CHIEF INSPECTOR/ZONING OFFICER Rodney Sarver
PH: 412-343-3408
FX: 412-343-3753
rsarver@mtlebanon.org [1]
Website: https://www.mtlebanon.org/59/Building-Inspection-Office [2]
The Inspection Office oversees all residential and commercial construction in Mt. Lebanon, both new construction and remodeling. Inspectors issue building permits and review plans for code compliance. The Inspection Office also inspects properties for compliance with regard to the building, grading, health and safety, minimum property standards, solid waste and zoning chapters of the Mt. Lebanon Code.
Building Permit Requirements
Before you begin any home project, contact the inspection office Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 412-343-3408, to determine whether you need a building permit. The following are examples of situations that require a permit.
Additions
A building permit and a certificate of occupancy permit are required for an addition. Also include two copies of construction drawings/plans and two copies of your property survey marked with the location of the addition.
Air Conditioning Unit
For new, replacing or relocating an air conditioning unit, you will need a mechanical permit. Along with the application, it is required to provide two copies of your property survey indicating the location of the unit. For all R-1 and R-2 Districts the unit must be seven feet from a property line. See Chapter XX, Section 804.1 of the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Code.
Deck
A deck permit is required when building or replacing a deck. In addition to the application, you will need to provide two copies of construction drawings and two copies of your property survey marked with the location of the deck.
Demolition
A demolition permit is required for any commercial or residential demolition. A condition of obtaining the permit is written releases from all utility companies certifying that services have been disconnected. An asbestos exemption or abatement certificate may also be required.
Driveway / Parking Pad
If you are building a new or replacing an existing driveway you will need a permit. For further information, call 412-343-3408.
Electrical
Electrical permits, plan reviews and inspections are provided by a third-party agency. Electrical permits are required for the installation of new electrical service equipment, existing service relocation, service increases, as well as fixed appliances and equipment connections. Electrical permits are based on the size of service, number of circuits and type of installation. An electrical permit or fee information may be obtained by contacting Middle Department Inspection Agency at 1-800-362-6342. Proof of approval is sent to the Mt. Lebanon Inspection Office.
Fence
A fence permit is required for a new fence or replacement of a current one. The zoning ordinance regulates the height of fencing. In single-family residential districts, fences up to six feet are permitted in side and rear yards. Fences are not permitted in front yards. No solid fences are permitted. Shadowbox fences up to four feet in height are permitted. Other styles of fences are also permitted. A fence can be erected on the property line, unless your home is on a corner lot. For further information, call the zoning officer at 412-343-3475.
Furnace
A mechanical permit is required for a furnace. An electrical inspection may also be needed depending upon the scope of the replacement.
Generator
You need a mechanical permit if you are installing a new generator or replacing or relocating an existing one. You must also submit two copies of your property survey marked with the location of the generator.
Home Occupation
A home occupation permit is required before a home occupation can begin operation. Mt. Lebanon allows home occupations in residential zoning districts. A home occupation is an occupation or business activity which results in a product or service and is conducted in part of a dwelling unit.
Hot Tubs
A permit from inspections is required for all hot tubs containing more than two feet of water. A portable spa that simply plugs in does not require a permit. An electrical permit is required where grounding or additional circuits are installed. To obtain an electrical permit, contact Middle Department Inspection Agency, 1-800-362-6342.
Plumbing
Plumbing inspections are done by the Bureau of Environmental Health. Contact Allegheny County Plumbing at 412-922-6196. Proof of approval is sent to the Inspection Office.
Retaining Wall
Retaining walls greater than two feet in height require a building permit. Walls greater than four feet in height require engineering drawings.
Roof
A building permit is required only when structural repairs are made to a residential roof. All commercial roof repairs or replacements require a permit.
Signs
All new or modified signs, even painted signs, require a permit. Illuminated signs also require an electrical permit.
Temporary signs require a permit from the Inspection Office. Temporary window signs do not need permits, but may not cover more than 25 percent of the area of each window. Signs can’t be placed anywhere that will make safe walking or driving difficult. If you have any specific questions about sign regulations, call 412-343-3475.
Storage Sheds
A permit is required for any storage shed. With the application, submit two copies of your property survey showing the location of the proposed construction. Storage sheds are not allowed in a front setback. All sheds must meet setback requirements, five feet from property line.
Swimming Pools
A pool installation permit is required for all above ground and in-ground swimming pools containing more than two feet of water. Along with the application, provide two copies of your property survey showing the location of the pool. A fence permit may be required. An electrical permit and inspections are obtained and performed by Middle Department Inspection Agency at 1-800-362-6342.
Windows
If you are replacing windows, you will need a permit only if the size of the opening is being changed, or if you need to make structural changes to the house.
The Building Permit Application Process
Applications can be downloaded from mtlebanon.org or may be obtained from the Mt. Lebanon Customer Service Center, 710 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15228 between 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Along with the application, you must include two copies of building plans and two copies of your property survey, indicating where on the property the work will be done. All applications must be signed by the property owner.
Permits can usually be issued within 30 business days of receipt of a completed application.
Once the building inspector reviews and approves the application, you will be notified by phone that the permit is ready and the total amount due. The permit and a copy of the approved plans can then be picked up at the customer service center on the first floor of the municipal building between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pay by cash, Visa, MasterCard or by check made out to Mt. Lebanon, PA.
Approved permit cards must be prominently displayed in a window visible from the street. Copies of approved plans with the inspector’s notes must be on construction site at all times.
If your construction project requires the use of a dumpster, placing it on the street requires a permit. Call the police traffic division at 412-343-4086 for details. Placing a dumpster on your property does not require a permit as long as it doesn’t encroach onto any municipal sidewalk.