Definition: An addition is an extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.

Planning Considerations

Zoning Requirements:

Before a building permit can be issued it must be reviewed for zoning compliance. Each property within the Borough is part of a designated zoning district. The zoning district specifies the permitted land uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial and the minimum distances or set back from the property lines for buildings, accessory structures, and fences, as well as maximum height restrictions.

Explanation of how to calculate Floor Area Ratio and Lot Coverage
Learn how to Draw a Site Plan

When you apply for a building permit, the application will automatically be routed to Zoning for review. You are encouraged to contact the Zoning Officer before you finalize your plans to make sure that the addition meets minimum zoning requirements and does not encroach on easements or required side, front, or rear yard areas.

Historic District:

If you are located in the historic district and are making changes to the exterior of your property that can be seen from the street and exceed $2,000 please review the HARB Certificate of Appropriateness requirements.

Applicable Building Codes

All construction work must conform to the requirements of the following codes:

  • 2018 International Building Code (IBC)
  • 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
  • 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
  • 2018 International Residential Code for One and Two-Family Dwellings (IRC)
  • 2018 International Electrical Code (IEC)

For projects you can view the ICC Codes online at no charge here.

Standard Inspection Requirements:

  • Footing and foundation prepour (forms in place before concrete is poured)
  • Concrete slab and or backfill
  • Floodplain
  • Plumbing, water service, mechanical, electrical, and gas
  • Rough framing, fire resistance, fire separation
  • Insulation
  • Fire suppression, fire prevention, fire alarm
  • Structural steel, poured concrete, engineered truss
  • Sanitary sewer
  • Final

Drawing Requirements can be reviewed here

Application Checklist

Please note that we are providing this checklist to assist you in submitting drawings and an application package that will provide enough information for us to understand your proposal and determine if it meets the building code. Failure to provide the needed information will delay your permit.

Permit Application and Review Procedures:

  • Applicant completes Building and Zoning Permit Application and Checklist. Residential applications require 2 complete sets of plans (site, architectural, mechanical, plumbing, structural, & electrical as needed).
  • Applicant delivers completed signed application, signed completed checklist, and 2 copies of all plans to Borough Building and Zoning Office.Make sure you have the proper type, i.e. residential or commercial. All applicable portions of the permit should be filled in. If you are unsure about the applicability of a question, please ask at the time of submittal. Plans must be complete, identical, legible, to scale, and stapled together as two separate sets.
  • All applications will be checked at the counter for completeness. If any of the required information, plans or checklist are missing, the building permit application cannot be accepted.
  • When you come in to file the application, we will determine permit fees.A fee schedule is available here. Payment must be made for application to be accepted. We will need a separate check for escrows.
  • Permit review is conducted once a week. Incomplete applications and plans will be returned to applicant. If the plans are incomplete, inaccurate, or un-clear, a correction letter will be sent to the applicant. This will require re-submittal of the corrected construction documents and cause a delay in issuing the permit.
  • We will contact you in writing with the results of the plan review.
  • You may start your project when you receive the permits. Note that it is your responsibility to schedule all inspections. Inspections must be scheduled 48 hours in advance.

Important: Your permit cannot be closed without a final inspection. Escrow will not be returned until the final is complete. Residential Building Permits Package (three documents) includes plumbing, mechanical, electrical etc.

Resources

The information provided in this guide is intended only to assist individuals in understanding the code requirements. It is not a complete recitation of the code. Property owners should consult the Doylestown Borough Code of Ordinance for answers to specific questions.