Ask Abbey: Do I need a building permit for my home renovation?

Ask Abbey: Do I need a building permit for my home renovation?

Here are guidelines to help determine if you need a permit for your residential project. It's always best to check with the South Fayette Township office before starting any construction.

Abbey Scheerer is an administrative assistant with South Fayette Township.

Here is a general list of what does or doesn’t require a building or zoning permit. If you do not see your project type listed, please contact us to find out if the construction requires a permit.

Additions

You need a building permit for all new construction, including additions.

Interior Construction

You need a building permit for interior residential work if it is structural. Examples include moving, hanging or adding load-bearing walls; changing the size or location of windows or doors; and changing the means of ingress/egress.

Change of Use

If you wish to change the current use of your home (for example, add a homebased business or change the occupancy type from single-family to duplex) please contact the Planning & Zoning Department: 412-221-8700.

Plumbing

Allegheny County handles plumbing permits. For all plumbing work, please call the Allegheny County Health Department: 412-922-5494.

Electrical Work

A permit is not required, but once electrical work is completed in your home, you need to select an independent inspection agency to inspect the work.

Exterior Construction

These types of exterior residential projects DON'T require a permit:

• Roof replacement (shingles only)

• Soffit and fascia

• Siding

• Shutters

• Painting/staining

• Tree planting

These types of exterior residential projects DO require a permit:

• Roof replacement (if more than just the shingles)

• Deck

• Driveway

• Fence

• Above-ground pool, in-ground pool, hot tub

• Shed

• Garage

• Carport

• Porch

• Retaining wall

• Gazebo

• Grading

• Demolition

• Chimney

Call Before You Dig

Please remember to dial 8-1-1 before you dig for a project. Pennsylvania 811 relays your digging information to local utilities to help prevent damage to underground lines and infrastructure.

Contact Us

Every home construction project is unique and may require additional permits.

For questions about whether you need a building permit or what’s required to obtain a permit, please call the township office at 412-221-8700 or visit southfayettepa.com/building.