The Code Enforcement office is responsible for the following areas:

• Investigation complaints

• Reviewing structural, mechanical, electrical, HVAC and plot plans

• Rental unit inspection and permits

• Issuing certificates of occupancy

• Issuing building/zoning permits

Frequently asked questions

• Why are Permits needed?

• When are permits needed?

• What are the applicable permit fees?

• How do I acquire a permit?

• Can I run a business from my home?

The Borough of Downingtown has ordinances in effect that protects the residents. The most common complaints are for:

• Weeds/Grass – cannot exceed 10" in height. Grass clippings may not be blown into the street or discharged into any storm sewer.

• Snow or ice on sidewalk – must be cleared with 48 hours after precipitation ends.

• Housing – homes must be well maintained and in good repair.

• Abandoned vehicles – unregistered, un-inspected, or unlicensed vehicles are not permitted.

• Health – Any situation causing an unsafe or unhealthy condition.
  
  
• Reviewing structural, mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plot plans.

Applications for permits are to be submitted to the Codes Office for review. The plans will be reviewed for compliance based on the current building codes and adopted Borough ordinances.

No person shall operate a rooming house, multiple dwelling, or rental home unless they hold a valid rental property permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer in the name of the operator and for the specific dwelling or dwelling unit. The Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect rental units whenever there is a change in tenancy for every three years, whichever is sooner. A fee for the performance of the inspection and documentation affiliated with this process will be charged

• Issuing certificates of occupancy.

A use and occupancy permit shall be required prior to any of the following:

• Use and occupancy of any building or other structure herafter erected or altered for which a permit is required.
  
  
• Change from one class of use to another of any building or structure and change in occupancy of any principal nonresidential building or structure.
  
  
• Use of land or change in the use thereof.
  
  
• Change in use or extension of a nonconforming use.
  
  
• Any development with the Floodplain District that is not otherwise required to obtain a building permit or a use and occupancy permit.

• Issuing violation notices and citations.
  
  
• Issuing building/zoning permits.

Downingtown Borough is defined by various zoning districts, each with distinct permitted uses. These districts include residential low density, medium density, and high density, light manufacturing, general commercial, highway commercial, central commercial, central business revitalization overlay, limited industrial, general industrial, public park, multipurpose and R/C Infill. Each district has specific regulations including set backs, building height, parking requirements and signage requirements.

• A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. Permits assure safe construction to protect the public health, safety and welfare. The building permit process provides the means for code officials to help reduce the potential hazards of unsafe construction. The process ensures that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used. After several recent natural disasters, it was found that significantly more damage occurred to structures when building codes had not been followed. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has informed the states that unless they adopt a building code, they will not be able to receive F.E.M.A. funding in a disaster.
  
  
• The permitting process also provides the information that is necessary to comply with the zoning regulations of the community. The zoning regulations pertain to the use of land and to the position of a structure on that land. For instance, a gas station is a use that would not be permitted in a residential subdivision. In most zoning districts, there is a distance that a structure must be placed from the property line. These zoning regulations also protect you and your property rights by allowing you to predict what will be built next to your property and how close that will be to your property.
  
  
• Banks and mortgage companies depend on the building code and the enforcement of it to protect the "investment’ they have made in your property. The use of a building code in a community generally helps to maintain a proper standard for all the structures and protects each of the citizens from losing value in their property because of substandard construction next to them.

• A permit is necessary if you are going to erect any type of building that includes a shed, garage or gazebo. A permit is necessary even if the structure is prefabricated and brought to your property.
  
  
• Any changes to your electrical system, plumbing, or heating ventilating and air conditioning systems require a permit. Normal repairs to these systems do not require a permit, only when you are changing these systems to something different or are enlarging them.
  
  
• Around the house, renovations, additions, fireplaces, wood burning stoves, decks, pools, and finishing your basement all require building permits.

Type of Work Being Performed	Yes	No
Adding an addition to your home/business	X
Electric Wiring/Re-wiring of entire home/business	X
Expanding Driveway or Re-surfacing	X
Fence Installation	X
Heating and Air Conditioning: New and Replacement	X
Installation of a burglar/fire alarm system	X
Installing new siding, rain gutters and downspouts		X
Interior alteration to your home/business	X
Plumbing:  New and Replacement when the seal is broken	X
Rental Units	X
Roofing or Re-roofing		X
Shed (inclusive)	X
Sidewalks and Curbing	X
Sign (inclusive)	X
Swimming Pool	X
Remodeling (carpets, painting, redecorating)		X
Repainting your home/business		X

How do I acquire a permit?

1. You will need to get an application form (you can download the form from the Forms section or obtain it from the Borough Codes office). Upon completion of the application, return it with the necessary information requested and the application fee.
   
   
2. The information you receive with your building permit lists the inspections that are necessary for your project. You must follow that list and secure the inspections before moving onto the next phase of your project.
   
   
3. When an inspection is made, a list of incorrect or incomplete items and how to proceed is provided by the Codes Officer. Again, this should be followed, and if you have a question, call the Codes Officer.

The Borough has adopted the PA Uniform Construction Code with amendments. That means that the codes are widely known to people in the building industry and those people are typically familiar with the code requirements. When hiring a contractor, you should question their knowledge of the PA Uniform Construction Code codes and inform them that all work will have to be done in compliance with our building code.

All inspections are done by personnel either employed directly by the Borough or contracted to the Borough.

Possibly, depending upon meeting the proper standards in the Borough Code Section 287-92 - some of which will be permitted and others only as a conditional use by Borough Council. Contact the Code Enforcement Officer at 610-269-0344, ext. 208 for the details.