Horsham Township has adopted regulations governing the process of constructing or altering buildings and their accessory structures within the Township via Zoning, Building and Plumbing Codes, as well as specific public safety or nuisance ordinances.

The following is a listing of types of work that do or do not require a permit:

• * Sump pumps and roof drains may not be discharged to adjacent properties without written permission from the property owner. Any work involving changing natural vegetation patterns, or modifying the grade on the property or in wetlands is prohibited. Work involving grading requires permits and may involve approval of other state and/or federal agencies depending on the scope and location of the work.

• ** Residential accessory structures must be located outside of the front yard setback and to the rear of the principle structure (house) on the site and 7' from any side and/or rear property lines. Height of accessory structures is either 14' or 21'6" depending on it's location on a given lot. Location(s) for accessory structures are governed on the setbacks of the structure, ie. If it is at the seven 7' setback it cannot be higher then 14' if it is within the building envelope for your zoning district, then it can be up to 21" - 6" in height. Note: the height of accessory structures is measured from the lowest point around the perimeter to the highest point.

• Easements or restricted areas such as floodplain or wetlands on a property may further limit where structures or fences may be located.

Permit application forms are available at the Township Building (1025 Horsham Road). Applications must include a plot plan where outside additions are proposed, and two sets of construction details for review. Upon approval one set is returned with any corrections or comments noted. Where the Code Officers review finds that an unusual design cannot be determined to meet Code requirements, an Engineers seal may be required. Permit applications may take 2 to 3 weeks to process, review and mail.

Questions or comments may be directed to the Code Enforcement Office at (215) 643-3131, weekdays 8:30AM-4:30PM.

Zoning Codes

Horsham Township has a Zoning Code which regulates land use in the Township. The Zoning Code specifies lot sizes and setbacks, outlines permitted uses and establishes requirements for the number of parking and building dimensions. Zoning Code books and maps are available for purchase at the reception desk in the Township Building or on-line by following the links on the home page. Any revisions adopted by the Township are included in the most recent issues of the code.

Current Zoning Code adopted by Ordinance: #1143 November 28, 1995.