Zoning/Building/Codes Enforcement

Zoning Officer, Building Code Official, Sewage Enforcement Officer
Chris Paff
127 Quarry Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
610-683-6518
Email: cpaff@maxatawny.net

If you would like to meet with the Zoning or Codes Officer, we suggest you call first to make sure he is not on an inspection when you arrive.

BURNING NOTICE
PRIOR TO ANY BURNING (and for more information and details), YOU ARE REQUIRED TO contact the Kutztown Fire Chief at 484-226-4166 and the Township Code Enforcement Officer at 610-683-6518.

SOLAR PANELS FOR RESIDENTIAL: *Zoning Application, *Building Application, *Electrical Application, *Structural analysis for roof to support panels sealed by PA Engineer, *If to be front facing, Engineer report describing reason for front facing (need BOS approval), *$90.00 - Residential Application Fee, $350.00 - Commerical Application Fee *Complete system construction and electrical documents in 2-sets, *Complete site plot plan in 2-sets.

Township Building Permits - Rules and Regulations:

For Zoning & Building Permits

Permits are required for, but not limited to, all new construction, additions, agricultural buildings, decks, pools, hot tubs, sheds, fences/walls, garages, driveways, outdoor furnaces, windmills, solar panels, rental units, any imprevious additions including many patios, walkways, etc., electrical, plumbing and mechanical, any change of means of egress, any work within a flood plain.

Permits are not required for: re-roofing without structural alterations, replacement windows, doors, siding, non-structural alterations, except as they may affect means of egress or occupant travel pattern.

Before starting any work and if you are unsure if work requires a permit, please call the Township Office.

Fences and walls require a permit and shall be setback two feet (2') from the property line and shall not be placed in any easement or right of way.

Every imprevious addition to any property requires storm water controls.

Maxatawny Township enforces the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Information is available at www.dli.state.pa.us for UCC information and www.maxatawny.org for local information and forms.

All residential building and zoning permit applications shall be submited in TWO (2) sets of complete documents, a detailed plot plan, and sufficient detail to indicate compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances. As a general rule, the documents explain exactly what you propose in detail, so that anyone reviewing the documents would be able explain what you intend to build, including specific construction details.

All commerical building applications
shall be accompanied by all documents in THREE (3) sets. All sets must be signed and sealed by a licensed design professional and in compliance with all UCC requirements.

Please remember the applicant or contractor needs to call to get inspections done when receiving a permit! If you receive a permit and never called for inspections please give us a call so we may close out the open permits!

We are here to help you navigate through the rules, regulations, and procedures and we look forward to hearing from you. You can also check out the website at maxatawny.org for forms and ordinances.

Common Complaints

The following items are common complaints registered with the Township Code Office:

*Property Maintenance Code providing rules for property upkeep including (but not limited to): Prohibiting weeds, grass, yards with growth in excess of 10", exterior storage of junk, accumulation of rubbish and garbage, general premises upkeep, dilapidated properties etc.

*Noise when excessive
*Outdoor storage control
*Solid and liquid waste management
*Air management (gas, vapors, odors, etc.)
*Ground water / water supply protection
*Stormwater control
*Keeping of animals in excess of limitations of property size
*Maintaining visibility at intersections
*Unregistered vehicles

If you have concerns with something a neighbor may or may not be doing, we strongly encourage you to first seek discussion with your neighbor. If the situation is appropriate, explain to them that you intend also to check with the Township to answer any of your concerns. Many times, concerns can be resolved amicably between neighbors. Gather as much information as you can, including a name, address and phone number for the person against whom you will be making the claim. (This way, we can make personal contact with them.) Most residents prefer to have a neighbor approach them personally instead of having the issues escalate to enforcement notices from the Township.

We can only process the complaints received in writing. Complaint forms are on the website or at the Township office.

When a complaint is founded, the Township must follow legal procedures in order to resolve the matter. At times, this process can be quite lenghy. The Township will do its best to keep the lines of communication open and resolve the process can be quite lengthy. The Township will do its best to keep the lines of communication open and resolve the matter as soon as possible.