Permits often are not needed for basic remodeling work, local officials said.

CRANBERRY TWP — While most home projects start with a great idea, the second step should be, and often is, to check if the project requires a permit.

According to local officials, that question is one they get the most often as residents work to improve their homes.

In Cranberry Township, residential building and zoning permits follow the state Uniform Construction Code through the Department of Labor and Industry. According to Jeffrey Musher, manager of the township’s development and code services, anyone considering a home renovation project should find out as soon as possible if they need a permit.

He said his office deals with that question on a daily basis, and said if a person is not sure whether a permit is required, they should err on the side of caution and check with their municipality.

Examples of projects that require permits include home additions, garages, decks, deck or porch roofs, porches, gazebos and pavilions, chimneys, roofs, sheds, swimming pools and hot tubs. Other projects, such as those that create new windows or access points, or require removing walls or beams, also require permits.

However, projects such as remodeling a bathroom or kitchen or finishing a basement do not require permits. Additionally, fences that adhere to outlined requirements do not need a permit.

“Unless they change something structurally like a supporting post or load-bearing wall, they can pretty much do whatever they like inside a single-family home,” Musher said.

If a permit is required, Musher said a person must submit a plan that outlines the work and shows dimensions and locations. That can be done through a set of drawings, which he said do not have to be complicated.

“It just needs to show enough information so that we can see it is in compliance with the code,” he said.

Different projects have different requirements. For example, for decks, a lot survey or plot plan should be submitted, and the sizes and spacing of footers, posts, joists must be noted. The applicant must also show handrails and locking mechanisms as well.

Musher added some projects, such as detached garages, decks, sheds, car ports and green houses could require a Residential Accessory Zoning Permit.

The township suggests giving up to 15 working days for review of the plans. At that time, officials could reach out for additional information. Once approved, a permit fee amount will be set and once that is paid, work can begin.

Once permits are issued and the work has been completed, a final inspection by a township inspector must be completed to close out the permit.

Musher said the number of permits flowing into the office is “steady.”

“We have seen no decline in permit applications, and if anything, we’ve seen a slight increase,” he said.