Building permit sweep yields 11 violations in Gilpin; officials urge compliance
Gilpin zoning officer Sharon Long recently completed a weeklong sweep, checking for nonpermitted structures in the rural township.
During the sweep, Long cited 11 residents for not obtaining the proper permits before building on their property.
Most of Gilpin’s surrounding townships and municipalities have zoning laws on the books, but nearby Bethel and Parks townships do not. Sometimes that can contribute to a misunderstanding of what projects require permits.
“I think it’s 50-50. Some don’t know, and some are ‘I’ll deal with it when I get caught,’ ” Long said of residents not submitting permit applications for building projects.
Residents with questions about zoning are encouraged to contact Long for help or clarification, even those who finished construction and didn’t apply for a permit.
“It’s not like we’re out to get you. It’s a learning education,” Long said. “We went through this whole process of redoing our zoning. To not then follow everything we spent all this money and time on would not make sense. It’s an ordinance and a law of the township.”
Doghouses, fencing, playhouses and treehouses are exempt from permits.
The permit fee is determined at $3 per 100 square feet. An average permit for a garage or a similar structure might cost about $26, Long said.
Permit fees are deposited into the township’s general fund.
“This isn’t a huge problem,” said Gilpin supervisors Chairman Charles Stull. “It’s a common problem about once a year, specifically years with light winters and after spring when people do more building. I believe some of it is ignorance on the part of those building not knowing they need permits.”
Gilpin is a zoned community and enforces Pennsylvania uniform construction codes. Building and zoning permits are required.
Long understands zoning regulations might be new to some residents, but she pointed out that zoning laws help to protect residents.
For example, if two neighbors don’t get along, one could construct a shed right on the property line.
“Then you could have two neighbors squabbling over where the property line actually is because you have to build so many feet off the property line,” Long said. “The zoning ordinances keep people following the rules.
“I will always work with someone, and I’m here to help. If you’re not sure, just ask.”
All Gilpin permit applications are available on the township website or at the municipal building.
Long said she expects to finish the permit sweep by the end of March.
To contact Long, email slongglptwp@yahoo.com or call 724-845-0981.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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