FAQs

You will need to look at the Lowhill Township Zoning Map to answer this question. Complete hard copies of the Zoning Ordinance and Map are also available for purchase at the Township Building. Staff can assist you in finding your property on the map if you are unsure of where it is.

The Lowhill Township Zoning Ordinance establishes what activities are permitted in the Township as well as how buildings are placed on the land. Since not all land uses are appropriate in all areas, the Ordinance divides the Township into zoning districts. There are many kinds of zoning districts in the Township. For each district, the Ordinance specifies what uses are permitted as well as how large the lots must be, the minimum distance required between buildings and the property lines, how much of the property must remain unbuilt and unpaved, and how tall buildings may be. Our Zoning Ordinance also includes extensive provisions for the protection and preservation of our environmental resources and for maintaining and or preserving our rural character.

In Pennsylvania, the Zoning Officer only has the authority to enforce the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance; they do not have the authority to grant any relief from those provisions. If you are in a situation where, for example, your property is so narrow that you can't build an addition on the side of your house that will still provide for the minimum distance required between the house and the property line, you will need to apply for a variance. In Lowhill Township, the variance process may include an informal presentation to the Lowhill Township Planning Commission followed by a formal hearing before the Lowhill Township Zoning Hearing Board. The Zoning Hearing Board makes the ultimate decision on whether or not to grant a request for a variance. The process is explained fully in the Zoning Ordinance. If you are considering applying for a variance, you may wish to discuss it with the Zoning Officer to be sure of how your particular circumstances may affect the process.

That depends on exactly what you're doing. Even if you don't need land development approval, all construction activities, including do-it-yourself projects, will require a Building Permit and a Zoning Permit. It's best to contact the Township office for complete information.

A Building Permit is needed for all fences that enclose swimming pools. Please refer to the swimming pool guide under the the Zoning Department. Please note that only a Zoning Permit is needed for all other types fences, including an electrical charged fence for wild animal control.

Yes, a building permit is required. Please see the deck guidelines

Yes, we require a building permit only if the wood planks need to be replaced. Simple re-shingling of a roof does not require a permit.

We require a Zoning Permit for a shed up to 500 sq. ft. A shed greater than 500 sq. ft. requires a Building Permit.

No, a permit is not required.

Yes, permits are required based on the work to be done; for example: a building permit is required for any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical HVAC improvments. It is also a requirement if you are doing any work to your basement to install an emergency egress (door or window) if you do not already have one in place.

No, not currently.

No, unless you are replacing bedroom windows because they are a means of emergency egress.

Yes, you can cut down a tree on your property unless the tree is within a Township Road right of way or in any type of easement. However, you cannot cut down trees for clearing land for a new land development or for timber harvesting purposes. That situation requires Township approval and or a zoning permit.

No, but you do need to contact the township if you decide to change the size of your driveway. If you are paving your driveway for the first time (over dirt/stone) then a soil and erosion control permit is required.

Yes, we require you to apply for a building permit. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep do not require any permits.

Yes, we require a zoning permit, if you are installing a hardscaped patio.

Not currently. Garage sales signs must be taken down 24 hours after the event.

No zoning permit is required for retaining walls under four (4) feet unless the wall supports a surcharge or creates a sight hazard; then a building permit is required.

Yes. All permits are available on the Township's Forms & Documents section of our website. Please pay all permits by check or cash only.

Building/Zoning permits are needed for the following:

• New Building
• Addition to Building/Exterior Alteration
• Basement Conversion to Living Space
• Roof Addition
• Conversion of Dwelling into new use or additional use
• Razing or Moving Building
• Accessory Building and or Shed
• Sign
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Enclosed Porch
• Swimming Pools - In Ground or Above Ground
• Decks
• Commercial/Industrial Interior Alterations
• Fence

Private residential sheds shall not exceed 500 square feet and shall be no closer than ten (10) feet to any property line and require a zoning permit.

Fences can be located within two feet of your property line.

Fences can have a maximum height of eight feet in the rear and side yards and a maximum height of four feet in the front yard. No fence shall intrude in the sight triangle of a roadway or private driveway.

Swimming pools shall be located no closer than ten feet from the water's edge to the side and rear property lines. Above Ground swimming pools must be completely enclosed with a minimum four-foot-high fence. Swimming pools that are at least four feet above the ground need not be fenced if the construction is such that it prevents access to the water. Along with fence requirements, applicable electrical requirements shall also apply. See pool guides for additional requirements.

Pools with the inflatable top ring that rises as the pool is filled and is deeper than 18 inches must meet all the requirements of the international residential code (IRC). The code states that a 48-inch barrier must surround the pool with self-closing/latching gates that opens away from the pool. Swimming pools shall be located no closer than ten feet from the water's edge to the side and rear property lines. Along with fence requirements, applicable electrical requirements shall also apply.

Two copies of a grading plan are required. Contact the township engineer regarding grading specifications. Swimming pools shall be located no closer than ten feet from the water's edge to the side and rear property lines. In-ground swimming pools must be completely enclosed with a minimum four-foot-high fence. Along with fence requirements, applicable electrical requirements shall also apply.

A building permit with a plan of the proposed basement work is required along with an electric and/or plumbing permit, if necessary. If the basement will be used as a bedroom, two means of egress are required, a bilco-type door or an egress window.

You can call Barry Isett, Township Building inspectors at 610-398-0904

You can call the Township at Building and Zoning at 610-258-2841

You can call the Township at Building and Zoning at 610-258-2841

Driveways need to be at least 5 feet from the property line.

Trees and shrubs can be planted up to the property; however, we recommend planting two (2) feet from the property line to allow for future growth.

Any disputes between neighbors concerning tree branches, shrubs or other landscaping, are civil matters that must be resolved by the neighbors. For the most part, if branches encroach on your property, you have the right to trim them if they pose a problem. Professional legal advice should be obtained prior to any action that may cause an escalation in a disputed property line issue. Lowhill Township cannot resolve these issues.

The Township Right-of-Way (ROW) is land that is owned by the township, that in most cases involves the first 10 feet of land measured from the street or curb to your property line. In older developments, this distance may be less and some areas may have none at all. The ROW is considered an overlay area that is maintained by you the property owner. It is suggested that if you plan to do any landscaping or planting in this area you keep in mind that the township may at some time have to disturb this area for maintenance of utility lines or other public services.

Lowhill Township is very concerned about water runoff. The Township does have grading permit requirements. Earthmoving operations by a contractor are required to submit a grading plan for review by the township and must follow the grading and or stormwater plan. Initial grading does sometimes settle and some touch-up work is required and grass must be established before total stabilization occurs. If you experience problems before all this happens, consult your builder to correct the problem. It is not permitted to intentionally discharge water onto a neighbor's property. Once a certificate of occupancy is issued by the township, any further soil disturbance is the sole responsibility of the homeowner. If any disturbance results in a dispute with neighboring properties, the matter must be handled by civil action between residents. Installed drainage easements and other drainage/stormwater facilities cannot be removed or regraded, blocked with vegetation or trees placed within these drainage-easements and swales.