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1. I am building an addition to my home, adding a deck, or putting in a swimming pool, who do I call?

You may contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning and Development, Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2, or Russell Penn, Building and Code Inspector at 724-981-0800.

2. Do I need a contractor license?

The City of Hermitage does not require contractors to obtain a contractor’s license when performing work for a Hermitage based resident or business. 

3. Do I need a permit for changing windows, doors, or installing vinyl siding?

Permits are required for windows and doors if there are any structural changes associated with this project (ie. Headers being replaced or resized). For more information, please contact Russell Penn, Building and Code Official, Jeffrey Osborne, Building and Code Inspector, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

4. Do I need a permit to re-shingle my house?

If simply replacing the shingles, then no. If you must replace any sheathing underneath the shingles, which is constituted as a structural change, you will need a permit for that work. For more information, please contact Russell Penn, Building and Code Official, Jeffrey Osborne, Building and Code Inspector, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

5. My proposed addition is too close to the property line - is it ok to build with my neighbors permission?

Each building permit undergoes a review process to assess zoning compliance. If the proposed construction occurs within the zoning setbacks as determined by the Hermitage Zoning Ordinance, the application will be denied. You would then be able to ask for a variance through the Hermitage Zoning Hearing Board which is a quasi-judicial board made up of community representatives. The fee to go in front of the Zoning Hearing Board is $500 and does not guarantee approval. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

6. Will the City locate where my property pins are located?

No, please contact a local surveying or engineering firm from the local phone directory. 

7. What are the regulations for fencing? Do I need a permit?

Section 409 of the Hermitage Zoning Ordinance includes fence regulations: 

A wall or fence under 6 feet in height and paved terraces without walls, roofs or other enclosures may be erected within the limits of any yard. Retaining walls, buffer strips and fences required for screening under this Ordinance are not subject to the 6 feet high limitation. The following standards for fences also apply:

1. Fences required for recreational facilities such as tennis courts and baseball fields may be higher than 6 feet; provided, that they are constructed of open type fencing material, such as chain link. 
2. No fence shall be permitted which obstructs a sight triangle measured 30 feet along the edge of any roadway and 30 feet along the edge of any intersecting roadway and/or driveway. 
3. The sight triangle must be free of obstruction by any fence higher than 3 feet. 
4. No fence shall be constructed within the legal right-of-way of any public street.
5. Unless otherwise provided for herein, there is no required setback for fences constructed on the lot of any property owner.
6. The finished side of a fence shall project outward to neighboring property owner(s).

Additionally, there is no permit required to install a fence on your property. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800. 

8. My neighbor’s tree/shrubbery is encroaching on my property - what can the City do?

This is a private property civil matter between the property owners. If it cannot be settled cooperatively, then the aggrieved person must file their complaint through the District Justice.

9. Do you have drawings of my property at the City Building?

Give us a call and we’ll see what we have! We have more information on some properties than on others - it depends on the history of the property. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

10. Do you have copies of my deed available?

In general, we have deeds is our records dating from around 1960. Anything older would need to be retrieved at the Mercer County Courthouse Recorder’s Office. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

11. I want to open a sole proprietor business in a leased unit. What do I have to do?

You must check with the Building Department, giving them the location and a description of your proposed business as well as any proposed renovations to the unit. The Building Department will work with you to determine the type of permit and submittals needed to meet applicable zoning and building code requirements. Each type of business and each existing unit are unique and so may require different types of approvals depending on the circumstances. For more information, please contact Russell Penn, Building and Code Official at 724-981-0800.

12. Do I need to obtain a permit for a shed?

You must obtain a permit for a shed if it is over 120 square feet. Regardless of size, sheds are still subject to setback requirements according to the zoning district your shed will be located in. Sheds over 200 square feet must be placed on a concrete pad. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

13. Do I need to obtain a permit to own chickens?

Yes! The Backyard Poultry permit can be found here: https://www.hermitage.net/DocumentCenter/View/2020/Poultry-Birds-Zoning-Application-PDF-?bidId=.  There are also additional regulations pertaining to backyard poultry which includes: 

1. A site plan shall be required prior to the issuance of a zoning permit for Backyard Poultry. The site plan shall show all existing and proposed structures (coops, runs, etc.) and lot lines.
2. Backyard Poultry shall be permitted as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling only. 
3. The number of poultry birds permitted on any one lot is as follows:
   1. Lots up to 0.5 acres = 4 birds
   2. One bird for each additional 0.25 acres
   3. A maximum 12 birds shall be permitted on any one lot.
4. All buildings, coops and enclosures for birds must be in the rear yard with a minimum of 30 feet setback from all property lines. 
5. No mature roosters shall be permitted. 
6. Killing or dressing of animals raised on the premises shall be permitted if conducted entirely within an enclosed building and disposed of properly.
7. The keeping of poultry birds shall be permitted within a securely fenced and enclosed area. Only chickens and ducks may be permitted on the property; all other livestock and small farm animals are prohibited.
8. All animal structures and roaming areas shall be kept sanitary and free from accumulations of animal excrement and objectionable odor.
9. All animal feed shall be stored in a secured, rodent-proof container and housed within an enclosed structure.

Please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800 if you have any additional questions. 

14. Do I need a permit for a home-based occupation?

Yes you do. The permit can be found here: https://www.hermitage.net/DocumentCenter/View/37/-Home-Occupation-Permit--PDF?bidId=. Please contact Nathan Zampogna at 724-981-0800 if you have any additional questions.

15. Do I need a permit to hold a yard sale?

No, a permit is not required for yard sales