Building & Zoning

Table of Contents

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    Overview

    The York Township Building and Zoning Department is responsible for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional permitting, code enforcement and property maintenance within the Township in accordance with Township ordinances, the Uniform Construction Code and other state and federal regulations. The Department is also responsible for new development and redevelopment planning within the Township in accordance with the Municipalities Planning Code, Township ordinances as well as state and federal regulations.

    Residential & Commercial Building Permits

    Codes Enforcement Officers are employed by York Township to enforce building and property maintenance codes. They complete building inspections of new construction and modifications to existing buildings. To schedule an inspection of construction please see the Building Inspection Scheduling section below.

    At the time a building permit is issued the applicant will be provided with a list of required inspections. Building Inspections can be scheduled for Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The township office must be notified 24 hours in advance to schedule an inspection. To schedule an inspection please call the administration office at (717) 428-5641.

    Click here to view/download the York Township Fee Schedule.

    Contact the Township for information regarding the need for a building permit for proposed work.

    Building permits must be obtained before you start the work, and the permit must be displayed on the worksite!

    Contact the Township for information regarding the need for a building permit for proposed work. Building permits must be obtained before you start the work, and the permit must be displayed on the worksite!

    Commercial Building Permit Downloads

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    In 1993 York Township adopted Resolution No. 93-2 requiring that all plumbing work performed within York Township be done by a York Township licensed plumber. A licensed master plumber is required to apply for all plumbing permits. Examples of work that can be done without a plumbing permit are the repair or replacement of existing plumbing fixtures (i.e., sink, faucet, toilet, etc.), clearing of stopped drains, and the replacement of a water heater as long as the energy source does not change.

    Contact the Plumbing Inspector at the township administration office for additional information regarding the need for a plumbing permit for proposed work.

    York Township has an ordinance (99-19) that requires the use of a KNOX BOX for our commercial buildings. This system provides the quickest and most secure method of access to your building during an emergency. Currently there are over 300 establishments in York Township that participate in the program.

    How It Worksknox box

    It’s 2:00 am. The fire alarm in your building is ringing and the fire department responds. Rather than forced entry through the door, firefighters open the KNOX BOX, remove the entrance keys, and immediately enter your facility to search for the cause of the alarm.

    Eliminating forced entry means no replacement cost for broken windows and forced door frames or locks.

    You may contact the York Township Administration Office for applications for ordering your key lock box system at (717) 741-3861 x128.

    On May 11, 2004, York Township (via Ordinance 2004-7) adopted the Uniform Construction Code, establishing the administration and enforcement of the code, a Board of Appeals and fees assessable by York Township. This was approved as required by the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act of 1999.

    The statewide building code, titled the Uniform Construction Code, applies to the construction, alteration, repair, movement, equipment removal, demolition, location, maintenance, occupancy or change of occupancy of every building or structure which occurs on or after May 11, 2004 and all existing structures that are not legally occupied. A BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL OF THE ACTIVITIES ABOVE.

    Applications for a building permit must include a site plan, construction drawings and specifications, floor plan, elevations, wall sections and details, etc. The Code Enforcement Official has 15 business days to review a residential building permit and 30 business days for a commercial building permit. Even if a building permit is not required, a ZONING PERMIT MAY BE REQUIRED.

    Applications for a zoning permit must include the location and dimensions of the lot, abutting streets with names and widths, structures, yards and setbacks with locations, dimensions and uses of existing and proposed structures on the lot. The Zoning Officer has 10 days to issue the permit, unless approval of a Special Exception or Variance is required from the Zoning Hearing Board. The York Township Zoning staff and Code Enforcement officials are available Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to answer questions or sit down with residents/ contractors to review plans needed to comply with all codes. Please call and make an appointment at (717) 741-3861.

    Zoning Applications & Permits

    There are two types of home businesses, 1) No Impact Home Based Businesses which are those businesses that do not require any visitation by clients or customers and do not have a need for signage (i.e., businesses conducted via computer, bookkeeping, direct sales consultant, etc.), and 2) Home Occupations which are those that are primarily of a service nature (i.e., in-home daycare, hair/nail salon, photography studio, accountant, lawyer, etc.).  Home Occupations have specific regulations under the Zoning Ordinance and additional time and expense may be incurred if approval from the Zoning Hearing Board is required.

    The York Township Zoning Ordinance requires all Home Businesses to be registered with the Township.  If you are operating a business from your home, you are required to file an application with the Township at the beginning of each year along with the annual fee of $25.

    Click here to view/download a Home Business Application.

    Please contact the Zoning Officer for more information.

    All new business signs and replacements of existing signs require a building permit in order to verify all work is done in accordance with the building code and lighted signs are UL listed.  The building permit and supporting information must be submitted to the Zoning Officer to verify all zoning requirements are met before a building permit will be issued.

    Please contact the Zoning Officer for more information.

    Temporary uses are permitted upon approval by the Zoning Officer. Contact the Zoning Officer at the township administration office for additional information.

    Temporary Use Downloads

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    Transient Retail business is permitted upon approval by the Zoning Officer. See Chapter 230 below and contact the township administration office for additional information.

     

    Transient Retail Downloads

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    Seasonal Sales are permitted upon approval by the Zoning Officer. Contact the Zoning Officer at the township administration office for additional information.

     

    Seasonal Sales Downloads

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    • Two yard sales are permissible per household in any twelve-month period.
    • The maximum duration of each sale shall be two consecutive calendar days between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
    • No yard sale may be held until a permit has been issued.
    • Yard sale permits may be obtained at the York Township administrative building at the Recreation office window or front administration counter between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    • Permits cost $5.00 (cash or check only) and are to be prominently displayed on the premises during the sale.
    • Yard sales being held which violate the provisions of this chapter are subject to a fine of no less than $25.00.

    Subdivision or Land Development Plan Submittal Dates & Guidance

    Click on the link to download the 2025 Plan Submittal and Meeting Dates for York Township (PDF).

    Information for submitting subdivision or land development plans is in the York Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Article 3 Plan Submission and Processing Procedures and Specifications. Call the Township administration office for additional information.

    Tax-Deferred Properties (LERTA)

    LERTA: Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance

    A program providing tax exemption for certain deteriorated areas within the township, providing an exemption schedule and establishing standards and qualifications for participants. 

    Contact Building & Zoning

    Building Code Official        Phone: (717) 741-3861 x131
    Email: Online Form               

    Zoning Officer                        Phone: (717) 741-3861 x127
    Email: Online Form

    Inspection Scheduling          Phone: (717) 428-5641

    Contact Township Engineer

    Michael Hiras, P.E.
    Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT)
    220 St. Charles Way STE 200
    York, PA 17402
    Phone: (717) 741-1600

    Zoning Hearing Board Application

    View the Zoning Hearing Board page for more information.