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Code Compliance (Building and Fire Codes)

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1. What is a building permit?

A building permit is the permission granted by a local government to build a specific structure or reconfigure an existing building at a particular site. For example, when an individual desires to construct a small office building or home, a building permit must be obtained from the Township to allow the construction to proceed legally.

2. When is a residential building permit required?

Building permits are required for: New Homes Additions including garages, porches, sunrooms etc. Alterations such as finishing a basement, remodeling kitchens and baths Swimming pools and spas/hot tubs Decks where any portion of the walking surface is higher than 30 inches from the finished grade, Photovoltaic (solar) systems Demolition of a structure larger than 400 square feet Prefabricated or site-built accessory buildings larger than 400 square feet. Click on the link to go to the Code Compliance Homepage where you will find specific requirements, applications and guides to assist you with your residential permit questions. If you should have any questions, or if you would like to request a building permit application by mail, please do not hesitate to contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 6 or by email to Code Compliance (NOTE: Always check with the Zoning Department before starting any project for the zoning regulations. While some projects may not require a building permit, a zoning permit may be required.) Planning and Zoning Department

Code Compliance Department

3. Is a permit required for a roof replacement?

Effective January 1, 2017, The Manheim Township Code Compliance Department will no longer require a re-roofing permit for existing residential dwellings. Although no permits are required, all re-roofing work is to comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code as adopted and amended by Manheim Township Ordinance 2019-01 and the applicable sections of IRC Chapter 9. Ice barriers are to be installed at all roof edges per Chapter 9 as required per Table R301.2(1) as adopted per Manheim Township Ordinance 2019-01. Commercial re-roofing permits shall continue to be issued with applicable required inspections. A building permit is to be filed along with the completed Commercial Roof Supplement. Please do not hesitate to contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406, extension 6 or via e-mail  Code Compliance. 

Building Permit Application (PDF)

Commercial Re-Roofing Supplement (PDF)

4. How do I apply for a building permit?

There are options to obtain permits in person via the pen and paper program or (coming soon) electronically via the CityView Portal. Permit Applications

5. Do I need a permit to replace my water heater, furnace, heat pump and/or boiler, etc.?

Yes, the replacement or installation of such appliances (and other such installations) does require a plumbing/mechanical permit and inspection. For more information regarding plumbing/mechanical permits, contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 6, or by email to Code Compliance.

Plumbing / Mechanical Permit Page

6. What is a Certificate of Use and Occupancy?

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. This is a document issued by the Township that indicates the building or structure satisfies the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and other applicable requirements.

7. How can I obtain a copy of a valid certificate of use and occupancy for my residential property?

Property owners, real estate agents or attorney’s representing a property owner may contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 7 or by email to Planning and Zoning Provide the following information: property address, whether the property is a single family residence, townhouse, or duplex; and if the property has a basement and if any portion of that basement has been converted into a finished area (ie. family room, bedroom, etc.) We will check our records for a valid certificate of use and occupancy and provide a copy of the certificate to the mailing address or email address provided. If the property does not have a certificate of use and occupancy on file, either the property owner or the owner’s agent will need to make application for a certificate of use and occupancy. Applications must be completed at our office during our regular business hours which are 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The filing fee for a residential certificate of use and occupancy is $50.00. At the time of application, we will schedule an appointment for an inspection of the property. Click on the link below for more information and resources concerning the application and inspection requirements for certificates of use and occupancy.

Certificate of Use and Occupancy Page

Certificate of Use and Occupancy Application (PDF)

8. Is the burning of refuse, leaves and trimmings permitted in Manheim Township?

The burning of refuse, leaves and trimming is prohibited by Manheim Township Ordinance 2021-16 Section 705.2. The only exception to this Ordinance is for active agricultural farming operations on properties of ten (10) acres or more. An Agricultural Burning Permit (PDF) is required and only the burning of agricultural by-products is permitted under permit (no household refuse, construction material or similar material may be burned). Click on the link for the Open Burning Guidelines for more information.

Agricultural Burning Permit Supplement (PDF)

9. Are recreational fires permitted in Manheim Township?

A recreational fire is defined as the outdoor burning of fire materials that have a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet our less in height for the purpose of pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking warmth or similar purposes. Such fires are permitted in the Township, but there are certain conditions which must be adhered to. Click on the link for the Open Burning Guidelines.

Administrative Order #2017-1 Guidelines for Open Burning (PDF)

10. Do I need a permit to install a fire alarm, and/or burglary, panic or robbery alarm system in my home or business?

Yes, a Residential Fire Alarm Permit (PDF) is required by the Code Compliance Department for the installation or modification of a fire alarm system, either hard-wired or remote, 12 or 24 volt. If the system is a monitored system, then the fire alarm contractor must be registered with Manheim Township. For more information regarding fire alarms, contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 6 or Code Compliance. 

The Manheim Township Police Department requires an alarm (security) permit for all properties using a burglary, panic or robbery alarm system. This permit is valid for up to three years. For information regarding permitting for the installation of a burglary alarm system in your home or business, contact the Police Department at 1825 Municipal Drive, or call 717-569-6401 or email to police@manheimtownship.org.

11. How do I hire a reputable contractor for my construction project and must my contractor be licensed?

There are a lot of considerations in making a good choice for your home construction project. Click on the link below for more information.
Any home improvement contractor who has gross revenue of $5,000 or more during the most recent taxable year must register with the State Attorney Generals Office, Bureau of Consumer Protection. For further information on who qualifies as a home improvement contractor, to see if your contractor is licensed, or to register a complaint click on the link attorneygeneral.gov. Hiring a Reputable Contractor

12. Do you have any information on decks and deck safety?

Yes. Click on the link for the Document Center to view the Deck Safety Checklist. We also have a Residential Deck Submittal Guide available also under the Document Center. Submittal guides can be found under the Code Compliance folder and in the submittal guide sub-folder.

Deck Safety Checklist (PDF)

Residential Deck Permit Submittal Guide (PDF)

13. What is a radon control system and how do they work?

Radon control systems are important in controlling radon gas in your home. Please see the link below for more information.

Pennsylvania DEP Radon Website

14. Where can I find information on housing assistance for owners, landlords or developers?

A great place to start would be the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. See link below. Lanc. Co. Housing Authority

15. Do you have a mosquito complaint?

Contact Lancaster County’s Coordinator’s Office for the West Nile Virus Program, Penn State Extension, at 717-821-3053 or 717-675-2077. Provide your name and full address, county, phone number and email address. Include the date and location of the problem and any other related comments. To report a mosquito complaint on-line, or for more information regarding the West Nile Virus Program, visit this website: West Nile Virus Program. To report the existence of an "abandoned" swimming pool, contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 113 or Email Code Compliance

West Nile Virus Program

16. Who are the third-party, non-residential, electrical inspectors contracted by the Township?

Manheim Township has contracted with the following inspection agencies to perform non-residential electrical, electrical sign and non-residential photovoltaic inspections:
* Associated Building Inspections (ABI) 866-733-1654 ext. 103
* Code Administrators, Inc. (CAI) 717-859-3350
Contact Andy Bowman, Director of Code Compliance for Manheim Township for any other questions at 717-569-6406 ext. 1117 or via email to abowman@manheimtownship.org.

17. How do I sign up for news and alert notifications?

Follow the link to the "Notify Me" page and sign up for the news and alert notifications you are interested in.

"Notify Me" Link

18. What are the regulations for posting an "issue sign" (i.e. political signs)?

MT Zoning Ordinance 2014 – chapter 18 (sign regulations) – per the definition, an issue sign is a sign that directs attention to an opinion of a public or private nature, such as, but not limited to, a community, social, religious, political, or ballot issue. In a residential zoning district, a six (6) square foot sign is permitted with no less than a ten (10) foot setback from the street right-of-way and a height of six (6) feet. One (1) sign per street frontage and up to two (2) per lot is permitted (i.e. corner lot). In an institutional, business or industrial zoning district, signs are permitted with a maximum square footage of 32 feet, and a maximum height of ten (10) feet with a setback of ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way. One (1) sign per street frontage and up to two (2) per lot is permitted (i.e. corner lot). Per Table 2, section 1804 (8) – no sign shall be located within a street right-of-way, except a government sign, a public utility sign, a sidewalk sign, a non-profit organization sign, or another sign approved by the governing body or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Signs located within the street right-of-way(s) may be removed by the Township.

Contact the Planning and Zoning Department  with any other sign related questions. 

19. Does the Township require an inspection of a property before the property is sold or title transferred?

No, the Township does not require an inspection of a property before it goes to settlement. However, a copy of a valid Manheim Twp. Certificate of Use and Occupancy may be required by the parties involved with the real estate transaction. If there is not a valid certificate of use and occupancy on file for the property, then an Application for Certificate of Use and Occupancy (PDF) is to be filed with a follow-up inspection. Review the Certificate of Use and Occupancy Inspection Checklist (PDF) for specific inspection requirements. 

You may request a copy of a valid certificate of use and occupancy by leaving a message on the real estate agent’s voice mailbox at 717-569-6406 ext. 6 or by emailing Code Compliance. Provide the following information: property address, whether the property is a single family residence, townhouse, or duplex; and if the property has a basement and if any portion of that basement has been converted into a finished area (ie. family room, bedroom, etc.) We will check our records for a valid certificate of use and occupancy and provide a copy of the certificate to via fax, mail or email as requested. If the property does not have a certificate of use and occupancy on file, either the property owner or the owner’s agent will need to make application for a certificate of use and occupancy. Applications must be completed at our office during our regular business hours which are 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The filing fee for a residential certificate of use and occupancy is $50.00. At the time of application, we will schedule an appointment for an inspection of the property.

20. If I file a complaint with the Township, will it remain confidential?

Yes and No. When a complaint is filed with the Township by an individual against another property owner, the Township strongly encourages that this person (the complainant) provide his or her name and residence information with the description of the perceived code violation. This information is not public information and remains private throughout any investigation. Under Section 708 of the PA Right to Know Law (Act 3 of 2008), if a requestor is seeking the name or copies of the complaint submitted to the Township or other correspondence between the complainant and the Township, this information is exempt from access and will not be provided. This type of information is exempt from public access under the Right to Know Law and the complainant's name and address will always remains confidential in this situation.

Depending on the nature of the code violation and case and/or whether a particular matter would go before the District Magistrate, the complainant should be made aware of the fact that they may be called to testify as a victim and describe the problem or issues identified in the complaint. Although these situations are very rare, in this situation the complainants identity is no longer confidential. Again, these cases are not common.