When Permits Are Required?

Building AND Zoning Permits are required in Mount Joy Borough when:

  • New Building:
    • New Home/Single Family Dwelling
    • New Commercial Building
    • New Accessory Structure over 1000 SF (i.e.. Pole Barn or Garage)
  • Addition to Primary or Accessory Structure/Building
  • Any change to a Fire/Emergency Egress or Exit path (i.e. change of door or window size)
  • Any Level 2 Alteration: “include the reconfiguration of space, addition or elimination of door(s) or window(s), the reconfiguring or extension of any system (i.e. electric, plumbing, etc.) or the installation of any additional items.
  • Any Level 3 Alteration: “the work area exceeds 50% of the building area”
    • (This typically includes both level 1 and level 2 alterations in excess of 50% or more of the building area)
  • New Roof Structure (i.e. Pavilion) or New Roof of a previously uncovered Deck or Patio
  • Re-Roofing when decking or sheathing is being repaired and or replaced
  • Deck over 30” above grade on any side
  • Pools – inground or above ground, 24” of water in depth or deeper (Includes seasonal, non-permanent type pools)
  • Hot Tubs and Spas
  • Alternative Power and Heating system (i.e. Solar Panels, Geo-Thermal Heating Systems)

Zoning Permit is required in Mount Joy Borough when:

  • Accessory Structure Under 1,000 SF (Shed, Gazebo, Etc.)
  • Decks under 30” above grade on all sides
  • Placing a new fence
  • Change of Occupant/Tenant in a Commercial/Non-Residential structure or suite
  • Opening a business – including Day Care/Child Care at any location or a “home occupation”
  • Driveways – including expansion and reconfiguration
  • Demolishing a structure

THIS IS NOT AN ALL INCLUSIVE LIST AND IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE GENERAL OR FREQUENTLY OCCURRING EXAMPLES. PLEASE CONTACT THE CODES AND ZONING OFFICE IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT PERMITS MAY BE REQUIRED.

Work NOT requiring Permits in Mount Joy Borough

  • Level 1 Alterations:“include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing material, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.”
    • This would include:
      • Painting the exterior or interior of a house or building
      • Replacement or repairs to trim, flooring, repairs to drywall, etc.
      • Replacing door or window components in the same opening space
      • Reroofing that is non-structural in nature – i.e. replacing shingles only
      • Repair or Replacement of siding or covering material
      • Replacement or Repairs to existing systems:
        • This includes but is not limited to: faucets, sinks, outlets, light fixtures, fans, pumps, motors, etc.
        • Replacement of a whole unit (i.e. a full furnace replacement or a full central a/c replace is a level 2 alteration)

MOUNT JOY BOROUGH REQUIRES PERMITS OTHER THAN ZONING OR BUILDING PERMITS SUCH AS STORMWATER, CURB AND SIDEWALK, AND POTENIALLY OTHER PERMITS OR ALLOWANCES AS DICTATED BY MOUNT JOY BOROUGH ORDINANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE MOUNT JOY BOROUGH CODES AND ZONING DEPARTMENT IF YOU ARE NOT SURE IF YOUR PROJECT REQUIRES A PERMIT OF ANY TYPE