FAQs • West Chester Borough, PA • CivicEngage

Do I need a permit to install a shed in my yard?

No building permit is required for the installation of a pre-fabricated shed. However, zoning approval is necessary. To obtain zoning approval, a detailed plot plan must be submitted, drawn to scale showing the square foot measurements, as well as the percentages of the following 3 types of coverage:

Building coverage
Green space
Impervious coverage

Please contact Building and Housing to properly identify which zoning district and block class the property lies and then refer to Chapter 112 of the borough’s Code of Ordinance, our Zoning Chapter, and locate the allowable coverage percentages under “Area and Bulk Regulations” for your district and block class. Submit the detailed plot plan to the Building and Housing office for review by the Zoning officer.

Access the following plot plan resources for more information:

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Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

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1. Can I get a building permit online?: Download the Construction Permit Application, then send the completed application, plans, and all related information to the Building and Housing Department via email. Payment for permits is due at issuance.

2. Can I pay for my permit online?: Online payments are not available.

3. How do I register as a contractor with the Borough of West Chester?: General contractors register with the PA State Attorney General’s Office and then write the PA contractor number on the building permit.

Electrical contractors need to submit proof that they passed the Master Electrical International Code Council (ICC) Exam along with their driver’s license.

Plumbing contractors need to submit proof that they passed the Master Plumbing International Code Council (ICC) Exam along with their driver’s license.

HVAC contractors need to submit proof that they passed the Master HVAC International Code Council (ICC) Exam along with their driver’s license.

Once the above requirements are met, permits can be submitted.

4. How often do I need a rental inspection?: Rental inspections must be conducted once a year.

5. How can I find the current approved student home list?: View the approved student housing list (PDF), updated November 12, 2013.

6. What hours of the day can construction work be performed in the borough?: Work can be performed between the hours of 7 a.m to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No work is permitted on Sundays and/or holidays.

7. Does the borough require a Use and Occupancy Certificate on the resale of an existing building?: No certificate is required.

8. Who do I call for a plumbing or HVAC inspection?: For plumbing inspections, please call the Building & Housing Dept at 610-696-1773. For HVAC inspections, please call Paul Bonnes at 484-880-7342 ext. 110.

9. Who are the electrical underwriters approved by the borough?: View the 2020 list of approved electrical underwriters (PDF).

10. How many hours after the snowfall do I have to shovel my sidewalk?: Within 24 hours after the end of snowfall; all snow and ice must be removed from the sidewalk. No one is permitted to put snow in the streets while clearing their property.

11. I need to repair my sidewalk, do I need a permit?: Yes, sidewalk permits can be obtained from the Public Works Department (205 Lacey Street). Public Works has copies of the sidewalk specifications / requirements. Please note, asphalt is not an approved material.