RESALE OF PROPERTIES
Does Amity Township require Use and Occupancy inspections for the resale of a residential property?
Not at this time.
Does Amity Township require Use and Occupancy inspections for the resale of a non residential property?
If the new occupancy classification is different from the previous occupancy classification, a building permit is required. If there is no change of occupancy classification and there are no alterations proposed to the building or space, no permit or inspections are required.

How do I obtain a Zoning Interpretation on a property within Amity Township?
You can complete a Zoning Interpretation Request by completing this form.

Do you come out and survey my property lines?
No. Only a PA licensed surveyor may set property corners. It is the applicant’s responsibility to locate the property lines if the corner pins are marked off to ensure proper placement of the improvement. Amity Township reserves the right to require surveying if property lines are not apparent (most cases do not require a survey).

How do I find out the size of my lot?
Most subdivisions are kept here in our office. They will show plot plans and lot sizes.
Copies are available upon written request. To obtain a copy, please fill out the OPEN RECORDS request under the Right-to-know section of our website.

BUSINESSES
Do I have to get a business license to open a business in Amity Township?
No, you do not need a business license to open a business in an existing commercial building or space. You do need a zoning permit to operate a no impact home based business or home occupation.
What is the difference between the two?
A no impact home-based business only requires a zoning permit. A home occupation requires an additional approval from the Board of Supervisors. Home occupations allow traffic, deliveries, signs and some employees.  More information can be found here: Home Occupation and No-Impact Home Occupation Regulations
What permits do I need to open a business in an existing building?
Any change of use or occupancy in a commercial building requires a zoning permit and may or may not require a building permit. You will also need all other licenses that may be required by other PA government agencies, i.e. the health department.

DECKS
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Yes. All decks require a Zoning Permit. It the deck is attached and being supported by securing to a house or structure or 30″ or higher above grade at any point it will also require a building permit. Processing generally takes 7-10 business days.
Where can I put my deck?
The setbacks from the property lines vary depending on what zoning district your property is in, combined with what utilities you have to the property.
Are there any inspections?
Yes. You will need to set up 4 inspections. First, is a “setback” inspection for proper placement prior to construction. Second, is a footing inspection for proper depth (30″), prior to pouring concrete.  Third, is a “rough framing” inspection after the joists are built and lastly, is the “final inspection” for the railings and decking. Upon approval, a certificate of occupancy is signed and mailed to you. The deck may not be used until you receive this document.
Do I have to get my deck designed by an architect to provide blueprints?
No, in most cases. We accept most sketch drawings or computer drawings as long as they show the types and sizes of the construction and material. Here is a Sample Deck Drawing of the minimum information we require to be submitted with a deck permit application.
How deep do footings have to be?
In the township. 30″ minimum from grade to the bottom of the footing.
Are there any requirements for stormwater?
If the proposed deck area exceeds 1,000 square feet, stormwater management must comply with Chapter 25 of the Codification of Ordinances.

SHEDS
Do I need a permit to place a shed on my property?
Yes. Most sheds only require a zoning permit. Applications generally take 5-8 business days for processing. If the shed or “accessory structure” is over 500 sq ft. (outside dimensions, LxW), it will also require a building permit.
How close to the property line can I have it?
If the shed is less than 192 sq. ft. (outside dimensions, LxW) it must be placed in the rear yard, behind the rear wall of the dwelling and must be set back 5′-0” minimum from the side and rear property lines. If the shed is over 192 SF and placed in the rear yard, it must be setback 10′-0” minimum from side and rear property lines. If it is greater than or equal to 192 SF and the shed is in front of the rear wall of the dwelling in the side yard, there are different setback dimensions based on the location of your property. They will be listed on the Zoning Permit. Sheds greater than or equal to 192 SF placed in the side yard in Woods Edge, High Meadows, Sunset Knoll and some of Greenbriar must be setback 10′-0” minimum from the side property line. Sheds greater than or equal to 192 SF placed in the side yard in Westridge, Amity Gardens, Lenape Farms, Rosecliff Pointe, Sunrise Hills, Pondview, Cider Mill Run, Pleasant Meadows, Glenwood Estates and Far Hill Farms must be setback 15′ minimum from the side property line. This Setback Diagram will assist in explaining minimum setback requirements for your structures.
Are there inspections required?
Yes, there are two required. First is the “setback” inspection which is done after you mark where you want to put the structure and last is the “final” inspection after you place the structure in its approved location. Upon approval of the final inspection, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued and mailed to you. You may not occupy the structure until you receive this document or the approval of the final inspection. You must call the office to set up the inspections.
What if I want to build one myself?
That is permitted. There are no inspections required for the construction of sheds under 500 SF, however, you still need the permit and the two inspections to measure setbacks and placement.
What if I want to pour a concrete pad?
As long as the structure is not over 500 SF you may pour a concrete pad. The pad must be poured or placed per the required setbacks on the permit.

FENCES
Do I need a permit to put up a fence?
Yes. Applications are available here, at our office or on our website under the Permit Department. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days.
Where can I put my fence?
Fences must be placed within the property lines. Fences over 4′ high may not be in the front yard. All fences must be kept out of all easements, right-of-ways and sight lines of streets, intersections and driveways. All fences that are for the required barriers of a pool must meet Section 305 of the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code.
Are there any inspections?
Yes, two. A “setback” inspection is done as soon as you mark where you want to put the fence and a “final” inspection after your fence is installed. You must call the office to set up the inspections. Upon approval of the inspections, a Certificate of Use will be signed and mailed to the applicant.

ANIMALS
How many horses can I have on my property?
Please refer to the General Agriculture (Adopted 2019) to calculate how many horses you may have. Do not include dwelling, paving and accessory structures in any contiguous grazeable acreage.
How many goats can I have on my property?
Please refer to the General Agriculture (Adopted 2019) to calculate how many goats you can have. Do not include dwelling, paving and accessory structures in any contiguous grazeable acreage.
How many chickens can I have on my property?
Please refer to the General Agriculture (Adopted 2019) to calculate how many chickens you can have.

ABOVE GROUND (AG) POOLS
Do I need a permit to install an above ground pool?
Yes. Applications are available here or at our office and on this website under the Permit Department. Processing usually takes 7-10 business days.
What about an inflatable pool?
If the water is 24″ deep or deeper, it is classified as a swimming pool. They require the same permits and inspections. Fences (i.e. barriers) may also be required.
Where can I put my AG pool?
In the side or rear yard only. The pool, filter, equipment, decks and accessories must all be set at least 10′ from the rear property line and setback at least the required distance from the side property line based on the Zoning District. AG pool minimum side yard setbacks for Woods Edge Phase 1,  High Meadows, Sunset Knoll and some of Greenbriar are 10′-0” minimum. Minimum side setbacks for Westridge, Amity Gardens, Pleasant Meadows, Lenape Farms, Cider Mill Run, Pondview, Glenwood Estates and Far Hill Farms are 15′ minimum. This Setback Diagram will assist in explaining minimum setback requirements for your pool. Pools are not permitted in the front yard. Please be aware, a front yard is any yard that fronts a street.
Am I allowed to put in an above ground pool?
Check your deed restrictions of your lot as they may be prohibited. Amity Twp is aware of the following developments having deed restrictions prohibiting AG pools: Woods Edge Phase 2 & 3, Rosecliffe Pointe, High Meadows and Indian Run. Amity Township will not issue AG Pool permits for these subdivisions.
Do I need to put up a fence?
Possibly. All pools must have a barrier that is 48″ high surrounding the pool. Most above ground pools are higher than 48″, which creates the required barrier. Ladders to pools must be lockable. If there is any access to the pool that is less than 48″, most likely a fence must be installed. All barriers of a pool must meet Section 305 of the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code.
Are there any inspections?
Yes. Inspections are detailed in the AMITY TWP POOL REQMTS 2015 ISPSC.

IN-GROUND (IG) POOLS
Do I need a permit to install an in-ground pool?
Yes. Applications are available here at our office and on our website under the Permit Department. Processing usually takes 7-10 business days.
Where can I put my IG pool on my property?
In the side or rear yard only. The pool water’s edge, filter, equipment, pool patio areas and accessories must all be setback at least 10′-0” from the rear property line and setback at least the required distance from the side property line based on the applicable Zoning District your property is in. IG Pool minimum side yard setbacks for Woods Edge, High Meadows, Sunset Knoll and some of Greenbriar are 10′ minimum. Side setbacks for Westridge, Amity Gardens, Pleasant Meadows, Lenape Farms, Rosecliff Pointe, Sunrise Hills, Pondview, Cider Mill Run, Glenwood Estates and Far Hill Farms is 15′ minimum. This Setback Diagram will assist in explaining minimum setback requirements for your pool. Pools are not permitted in the front yard. Please be aware, a front yard is any yard that fronts a street.
Do I need to put up a fence?
Yes. All in ground pools must have a barrier surrounding the pool. All barriers of a pool must meet Section 305 of the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code.
Are there any requirements for stormwater?
If the proposed impervious coverage area (pool water surfaces excluded) exceeds 1,000 square feet, stormwater management must comply with Chapter 25 of the Codification of Ordinances.
Are there any inspections?
Yes. Inspections are detailed in the AMITY TWP POOL REQMTS 2015 ISPSC

BOATS & RVs
No recreational vehicle, whether motorized or non-motorized, including but not limited to travel trailers, motor homes, truck campers, tent campers, trailers, boats & trailers, snowmobiles & trailers and any other similar vehicles shall be parked on any street within the Township; provided, however, that such vehicles may be parked on the public street temporarily for the purpose of loading and unloading such vehicle, in which case it may be temporarily parked for not more than twenty-four (24) hours in each week (Sunday through Saturday). Recreational vehicles, whether motorized or non-motorized, travel trailers, motor homes, truck campers, tent campers, trailers, open utility trailers, equipment trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, boats & trailers, snowmobiles & trailers and any other similar vehicles shall not be parked or stored on any property within any Zoning District except in a carport, a completely enclosed building, a rear yard, side yard or a driveway, provided such vehicle is parked behind the front yard building set back line. However, no such vehicles shall be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes when parked or stored in such location, unless a temporary permit is issued by the Township. At no time may the parking of these vehicles interfere with the use of public sidewalks.

CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE
An Amity Twp Contractor’s license is required for the construction of a new home or contract work on any commercial structure. One is not required for any home improvement work. Home improvement contractors must be licensed through the PA Attorney General’s office.

TREES & SHRUBS
What is the required setback for trees, shrubs and other landscaping?  Amity Township Ordinances do not regulate any required distance for trees, shrubs or gardens to a property line; however, you should consider overhead utility lines, lines of sight and the ability to maintain the landscaping of all sides from your property.

Am I allowed to cut branches that are growing into my yard from another property?  Amity Township does not have any jurisdiction on this matter. It is a civil matter between property owners. If there is a dead tree or branch that you fear will come down on your property or is unsafe, you must file a Violation / Safety Concern through the Code Enforcement Department to begin an investigation.

Does Amity Township cut or remove dead trees within the right-of-way?  Property owners are responsible for the safety and maintenance of their property up to the edge of the cartway (i.e. paving). Please be advised, should a tree come down onto the public street, any costs incurred by the Township for the clearing of the debris from the street will be assessed to you.

OPEN BURNING
Can I have an outdoor fire at my house?
For regulations regarding outdoor fires, click here.