The settlement or lending company may require a copy of the Certificate of Use and Occupancy at closing. Since 1944, the Township Zoning Ordinance requires that all
residential, commercial and industrial structures, both new and existing,
have a Certificate of Use and Occupancy, a document issued by the Township
that indicates the building or structure satisfies the provisions of
the Zoning Ordinance and other applicable requirements. Existing single-family
homes must comply with Administrative Order Number 2007-3 (Existing
Residential Dwelling Unit Fire Safety Inspection Check List), which
covers the following life safety requirements:
If there is not a current Certificate on file for your home, an Application for Certificate of Use and Occupancy - Existing Structure can be obtained at the Municipal Office. The owner or authorized agent will need to complete the application, pay $39.00 for each single-family dwelling, and schedule an inspection with the Township, allowing five to seven days before the inspection. The four-item inspection checklist listed above must be completed before the inspection. Certificates are issued if no violations are found during the inspection. If violations are found, a re-inspection must be scheduled to verify correction of the violation(s) prior to issuance of the Certificate. Certificates are also required for existing non-residential buildings. Click here to download the (17KB pdf) Existing Residential Dwelling Unit Fire Safety Inspection Checklist. Information and applications are available at the Code Compliance Department, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. If you need further information of have questions about building or fire codes contact the Code Compliance Department at 569-6406, option 6, or by email: codecompliance@manheimtownship.org Open Burning, Recreational Fire & Bonfire Guidelines Open Burning: Burning of refuse, leaves and trimmings is prohibited by Manheim Township Ordinance 2004 - 8: amended section 307.1.1, which reads as follows: " Refuse, leaves and trimmings shall not be burned outdoors on the premises in any manner whatsoever." Exception: Properties with 10 or more acres with an active agricultural farming operation are permitted to burn agricultural by-products only (no household refuse, construction materials or similar materials.) An Agricultural Burning Permit is required.
Recreational fires: Definition: An outdoor burning of fire materials that have a total fuel area Recreational fires do not require a fire permit under the following conditions:
Bonfires: Definition: An outdoor fire used for ceremonial purposes and is greater than 3 feet in diameter and more than 3 feet in height. Bonfires require a fire permit. A fire permit application must be filled out and submitted along with the permit fee and site plan indicating the location of bonfire with distances to all buildings and property lines identified. Bonfires must comply with the following conditions: The minimum required distance from a building is 50 feet.
* Note: Any open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances makes such fire hazardous shall be prohibited by the Fire Code Official. The Township Fire Code Official is authorized to order the extinguishment by the property owner or the Fire Department of any burning which creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
Make Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Safety a Habit As hot weather approaches, the cool, refreshing water of a swimming pool becomes more inviting. For those that already have swimming pools, spas or hot tubs or are thinking of installing one, below are some safety tips. Any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches deep, including in-ground and above-ground (including temporary inflatable) pools as well as spas and hot tubs requires a permit issued by the Township's Code Compliance Department prior to the installation.
Pools and spas are attractive to children, what the courts call an "attractive nuisance." There must be a permanent barrier or enclosure for both new and existing pools, hot tubs and spas. Manheim Township Code requires specific barriers that have self-closing, self-latching hardware on the gates. Gates should be locked when the pool is not in use. Pools installed after February 10, 1998 require an audible electronic alarm when the wall of the house serves as part of the barrier and contains a door that has direct access to the pool. Do not place tables near the fence. This could allow a child to climb over into the pool area. Portable above-ground spas or hot tubs must have a locking hard top, preventing unauthorized use.
Signage about the pool, with pool rules is a good idea, but remember to always instruct new users of your pool regarding what is allowed and what is not. Having a pool can make you popular with friends of your children. Those that do not follow the rules, should not be allowed to use the pool.
If you have questions or need permit information contact Code Compliance at 569-6406, option 6 or by email: codecompliance@manheimtownship.org
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There's no substitute for adequate supervision. The "buddy system" of two children is no substitute. Even people that can swim very well can drown when they bump their head, become trapped, or have medical emergencies like seizures or blackouts. Do not let swimmers out of your sight! 
The National Spa & Pool Institute promotes an idea called layers of protection, and has produced a pamphlet with this name. This is a combination of many safety features working together to form several layers of safety protection around the pool. A simple fence just won't do to protect the pool when it is not under supervision. Door exit alarms, infrared detectors or security cameras are needed. Pool alarms, child alarms or pool safety covers will help to prevent accidents. Make sure the pool is in clear view from the house, and not obstructed by plants, awnings, canopies or solid fences. This is not so that you can watch swimmers from the house, but rather to insure that the pool is not in use when it is not supposed to be. Place a phone near the pool with 911 emergency numbers posted.