Building Permit Application & More

Zoning & Code Applications

Starting in March of 2026, South Newton Township has partnered with Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA) to handle all of our zoning permit needs.  Our Zoning Officer is Bill Barrett.  

Are you thinking about building in the township?  Not sure where to start?  We are here to help you through the process. 

First, call the Township Secretary, Ami Myers (717) 360-4780 and discuss your building ideas.  From there, we will be able to tell you what applications you need to complete, what fees you owe & what other work may be necessary to obtain a permit.   

After your turn in your application, fees & other pertinent information, if your application submission is found to be complete, it will be emailed to Bill Barrett for review.  Prior to issuing the township permit, Bill will make a pre-construction stakeout inspection.  For this inspection, you must have the building project staked out so Bill can verify the location, setbacks, etc.  If all is found to be acceptable, he will then issue your permit from the township.

When applying for a building permit, be sure to print off the South Newton Township Permit Application.

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There is a checklist that will help guide you through the process of obtaining a building permit.

*Every application MUST be accompanied by a Site Plan.

You can print off a copy of your property by going to Cumberland County Property Mapper (link provided below). If you do not have printing or internet capabilities, the Township Secretary can help you with this step. You MUST show/label all the pertinent information as listed on the application on the Site Plan. If this is not provided, it will be returned to you and considered incomplete until the township receives. BE SURE WE HAVE EVERYTHING ON THE CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU TURN IT IN. WE CANNOT ACCEPT INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS.

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Once the township has reviewed your application and it has found to be acceptable, we will contact you with the cost of your permit. Your payment must be received before your permit will be released. Payment methods accepted: Cash or Check (if paying with cash, please be sure you have exact amount).

• Building Permits $150.00/Base Permit (up to $4,999.00) & $25.00 per $5,000 thereafter
• Signage & Driveway/Road Fee $150.00/permit respectively
• Special Exemption Fee $1,000.00
• Variance Fee $1,000.00
• Conditional Use Fee $1,000.00
• Conditional Use Annual Inspection Fee $125.00
• Appeal Procedure Fee $250.00

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After you receive an approved building permit from the township, most projects also require a permit from MDIA/UCC. Be sure to print the instruction sheet and application. Once you have their application complete, take it MDIA along with your township permit and any other paperwork they require. It’s best to contact MDIA prior to submittal to be sure you have a complete packet for their review. This will keep you from encountering delays.

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Click the link below to complete & print your MDIA/UCC Permit Application

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https://westpennsborotwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/UCC-Permit-Application.pdf

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After your building project is complete, you must have all your required inspections completed prior to occupancy. If you were only required to obtain a township zoning permit, you must contact our Zoning Officer, Bill Barrett, to schedule your inspection. He can be reached Monday-Friday from 8 am to 3 pm at: 717-580-8464.

If you were required to obtain a building UCC permit from MDIA, you will need to contact them for their required inspections. They may require more than 1 inspection. To know for sure what inspections are required, look at the 1st page of your permit packet you received from MDIA. They will have all the appropriate boxes checked as to what inspections are needed for your building project.

You will be informed by the township what inspections you need and from which entity.