Building/Codes Department » North Coventry Township

Building & Codes & Zoning Department

The Building and Code Department is established to protect the health, safety, welfare, and resources of the Township to improve the quality of life for all residents in accordance with Township Ordinances.

The purpose of the building code is to provide minimum requirements to safeguard public safety, health, and general welfare. The Department issues permits for a variety of construction activities for every building and structure in the Township.

Have a question?

Contact

Michael R. Schwenk, Building Code Official & Zoning Officer
mschwenk@ltlconsultants.com

Building Permits

When do you need a building permit?

Any property owner who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, must first apply to the Township for required permits.

Below are general guidelines. Contact the Township’s Building/Code Enforcement Department to determine whether or not your project needs a permit.

Building Permit

Additions
Commercial Repairs
Decks
Demolition
Door and Windows (new) installed in load bearing wall
Garages
New Home or Building
Patios
Pools Inground or where water depth is greater than 24″ deep
Roofs (new)
Sheds – 500 sq. ft. and over

Zoning Permit

Additions
Decks
Demolition
Fences
Garages
New Homes
Patios
Pools Above Ground
Sheds over 120 sq. ft. and under 500 sq. ft.
Signs

No Permit Required:

Low voltage alarm systems
Retaining wall not over 4′ high
Roof replacement (Residential)
Shed under 120 sq. ft. *Please notify Codes Officer of install **Set backs must be adhered to
Siding Replacement

Driveways require a permit for new install, resurface or extend. A permit is not required for seal coating.

Grading Permits

Stormwater Management

When Do I Need a Grading Permit?

Owner/applicants shall obtain a grading permit for any earth disturbance activity, grading, excavation, swimming pool construction, building construction, or as set forth in Chapter 194 of the Stormwater Management Ordinance of North Coventry Township.

A Grading Permit is required if your project involves any of the following:

Projects involving paving, filling, stripping, or changing the existing grade of land

Projects that disturb, modify, block, divert, or affect the natural overland or subsurface flow of stormwater within the Township

Projects that block, divert, erect, or install any dam, ditch, culvert, drainpipe, bridge, or other obstruction affecting the drainage of your property

See Table 106.1 of the Township Ordinance to determine Thresholds for Regulated Activities that are Exempt and Not Exempt from Requiring a Grading Permit

Operation & Maintenance Requirements of Stormwater Management Facilities and Best Management Practices (BMPs)

An Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Agreement shall be required for any Stormwater Management Facility, Best Management Practice (BMP), or Conveyances installed and owned by the Property Owner. The O&M Agreement sets the rights, duties, and obligations of the owner of the BMP or Conveyance and shall be consistent with the approved Stormwater Management Plan, including general maintenance. A BMP facility requiring maintenance includes but is not limited to swales, retention and detention basins, rain gardens, drainpipes, and inlet/outlet structures.

Property owners are responsible for the operation and maintenance of their BMP or Conveyance and shall make records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Contact the Township office for a sample Stormwater Management Maintenance Checklist.

Solicitation Permits

Solicitation and Peddling Licenses

North Coventry Township adopted a new Solicitation and Peddling Ordinance 02-2024 that establishes updated regulations for transient retailers operating in North Coventry Township.

Those individuals who wish to obtain a license to solicit and do not fall under a regulatory exemption must obtain a permit from the North Coventry Township Administration office and provide necessary background documentation for review.

Upon review of a completed application, if the license is approved, the individual will be issued a license and license identification badge with lanyard to be worn conspicuously by the solicitor during soliciting activities, and presented at request to all law enforcement, Township officials, and citizens of the Township.

Every member of a business group must file individual license applications. Licenses are granted up to two week, (14 day) periods and must be renewed to continue operation.

The Township has also implemented a “Do Not Solicit Registry,” which is comprised of landowners and residents of the Township who do not wish to be contacted by non-exempt solicitors. If the application for a license is approved for solicitation, the solicitor will be provide a copy of the most recent “Do Not Solicit Registry.” It is noted that the prohibition against non – exempt solicitors entering properties on the Do Not Solicit Registry shall be in addition, not in place of, the prohibition against such individual soliciting and peddling at properties displaying, “No Soliciting,” or other similar signs. For property owners who wish to sign up for the Registry, please enter your information on the North Coventry Police Department webpage here: https://chester.crimewatchpa.com/ncpd/21202/webforms/do-not-solicit

A list of exempt retailers is included in the adopted Ordinance and does include persons who work for organizations registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State under the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act.

Permitted hours of solicitation are from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., or sunset, (whichever is earlier), Monday through Saturday. No soliciting is permitted on Sundays or Federal holidays.

View currently active permits issued to individuals here

Solicitation Permit Application