Printer Friendly Version

ZONING/BUILDING INSPECTION FAX NO. 412-847-0505
Building Inspector/Zoning Officer - Timothy Phillips
412-364-4115 (ext. 343)
Building Inspector/Zoning Officer Secretary - Janine Kulbacki
412-364-4115 (ext. 313)
tphillips@franklinparkborough.us

Franklin Park Borough has engaged in the practice of zoning since 1952. The Borough's Zoning Map and Ordinance direct the overall distribution and character of land uses. The zoning ordinance has directed the scale, density and character of development within the Borough. The Zoning Map is divided into seven zoning districts: four residential districts and three mixed-use districts. A brief description of these zones is provided below. A complete listing with descriptions, lot sizes and variations between uses and specific development standards can be found in the Borough Code.

R-1, R-2 - Single Family Residential: The purpose of these districts is to combine the preservation of natural features and resources with low-intensity residential development suited to the natural conditions and rural character of portions of the Borough.

R-3, R-4 - Multifamily Residential: These districts are intended to provide a wide range of higher-intensity residential development in portions of the municipality with convenient and adequate access to the commercial and light industrial used and major transportation thoroughfares.

M-1 - Mixed use Residential/Commercial: The M-1 district allows a mixture of low intensity commercial and residential uses to reflect the existing small town character and associated land use patterns.

M-2 - Mixed Use Residential/Commercial/Light Industrial District: The intent of the
M-2 district is to provide land area for high intensity residential development (up to twenty-four dwellings per gross acre) and commercial and light industrial uses adjacent to an interstate interchange. This would allow quick access to the region's transportation network.

M-3 - Mixed Use Residential/Commercial/Light Industrial District: It is the purpose of this district to provide for mobile home park developments (at six dwelling units per gross acre) and commercial and light industrial uses which combine indoor and outdoor storage and activity.

Developers Punch List

The following is the typical procedure that must be followed after approval has been granted by Borough Council and before any site work can begin:

1.) All conditions of approval must be addressed unless otherwise specified.

2.) Provide cost estimate breakdown listing quantities, amount types of work of all public and private improvements proposed for the development. This list shall not include cost of materials or construction of any proposed buildings or improvements that will be accepted by another municipal authority.

3.) The cost estimate must be sealed and signed by a PA registered engineer.

4.) Once the cost estimate has been submitted to the Borough it will be reviewed by the Borough Engineer for accuracy. If the estimate is found to be acceptable by the Borough Engineer, the developer shall provide an acceptable surety in the amount of 110% of the cost shown on the approved cost estimate.

5.) A developers agreement will be drafted by the Borough Solicitor once the cost estimate is approved. Two original agreements will be forwarded to the developer. The developer must sign both copies and return them to the Borough for signatures along with an acceptable surety in the amount approved by the Borough Engineer.

6.) Two sets of Mylar plans for recording must be submitted to the Borough for signature.

7.) Signed recording plan mylars must be delivered to the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development for signatures, then the Allegheny County Recorders Offices for recording.

8). Copies of plans as specified in the approval letter from the Borough must be submitted.

9.) Any money owed to the Borough for an overdrawn escrow account must be paid prior to permit issuance and the start of work on the site.

10.) Once all of the above requirements have been completed an application for a grading permit should be submitted. Also, 2% of the surety amount shall be paid for escrow. When the grading permit is issued, this will signal that work and development of the site may begin.

Notices and Deadlines

The following are deadlines that developers must meet to be considered an agenda item before any Borough Board. Please call the Zoning Department if you have any questions regarding what requirements are necessary. Planning Commission deadline is 20 days prior to a planning commission meeting. Zoning Hearing Board deadline is 25 days prior to the Zoning Hearing Board hearing. Council deadline is 14 days prior to an agenda meeting.

Permit Procedures

DECKS & UNENCLOSED PORCHES

If you are applying for a "Building & Zoning Permit" for any of the following:
Open-Air Deck or Unenclosed Porch you will need three (3) items:

1.) Lot Survey or Plot Plan - A copy of your lot survey or plot plan showing the proposed location of the deck or porch.
Draw the structure on the copy of your plot plan, (as close to scale as possible) showing where it will be located on your property, and noting the distances the structure will be from your property lines.
 

2). Drawings - Two (2) copies of a drawing on paper 8.5" x 11" minimum.
Please, No Sketches or Doodles
To have your application approved your drawing(s) must show:

1. Size of the materials you will be using (such as 2"x4", 4"x4", 2"x10" etc.)

2. Placement and spacing of those materials

3. The drawing(s) must also include how the new structure will be attached to an existing structure, such as lag bolts (note the size) attaching a new deck to an existing house.

4. You will also need to show on your drawing(s) the depth of the holes or footer. A thirty-six (36) inch below the frost line minimum depth is required for approval.
    

3.) Applications - Building and Zoning Application obtained from the Building and Zoning Department.

Department must be completed thoroughly and submitted with your lot.

Survey plot plan and your drawings.
 

FENCE/SHEDS

You will need three (3) items:

1.) Lot Survey or Plot Plan - A copy of your lot survey or plot plan showing the proposed location of the fence or shed.

Draw the structure on the copy of your plot plan, (as close to scale as possible) showing where it will be located on your property, and noting the distances the structure will be from your property lines. The survey or plot plan must be to scale and not reduced from the original.

2.) Drawings - Two (2) copies of a drawing on standard size paper 8.5 x 11".

Sheds
1. Provide an elevation drawing at each side of the shed.
2. Provide details showing how the shed will be attached to the ground.

Fences
1. Provide an elevation drawing of the fence.
2. Provide a copy of the installers bid quotation.

3.) Applications - A building and zoning application obtained from the Building and Zoning department must be completed thoroughly and submitted with your lot survey/plot plan and your drawing(s). Please be neat! Be Complete!

Fences - The maximum permitted height of a fence in the rear and side yard shall be six (6) feet. Fences in the front yard shall be no higher than four (4) feet and at least 50% open and not of the chain link or wire type generally used for enclosure or containment. On a corner lot the side yard abutting the right-of-way shall be considered a front yard for fencing purposes.

Sheds - Accessory buildings and structures such as sheds shall not be permitted within the required front yard of a lot. Sheds must be a minimum of (fifteen) 15 feet from side and rear property lines. Sheds must be a minimum of five (5) feet behind the rear wall of the dwelling on the property.