Montgomery Township explains when homeowners need permits and how zoning protects neighborhoods

Montgomery Township leaders used a recent episode of the township podcast to walk homeowners through when residential projects require permits, how zoning preserves neighborhood character and what the township can — and cannot — control.

"So we do require permits for anything structural, decks, additions, patios, electric, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning, fences, sheds," said Mary Anne McConnell, the township's Planning and Zoning Director, explaining that permits ensure work complies with building and zoning codes and is installed safely. McConnell said zoning also reviews placement, height and size so new structures do not encroach on neighbors.

Township Manager Carolyn McCrory and planning associate Amy Gaiman answered common homeowner questions about the permit process. Gaiman said the most frequent question is "Do I need a permit?" and described staff help completing applications. "About 2 to 3 weeks," she said, when asked how long permit review typically takes, adding that staff guide applicants through required inspections.

McConnell advised prospective buyers to review a property's site plan before purchasing if they plan future additions or pools so they know applicable setbacks and building coverage. On interior work, McConnell said swapping cabinets does not require a permit, but moving walls or adding electrical or plumbing does.

On inspections, McConnell said permit fees include required inspections and that residents should call the office 24 to 48 hours in advance to schedule. Inspectors verify that completed work meets code and is safely installed.

The hosts also discussed zoning's role in protecting property values by designating residential, commercial and industrial districts. "Our zoning from R1 all the way to R6 designates lot sizes, the number of units that can be on acreage," McConnell said, noting density and lot size affect value. She described conditional use applications, special exceptions and variances as processes that bring proposals outside standard rules before the public.

McCrory addressed limits on township authority over private commercial uses, citing a recent conditional-use application from Penn Medicine as an example: "By law, if they meet all the regulations and they meet the conditions, we allow the use," McConnell said. She added that the township cannot pick individual retail tenants when a property is zoned for a permitted retail use and that companies decide locations based on their market research.

McConnell described recent code updates and items under development, including new regulations for whole-house generators that have already been adopted and an electric-vehicle charging ordinance the township is drafting. She said planning staff are also monitoring newer land uses such as solar installations, distilleries and microbreweries and updating the code as needed.

For homeowners who need help, Gaiman urged residents to contact the planning office for step-by-step assistance and callbacks when immediate answers are not available. The township encouraged listeners to contact staff or visit the office to review site plans and application requirements.

The podcast closed with contact and social media information for Montgomery Township.