Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement
Recent Agendas
The Town of Bloomsburg Codes Office serves to guide the citizens by providing certain standards for development throughout the municipality. From planning to construction, we have you covered. We also work to ensure compliance with the Town’s Code of Ordinances, enforcing regulations on such things as rubbish, snow and ice removal, grass and weeds, rental unit inspections, and other items that help maintain a high quality of life for our citizens.
BUILDING CODE PROCESS
Idea
Develop an idea
for your project
Zoning, Permits, & Approval
Check zoning and planning procedures, acquire proper permits (sewer, floodplain, etc.), and acquire HARB approval
Building Permit
Apply for a building permit and review the building plan
Inspection process
Inspections are visual on-site inspections. (foundation, footing, electrical, mechanical, energy, etc.)
Idea
Develop and idea
for your project
Zoning, Permits, & Approval
Check zoning and planning procedures, acquire proper permits (sewer, floodplain, etc.), and acquire HARB approval
Building Permit
Apply for building permit and review building plan
Inspection process
Inspections are visual on-site inspections. (foundation, footing, electrical, mechanical, energy, etc.)
CODE OF ORDINANCES
The Town of Bloomsburg’s ordinances is codified and organized in our Code of Ordinances. You can access and browse the entire collection online by clicking here
While the Code of Ordinances is periodically updated, some new or recently enacted ordinances are not yet included in the document collection.
ZONING
The Zoning Ordinance divides land within the Town of Bloomsburg into districts, and each district has individual regulations for a number of items including but not limited to the following:
- Types of Principle and Accessory Uses Permitted
- Special Exceptions
- Building Regulations for Zoning Setbacks (Clearances)
- Maximum Building Coverage, (% of your lot allowed to be covered)
- Minimum Lot Size (Amount of land required to build on)
- Maximum Building/Structure Height
A person who receives a denial from the Zoning Officer for a zoning permit may appeal that decision to the Zoning Hearing Board for a fee of $550. The Zoning Hearing Board has the authority and exclusive jurisdiction to render final decisions in the following matters:
- Applications for Variances from Terms of the Zoning Ordinance
-
Applications for Special Exceptions under the Zoning Ordinance
- Appeals of the Zoning Officer’s Determination
- Appeals of a Determination by the Municipal Engineer or the Zoning Officer with Reference to the Administration of any Floodplain Ordinance or Such Provisions within a Land Use Ordinance
- Appeals from the Determination of the Zoning Officer or Municipal Engineer in the Administration of any Land Use Ordinance or Provision Thereof with reference to Sedimentation, Erosion Control, and Storm Water Management insofar as the Same Relate to Development Not Involving Applications Under the Municipality’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
If you are opening a new business, contact the Code Office for ZP
What kind of permits do I need?
If you are unsure, contact the Building Code Official for clarification.
The following guidelines apply to one- and two-family residential dwellings, Townhouses and structures are considered to be accessories to these residential structures. Any other use or construction is COMMERCIAL and must comply with all building codes pertaining to commercial construction and permitting which is more extensive. Please contact the BCO for further direction.
Required Residential Permits:
ZP: Zoning Permit
BP: Building Permit
FP: Floodplain Development Permit - required for all development if in the
Special Flood Hazard Area.
Development: Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate
including, but not limited to, the placement, construction, reconstruction,
renovation, repair, expansion, or alteration of buildings or other structures; the
placement of manufactured homes, streets, and other paving, utilities, filling,
grading, excavation, mining, dredging, drilling operations, storage of equipment
or materials; and the subdivision of land.
a. 30” or less at the highest point of the deck’s walking surface measured from the lowest adjacent grade, not attached to the existing means of egress or connected to a roof. ZP, FP
b. Over 30” at the highest point of the deck’s walking surface measured from the lowest adjacent grade or if the deck is connected to the existing means of egress to the structure or if it includes a roof. ZP, FP & BP
c. Replacing an existing deck requires permits as specified in (a & b) unless the decking is the only thing to be replaced.
a. > 12” above the highest adjacent grade FP & BP
b. < 12” above the highest adjacent grade ZP, FP & BP
a. < 1000 square feet of total floor area, less than three stories, < 200 sq ft, and 1 story if habitable space and accessory to a single-family dwelling. FP & ZP
b. > 1000 square feet of total floor area, including habitable space, not accessory to a single-family dwelling or greater than two stories in height. IE: Gazebos, Playhouses, Nonagricultural Barns, Pool houses, Storage trailers > 200 sq ft or 1 story in height. ZP, FP, BP
a. Fences. ZP, FP
b. Fences greater than (6) six feet high. ZP, FP, BP
a. < (4) four feet high measured from adjacent grade. ZP, FP
b. > (4) four feet high measured from lowest adjacent grade. ZP, FP, BP
a. All swimming pools > (24”) twenty-four inches deep from the top of
the side wall. ZP, FP, BP
*Barriers must be provided as required by the International
Residential Code. Please contact the BCO for further instructions.
All Permits are required. ZP, FP, BP
a. New signs. ZP
b. Off-premise signs such as billboards. ZP, FP, BP
a. Adding onto an existing structure. IE: attached garage, porch, adding a roof to a porch or deck, etc. Ask the BCO if uncertain. FP, ZP, BP
a. Removal, cutting, reinforcement, drilling, or replacement of a load-bearing beam, header, roof sheathing, or wall. BP, FP
b. ANY changes to the existing means of egress into or through the structure. IE: Hallway, stairway and accessories, increasing or decreasing doors, stairway or window sizes, Permanent removal of windows or doors, Handicap ramps, handrails, guard systems, elevators, decks, porches, etc. Contact the BCO if uncertain. FP, BP
and in some cases, ZP, depending on the scope of work.
a. Traditional. ZP, FP, BP
b. Manufactured or Industrial. ZP, FP, BP
a. Residential and Commercial. ZP, FP, BP
Any portion of a dwelling or residential accessory structure that will be used for commercial purposes (open to employees or the public) requires permits for any and all construction, enlargements, alterations, repairs, movement, demolish or change the occupancy of a commercial building, structure, and facility or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code
*Please see the BCO with any questions about exemptions or exclusionary
work.
