Building & Zoning
Telephone & Email Directory
| Name | Title | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
|
Caitlin M. Mest |
EIT, BCO, CFM, CZO | (215) 453-6000 x214 |
Building & Zoning Department
The Building and Zoning Department enforces the Township Zoning Ordinance and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code(UCC). Below, is a list of General Information Documents and some common Permit Applications, for more specific information, follow the links for Zoning, Building and Stormwater.
All development within Hilltown Township must conform to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance and any other regulations controlling grading and Stormwater Management Ordinance.
All inspections, including electrical, need to be scheduled, at least 24 hours in advance, at 215-453-6000. As of January 5, 2021, electrical inspections will be done in-house through the Township's Building and Zoning department. Please call the office at 215-453-6000, if you have any questions.
There is a drop box located in the front of the municipal building for all building, zoning and land development needs. If you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact the office at 215-453-6000.
- 2024 Fee Schedule
- Property Records And Plot Plans
- Request To Review Records Form
- What Permits Do I Need?
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Hilltown Township require a new Certificate of Occupany for the re-sale of a residence?
No. View the document for an expanded answer and letter to supply to your lender.
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Can I have horses, livestock or poultry (etc.)?
How much land do I need, and how many animals can I have? View the question for an expanded answer.
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Can I review a property's history? Do you have a plot plan for a property?
Yes, property records are public information; plot plans are available for some properties -- if they exist. View the question for an expanded answer and links to the needed form.
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Residential Fence Requirements
Do I need a permit? What are the rules?
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Sheds, Garages, Pool Houses, Pole Buildings, etc.
Do I need a permit for a Shed? a Garage? What are the regulations for Pool Houses, Studios, etc.? Can I build a pole building?
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Accessory Family Apartments
Does Hilltown Township allow In-Law Dwellings? What are the requirements and restrictions?
- Home Occupation 'Professional Offices' and 'Home Crafts'
- What Permits Do I Need?
- Can I Get A Variance?
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Does Hilltown Township require a new Certificate of Occupany for the re-sale of a residence?
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Applications
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Zoning Permit Application
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Zoning Fee is due at time of submission of any Zoning Permit Application. See FEE SCHEDULE, Section XIII.
- Zoning Permit for Tenant U&O Application
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Residential Building Permit Application (Revised: 11/ 2022)
Use for ALL residential projects; including: electrical, plumbing and mechanical.
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Residential Roofing Permit Application
For non-residential roofing projects use 'Commercial Building Permit Application' (below).
- Residential Mechanical/HVAC Permit Application
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Commercial Building Permit Application (Revised: 2022)
Use for all non-residential and multi-family projects
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Sign Permit Application
Most sign regulations may be found under the 'Signs' heading below; Complete regulations are available in Article VII of the Zoning Ordinance.
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Zoning Hearing Board Application
For Variances, Special Exceptions, Appeals of an Action of the Zoning Officer, or Appeal of an Zoning Enforcement Notice.
- Township Road Occupancy Permit (Driveways & Utilities)
- Stormwater Management Application
- Individual Residence Spray Irrigation Sewage System (IRSIS) Permit Application
- Holding Tank Application
- On-Lot Sanitary Sewer System Operation & Maintenance Agreement Application
- Well Application
- Conditional Use Application
- Political/Temporary Sign Permit
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Zoning Permit Application
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Zoning
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Zoning Ordinance - Chapter 160
Codified June 2019; Board of Supervisors approved August 26, 2019 by Ordinance 2019-002.
- Zoning Map
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Table Of Allowable Uses By Zoning District
Zoning Ordinance 160 attachment 2, as a separate document.
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Table Of Performance Standards, Bulk And Area
Zoning Ordinance 160 attachment 3, as a separate document.
- Road Right Of Way Widths
- Residential Setbacks, By Zoning Districrt
- Ordinance 2022-002 Amending Chapter 160 of the Hilltown Township Code of Ordinances
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Ordinance 2019-002
Codification of Ordinance of Hilltown
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Ordinance 2017-003
Misc. Revisions to Zoning Ordinance, Lot Size Definition, Patio and Deck Setbacks, Non-commercial swimming Pool, Accessory Family Residence, Residential Solar System, Site Capacity and Performance Standards.
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Ordinance 2017-001
Requirements and Restriction for growing and retailing Medical Marijuana
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Ordinance 2015-003
Ordinance 2015-003 revises the Hilltown Township Zoning Ordinance with specific regard to Floodplain issues and requirements. More broadly, the ordinance deletes and modifies most Floodplain related requirements and refers the reader to the 'stand alone' Flood Plain Ordinance (Ordinance 2015-002).
- Ordinance 2015-002 Flood Plain Ordinance
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Zoning Ordinance - Chapter 160
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Sample Diagrams and Details
The samples in this section are informative only, and are not prescriptive; their are many acceptable ways of designing a project. These details are intended as aids and examples of the level of information that your plans should communicate. Details may be adapted or use to supplement your submission. All documents in the section were created by Hilltown Twp Building Office, or are believed to be in 'Public Domain' or are here with the permission of the author; if you believe a document is here improperly, please contact Hilltown Township Zoning Office.-
Basement Firestop Details
These details are supplied to demonstrate some areas where firestopping is required in the most common method of finishing a basement. The details may or may not be applicable to your project, and may not cover all situations. If the details are applicable, you may attach them to your application to demonstrate how you will comply with requirements.
- How To Draw A Plot Plan
- Sample Deck Plans
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Basement Firestop Details
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Help Sheets
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Signs
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Sign Permit Application
Most sign regulations may be found under the 'Signs' heading below; Complete regulations are available in Article VII of the Zoning Ordinance.
- Selected Sections of ZO Regulating Permanent Signage
- Political/Temporary Sign Permit
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Sign Permit Application
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Select Ordinances
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Stormwater
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Documents & Misc Forms
Helpful Links
- 2018 International Building Code
The Residential Building Code adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - Bucks County's Public Access GIS System
- Bucks County Board of Assessment, Property Records Database
This link allows you to search Bucks County's records for various properties throughout the county - Bucks County Conservation District
- Bucks County Planning Commission This link will take you to BCPC Subdivision & Land Development submission instructions and fillable application form
- Download RESCheck Software from US Dept. of Energy