Commercial Planning & Permitting Guide This guide is for architects, engineers, developers, and business owners planning new commercial construction, building additions, or site redevelopments in North Whitehall Township. This process applies to multi-family residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and mixed-use properties.
1. Preliminary Planning & Township Review Before submitting formal plans, developers are strongly encouraged to discuss their project with North Whitehall Township staff.
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Early Consultation: Township staff can help clarify local land development ordinances, zoning district rules, and environmental protections early in the design process.
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Boards & Commissions: Projects requiring special exception, variance, or land division will be directed to the Planning Commission or Zoning Hearing Board for formal review before building permits can be issued.
2. Engineering & Plan Preparation Commercial plans must be prepared, signed, and sealed by a licensed architect or professional engineer in accordance with Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) standards. Submissions generally require two distinct components:
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Site & Land Development Plans: Detailing structure placement, setback compliance, parking, traffic access, stormwater management, and soil erosion controls.
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Building & Systems Plans: Detailed architectural blueprints, structural calculations, and mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression trade schematics.
3. Application & Plan Review
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Submission: Submit land development and commercial building applications, sealed plans, and required plan review fees to the Township Office.
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Review Process: Township staff and the Township Engineer review plans for compliance with local code and state UCC requirements. If revisions are needed, staff will provide a review letter outlining required corrections.
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Permit Issuance: Once plans are approved and all municipal fees are settled, required permits (Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Highway Occupancy/Driveway) will be issued so work can begin.
4. Inspections & Certificate of Occupancy
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Progress Inspections: Mandatory trade and structural inspections must be scheduled and approved at defined milestones throughout construction before work is covered or continued.
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Final Inspections: Upon project completion, final building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire safety inspections are conducted.
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Certificate of Occupancy: Once all work is fully approved, the Township issues an official Certificate of Occupancy, authorizing the building to legally open for operation.
SEE LINKS BELOW FOR COMMON PERMITS:- General Electrical Work (Electrical)
- General Plumbing Work (Plumbing)
- Connecting to Public Water (new connection to public water system)
- Tearing Down a Building or Structure (razing/demolition)
- Restoring Power After 6+ Months Inactive (reactivate electrical service after 6 months)
- Installing a New Electrical Service or Upgrading Service
- Adding a New Electrical Panel or Meter
- Heating System Replacement with Structural Changes
- General Building Work (Building)
- New Home, Building, or Manufactured Home Construction
- Home or Large Shed Addition over 1,000 sq. ft. (addition to building or addition to accessory bldg > 1,000 sq.ft.)
- Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub Installation (Includes Fence)
- Large Detached Shed, Barn, or Garage over 1,000 sq. ft. (accessory building > 1,000 sq. ft)
- Concrete Patio or Slab with Footings (patio/concrete slab w/footers)
- Decks Higher Than 30 Inches
- Ground-Mounted Solar Panels
- Fuel Storage Tank Installation (fuel storage)
- Exterior Home Remodels (exterior alterations)
- Roof-Mounted Solar Panels
- Cell Tower Installation or Modification (cell tower)
- Commercial Signage
- Other Unlisted Projects (other-explain)
- Shed, Detached Garage, or Small Outbuilding (accessory structure)
- Land Grading for New Construction (new structure grading)
- Stormwater Drainage & Basin Systems (stormwater facilities)
- Temporary Use or Event Permits (temporary permits)
- Property Fences (fence)
- Professional Fireworks Display (professional fire works display)
- General Dirt Moving or Excavation (earth moving)
- Rock Blasting Work (blasting)
- State/Township Road Connection or Work (highway occupancy)
- Driveway Construction, Modification, or Paving (driveway)
- Door-to-Door Sales or Vendor Permit (solicitation)
- Agricultural Building Exemption
- Workers' Compensation Exemption Form for Contractors/Sole Proprietors
- Special Event Zoning Permit
- Permit Time Extension Request
- Changing the Type of Business or Use of a Commercial Space (Commercial Change of Use)
- Commercial Security or Fire Alarm System (commercial alarm system)
- Small Commercial Accessory Structure under 1,000 sq. ft. (commercial accessory structure < 1,000 sq. ft.)
- Temporary Construction Trailer, Tent, or Structure
- Commercial use - Fire & Life inspection/knox box)
- Zoning Application