New 2018 I- Codes came into effect on February 14, 2022
This is a statewide update to the I-Codes and will have an impact on all commercial and residential construction in the state of Pennsylvania.
Butler Township opted into the Statewide Building Code – effective July 8, 2004, electing to administer and enforce the provisions of the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, Act 45 of 1999, as amended from time to time and its regulations.
The new code provisions will take effect on February 14, 2022. Transitioning from the base 2015 codes to the 2018 versions means there will be a significant amount of changes in the enforceable code. While some of those changes are mostly administrative, some of them may warrant changes in the building practices and design techniques and will have an impact on home performance, occupant safety, and affordability. Listed below are examples of some projects that require a permit and examples of projects that do not require a permit. A complete list of the township ordinances can be found by clicking on the Ordinances link on this page.
Before beginning any project you should check with the Zoning Department for help in determining what, if any, permits or approvals are required.
No Permit Required for Residential Application;
- Replacement of Shingles or Windows on a home (same size)
- Retaining Walls four feet in height or less
- Patio Slab
- Replacement Siding on a Home
Permit Required for both Residential and Commercial
- New Construction
- Addition, or changes made to weight bearing members
- Change in Occupancy
- In Ground Pools and Above Ground Pools greater than 24 inches deep.
- Elevated Decks
- Storage Shed or Garage
- Signs
- Fences
- Windows of a larger size
- Retaining Walls higher than four feet
- Home Occupation (may also require approval from the Zoning Hearing Board)
- Swimming Pools with sidewall depth of greater than 24 inches. All Swimming Pools, above Ground, in-ground and inflatable with a sidewall depth of greater than 24 inches require a permit, shall be located on the lot as required for principle buildings, shall be completely surrounded by an enclosure at least four feet high with a self latching gate and comply with code specifications.