Zoning Permits
A zoning permit is required prior to the construction or alteration of any structure and prior to the use or change in use of a structure or property. Common structures requiring a zoning permit include decks, sheds, swimming pools, and poured concrete patios. No zoning permit is required for simple maintenance or repairs.
Road Occupancy/Driveway Permit
A road occupancy permit is required prior to any work to be performed in the right-of-way of a Township street. This might include the paving or repaving of a driveway, the installation or removal of a sidewalk, or similar projects.
Solicitors/Transient Retail License
A solicitors/transient retail license is required prior to the operation of any temporary business or the operation of a door-to-door campaign to solicit donations or sell goods.
Home-Based Businesses
The zoning ordinance permits home-based businesses of two types – No-Impact Home-Based Businesses and Low-Impact Home-Based Businesses. No-Impact Home-Based Businesses require no approval from Harris Township as they have no measurable impact on neighborhoods. Low-Impact Home-Based Businesses have minimal impact on neighborhoods – a zoning permit is required prior to starting a Low-Impact Home-Based Business. In-home childcare is an example of a Low-Impact Home-Based Business. The regulations for both types of home-based businesses can be reviewed below.
Special Event Application
A Special Event is any event that proposes to generate 500 or more participants/spectators to a property or area. Any such event must be registered with the Township.
The registration includes a statement that must be signed and notarized by the sponsor of the event that guarantees reimbursement to the Township for any costs (Police, clean-up, etc.) that are not performed or otherwise paid for by the event sponsor.
There is a fee for Harris Township review of special event permit forms.
Zoning Questions
If you have a question related to Harris Township zoning regulations, please contact Todd Shea, Township Zoning Officer, weekdays from 8:00am to 4:15pm at 814-466-6228 or at zoning@harristownship.org.
Centre Region Code Administration
Please visit the Centre Region Code Administration (CRCA) website for information regarding the following:
- PA Uniform Construction Code
- Residential Construction
- Commercial Construction
- Rental Housing
- Fire Safety
- Geothermal Borehole and Water Well Drilling
- Sewage Management Program
- Permit Fees and Associated Costs
- Applications
- CRCA Staff Directory