Code Enforcement
Currently, Jenkintown Borough has adopted the 2009 International Building Codes and the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code. These codes may be accessed at Borough Hall, Jenkintown Library, and by accessing the codes online here.
Administrative Staff George Locke| Director of Codes Enforcement and Zoning 215.885.0700 | Monday to Friday (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM), except Wednesday (10:00 AM-7:00 PM)
Borough of Jenkintown Official Code
Permits Permit must be applied for and received prior to beginning any work, whether residential, commercial or institutional.
Building Permit Building Permit Applications may be obtained at Jenkintown Borough Hall or here. Two sets of plans must be submitted with the application. Construction or renovation plans may require sealed plans.
Plumbing Permit Plumbing Permit Applications may be obtained at Jenkintown Borough Hall or here.
- Permits are required when relocating, reconfiguring or adding fixtures supply, drainage or venting (riser diagrams required with permit application)
- Only Master Licensed Plumbers May Apply for a Plumbing Permit.
- A current Master Plumbing License must be in possession when making application.
Mechanical Permit Mechanical Permit Applications may be obtained at Jenkintown Borough Hall or here.
- Replacement, additions or alterations require a permit.
- Specifications and/or cut sheets are required for unit installation.
- Units to be installed on the exterior require decibel levels and drawings of location of unit on property. All outside units must be contained within setbacks (building envelope).
Electrical Permit Electrical Permit Applications may be obtained at Jenkintown Borough Hall or here.
- The electrical permit application process has changed. Jenkintown Borough is joining the surrounding communities in allowing the Electrical Permit Applicant to choose his or her own Licensed Third Party Inspection Agency.
- The adopted policy is listed here and available in print at the Jenkintown Borough Hall. If you have any questions or we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to ask.
Fire Alarm/Sprinkler Permits Fire Permit Applications may be obtained at Jenkintown Borough Hall or here.
- Three sets of plans must be submitted with the application for fire alarm system work.
- Three sets of plans with an FPE seal of NICET seal must be submitted with the application for sprinkler work.
- All stand pipe connections shall be 2½" NST male and all fire department connections shall be 3" NST female.
Sign Permit
- Zoning Permit Applications for any type of signage installation may be obtained at Jenkintown Borough Hall or here.
- Two sets of drawings for the proposed signage must be submitted with the application.
- Total signage presently proposed must be on print as well as all other signage on the building.
- A building permit may be required depending on the type of installation. If required, this will be noted on the approved Zoning Permit.
Highway Permit
- Highway Permit Application for sidewalk, curbing, and street repairs may be obtained at Jenkintown Borough Hall.
A sketch must be submitted showing the exact location and dimensions as well as a plan of profile for all work.
Permit Processing/Release: All Residential Permits will be granted or denied, in whole or in part, within 15 business days of the filing date. All commercial permits will be granted or denied, in whole or in part, within 30 business days of the filing date. All Construction Permits will be reviewed by the Borough Planner Reviewer in accordance with the 2009 International Code. All Construction Permits involving zoning will be reviewed by the Borough Zoning Officer in accordance with the Zoning Code of the Codes of Jenkintown Borough. All Sign Permits will be reviewed by the Borough Zoning Officer in accordance with the Signage Code of the Codes of Jenkintown Borough.
Fee Schedule: We reserve the right to request a copy of the contract in order to ensure that the permit fees are correct. All permit fees are based on the cost of the work as follows:
FEE SCHEDULE 2012 (Adopted 1/28/13)
TRASH CERTIFICATION REQUEST …………………………………$10.00
LAWN AND LEAF BAGS (5 in bundle) ……………………………$2.00
RENTAL REGISTRATION…………………………………………………$25.00
SOLID WASTE BILL (per unit/per year)…………………………$135.00
CODE BOOK PURCHASES
ZONING CODE BOOK …………………………………………………… $25.00
SIGN CODE BOOK ……………………………………………………….. $15.00
SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE BOOK …………. $15.00
BUILDING AND ZONING APPLICATION FEES
ZONING AND USE APPLICATION …………………………………….. $50.00
USE AND OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE ………………………………. $50.00
- Includes two (2) inspections
USE AND OCCUPANCY RE-INSPECTION ……………………………. $25.00
- Per re-inspection, will be charged prior to re-inspection
COMMERCIAL ZONING APPLICATION………………………….$50.00
- Replacement or new construction of exterior structures E.g. including but not limited to signs, fences, porches, patios
RESIDENTIAL ZONING APPLICATION ……………………………………$35.00
- Replacement or new construction of exterior structures
E.g. including but not limited to sheds, patios, porches, fences, signs, decks
COMMERCIAL ZONING HEARING BOARD APPLICATIONS……………………$1,000.00 RESIDENTIAL ZONING HEARING BOARD APPLICATIONS………………$500.00
BUILDING/PLUMBING/HVAC/FIRE PERMIT APPLICATION*
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS $100.00 (1st $1,000.00)
- Includes permit review, $25.00 (Per additional or
processing & 2 inspections. fraction of $1,000.00)
RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS $40.00 (1st $1,000.00)
- Includes permit review, $20.00 (Per additional or
processing & 2 inspections. fraction of $1,000.00)
COMMERCIAL RE-INSPECTION FEE ………………………………. $50.00
RESIDENTIAL RE-INSPECTION FEE ……………………………….. $25.00
ELECTRICAL PERMIT APPLICATION*
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS $50.00 (flat rate)
- Includes permit review, processing
RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS $25.00 (flat rate)
- Includes permit review, processing
*Please note there is an additional $4 state fee that will be added to permits
PLAN REVIEWS ON PROJECTS WITH MORE THAN ONE PLAN SHEET
COMMERCIAL (Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy, HVAC)….$100.00 (per project)
COMMERCIAL FIRE SPRINKLER…………………………………………$100.00
COMMERCIAL FIRE ALARM………………………………………………$100.00
RESIDENTIAL (Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy, HVAC)…$50.00 (per project)
ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION…………………………………..$50.00
RIGHT-OF-WAY TREE (REMOVAL, PRUNING, AND PLANTING)…..$25.00
SEWAGE FEES
SEWER CONNECTION FEE (per EDU)…………………………………$1,550.00
DEP/EDU RESEARCH AND APPLICATION FILING ASSISTANCE…$150.00
Highway Permits
- Sidewalk/Curbing $50.00 for the first $1,000.00 of work; $20.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof.
- Street Opening $100.00 for up to 20 square feet of an opening; $10.00 for each additional 10 square feet or fraction thereof. No more than 5 blocks may be opened without resurfacing. All roads repaired must be maintained for 2 years. PA DOT 408 Specs.
Inspections: All requests for inspections are scheduled through Borough Hall by calling (215) 885-0700. All inspections are done by the Jenkintown Borough Code Inspectors. When requesting an inspection you must provide 24 hours notice, the job location and the permit number. No inspections will be scheduled without the correct permit number. It is the applicants responsibility to arrange electrical inspections with the 3rd party of their choice.
Registration: Contractors are not required to register. Permits, however, cannot be submitted without proof of insurance and cannot be released until an original Certificate of Insurance has been received and processed. A valid Certificate of Insurance must carry General Liability and Workman’s Compensation Insurance. Contractors without employees must obtain a Workman’s Compensation Affidavit from Borough Hall, which must be signed, notarized, and returned to Borough Hall. A copy of a Master’s License is required for all plumbing permits.