Commonly Asked Questions

What is the Truth and Advertising Ordinance and why does North Fayette have one? For many years, several areas in the Township are mistakenly believed to be in another municipality. This is especially true in areas near the Tonidale and The Pointe at North Fayette that are routinely advertised as being in Robinson Township. When calling 911 in an emergency, when a business or individual states they’re in another municipality (such as Robinson Twp.) versus North Fayette, this incorrect location information can cause delays in emergency response times. Please refer to Ordinance No. 479 for more information.

What are the minimum setback requirements for my shed, pool, or deck? This depends on the zoning district. Residential and residential uses in mixed-use districts are a minimum of 5 feet from the side and rear property lines. If on a corner lot, the side yard adjacent to a street must meet the front yard setback. In addition, the structure cannot be located on an easement or right-of-way.  

Where do I find the location of my easements or right-of-ways? They are located on the official property survey.

Where do I get an official property survey? If your home was recently constructed; a survey should have been provided by the builder. If the home was constructed after 2010, the Township may have a copy on file. Before 2010, the Township will not have a survey on file and you will need to have one completed by a registered surveyor.

What if I cannot meet the setback requirements? You will need to relocate the proposed accessory structure to a compliant location or apply for a zoning variance request. The basics for a zoning variance are typically 4-6 weeks for a hearing and the cost is $600.00 to apply with a $1,000.00 deposit into an escrow account (that will be used to cover the cost of advertising, court reporting, and Solicitor fees. You will receive back any monies remaining). Zoning Hearing Board Applications are located in the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule or you may select this link to open the Zoning Hearing Board Application. 

Is there any way I can construct my deck, pool, shed, etc., on an easement or right-of-way? Yes, there is a possibility of doing so by applying to the Township for an easement encroachment agreement. The fee is $350.00 and typically takes a few weeks to process. During this time, the permit cannot be issued and work cannot commence. The Easement Encroachment Agreement application and procedures form can be found in the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule or you may select this link to open the Easement Encroachment Agreement application.

How far does a driveway or retaining wall need to be set back from the property line? They do not have to meet any setbacks and can extend up to the property line.  

Am I permitted to keep chickens, ducks, and/or bees on my property? Please see the Ordinance located in the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule or select this link and scroll down to Sections 803, 804, and 805 (starting on page 250 of the document).

Where can I find the sign ordinance requirements? Sign requirements may be found in the zoning ordinance which is Chapter 27 of the Township’s Code of Ordinances, Part 10; pages 27-1001 through 27-1008. You may purchase a zoning ordinance at our Customer Service Counter or select this link and scroll down to Article X and Tables 15, 17, and 18.

Where can I find fence requirements? Please take a fence guide from the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule or you may select this link to open the fence requirements document. 

What is the permit fee for my project? Please take a copy of the fee schedule from the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule or select this link to open the fee schedule. The inspector will let you know the total fee once your permit has been reviewed.

What inspections are required for my project and how do I schedule them? The required inspections will be printed on the building permit placard including instructions as to when they are required and how to schedule them. You can find this form in the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule or select this link to open the Building Inspections site.

Do I need a permit if I am just replacing my existing deck, porch, shed, or pool? Yes! Unless you are replacing decking boards, roof shingles on a shed, pool liner, or pool pump/filter.

What don’t I need a permit for? Any residential work that does not involve structural work or a change to the means of egress. This includes finished basements, bathroom or kitchen remodels, replacement shingles, siding, replacement windows, and doors. Permits are also not required for patios on grade, playground-type equipment, playhouses, fences, sidewalks, or driveways. (Note: if a driveway is new or being widened, you will need a Road Occupancy Permit from Public Works.)

Are inflatable or blow-up type swimming pools permitted? They are not permitted without a permit and safety barrier (fencing) unless they are NOT capable of being filled with greater than 24 inches of water.  

How long will it take to get my permit? Most permits are reviewed within 2-4 business days. If they are any issues that need to be resolved before issuing the permit, or once the permit is issued and ready for pickup, the inspector will email you.

How do I know if I need a Grading Permit or not and if I do, where is the application? Please take the grading ordinance and application from the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule or you may select this link to open the Application for Grading Permit.

Do I need an occupancy permit for my new business? Please see the Guide for Opening a New Business in the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule or select this link to open or download a copy.

What are the regulations for open burning? Please take the ordinance for opening burning located in the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule or visit our Open Burning Regulation section for additional information.

Is a permit required for a security system? A permit is not required for a security system however you should contact the Police Department non-emergency number at 412-787-8900 to advise them of the security system being installed.

Where can I find all forms and guides? They are located on our website or in the magazine rack in our Municipal Building entrance vestibule which is open 24/7.

I am totally confused and don’t know where to start! Take a deep breath and call the office at 412-788-4888 or email communitydevelopment@northfayettepa.gov.