Township Code

Building Permits

Both commercial and residential building permits are required in Richland Township to erect, modify, and/or repair structures. This includes, but is not limited to: new homes, new commercial buildings, structural changes to existing buildings, additions, accessory structures 1,000 square feet or greater, decks, and swimming pools.  Applications are available below, or can be picked up from the Richland Township Municipal building.

A building permit requires the building permit application AND the completion of a zoning certification (below).  All permit applications must be approved prior to beginning construction.

Zoning Permits

A zoning permit is required for new construction projects including, but not limited to: fences, sheds, accessory structures less than 1,000 square feet, and signs.

Stormwater Management Best Management Practice (SWM BMP)

The installation of a SWM BMP is required for any building project that increases the building footprint on the property by 800 square feet or more.  This includes but is not limited to new homes, additions to an existing structure, large sheds, detached garages and new roof over existing decks.  This does not include decks that have no roof or swimming pools.

Signs

Demolition Permits

Residential demolitions require the Township’s demolition permit application.

Commercial demolitions require the Township’s demolition permit application and a permit from the Allegheny County Health Department.

Driveway Permits

Grading Permits

Logging Permits

Occupancy Permits (Businesses)

Must be approved prior to operating any business in Richland Township. Please read through the entire application and fill out and submit all applicable forms in the above attachments.

Solicitor’s Permits

Solicitor’s permits can be obtained from the Northern Regional Police Department (724-625-3156).

Commercial Plan Reviews

Planning Commission (Land Developments and Subdivisions)

(Note:  All applicants MUST submit both completed and signed Township and County Application Packages to Richland Township.  Please use ALL four (4) links below.  All fees can be paid online on the Township website.)

Zoning Hearing Board (Variances, Special Exceptions, Interpretation Rulings)

Temporary Use Permits

Open Burning Regulations

Richland Township residents fall under the Allegheny County Health Department’s Open Burning Regulations.  Wood burning is legal in Allegheny County, however, all open burning must be done in compliance with the ACHD regulations.

Summary of the ACHD regulations:

Info regarding the pollutants found in wood smoke:

ACHD Complaint Line:  412-687-2243

The ACHD operates a 24-hour complaint line.  Complaints will be investigated by ACHD staff and violations can be issued when necessary.

Violators of ACHD’s Open Burning regulation can be fined for noncompliance.  Fines can begin around $250 and can increase with repeated non-compliance.

Visit www.burnfactsallegheny.info for more information.

Use of Coal-Tar Sealants:  Richland adopts resolution discouraging the use of coal-tar sealants.

The Richland Board of Supervisors has adopted a resolution discouraging the use of coal-tar sealants within the Township.  Coal-Tar is a black, liquid sealant which is used to protect and enhance the appearance of underlying asphalt in many driveways, playgrounds, and parking lots.  Coal-tar is a potent source of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) and is a potential concern for humans and aquatic life.   (Resolution No. 4 of 2021)

 

Coal-tar and coal-tar pitch, both used in sealant products, have an extremely high concentration of PAHs and are classified as known human carcinogens.  There are alternatives to this material, such as asphalt-based sealing products which have much lower concentrations of PAHs.  Residents are encouraged to find out what is being used on their property before sealing driveways, playgrounds, and parking lots.

 

The figure below shows how it can be introduced into the environment.  For more information of the use and dangers of coal tar please go to https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/coal-tar-based-pavement-sealcoat-pahs-and-environmental-health?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects

 

AS SEALANT WEARS OFF, WHERE DOES IT GO?