It depends. You do not need a permit if there are no structural changes.
Yes, if the entire structure is being replaced. Partial replacement, including replacement of fence boards (no post replacement) and shed roofs, does not require a permit. Please call the Township at 610-323-1008 for additional details.
Yes. You may not need a building permit, but ALL sheds require a zoning permit. Call the Township at 610-323-1008 to determine which permits will apply for your project.
A fence requires a permit and can be constructed on the property perimeter with certain height restrictions. Call the Township for more details at 610-323-1008.
Yes, all alterations installing electric wiring and/or plumbing require a permit.
No. A Certificate of Use and Occupancy is required for all established nonresidential uses. A zoning permit for change of ownership or change of commercial use is also required.
U&O is not currently required for resale.
You need a lot of at least 3 acres to have a horse on your property. Livestock provisions limit you to 1 horse per acre on lots of less than 10 acres. Contact the Township at 610-323-1008 for more details about intensive agricultural operations, riding academies, or other similar activities.
All Township codes and ordinances may be accessed through the homepage or the department subpage, but you may also click here for convenience.
Yes. Weeds are regulated on all lots of 30,000 square feet or less.
Currently, the Township enforces the 2021 International Residential Code as mandated by the PA Uniform Construction Code, Act 45.
PA UCC Triennial Update Alert
Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code Triennial Update (to the 2021 I-Codes) was approved by the PA Independent Regulatory Review Commission on October 16, 2025. This final-omitted rulemaking was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on November 8, 2025. The effective date is January 1, 2026. Where a design or construction contract is signed before this effective date, application may be made and permit issued under the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) in effect at the time of contract as long as application is made July 1, 2026, or before. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office for more details.
All questions regarding on-lot sewage systems and private wells should be directed to the Montgomery County Health Department. (610) 970-5040
Frequently Asked Questions: Residential Swimming Pools
What should I consider before installing a swimming pool?
Permits are required for above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and seasonal/temporary pools if the water depth is 24” or greater. Construction may not begin until all permits have been issued, including preparation of the site with preliminary groundwork.
Before planning your pool, keep the following requirements in mind:
- Pools and pool equipment must be set back a minimum of 12 feet from the property line, measured from the water's edge.
- Pool patios and decking may not extend more than one-half of the depth of the rear yard. Side yard setbacks for the zoning district are not modified from the listed depth for patios and decking.
- Site constraints such as easements, wetlands, septic systems, and wells may affect pool placement.
- Stormwater Management (SWM) approval is required if the total impervious coverage added to your property since 7/23/2007 exceeds 1,000 square feet. See impervious coverage details below for more information.
Are engineered plans required?
In most cases, engineered or architect-prepared plans are not required for residential pool permits.
Our third-party building code consultants will accept legible, complete construction drawings prepared by a homeowner or contractor, provided they include all information needed to verify code compliance. Professionally prepared architectural or engineering plans are also accepted.
What counts toward regulated impervious coverage?
Impervious coverage includes:
- The pool water surface.
- Improvements constructed after July 23, 2007. This includes the square footage of new homes AND accessory structures, such as sheds, patios, porches, gazebos, sidewalks, and home additions.
- Decks constructed after December 1, 2022.
In general, if your total impervious coverage exceeds 1,000 square feet, Stormwater Management (SWM) approval will be required. There are some properties in the Township that may have different coverage based on their Building Permit Plan. You can contact permits@newhanoverpa.gov to request a copy of your plan. Please note that not all properties have a plan in their parcel file.
How do I apply for a pool permit?
To apply:
- Complete the Building Permit Application. Fence/barrier application is covered by the building permit application for newly installed pools.
- Submit all required information, including the documentation listed in Parts 7 and 8 of the Building Permit Application.
- Pay the initial non-refundable application fee of $125.
Once a complete application has been received, processing is typically completed within 15 days or less.
After review, the Township will contact you with the amount of the remaining permit fee, which is calculated by the third-party building code official in accordance with the Township Fee Schedule.
When you pay for and pick up your permit, you will receive an inspection checklist outlining all required inspections. The permit must remain visible from the street throughout construction.
Building Permit Application:
https://www.newhanoverpa.gov/resources/documents_forms.php#doc_center_0_panel_0
Township Fee Schedule:
https://newhanoverpa.gov/Documents/Departments/Administration/R-26-14%20(Amending%20the%20Fee%20Schedule).pdf?t=202606150952310
What if my project requires Stormwater Management (SWM)?
If SWM approval is required, your pool permit application cannot be processed until the following have been submitted:
- Stormwater Management (SWM) application
- Grading application
- Signed Professional Services Agreement (PSA)
Application forms are available here:
https://www.newhanoverpa.gov/resources/documents_forms.php#doc_center_0_panel_1
The escrow amount required with the PSA is listed on the SWM application and covers engineering review/inspection costs and may be used in the event there is any damage to public property during construction.
After the Township Engineer approves your SWM plan:
- A Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Agreement will be prepared and emailed to you.
- All property owners must sign the agreement before a notary.
- The Township provides complimentary notary service (appointment required), or you may use another notary.
The Township will retain the signed agreement until:
- Your project is complete.
- Final as-built plans have been approved.
You will then be instructed to record the agreement with the Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds and provide the Township with a time-stamped copy for its records.
Recording requirements:
https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/departments/recorder-deeds/recording-requirements
How do I receive my unused escrow funds?
After your project has passed final inspection and the Township’s third-party inspector has issued a closeout letter for your project, you will submit an Escrow Release Request.
Escrow releases are considered disbursement of funds, so they must be approved by the Board of Supervisors at a public meeting as part of the monthly bills list. Processing time depends on:
- When your request is received.
- Confirmation that there are no outstanding consultant invoices.
- Timeline for placement on the Board of Supervisors meeting agenda.
Escrow Release Request:
https://www.newhanoverpa.gov/resources/documents_forms.php#doc_center_0_panel_0
Do I need a permit to replace my pool fence?
Yes. Replacing a pool fence requires a building permit so the Township's third-party building code consultant can inspect the installation and verify that it meets required pool barrier safety standards.
Referring to the 2026 Kraft Municipal Group fee schedule, the total permit fee is $206.50, payable when the application is submitted.
How should I drain my swimming pool?
Pool water should be discharged entirely within your property whenever possible.
Pool water should not be discharged into neighboring stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs), including:
- Swales
- Storm drains
- Street gutters
- Rain gardens
- Detention basins
Discharging pool water into regulated stormwater facilities is prohibited under the Township's stormwater ordinance.
If pool water crosses onto neighboring private property, the matter is generally considered a civil issue between property owners. Affected property owners should consult private legal counsel, if action is desired.