FAQ

Yes, a permit is required to conduct a garage or yard sale. Permits can be obtained from the Township Receptionist during the hours of 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.  Property owners are limited to no more than two garage/yard sales per year.

Permits are not required to erect a fence, however please be advised that fences erected along any street frontage must be located in accordance with local zoning regulations. Building permits are required for all new construction activities, structural alterations and building additions, storage sheds and carports, regardless of size. For more information, please contact the building department at 215-836-7600 or click here to access the Community Development page.

Springfield Township has opted to locally enforce the provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (Act 45 of 1999). Permits are required for all new construction, additions and alterations to existing buildings and the following construction activities:

• Demolition
• Siding
• Replacement of Windows
• Awnings
• Roofing
• Decks (including those within 30” of the existing grade)
• Swimming Pools (including above ground pools)
• Sheds (including pre-fabricated or built on-site)
• Replacement of Plumbing Fixtures
• Sanitary Sewer Repairs and Replacements
• Electrical Work (excluding replacement of residential receptacles, switches or fixtures rated at 20 amps, or less and operating at less than 150 volts to ground)
• HVAC Work (excluding the replacement of an individual part within existing equipment, or portable device

Permits are not required for the following activities:

• Fencing
• Painting
• Floorcoverings
• Tiling
• Pre-fabricated pools that hold water which is less than 24” deep
• Replacement of glass within any existing door or window
• Installation of additional roll or batt insulation
• Replacement of clothes dryer or range/stove if there is no change in fuel type, location or electrical requirements
• Minor Plumbing Repairs (including repair of leaks, replacements of faucets and replacement of valves other than shower/bath valves)

If you have any questions regarding when a permit is required, please contact the Building Inspector at (215) 836-7600, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Associated Information:

• Permits must be obtained prior to pumping swimming pools
• Political, Realtor and contractor signs do not require permits but must follow Township zoning ordinances.
• Fences must comply with height restrictions and street set-backs in the zoning ordinance
• All electrical work must be inspected by a third party inspection agency prior to approving a Use and Occupancy Certificate.

Springfield Township requires the owner of all Real Property in the Township to apply for a Statement of Certification prior to conveying their property to another individual. The process takes approximately two weeks to complete and may require an in-home inspection by a Township representative. 

Please be advised that any violations noted by the Township must be corrected prior to settlement. For this reason it is strongly recommended that you apply for your Statement of Certification at the time you list your property for sale.   

In addition, Springfield Township requires all new owners of real property to register their deed with the Township. Registration must be completed within two business days after the recording of any deed or conveyance with Montgomery County. Registration may be done in person, by registered or certified U.S. mail (return receipt requested), or overnight delivery with confirmation of receipt.  The registration fee is $10.00 per deed.

For more information regarding the sale of real property, contact the office of Community Development at 215-836-7600.