Permit Guide

  • Many projects in Yardley Borough require a permit before work begins. Permits help ensure projects comply with local ordinances, zoning regulations, building codes, and safety standards while protecting neighboring properties and the character of the community.

    Beginning work without the required permits may result in stop-work orders, additional fees, enforcement action, or the need to remove unapproved work.

    Need Help?

    Not sure which permit applies to your project? Contact the Borough before beginning work. Staff can help determine which permits or approvals are required, explain the application process, and answer questions to help your project move forward smoothly.

  • Building & Property Permits

    Building & Electrical Permit
    For construction and structural projects, including new buildings, additions, decks, garages, sheds, renovations, and electrical work regulated under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC).

    Mechanical & Plumbing Permit
    For installation, replacement, or modification of plumbing, HVAC, gas piping, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning systems, and other mechanical systems.

    Zoning Permit
    Required for many property improvements and changes to ensure projects comply with the Borough's Zoning Ordinance, including setbacks, lot coverage, permitted uses, fences, pools, sheds, and additions.

    Floodplain Development Permit
    Required for construction, grading, filling, or other development within regulated flood hazard areas to ensure compliance with floodplain management regulations.

    Change in Occupancy Inspection
    Required when a building or tenant space changes occupancy or use to verify compliance with applicable codes before a new occupant moves in.

    Historic Preservation

    Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) Application
    Required for exterior work on properties within the Historic District, including alterations, additions, demolitions, new construction, windows, doors, roofing, siding, and other visible exterior improvements.

    Land Development & Infrastructure

    Development & Subdivision Application
    For projects involving the subdivision of land, land development, commercial site improvements, new streets, utilities, or other development requiring review under the Borough's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO).

    Highway Occupancy Permit
    Required for work within or affecting a public street or right-of-way, including new driveways, utility work, excavations, sidewalk connections, and other roadway access improvements.

    Business & Sign Permits

    Sign Permit
    Required for the installation or modification of permanent commercial signs in accordance with the Borough's sign regulations.

    A-Frame Sign Permit
    Required for temporary sidewalk A-frame signs used by businesses, subject to Borough regulations governing placement, size, and duration.

    Events & Temporary Activities

    Event Permit
    Required for public events that may involve Borough property, road closures, amplified sound, large gatherings, vendors, or other activities requiring municipal coordination.

    Yard Sale Permit
    Required for residential yard or garage sales conducted within the Borough in accordance with local regulations.

    Move In / Out Permit
    Required when reserving on-street parking or temporarily occupying the public right-of-way for moving vehicles or equipment.

    Appeals & Special Approvals

    Zoning Hearing Board Application
    For requests involving variances, special exceptions, appeals of zoning decisions, or interpretations of the Borough's Zoning Ordinance.

    • Building a new structure

    • Home additions

    • Decks and porches

    • Sheds

    • Garages

    • Structural renovations

    • Roof modifications (where applicable)

    • Electrical work

    • Plumbing work

    • Mechanical/HVAC installations

    Permit Category

    • Building & Electrical Permit

    • Mechanical & Plumbing Permit

  • You may need Borough approval if you are:

    • Changing the use of a building

    • Opening a new business

    • Converting residential or commercial space

    • Occupying a newly renovated property

    Permit Category

    • Zoning Permit

    • Change in Occupancy Inspection

  • If your property is located within Yardley's Historic District, exterior work generally requires review before construction.

    Projects commonly include:

    • Windows

    • Doors

    • Roofing

    • Siding

    • Porches

    • Fences

    • Exterior additions

    • Demolition

    • New construction

    Permit Category

    • Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB)

  • Projects involving land development may require additional approvals.

    Examples include:

    • Creating new lots

    • Subdividing property

    • Commercial development

    • Major site improvements

    • New streets or utilities

    • Stormwater improvements

    Permit Category

    • Development & Subdivision Application

  • Certain work affecting Borough or PennDOT rights-of-way requires approval.

    Examples include:

    • New driveways

    • Utility work

    • Road openings

    • Sidewalk connections

    • Excavation within the roadway

    Permit Category

    • Highway Occupancy Permit

  • Properties located within regulated floodplain areas require additional review before development.

    Examples include:

    • New construction

    • Additions

    • Elevating structures

    • Filling or grading land

    • Significant improvements

    Permit Category

    • Floodplain Development Permit

  • Businesses wishing to install signs generally require Borough approval.

    Examples include:

    • Permanent wall signs

    • Freestanding signs

    • Monument signs

    • Temporary A-frame signs

    Permit Categories

    • Sign Permit

    • A-Frame Sign Permit

  • Certain temporary activities require permits.

    Examples include:

    • Community events

    • Festivals

    • Block parties

    • Temporary street closures

    • Yard sales

    • Moving vehicles requiring reserved parking

    Permit Categories

    • Event Permit

    • Yard Sale Permit

    • Move In / Out Permit

  • If your project cannot meet the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, you may apply to the Zoning Hearing Board.

    Common requests include:

    • Variances

    • Special Exceptions

    • Appeals of zoning decisions

    • Interpretations of the zoning ordinance

    Permit Category

    • Zoning Hearing Board Application

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