Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Borough of Sugarcreek, Pennsylvania

Borough of Sugarcreek’s own rules

• Building permitRequired

  Construction, alteration, enlargement, repair, movement, or demolition of structures, trailers, mobile homes, and modular homes inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • The ordinance contains exceptions.
  • A permit fee is due under the Borough Council's lawfully adopted fee schedule in effect when the application is submitted.

  “without first having obtained a Building Permit”

• Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

  Projects inside Sugarcreek borough that require construction permits.

  • Applies to projects requiring permits.

  “The Uniform Construction Code [...] is hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference”

• Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

  Land and structures inside Sugarcreek borough, Venango County, Pennsylvania.

  • Structures and land uses must comply with the ordinance and receive required permits and certificates.

  “This Ordinance is adopted by virtue of the authority vested in the Borough”

• Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

  Land inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • District-specific controls are in the published zoning ordinance and its amendments.

  “AN ORDINANCE DIVIDING THE BOROUGH OF SUGARCREEK INTO VARIOUS ZONING DISTRICTS”

• Manufactured homesLimited

  New manufactured homes inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • New manufactured homes are prohibited in floodway zones.

  “new manufactured homes are prohibited in floodway zones.”

• Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

  Existing or new septic systems serving construction inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • The Borough directs that communications go through Cornplanter Township.
  • The Borough's single-family guide directs applicants to the Sewage Enforcement Officer.

  “All communications go thru Cornplanter Township”

• Septic permitRequired

  Existing or new septic-system use associated with a building-permit application inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • SEO approval must be obtained before the building permit is issued.
  • The zoning officer must receive a copy of the approval with the building-permit application.

  “Septic Systems: Whether existing or new septic system will be used, approval must be obtained by the Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) prior to building permits being issued. Zoning officer must have a copy of approval when building permit applications are submitted.”

• Shed and accessory-building permit exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

  Detached accessory garages, carports, sheds, and greenhouses serving a single-family dwelling inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • The structure must be less than 1,000 square feet.
  • It must be accessory to a single-family dwelling.
  • A zoning certificate is required for the marked item.

  maximum exempt accessory-structure area: < 1000 square feet (Detached garage, carport, shed, or greenhouse accessory to a single-family dwelling)

  “*Detached garages, carports, sheds, or greenhouses less than 1,000 square feet that are accessory to a single-family dwelling”

• Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

  Creation of a new tax parcel or property-line changes inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • A subdivision plan is needed if property lines will change.
  • Applicants are directed to the Venango County Planning Commission.

  “If so, a subdivision plan will be needed.”

• Driveway accessLimited

  Driveway or road encroachment associated with construction inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • A road-encroachment permit is needed where a curb exists or a ditch requires a pipe for water flow.
  • For state roads, PennDOT must be contacted and a copy of the permit received before the building permit is issued.

  “you will need a Road Encroachment Permit.”

• Building in a floodplainRequired

  Additions, renovations, and new structures on properties in a floodplain inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • No building permit will be issued without a floodplain permit.
  • All requirements in the floodplain ordinance must be followed.

  “NO building permit will be issued [...] without a floodplain permit”

• Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

  Building permits issued for covered work inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • Fees follow the schedule lawfully adopted by Borough Council and in effect when the application is submitted.
  • The ordinance states that the fee schedule is annually established by Borough Council.

  “Pursuant to the schedule of fees as annually established by Borough Council.”

• Permit processPublished (with conditions)

  Building-permit applications inside Sugarcreek borough.

  • The application must be on the issuing agent's form and complete to the agent's satisfaction.
  • The proposed work must comply with pertinent Borough and state laws.
  • Required fees must be received.
  • The issued permit must be posted conspicuously until work is completed.

  “BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION AND ISSUANCE-----PROCEDURES”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Borough of Sugarcreek or Venango County directly.

• Owner-builder exemption — Owner-performed residential construction inside Sugarcreek borough.
• Inspections — Residential construction inside Sugarcreek borough.
• Certificate of occupancy — Residential occupancy inside Sugarcreek borough.
• Minimum dwelling size — Single-family residential districts inside Sugarcreek borough.
• Minimum lot size — Single-family residential districts inside Sugarcreek borough.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.