Use and Occupancy

Chapters 80, 111, 145, 163, and 208 of the Tredyffrin Township Code, and, by reference, the BOCA National Building Code/1993, require use and occupancy permits for:

• all new construction, whether residential or commercial and
• all changes in commercial occupancy.

For residential properties, use and occupancy permits are not required for changes in ownership or tenancy.

Applicants must complete and sign the Use and Occupancy Permit Application and submit it with the required fee. Fees are $77 for residential uses and $127 for commercial uses.

If proposing the erection, alteration, addition, removal or demolition of any building or structure, then submit the use and occupancy application and fee should in conjunction with a building permit application. After the building permit is approved and all inspections are successfully completed, a use and occupancy permit will be issued. This process verifies the structure was completed according to the approved building plans and applicable building and fire prevention codes.

If proposing a change in commercial occupancy without any accompanying changes to the building or property submit the use and occupancy application and fee together with a labeled floor plan showing the use of all rooms and spaces. It is important to indicate the proposed use and the proposed total gross floor area. The brief description should include additional information about the use and occupancy, such as the proposed use and what area the office will occupy. The Building Inspector will review for compliance with the Township's Zoning Ordinance, Building and Fire Prevention Codes. An inspection of the property for code compliance will follow. Once that is successfully completed, a use and occupancy permit will be issued.

For commercial uses, a use and occupancy permit cannot be issued until approval is obtained from other departments, including:

• the Township Engineer (610-408-3620) for public improvements and stormwater management;
• the Township Municipal Authority (610-408-3610) for sewer connections and use;
• PA Department of Labor and Industry (717-787-3806);
• the Township Engineer and/or PA Department of Transportation for Highway Occupancy Permits;
• Chester County Health Department (610-344-6242) for private wells or on-site septic systems; and
• Chester County Health Department (610-344-6573) for any use involving food preparation, commercial kitchens and restaurants.

For residential uses, a use and occupancy permit cannot be issued until approval is obtained from:

• the Township Engineer (610-408-3620) for public improvements and stormwater management;
• the Township's Municipal Authority (610-408-3610) for sewer;
• the Township Engineer and/or PA Department of Transportation for Highway Occupancy Permits; and
• Chester County Health Department (610-344-6242) for an on-site septic systems and/or private wells.

In addition, any change in the category of use (e.g. from retail use to office use, or from a restaurant to a health club) requires submission of a site plan for review and approval by the Planning Commission before an occupancy permit can be issued.

Forms and Applications:

Contact Information
permits@tredyffrin.org, 610-408-3615