Departments

You must get a permit before beginning construction, alteration, replacing or repairing an existing structure, including (but not limited to): Additions, decks, hot tubs, structural roof repairs and window replacements. If you have any questions regarding the requirement of a building permit, the permit process, applications or Fee Schedule, please call the Inspection Office Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 412-343-3408.

You will find a list of applications below. Each application includes a checklist so you can be sure you are submitting all needed paperwork. Doing so will speed up your permit process.

Residential Addition or Alteration Checklist & Residential Building Permit Application

Commercial Building Permit Application

A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any of the following:

Any change in use of a nonconforming use
Change in use of an existing building
Occupancy and use of a building hereafter erected or enlarged (ex. additions, four season enclosed porch)

No occupancy of a building shall take place until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. In a case of undue hardship, the administrator may issue a temporary or partial Certificate of Occupancy for any building or structure, provided the administrator finds that the site development requirements are essentially completed, but that due to unavoidable delays, they cannot be entirely completed as required in a reasonable time.

C of O Application

A Demolition Permit is required for commercial or residential demolitions. Prior to obtaining the permit, written release from all utility companies that services have been disconnected is required and, where applicable, an asbestos exemption / abatement certificate shall also be required for all commercial buildings. As per the Statewide Building Code (UCC).

Demolition Permit Application

For a new or replacing a driveway you will need a Driveway/Parking Pad Permit. Consider the benefits of permeable pavement when adding parking areas. Two copies of your property survey marked where the driveway is located is also required.

Driveway & Parking Pad Permit Application

A Fence Permit is required for a new fence or replacing one. In addition to the application, provide two copies of your property survey indicating the area to be fenced.

The zoning ordinance regulates the height of fencing. In single-family residential districts, fences up to six feet are permitted in side and rear yards. Fences are not permitted in front yards. No solid fences are permitted. Shadowbox fences up to four feet in height are permitted. Other styles of fences are also permitted. A fence can be erected on the property line. Additional fence regulations can be found in Section 808, Chapter 20.

Fence Permit Application

A building permit is required for new, replacement or alterations to the means of egress pathway from the front door of the dwelling to the public way/street, per the state building code. This ensures there is a safe, code-compliant way for you and your family, as well as the public, to safety come and go from the home. Proposed step height, tread and landing depths are needed to determine compliance. Also, guards and handrails on elevated surfaces are very important and require a permit. A front porch may protrude into the front yard no more than 10 feet, per the zoning ordinance.

Front Porch/Stairs Application

Grading Permit Application

A Home Occupation Permit is required before a home occupation can begin operation. Mt. Lebanon Municipality allows home occupations in residential zoning districts. A home occupation is an occupation or business activity which results in a product or service and is conducted in part of a dwelling unit.

Home Occupation Application

Mechanical (AC/Furnace/Generator) Permit Application

Info to come

Outdoor Seating Application – Update coming soon

A zoning permit is required for grading level, new replacement or additions to existing patios. If the patio is part of the required means of egress from a dwelling, a building permit may be required. Zoning compliance is checked as part of the review process, as patios shall not be any closer than 5 feet to the property lines, and they must comply with both the zoning ordinance and the stormwater management ordinance if they exceed more than 500 square feet in new impervious area.

Patio Permit Application

PODs are considered an accessory use in any residential district and are regulated under the zoning ordinance. To assist in moving into or out of a dwelling, you may use PODs for 10 days without the need for a permit, if the PODs are placed in compliance with the ordinance. PODs are prohibited from being placed on the street or in a location that blocks the public sidewalk. After a 10-day period or for the use other than moving, a permit is required for POD use or placement.

POD Permit Application

A Pool Installation Permit is required for all above ground and in-ground swimming pools. Along with the application, provide two copies of your property survey showing the location of the pool. A fence permit may be required. Any questions regarding your specific project, contact the building inspector at 412-343-3468. View the State Code requirements. An electrical permit and inspections are obtained and preformed by Middle Department Inspection Agency at 1-800-362-6342. 2014 (NFPA 70) National Electric Code. In addition, an annual operation permit and safety inspection is required for all private swimming pools in Mt Lebanon. The property owner will receive a letter from the Inspections Office for payment and will be notified when the safety inspection will occur. See Inspections fee schedule for cost of annual operation permit.

Pool Installation Permit Application

Porch Enclosures are regulated under both the building code and the zoning ordinance; therefore, a building permit is required for proposed enclosures. They can be installed in two ways: as a three-season room or a fully occupied addition, depending on the proposed construction.

Porch Enclosure Permit Application

For single family dwellings, proposed kitchen and bath remodels involving structural alterations such as new or changed headers; boring and notching into structural joists, rafters, and studs; and all other kitchens and baths, require a building permit. This is to ensure all alterations are code compliant and safe. Allegheny Health Department, Plumbing Division, requires a separate permit and inspection(s) under their plumbing code.

Kitchen/Bathroom Remodel Permit Application

For new proposed dwellings, zoning compliance is the first course of action. This is to ensure compliance with the residential building standards of the zoning ordinance. After zoning compliance is approved, a building permit application can be filed. Permit submissions are reviewed for compliance with the statewide building code and for compliance with other local ordinances such as the stormwater management and grading ordinances. Most new dwellings will require a developer’s agreement to be entered into and securities posted with the municipality, to ensure completion of the proposed improvements. An operation and maintenance agreement will also be required for new stormwater management systems.  

Residential New Construction Application

Retaining walls greater than two feet in height require a Building Permit. Walls greater than four feet in height require engineering drawings. With the application, submit two copies of your property survey marked with the location of the wall.

Retaining Walls Over 4 Feet Permit Application

Retaining Walls 2 Feet-4 Feet Permit Application

A Building Permit is required for any storage shed. With the application, submit two copies of your property survey showing the location of the proposed construction. Storage sheds are not allowed in a front setback. All sheds must meet setback requirements, 5 feet from property line.

Shed Permit Application

All new or modified signs, even painted signs, require a Sign Permit. Illuminated signs also require an electrical permit. The municipality’s zoning code limits the number, types and sizes of signs allowed. If you have any specific questions about sign regulations, please call 412-343-3468.

Temporary signs require a permit from the Inspections Office. Flotation devices are not allowed as signs. Temporary window signs do not need permits, but may not cover more than 25 percent of the area of each window.

Signs shall not be placed on any public or private sidewalk. No sign shall physically or visually obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular movement. Signs shall not be placed on any fence, telephone pole or traffic control device.

Real estate open house signs may be placed in the right of way as follows: Open house directional signs shall be permitted, not exceeding 3 square feet in area and 30 inches in height. Such signs shall be placed in public view only on the day of the open house and no sooner than one hour before the open house. Such signs must be removed no later than one hour after the conclusion of the open house. Only one sign per intersection is allowed for each open house. Open house direction signs may be placed on private property with the property owner’s permission, or on unpaved, unlandscaped or unimproved public right of way areas. Such signs shall not impede or obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic and shall not obstruct motor vehicle drivers’ free and clear vision of other vehicles or traffic signals and signs.

Commercial Building Permit Application (for all signage regulated under the statewide building code)

Sign Permit Application (for all other signage)

A building permit is required for proposed or replaced subfloor drainage systems, to ensure compliance with the building code and the uncontrolled stormwater ordinance. Since the basement floors is a structural component of a dwelling by providing lateral support to the foundation walls, the replacement thickness is inspected for compliance at a minimum of 3½ inches thick. Also, we ensure compliance with the proposed sump pump discharges of said systems. Proposed discharges are prohibited from discharging to the street or towards or onto a neighboring property, or causing a nuisance and must be at least 10 feet from any property line.

Sump Pump/Interior Drain System Permit Application

A building permit is required for proposed roof or ground mounted solar panels. Applications are reviewed for compliance with the statewide building code and the requirements within our zoning ordinance. A stamped design will be required from a Pennsylvania design professional, showing compliance with the above requirements.

Solar Panel Permit Application

A building permit is required for proposed wall anchors and push piers. Since these types of pre-engineered products are installed to structurally support or alter existing foundations, they require compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and test reports. Most will require a Pennsylvania design professional, design their proposed placement. This may also include carbon fiber foundation straps, if structurally fastened or anchored to the existing dwelling structure. All exterior anchors or piers shall not be installed upon neighboring properties or within any easements or rights-of-ways.

Wall Anchors/Push Piers Permit Application

Learn more about the Zoning Hearing Board.

Zoning Variance Application