Zoning Permits - Zoning Permits are required for all structures *, including houses, barns, sheds, porches, decks, steps, ramps, garages, agricultural structures, commercial and business structures, etc. Zoning Permits are required for any structural change or addition to an existing structure, including a roof addition, roof line alteration, and room addition. Zoning permits are required for mobile homes, and mobile home replacements. Zoning permits may be required for repairing or replacing any structures that have been damaged or destroyed by fire or natural disaster. Download Zoning Permit Application in Microsoft Word interactive(doc) form here or Microsoft Word printable (doc)here or Adobe Acrobat (pdf) form here.

* Zoning Permits are not required for replacing doors, windows, siding or shingles. Zoning Permits are not required for detached accessory buildings that are 100 square feet or less and portable and not in a flood hazard area. Permits may be required for earthwork and/or construction in a flood hazard area.

Contact the Zoning Officer for more information.

Sewage Permits are required for any new buildings or uses for human occupation before a building permit will be issued. Changes in use, room additions, building replacements, or changes in numbers of occupants may require, at a minimum, a review by the Sewage Enforcement Officer to determine the adequacy of capacity and function of the sewage disposal system. Call for more information.

Sign Permits are generally required for signs in this Township as specified in the Zoning Ordinance, including temporary signs such as political signs. Permits are not required for certain signs. No signs are allowed within any public highway right of way. No signs of any type or kind may be attached to utility poles, fenceposts or trees. No sign may display any message that could be misconstrued as a traffic control or warning device, using such words as "Warning", "Danger", "Stop", "Slow", etc. Signs must not be animated or with moving or flashing lights. Contact the Zoning Officer for sign permit information.

Road and traffic signs are regulated by the Township Board of Supervisors and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Contact the Township Office for details.

Use Permits (Certificates of Use) are required for any new use or change of use of a property. Use permits are generally not required for new single-family residences. Use permits are not required for normal agricultural operations. Use permits are required for new construction, additions and alterations of structures in flood hazard areas, and most business and commercial operations. Contact the Zoning Officer for more information.

Building Permits (UCC) are required for all commercial, industrial, public and residential buildings. Certain repairs and maintenance activities, as well as certain structures that are accessory to residential buildings may not require permits and inspections. Contact the Zoning Officer for more information. Building Permit (UCC) application forms are available in Adobe Acrobat pdf format - Under the Workers' Compensation Law, anyone working under a UCC permit must either be covered by Workers' Compensation Insurance and a certificate of insurance must be sent to the Township office, or if an individual is working as a homeowner or a contractor with no employees an affidavit to that effect must be presented. Download a Workers' Compensation affidavit here.

Conditional Use Permits are required for any uses that are classified as Conditional Uses in the Damascus Township Zoning Ordinance. Applications for Conditional Uses are made to the Planning Commission and a public hearing will be conducted. Contact the Zoning Officer for more information.

Special Exception hearings are required for any uses that are classified as Special Exception Uses in the Damascus Township Zoning Ordinance. Public hearings are held by the Zoning Hearing Board. Contact the Zoning Officer for more information or to submit a Special Exception application.

Flood Hazard Areas and Wetland Areas - Construction of any kind, including earthmoving activities, in Flood Hazard Areas as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and in Wetland Areas may require additional permits. Contact the Zoning Officer for more information.

Driveway Permits - A Township permit is required for access to any Township Road. A Highway Occupancy Permit from PennDOT is required for access to any State Highway. A driveway permit is required before a building permit can be issued or a subdivision is approved. Contact the Township Office for more information.

Signs - Business and Advertising Signs, Political Signs - Business and business and/or product advertising signs larger than 16 square feet require permits. Political and/or Campaign signs need permits. Political sign permits are issued for no charge (small signs). Certain signs may need to be inspected under the UCC. Contact the Zoning Officer for more information.

Subdivisions of Land - any and all land subdivisions, changes in lot lines, and/or land developments must be presented to the Damascus Township Planning Commission for review, and must be approved by the Board of Supervisors. Contact the Township Office for details.

Contact the Zoning Officer for building and use permit applications.