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Planning/Zoning/Inspections

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1. Can I subdivide my property?

Possibly. In order for a property to be subdivided the proposed subdivision must meet the requirements of the zoning district in which the property is located. Please visit the appropriate section of our zoning ordinance for specific information on required lot size and additional requirements for each zoning district. You may also contact our planning office at 412- 343-3684 for further information and assistance.

2. Is there a specific ordinance that regulates development in Mt. Lebanon?

Yes. The Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, also known as Chapter XVI, of the Mt. Lebanon code regulates development in the municipality.

3. What building code(s) does Mt. Lebanon enforce?

The International Residential Code (IRC) for one- and two-family dwellings and the International Building Code (IBC) for attached dwellings of three or more units and commercial buildings. State listing of adopted codes

4. How can I find out what my property is zoned?

Zoning maps are available, for a fee, through the GIS Office or the Inspection office can provide you with this information. Please call 412-343-3408.

5. How can I find the lot and block number for my property?

If you have a street address or property owner's name for a property located in the municipality, the planning or inspection office can provide you with the lot and block information. Additionally this information is available on the Allegheny County web site.

6. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes. Fence applications are available on-line and at the customer service center in the municipal building. In addition to the application you will need to provide a copy of a survey of your property indicating the area to be fenced.

7. Are solid fences permited?

No. Shadowbox fences up to four feet in height are permitted in all residential districts. Other styles of fences are also permitted. Additional fence regulations can be found in Chapter XX, Section 808.

8. What types of accessory uses are permitted for residential uses? (Decks, sheds, swimming pool, etc.)

See section Chapter XX, 803.3

9. How long does it take to get a building permit?

Generally residential permits can be issued within 15 business days and commercial permits within 30 business days.

10. When do I need to pay for my building permit?

After it has been approved you will receive a phone call from the inspections office. Permits can be picked up and paid for at the customer service center on the first floor of the municipal building.

11. How many sets of plans do I need to submit with my building permit application?

Two sets of plans showing the proposed construction and a survey showing the proposed location.

12. How much will my building permit cost?

It depends upon your project. Some building projects are subject to an additional PA State Code Fee. Zoning permits differ from building permits. We suggest you call the Inspection Office at 412-343-3408 to get the cost of your proposed project.

13. How much notice do I need to give for an inspection related to my building permit?

If you call for an appointment before 10:00 am an inspector will be there between 10 and noon. If you call after 10:00 am an inspector will be there between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Please call 412-343-3408. Requests for inspections left on voice-mails will not be scheduled.

14. Am I required to obtain a permit for a deck, shed, pool (in-ground or above ground) or porch?

Yes. Please contact the inspection office and explain your proposed project and inspection personnel will help you the application process. 412-343-3408.

15. Do I need a permit to install or replace an air conditioning system?

Yes. Mechanical applications are available on-line. In addition to the application you will need to provide a copy of a survey of your property indicating the area where the unit is to be located.

16. Are there requirements related to the location of the unit?

Yes. For all R-1 and R-2 Districts the unit must be seven (7) feet from a property line. See Chapter XX, Section 804.1 of the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Code.

17. Do I need a permit to install or replace a furnace?

Yes. Mechanical applications are available on-line.

18. Am I required to obtain a permit to repair or replace my driveway?

A permit for work in the right-of-way is required from public works, 412- 343-3403; A permit from the inspection office is also required if the driveway is being entirely replaced or enlarged. Provide a completed permit application along with a copy of your survey showing the driveway location.

19. Do plans for a new house or addition have to be stamped by an engineer?

There are instances when this will be required due to the use of certain building components such as steel beams, laminated wood beams or poor soil conditions. Please contact the building inspector for further information at 412-343-3468.

20. Who does electrical inspections in Mt. Lebanon?

Mt. Lebanon currently contracts with Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA); 1-800-362-6342.

21. Who does plumbing inspections in Mt. Lebanon?

Allegheny County Plumbing 412- 922-6196.

22. Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

Retaining walls greater than two (2) feet in height require a building permit. Walls greater than four (4) feet in height require engineering drawings. With the application, submit two copies of your property survey marked with the location of the wall.

23. Is a permit required to replace our existing roof?

A building permit is required only when structural repairs are made to a residential roof. All commercial roof repairs or replacements require a permit.

24. Is a permit required to install vinyl siding?

No, A permit is not required to install vinyl siding.

25. Do I need a permit to have replacement windows installed?

A building permit is required for replacing windows only when the size of the opening is changed or structural alterations are needed.

26. Do I need a permit to have a concrete patio installed?

No, but you should call the inspection office to discuss storm water matters and the proposed location. 412-343-3468.

27. Can I work out of my home?

Yes. Provided the requirements in Chapter XX, Section 619 of the municipal code are met. Also see the definition for No-Impact Home-Based Business.

28. Can I park an uninspected, unlicensed vehicle on my property?

Unlicensed, uninspected vehicles must be stored in a completely enclosed building.

29. Are carports permitted?

Yes. Regulations can be found in Chapter XX, Section 805. Provide a completed building permit application and construction drawings along with a survey of your property showing where the carport will be located. Section 805

30. Does the municipality have any regulations related to lighting?

Yes. Lighting regulations can be found in Chapter XX, Section 815.

31. Does the municipality have any regulations related to driveways, parking areas and turnarounds?

Yes. See Section Chapter XX, 817.10.

32. How close to a property line can my driveway be?

A side or rear entrance driveway or parking area may extend to the side lot line. A front entrance driveway or parking area may extend to within two (2) feet of the side lot line. Chapter XX, Section 817.10.

33. Are governor's drives permitted?

Governor's drives are permitted only on a lot with a minimum width of seventy (70) feet. Additional regulations related to Governor's drives can be found in Chapter XX, Section 817.11.

34. Do I need a permit for a sign to have a yard or garage sale?

No. A list of allowed signs and accompanying regulations can be found in Chapter XX, Section 823.2.

35. Are there any signs that are prohibited?

Yes. A list of prohibited signs can be found in Chapter XX, Section 823.4.

36. Are there any regulations related to temporary signs?

Yes. Chapter XX, Section 823.5.3.7 contains regulations applicable to temporary signs.

37. Where can I find the regulations for signs?

This information can be found in Chapter XX, Section 823.

38. Am I allowed to park and store my recreational vehicle on my residential property?

Yes. R.V.s may be parked or stored on your residential property. There are, however, restrictions on the size and location where these vehicles may be stored. Please call the code enforcement officer in the inspection office at 412-343-4584.

39. Am I allowed to build a garage or accessory structure anywhere I want and to any size I want?

No. The zoning ordinance places restrictions on the size, height and location of these types of structures. Please contact the inspection office for more information. 412- 343-3408.

40. What are the setback requirements for my property?

Setbacks are dependent on the zoning district.

41. How close to the property line can I put something?

Setback requirements for residential districts can be found in Part 2, and setback requirements for Commercial Districts can be found in Part 3, of the zoning ordinance. Chapter XX.

42. Can I construct a second house or dwelling unit on my property?

In R-1, R-2, or R-3 Districts, only one principal building may be built on each lot. Chapter XX, Section 104.5.