Building Department

The Building Department is part of the administrative team, as well as an integral part of the operation of the Township.

Uniform Construction Code

Essentially the Building Department is entrusted to implement the provisions of PA Act 45, known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), since April 9, 2004.

The act states that the Uniform Construction Code applies to the construction, alteration, repair, movement, equipment, removal, demolition, or any change of occupancy of every building or structure which occurs on or after April 9, 2004, and all existing structures that are not legally occupied.

The State of Pennsylvania has a building code that all municipalities in Pennsylvania are required to enforce. The UCC is based on a series of minimum requirements for all disciplines that are a part of the building process.

International Codes Council

The basis of the UCC is derived from the International Codes Council (ICC), and nearly every state has adopted these standards. The codes are updated every three years by statute. Currently, Willistown and all of the local municipalities in Pennsylvania must use the 2021 ICC series of codes.

The intent of the building codes is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment and provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

All municipalities in Pennsylvania are required to use those International Code Council (ICC) series of Codes as adopted by the Pennsylvania State Legislature, unless the municipality had an ordinance that preceded Act 45 which was more restrictive than the ICC.

Building Permit Requirements

All building permits in Willistown first require that a Zoning Permit be issued. A Building Permit is issued when all elements of the application have been satisfied. Depending on the type and scope of work involved other permits may be required before the Building Permit is approved. A Soil & Erosion Permit, Driveway/Road Opening Permit, Grading Permit and Historical Commission Approval are some examples of additional required approvals. Often residential, commercial and industrial work is regulated by other county, state and federal entities and may be considered integral to a building application.

View all permits available online.