Commercial Spaces

Adding More Space

What you need to do depends on your project scope:

• If you are adding space by expanding into more offices in the same building but making no changes to the plumbing, electric, or framing you will only need a Use and Occupancy Permit for the new space.
• If you are converting space that was something other than what you are using it for, for example, it was an office but you are converting it to part of your nail salon, or you are doing work to the plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems, or making structural changes you will need a full building permit.
• If you are adding space by building an addition or making changes to the exterior of the property, contact the Director of Building and Zoning to discuss land development.

Planning Considerations

Zoning Requirements:

Before an occupancy or building permit can be issued it must be reviewed for zoning compliance. Each property within the Township is part of a designated zoning district. The zoning district specifies the permitted land uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial and the minimum distances or set back from the property lines for buildings, accessory structures, and fences, as well as maximum height restrictions. When you apply for an occupancy or building permit, the application will automatically be routed to Zoning for review.

You are encouraged to contact the Zoning Officer before you finalize your plans to make sure that the proposed use is permitted in the district you are in.

Applicable Building Codes:

All construction work must conform to the requirements of the following codes International Building Code 2018.

Renovating Space

The scope of your project will determine if your planned changes are an addition or simply a renovation of existing space.

In general:

• If you are making interior cosmetic changes, moving partitions, changing fixtures, painting or wallpapering then you do not need a permit.
• If you are moving or removing walls or adding new electrical, mechanical, or plumbing you need a building permit.

If you are adding space by building an addition or making changes to the exterior of the property, contact the Director of Building and Zoning to discuss land development.

Planning Considerations: Same as above.