Building & Zoning
Annville Township regulates construction and development through its building and zoning permit process to ensure safety, compliance, and community standards. This page provides information on how to apply for building, electrical, plumbing, and other permits required for residential and commercial projects. Please review the requirements below before starting any work.
All Township zoning and permitting needs are handled directly through the Township office. Permit applications can be found on the township website and submitted electronically to info@annvilletwp.com or in person at the Township office.
Frequent Questions
What’s the difference between a building permit and a zoning permit?
In short:
- Zoning Permit = Is this allowed here?
- Basic
- Residential
- Commercial
- Building Permit = Is it built safely and to code?
You often need both — zoning approval usually comes first, then you apply for a building permit.
Who is responsible for applying for a permit?
The property owner is responsible for obtaining a building and/or zoning permit. The property owner may appoint an authorized agent to apply for the permit.
Who is responsible for applying for a permit?
The property owner is responsible for obtaining a building and/or zoning permit. The property owner may appoint an authorized agent to apply for the permit.
A zoning permit is required for the following:
- Adding a shed or accessory structure
- Adding a fence or replacing with a higher or different style of fence
- Adding or replacing a fence
- Adding a deck or patio
- Changing a use
- Residential addition
- New Sign for commercial use
- Pools
- Demolition
- Use and Occupancy Permits
Basic Zoning and Minor Alterations
A Basic Zoning Permit is the simplest form of zoning approval issued by the township for minor alterations or placements that still require review under the zoning ordinance.
You must complete the application and submit one (1) plot plan showing: lot dimensions and shape; location/dimensions of existing buildings; location/dimensions (length, width, height) of proposed buildings or additions; off-street parking/loading facilities; setbacks from property lines and street centerline; and water/sewer location.
Residential Zoning
In Annville Township, homeowners and contractors undertaking new residential construction, additions, or structural alterations must secure the appropriate zoning and building permits in accordance with the Township’s regulations. A “Residential Zoning Permit” is required to ensure any proposed development complies with lot dimensions, setback requirements, existing and proposed building location, use of the property, and applicable zoning district standards.
Applicants must submit a completed “Application for Zoning/Residential Permit,” along with three (3) sets of a plot plan showing the lot shape and dimensions, existing and proposed structures, driveway access and off‐street parking, sanitary sewer and water supply infrastructure, and indicating the use of the structure.
The permit process helps the Township’s Zoning Officer review conformity with the Lebanon County Planning Department (which acts as Zoning Officer) regulations and ensures that projects are aligned with the Township’s zoning ordinance and other applicable code requirements.
Commercial Zoning
In Annville Township, businesses and property owners undertaking new commercial construction, tenant fit-outs, additions, or changes in use must obtain a Commercial Zoning Permit to ensure compliance with the Township’s zoning regulations. The “Application for Zoning/Commercial Permit” outlines required information including the lot dimensions, existing and proposed structure layouts, setback distances, parking and loading facilities, potable water and sanitary sewer connections, and the nature of the commercial use.
Applicants must submit the official form (available on the Township’s Forms & Documents page) along with three (3) sets of a detailed plot plan showing: the shape and dimensions of the lot, existing buildings, any proposed new buildings or additions (with length/width/height), off-street parking and loading zones, setback distances from property lines and street centerline, and the location of sanitary sewer and water supply.
The permit process is administered by the Township Zoning Officer (through the Lebanon County Planning Department) and is designed to ensure that commercial developments meet the Township’s zoning district standards, buffering, parking, signage, stormwater, and access requirements.
Zoning Demo Permit
The Application for Zoning/Demolition Permit is required in Annville Township for any project involving the removal or substantial alteration of an existing building or structure. This permit ensures that proposed demolition work complies with township zoning regulations and does not create issues with setbacks, lot coverage, or future land use. Property owners or contractors must provide details about the structure to be removed, a plot plan showing its location, and utility information so the Township’s Zoning Officer can verify compliance before work begins.
Zoning Hearing Board Application or Appeal Notice
The Zoning Hearing Board Application or Appeal Notice is used when a property owner, developer, or other party seeks relief or clarification from Annville Township’s zoning regulations. This form allows applicants to request a variance, special exception, or appeal a zoning decision made by the Zoning Officer. Common reasons for filing include seeking flexibility with setback or height requirements, approval for a use not otherwise permitted by right, or challenging an interpretation of the zoning ordinance. The completed application must include a detailed description of the request, a site plan, and any supporting documentation for review by the Zoning Hearing Board during a public hearing.
Building Permit
Required when placing a new structure on your property, such as a new house, a house addition, a garage or carport, a shed, a pool. Permits are required for fences but not for general maintenance such as roof or window replacement (as long as the original structure is not changing shape), or inside remodeling.
If you have any questions, please contact Annville Town Hall, where all building permits are issued, 717-867-4476.
Home Occupation Regulations and Permit
Chapter 27. Zoning | PART 5. GENERAL REGULATIONS
§ 27-510.2. Regulations.
[Ord. 652, 12/5/2016]
- The proprietor of the home occupation shall reside on the premises and shall be the property owner or a member of the immediate family of the property owner. The home occupation shall be incidental to the use of the property as a residence, and there shall be no exterior evidence of the occupation, except for a sign, nor change to the appearance of the dwelling to facilitate the operation of the occupation.
- The home occupation shall be conducted wholly within the dwelling and shall not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area nor more than 750 square feet. This area shall include all functions or activities of the home occupation.
- The proprietor may employ not more than one assistant who does not reside within the dwelling used for the home occupation.
- Any home occupation or accessory function of a home occupation that creates noise, fumes, smoke, odor, dust, heat, electrical interference, or glare perceptible at or beyond lot boundaries shall be prohibited.
- No storage of materials or products related to the home occupation shall be permitted outside buildings.
- Home occupations shall be conducted with direct ground-level access.
- Not more than one home occupation shall be practiced in any one dwelling unit.
- Goods available for retail sale shall be produced in the dwelling unit, unless incidental to the principal service provided.
- No display of products shall be visible from public streets or adjacent properties.
- A home occupation may be open to the public between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- No truck deliveries shall occur between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Delivery trucks shall not be longer than 25 feet and shall not have more than two axles.
- No home occupation shall require trash pick-up in excess of that which is normally required for a residential dwelling.
- Prohibited home occupations are such that involve the stocking of items for retail or wholesale transfer, involve a gathering of people, normally use large areas, or customarily are not compatible with dwellings, by virtue of creating excessive noise, fumes, odor, dust, electrical interference, or substantially more than normal residential levels of traffic. Prohibited home occupations include but are not limited to: retail and wholesale stores; shops and equipment storage of contractors; auto, truck, or engine repair; medical or dental offices with more than one practitioner.