Zoning Department Contacts
Phone: 570-522-1326 (option 2) Toll Free: 1-877-457-9402
Fax: 570-522-1327
rfox@ckcog.com Robin Fox, Zoning Admin
mstover@ckcog.com Makenzie Stover, Zoning Officer
dhines@ckcog.com David Hines, Zoning Officer
When do you need a Zoning Permit?
A Zoning Permit is required for all types of construction, including:
- Residential—New dwellings, garages (attached or detached), sheds, fences, pools, hot tubs, patio and porch enclosures, decks, additions and some exterior alterations
- All commercial construction including additions, alterations and change of use
- Signs – freestanding AND those attached to buildings, including window signage
- Temporary tents or pavilions for non-residential use
BEFORE beginning any project call:
- PA One-Call at 800-242-1776 (or 811) at least three (3) business days before you start digging
- The Central Keystone COG, to determine if your project will also require a Building Permit (Click to go to the Building Permit page)
What will I need to get a Zoning Permit?
Residential (1 or 2 Family)
- A completed application, which is available in our office or on our website – ckcog.com/Zoning
- A site plan showing all of the following: (example site plan HERE)
- Property Dimensions (lot size)
- Square footage of all existing structures
- Square footage of the proposed structure
- Distance between buildings and all property lines
- Distance between structures
- Impervious structures (i.e. sidewalks, paved driveways, concrete patios, etc.)
- A check or cash for payment of the fee
Commercial/Agricultural/Multi-Family
All of the information above and contingent on the scope of the work, you may need to supply some or all of the following:
- Parking spaces – existing and proposed and total sq. footage of parking lot
- A Land Development plan
- Stormwater Plan/EMS Plan/Nutrient Management Plan/Floodplain or Elevation Certificate
- Other approvals that may be required by your municipality
FREQUENTLY ASKED ZONING QUESTIONS
How do I find out the zoning of my property?
A tax parcel number or 911 street address is required. Contact the Zoning Office at (570) 522-1326 ext. 2 (or email rfox@ckcog.com) and we can help you determine where you are and if what you want to do is permitted there.
How long does it take to get a Zoning Permit?
When a completed application, all supporting documents and the application fees have been received, the Zoning Officer has 30 days to issue or deny a permit. Most permits DO NOT take this long, a simple residential project, i.e. a fence, pool, or shed, can usually be approved in less than a week.
How much will the permit cost?
The fee for a Zoning Permit is based on the construction cost of the project.
What do I do with the Zoning Permit when it has been issued?
The permit placard should be displayed at the structure during construction, usually in a front window visible from the street. The Zoning Permit placard is the property owner’s documentation that the construction has been reviewed and approved by the Zoning Officer. If your project also requires a UCC Building Permit, both should be hung in the same location.
Can I conduct a certain activity at a given location?
The zoning classification of a parcel of land will dictate what use can be made of that property. The zoning classifications for a parcel is set by the governing body for the jurisdiction in which the property lies. It is also the property owner’s responsibility to be aware of other covenants and restrictions on the parcel, such as those placed by a homeowner’s association or land developer (i.e. restrictions on home size or style, accessory structures, parking, clotheslines, etc.).
Can I operate a business out of my home?
Maybe. The office component of a business use can usually be conducted from the home provided the required permit has been obtained and the zoning designation for the parcel permits this use. You will need to contact the Zoning Department at 570-522-1326 ext. 2 to determine what uses are permitted in the Zoning district where your home is located and what other requirements may apply.