Zoning Officer

The Franklin Township Zoning Officer administers the Township Zoning Ordinance in accordance with its literal terms, and shall not have the power to permit any construction or any use or change of use that does not conform to this Ordinance. Construction or uses that require a variance shall be issued a zoning permit or use certificate only after approval by order of the Zoning Hearing Board. Construction or uses that require Planning Commission and Board of Supervisor review as land development under the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance shall be permitted following final approval by the Board of Supervisors. Conditional Uses shall only be issued after a hearing and final approval by the Board of Supervisors.

For permits, you can call the township office.

As a rule of thumb, everything in the Township over 100 square feet DOES require a zoning permit! If it is above the ground, whether it is moveable or not, it requires a zoning permit. Decks, lean to’s, shed roofs, gazebos, sheds, pools, they all require a zoning permit. The Zoning Officer will tell you if a zoning permit application will be required. It will depend on what you are building and the size.
Things that do not require a permit: swing sets, play sets, tree stands, a standard set of steps with no deck, dog houses, fire pits, patios flush with the ground.
Franklin Township has opted out of the UCC (Uniform Construction Code) which means the township does not require any building permits; it is the residents responsibility to obtain any needed inspections for their structures as needed by whomever they choose. It is a State Law to have the inspections done and many insurance companies will require the inspection reports. See the list for some possible Inspectors that could be used.
You will be required to fill out a stormwater management project application in conjunction with your permit application. Any structure creating new impervious area, any area water will run off, will require this application. Under 5,000 square feet of impervious area you will be able to fill out a Small Project Application. Over 5,000 square feet of impervious area you will need a more indepth stormwater management plan. Note: Gravel IS impervious.

If you are putting in a driveway, you need to call the township office, 734-3521 and so we can inspect the area first. Then you will be told if you need a sleuce pipe and if so what size. If this is a new location he will also determine if the driveway meets the line of site regulations. At this time there is no fee for this inspection.
If you have a complaint about a neighbor: You must put your complaint in writing, list the complaint in detail, the person’s name and address on a piece of paper and turn it in with your signature to the Zoning Officer, a Supervisor or the Secretary. In order for a complaint to be acted upon it must be in writing and signed.

If you have a complaint about a neighbor: You must put your complaint in writing, list the complaint in detail, the person’s name and address on a piece of paper and turn it in with your signature to the Zoning Officer, a Supervisor or the Secretary. In order for a complaint to be acted upon it must be in writing and signed.