Building & Zoning

Telephone & Email Directory

Building, Zoning & Code Enforcement

Building & Zoning is the first point of contact for developers, property owners, and contractors looking to submit plans, schedule an inspection, or obtain a permit for new construction and renovation work in the Borough.

The department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of Borough ordinances, along with Federal and State building codes. The Borough's Code of Ordinances is available online. 

The department responds to citizen complaints concerning property maintenance (lawn maintenance, snow removal, etc); construction project inspections; curb and sidewalk inspections, applications regarding building projects, zoning hearings, and land developments. Permits are issued for Use and Occupancy, repairs, replacements, additions, and new installations of fences, boilers, roofs, etc.

The department works closely with the Police Department and the Borough’s Fire Marshal in the resolution of health and safety issues as well as residential nuisance complaints on a day-to-day basis.

See the Borough's Fee Schedule for administration fees associated with subdivisions, land development, and building and zoning permits.

See the Borough's Zoning Map below for more information on Zoning Districts within the Borough.

Building & Zoning Permits

No structure (except for signs stipulated in section 186-76 of the Perkasie Borough Zoning Ordinance, fences, retaining walls under four feet in height, play structures and ground level patios not under roof made of pavers or bricks) shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, moved and no building used or occupied or changed in use until a zoning permit has been secured.

A building permit is required for nearly every form of construction one might perform. There are, however, a few exceptions. You do not need a building permit for activities such as: residential interior or exterior repair, remodeling or redecorating which does not require any structural change; replacement or repair of windows (same size/same location), doors (with no structural change), siding, or exterior painting of a residence or commercial building and accessory structures under 120 square feet.

Projects of 400 square feet and over will require a grading/drainage permit application. Upon reaching 1,000 square feet cumulative a stormwater application is required.

If you are not sure if the work you are doing on your property requires a permit, please contact the Borough office. The Borough of Perkasie offers a number of commonly used forms and permits for online viewing and printing: Forms & Permits

Property Maintenance

Property owners can avoid violation notices by being aware of, and following the regulations of the Borough. Should a violation notice be  disregarded a citation may be issued in District Court or the Borough may address the violation at the owners expense. See Property Maintenance for some common property maintenance issues.

Planning Commission

The Perkasie Planning Commission reviews plans for subdivisions and land developments and makes recommendations to Borough Council. This commission is also actively involved in the development of the Borough’s comprehensive plans and changes to zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances.

There are two meetings tentatively scheduled - on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. If there is no business or a quorum cannot be achieved the meeting will be canceled.

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board reviews all requests for zoning variances, special exceptions or interpretations of law. This board has the right of final approval and is not an advisory to Borough Council.

There is one meeting tentatively scheduled - on the fourth Monday of each month. Applications must be submitted, at the very latest, the last working day of the month prior. If no application is recived the meeting will be canceled.

Information for Business Owners

If you own a business in Perkasie Borough, or are considering establishing one, please go to the Welcome Businesses Page for information specific to your needs regarding compliance with Borough codes.

Information for Landlords

Note that any rental property with more than two residential housing units is considered a business property. You will need a use and occupancy permit when the property is being bought/sold. You have the option to hire a private trash & recycling hauler if the rental property has four or more units, properties with less than 4 units are required to use Perkasie Borough Trash & Recycling service.