Doylestown Waives Sandy Permit Fees

Doylestown Borough residents looking to repair damage from Superstorm Sandy caught a bit of a break from borough officials.

Borough council voted unanimously Monday night to waive the cost of permits for most Sandy-related repairs.

So, while borough property owners still need a permit to do the work, they won't need to pay for the permit.

Waiving the permit fees just seemed like the right thing to do, council members said.

"Superstorm sandy has caused unprecedented damage to properties in the borough of Doylestown, leaving many residents with unanticipated repair and maintenance expenses in a time when many families and businesses are already facing financial strain," reads part of the ordinance authorizing the waiver.

"I think this is an important step to take," council president Det Ansinn said.

A building permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, add to, alter, repair, replace, improve, remove, install, or maintain any structure or building in Doylestown Borough, according to Kelli Scarlet, the director of building and zoning. That includes "accessory" buildings such as decks more than 30 inches off the ground, garages, car ports, or pools.

Zoning permits are required for fences and sheds.

Repairing a roof does not require a permit if the area being worked on is less than 20 percent of the roof's surface and the repair work is in-kind, Scarlet said.

Repairing fences and sheds does not require a permit if the repair or replacement is in-kind.

Ansinn also clarified what borough officials said seems to be a common misunderstanding:

"A tree that is fallen is no longer a tree and does not require a permit," Ansinn said. "It is simply wood."

More information and applications are available on the borough's website.