• The Township of Abington requires that all commercial projects be reviewed entirely prior to permit submission to the Township.  An entire plan review would consist of Building, Electric, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Fire and Accessibility. Applicants must use a state approved third party agency.
• When requested, plans for commercial applications must also be prepared by an state licensed architect or engineer, and include electrical, plumbing, energy and HVAC calculations.  Site plans, accurately drawn and calculated, must also be completed and submitted for review for both commercial and residential applications;
• Any application for a building permit that requires access to a highway falling under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, will not be issued until a Highway Occupancy Permit is issued;
• Improperly preparing your application will automatically cause delays in your time schedule for most anticipated work; therefore, ample time should be factored in when preparing your plans. Due to the scope of work to be reviewed, additional time may be required by the Code Department to review the average submittal;
• The Township of Abington requires that all commercial projects be reviewed entirely prior to permit submission to the Township.  An entire plan review would consist of Building, Electric, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Fire and Accessibility. Applicants must use a state approved third party agency.
• All projects/applications being submitted by anyone other than the property owner will be required to provide a Property Owner Authorization Form with the submittal.
• Questions regarding the process can be directed to 267-536-1000 ext. 4. 

Required for modifying, remodeling, or renovating existing interior or exterior spaces without expanding the structure's footprint. 

Alteration Permit Application 

Additional Information

• Commercial Construction Documents
• Township will require construction details
• Alterations include, but are not limited to, framing, insulation and drywall.
• Roofing and siding permits are separate.

Required Documentation

•  Construction drawings
  • May be required based on scope of work to occur.
• Energy Code Compliance forms if applicable per IRC

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:

• Subject to $4.50 state fee
• Subject to $50.00 review fee

Required to partially or fully demolish any structure, including buildings, garages, or pools.

Demolition Permit Application

Additional Information

•  An NFPA 241 Plan will be required for any demolition project. This will outline the basic fire prevention steps that will be taken during the project. A template can be found here.

Required Documentation

• Site/Plot Plan - may be non-engineered
  • Sample Plot Plan
• Erosion control plan
  • Only if one of the following is applicable:
    • Disturb 5,000 square feet or more of land.
    • It is part of a larger common plan of development that will ultimately disturb = 5,000 sq ft
    • Occurs near water resources (Streams, Wetlands, Stormwater basins, Floodplains)
    • It is associated with agricultural plowing/tilling involving more than 5,000 square feet of land.
• Shut off notices
  • PECO: Gas and/or Electric
  • Aqua: Domestic Water
• Rodent Report- provided by exterminator that the structure has been treated and is free of rodents
• Waste disposal plan indicating what waste is to be removed and where it will be relocated to
• Sanitary Sewer Cap-Off Permit (submitted by Master Plumber only)
• NFPA 241 Fire Protection Program indicating what fire prevention procedures will take place
  • https://www.abingtonpa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/18555

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:
  • Demolition of commercial structures:
    • Up to (1,000) square feet of building to be removed is $75.00
    • Each addition (1,000) square feet of building to be removed over (1,000) or fraction thereof is $20.00. 
  • Sanitary Sewer Cap-Off
    • $85.00
    • $4.50 State Fee

Required for installing, altering, or upgrading electrical systems, wiring, service panels, or devices.

Electrical Permit Application

Additional Information

• Inspections must be conducted by an approved third party agency found on the application. Reports are to be submitted to the Township.
• We do not accept Fire Alarm Plans combined with Electrical Permit Submittals. Fire Alarm Plans require a separate permit from the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Required Documentation

•  Electrical Plans and Manufacturers Specifications may be required depending on scope of job

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:
  • Subject to $4.50 state fee

Required to install or replace a fence on residential or commercial property.

Fence Permit Application

Additional Information

• Fencing must be installed with the finished side of the fence facing the abutting property or properties.
• Solid board fences are required to be installed leaving 3” clearance between the ground and bottom of the fence so storm water can flow unobstructed.
• Survey markers must be visible.
• Fencing is not permitted to be installed within any township right-of-way or within any recorded easement.

Required Documentation

• Site Plan 
  • Sample Plot Plan
  • Include all relevant landmarks, structures, and property lines
  • Identify if you are a corner property

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:
  • For fencing (fee schedule #11)
    • $.30 per linear foot

Please click here to view Fire Protection Permits. 

All Fire Protection Plans & Permits are submitted through the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Required to install or replace a fireplace, wood-burning stove, or similar heating appliance.

Fireplace/Woodstove Permit Application

Additional Information

• Not required for recreational fire pit

Required Documentation

• Site Plan indicating location where fireplace/woodstove will be installed on property.
• Plans/Diagram/Sketch of installation
• Manufacturers Specifications for unit being installed
• Gas line diagram, if applicable
  • If gas run to structure, PECO Adequacy Report must be submitted to the Township

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:
  • $4.50 state fee
  • $50 review fee

Required to construct the foundation of a building or structure before the full building permit is issued.

Foundation Permit Application

Required Documentation

• Site Plan indicating location where foundation will be installed on property.
• Construction Drawings: Should include a cover sheet, site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details with all drawings clearly labeled and scaled.             
• Calculation Sheet: The calculation sheet is to determine existing impervious coverage and then new impervious coverage.
• Erosion Control Plan: If your project meets any of the following benchmarks:
  • Disturb 5,000 square feet or more of land;
  • Is part of a larger common plan of development that will ultimately disturb = 5,000 sq ft;
  • Occurs near water resources (Streams, Wetlands, Stormwater basins, Floodplains);
  • Is associated with agricultural plowing/tilling involving more than 5,000 square feet of land.

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:

• Project Cost	Fees
  $1 - $2,000	$250
  Each $1,000 or fraction thereof over $2,000	$35

Required to install a permanent standby generator, including associated fuel and electrical connections.

Generator Permit Application

Additional Information

• Separate Electrical Permit application will be required
• Generator Flyer
• Generator Requirements
• PECO Form

Required Documentation

• Plot Plan:
  • Sample Plot Plan
  • Fee Schedule
• PECO Adequacy Form or PECO Approval letter/e-mail if attached to building electrical system
• Construction Drawings which may include: Concrete pad or prefabricated base, dimensions and anchoring details, load bearing capacity if on a roof or platform, manufacturer’s mounting/clearance specs, side view showing clearance to openings, exhaust routing, etc., ventilation if in an enclosure or interior room, and screening or fencing.
• Manufacturer’s Specifications for unit being installed

Associated Fees

• State fee of $4.50
• Review fee $50 

Required to install or modify HVAC systems including furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, and ventilation.

Mechanical Permit Application

Additional Information

• Separate Electrical permit applications are required for HVAC installations. Job cost needs to be broken out on both applications between the cost for the HVAC and Electrical.  

Required Documentation

• Construction Plans: Should include floor plans and construction details as relevant
• Manufacturer’s Specifications for equipment being installed

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:

Required to construct a brand-new structure such as a house or commercial building.

For more information regarding new construction, please contact Fire and Code Services at 267-536-1000 ext. 4. 

Additional Information

• Separate Electrical permit applications are required for HVAC installations. Job cost needs to be broken out on both applications between the cost for the HVAC and Electrical.  

Required Documentation

• SITE PLAN: Plot plan and any additional documentation relating to the new structure
• CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: Should include a cover sheet, site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details. It should also show structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing layouts, energy code compliance, and zoning information, with all drawings clearly labeled and scaled.           
• MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS: Spec sheet or product information sheet for installed equipment          
• CALCULATION SHEET: The calculation sheet is to determine existing impervious coverage and then new impervious coverage.
• STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: Copy of plan of the storm water management system that will be installed           
• Erosion Control Plan: If your project meets any of the following benchmarks:
  • Disturb 5,000 square feet or more of land;
  • Is part of a larger common plan of development that will ultimately disturb = 5,000 sq ft;
  • Occurs near water resources (Streams, Wetlands, Stormwater basins, Floodplains);
  • Is associated with agricultural plowing/tilling involving more than 5,000 square feet of land.
• NFPA 241 FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM
  • An NFPA 241 Fire Protection Program Plan outlines the procedures and responsibilities for preventing fires and ensuring life safety during construction, alteration, or demolition activities. It includes elements such as fire watch assignments, hot work permitting, temporary fire protection systems, and emergency access planning, and must be implemented under the supervision of a designated fire prevention program manager.
• ENERGY CODE COMPLIANCE FORMS: COMMcheck if not demonstrating prescriptive compliance via plans and details.           
• PA ACT 537 DEP APPROVAL LETTER: A PA Act 537 letter is required when a proposed project involves sewage disposal or has the potential to impact a municipality’s sewage facilities plan. Specifically, it's required under when there was never a structure present previously or the change in structure will impact water consumption/sewage generation.
• PECO SERVICE AVAILABILITY LETTER: Formal confirmation from PECO that electric and/or natural gas service is available to a specific property for connection.
• AQUA SERVICE AVAILABILITY LETTER: Written statement from Aqua Pennsylvania verifying that public water service is accessible at a project location and can be extended if needed.

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule (#4)

• State fee of $4.50
• Review fee $50

Required for installing or replacing driveways, patios, or other impervious surfaces. This includes paving utilizing pervious materials.

Paving Permit Application

Additional Information

• Permits are required for all paving work, that includes new, replacement, expansions, etc.

Required Documentation

• PLOT PLAN - Plot plan, sketches and documents related to permit application.
  • Sample Plot Plan
• CALCULATION SHEET - The calculation sheet is to determine existing impervious coverage and then new impervious coverage.
  • Calculation Sheet
• COPY OF STORMWATER MANAGEMENT APPLICATION – A copy of the plan for the storm water management system that will be installed, when impervious area increases.

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:
  • Impervious Surfaces Coverage: $50.00
  • Up to (250) square feet of surface is $50.00;
  • Over (250) square feet, for each additional (100) square feet or fraction thereof is $10.00. 

Required for installation, replacement, or modification of plumbing systems including pipes, fixtures, and drains.

Plumbing Permit Application

Additional Information

• Applications must be submitted by and inspections must be scheduled by a master plumber or journeyman that is registered with the Township
  • Someone may submit a permit on behalf of a registers plumber only when accompanied by a letter from the registered plumbing approving the application under their name.

Required Documentation

• Construction Plans: Should include floor plans and construction details as relevant
• Elevation Showing Pipe Sizes: Drawing to include new and existing (required when new or modifications are made)

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule
  • $200 for 1- 6 fixtures
  • $20 for each additional fixture
  • $4.50 state fee

Required to construct or replace a retaining wall, particularly those over a certain height or impacting drainage.

Retaining Wall Permit Application

Additional Information

• All retaining walls require a permit, but those over 4 feet in height measured from the lowest level of grade to the top of the wall, or walls that support a surcharge, may require supplemental information per PA UCC.
• Concrete or masonry foundation walls shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice where either of the following conditions exists:
  • Walls are subject to hydrostatic pressure from ground water.
  • Walls supporting more than 48 inches (1219 mm) of unbalanced backfill that do not have permanent lateral support at the top or bottom.
• Structural review/plan from a professional engineer is required for any wall or retaining wall over 48" in height.
• Grading plan may be required if any changes to topography are proposed for the installation of a new retaining wall.

Required Documentation

• SITE PLAN: Indicate the location of the retaining wall on the property. Please also indicate the height & length and include a construction detail of the wall. 

Associated Fees

•  For retaining walls (fee schedule #12)
  • $1.50 per linear foot

Required to install or replace roofing or siding on any building.

Roofing/Siding Permit Application

Additional Information

• Abington requires roofing and siding permits for all roof/siding work.

Required Documentation

• Construction Drawings: Required for any new roof or modifications to an existing roof. Reroofs replaced in kind do not require construction drawings.

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule: 

Required for connection, disconnection, or alteration of a property's sanitary sewer line.

Sanitary Sewer Permit Application

Additional Information

• Must conform to Abington Township sanitary sewer regulations and applicable codes.
• Properties in Abington Township in which sanitary sewer service is available, must connect to the system.

Required Documentation

• SITE PLAN: Must indicate the location of the sanitary line on the property. Must include dimensions related to separation from property lines and other structures.
• SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROPOSED SEWER EQUIPMENT: Provide any documentation for equipment to be installed.

Associated Fees

• Sanitary Sewer Connection Fee - $3,500.00
• Sanitary Sewer Plumbing Fee - $250.00

Required for constructing, replacing, or repairing public or private sidewalks.

Sidewalk Permit Application

Additional Information

• This is only for new sidewalk installations. Private walkways and similar require a paving permit
• If making a new or modifying an existing curb cut, a separate Highway Permit will be required

Required Documentation

• PLOT PLAN: Basic diagram showing existing/replacement of sidewalk.

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:
  • Impervious Surfaces Coverage: $50.00
    • Up to (250) square feet of surface is $50.00;
    • Over (250) square feet, for each additional (100) square feet or fraction thereof is $10.00.

Required to install, modify, or replace permanent or temporary signs on a property.

Sign Permit Application

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule (#3):

• Subject to $4.50 state fee
• Subject to $50 review fee

Required for installing rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems.

Solar Panel Permit Application

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule (Item #14)
• Subject to $50.00 plan review fee and $4.50 state fee. 

• Project Cost	Fees
  $1 - $500	$25
  $501 - $1,000	$40
  $1,001 - $2,000	$75
  $2,001 - $3,000	$110
  $3,001 - $4,000	$145
  $4,001 - $5,000	$180
  Each $1,000 over $5,000 or fraction thereof	$35

Required for installing an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, including associated barriers and utilities.

Additional Information

• Swimming Pool Guidelines - PA Department of Environmental Resources
• Swimming Pool Requirements
• Separate applications will be needed for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.
  • Please note, the HVAC permit application only needs to be completed if a heating unit for the pool water is going to be installed as well. 

Required Documentation

• SITE PLAN: Indicate the location of the swimming pool on the property. Must include dimensions related to separation from property lines and other structures.
• CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: Drawings to include all relevant information and associated applicable code references.
  • Must be signed and stamped by a PA UCC Approved Third Party Review Agency prior to submittal.
• MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS:  Spec sheet or product information sheet for pool to be installed.
• CALCULATION SHEET: The calculation sheet is to determine existing impervious coverage and then new impervious coverage.

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule:
  • In-ground pools shall be charged $35.00 per each $1,000 dollars of contract price, computed to the nearest thousand. 
  • Subject to $50.00 review fee
  • Subject to $4.50 state fee

Above Ground Pool

• Fee Schedule:

  • Above ground pools shall be charged $15.00 per each 1,000 gallons of water capacity
  • Subject to $50.00 review fee
  • Subject to $4.50 state fee

Required to install above-ground or underground storage tanks for fuel, oil, or chemicals.

Tank Installation Application Permit

Additional Information

• Tank removals require a separate permit, so a tank replacement requires both removal and installation permits.

Required Documentation

• SITE PLAN: Plot plan and any additional documentation relating to the exterior tank installation when installed outside.    
• CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: Construction drawings for the installation indicating what is being installed where and how.
  • Must be signed and stamped by a PA UCC Approved Third Party Review Agency prior to submittal.
• MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS: Spec sheet or product information sheet for tank(s).

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule
  • $30 for each 1,000 gallons or fraction thereof
  • State Fee: $4.50

Required to place a dumpster or temporary storage unit on private property or public right-of-way.

Temporary Dumpster/Portable Storage Permit Application 

Additional Information

• Dumpsters associated with an approved building permit do not need this permit so long as that building permit remains active
• May be present for a maximum of 90 days (initial application + 2 extensions)

Required Documentation

• None

Associated Fees

• First 30 days free
• 1^st and 2^nd 30 day renewal = $25 each

Required to prior to any of the following:

1. First occupancy of any building or other structure hereinafter erected, altered, or enlarged, for which a building permit is required;
2. Change in use of any building or structure;
3. Change in occupancy of any building or structure in any nonresidential, commercial or industrial district;
4. Change in use or expansion of a nonconforming use.

Additional Information

• Please note this applications is only for commercial, triplex and quadplex use. A use and occupancy permit is not required for the resale of single family dwellings. 
• Permit also required for any transfer of ownership, whether building or business

Required Documentation

• STREET VIEW OF BUSINESS: one current photo from the street side of the property.
• PARKING AGREEMENT: If one is in place

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule
  • $200 for all occupancies, unless otherwise noted
  • $100 for Willow Grove Park Mall Kiosks

Required for the installation or modification of wireless communication infrastructure such as antennas or cell towers.

Wireless Communications Facilities Permit Application

Additional Information

• All projects relating to WCFs must comply with the requirements of Ordinance # 2195 & 2196 (as applicable):
  • Ordinance # 2195 – Standards relating to Wireless Communications Facilities
  • Ordinance # 2196 – Standards relating to Small Wireless Communications Facilities in the Right-of-Way
•  The Township of Abington requires that all WCFs be reviewed entirely for Building and Electrical prior to permit submission to the Township. Applicants must use a state approved third party agency. Certified third party agencies per the PA Department of Labor & Industry can be found at https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/buildings/Pages/default.aspx.
• Electrical permit applications must be submitted with all WCF applications.

Required Documentation

• SITE PLAN: Plot plan and any additional documentation relating to the project site, including existing features.  
• CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS: Construction drawings for the installation indicating what is being installed where and how.
  • Must be signed and stamped by a PA UCC Approved Third Party Review Agency prior to submittal.
• STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
  • For new or modifications
• FCC RF EXPOSURE COMPLIANCE REPORT
  • For new or modifications

Associated Fees

• Fee Schedule
  • Collocated WCF - $1,000.00
  • Small WCF (Collocated) - $500.00 for up to five (5) Small WCFs in a single application, $100.00 for each small WCF thereafter
  • Small WCF (requiring new/replacement Wireless Support Structure) - $1,000.00
  • Tower-Based WCF - $2,500.00
• Subject to $4.50 state fee