The office is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday unless a required schedule change is necessary. The hours are 7:30 am to 3:30 p.m. The Building Code Official and Code Enforcement Officer is Ronald C. Bachner. The office may be reached by calling 412-824-6235, visiting the office, or by email at codeofficial@eastmckeesportboro.com
Zoning Permits Now Required
As of August 2009 Zoning Permits are required. You must obtain a Zoning Permit if any of the following events are taking place. The fee for the Zoning Permit is $15.00. An application for your particular event is available by calling the Building Inspection Department. A Zoning Permit is required when any of the following events are taking place.
1. Upon sale or legal transfer of any real estate parcel.
2. All property which is vacant and has no valid certificate of occupancy
prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy
3. Prior to the placement, construction, or installation of any structure, addition, accessory structure, garage, retaining wall, shed, fence, parking space, or any other type of improvement on any real estate within the Borough of East McKeesport.
Property Maintenance Requirements By All Property Owners
The Borough of East McKeesport has adopted ordinance Number 852 which governs the minimum conditions and maintenance of all property, buildings, structures in the borough. This ordinance adopts the Property Maintenance Code, as amended for the purpose of establishing a standard for the maintenance of safe habitable structures. All property owners are required to comply and meet the standards established by this ordinance. For more information please call the building inspection department at 412-824-6235. If you would like to request an inspection of any condition on your home or property please call the Borough Building Inspector.
Occupancy Permits and Inspections
The Borough requires occupancy permits and inspections when a property is sold and transferred, when a change in tenants occurs, and when a change in use occurs. Any person who hereinafter offer’s for rent, lease, purchase, owns, or otherwise intends to occupy or utilize any apartment, building, space, or structure within the Borough of East McKeesport, either residential or non-residential, must apply for and obtain an occupancy permit in conformance with existing ordinances as applicable before occupying or utilizing said apartment, building, space, or structure. The fee for the inspection and occupancy permit is $30.00. A non-residential occupancy permit is also required and all new business owner should contact the building code official before opening any non residential commercial establishment. The fee for commercial or non residential occupancy permits is $75.00. See Ordinance 881. The penalty for failing to obtain an occupancy permit shall not be less than $300.00 or more than $1,000.00 per day.
Dye Test Certificates
A dye test inspection shall be obtaining within 21 days prior to the sale of all real estate in the borough. The test is required to comply with Federal, State, and County mandate requirements regulating the flow and discharge of storm water in to sanitary sewers. The dye test certificate shall be completed by a registered plumber with the Allegheny County Health Department. All real estate shall be in compliance before sale of real estate. A fee in the amount of $20.00 is due to the Borough of East McKeesport (an additional fee is charged by the plumber). A dye test form or Certificate of Compliance can be obtained at the Borough Building from the Building Inspector or Borough Secretary.
Business Privilege Rental License
Any real estate property or space that is available for rent, lease, or other residential type occupancies are required to obtain a yearly license fee for each building or property within the Borough as required by Ordinance 800 and Resolution 01-06. The license fee is in addition to any required occupancy permit fee. The license fee schedule is as follows:
1 or 2 rental units per legal description (Lot & Block) $25.00
3 to 5 rental units per legal description (Lot & Block) $50.00
6 or more rental units per legal description (Lot & Block) $200.00
To obtain a rental license for your real estate please contact:
Keystone Municipal Collections
546 Wendel Road
Irwin, PA 15642
724-978-0300
Tenants
The Borough of East McKeesport requires landlords to obtain occupancy permits before you move in. You are entitled and deserve to live in a rental unit that is in compliance with the boroughs ordinances and the property maintenance code. Ask your landlord for a copy of this certificate before you move in.
Landlord’s and Rental Property Owner’s
The Borough of East McKeesport has adopted Ordinance Number 800 which provides for the reasonable regulation of apartment dwellings, occupants, maintenance of dwelling units, inspections, and penalties for failing to comply. Please obtain a copy of this ordinance and the addendum which is required to be attached your residential rental agreement. This addendum helps protect landlords and tenants. Please contact the Building Inspection Department at 412-824-6235.
Building Permits
The Borough of East McKeesport has adopted the Uniform Construction Code of Pennsylvania. The Uniform Construction Code (UCC) is further known as Act 45 of 1999, as amended. The UCC requires building permits for many residential projects and most commercial projects including alterations, additions, change of use, and other improvements. In short, you are required to obtain a building, electrical, mechanical, or other type of permits that is regulated by Borough Ordinance or the Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
As of January 1, 2010 the following building codes are in effect in the Borough of East McKeesport.
2009 International Existing Building Code
2009 International Building Code
2009 International Residential Code
2009 International Fuel Gas Code
2009 International Mechanical Code
2009 International Energy Conservation Code
2009 International Fire Code
2009 International Performance Code For Buildings and Facilities
2009 International Plumbing Code (Thru Allegheny Health Department)
2009 International Urban Wildland Interface Code
2008 National Electrical Code
Note: Other requirements may be applicable either by adoption or reference.
EXEMPT BUILDING PERMIT PROJECTS
The following residential projects do not require a building permit in the Borough of East McKeesport. A zoning permit however may be required. Please contact the building inspection department.
They are:
Fences under six feet in height in rear yards and not on the property line.
Fences under four feet in the front yard and not on the property line.
Replacing windows in an existing opening.
Replacing doors in an existing opening.
Concrete sidewalks on grade.
Decks not exceeding 30 in height from grade at all points and no roof.
Retaining walls not over four feet in height.
Replacement of exterior siding.
Exterior painting.
Replacement of existing gutters and downspouts.
Installation of battery powered smoke detectors in residential dwellings.
Replacement of shingles on roof not exceeding 25% per year.
Emergency repairs if building permit application is submitted within 3 days of repair.
If you project is not listed above please call the building inspector for more information to review your project.
Building Permits - Commercial and Other Non Residential Projects
If your project is commercial or is non residential a building permit will likely be required. Please call the Building Code Official to discuss your project and to obtain specific information and requirements. The office number is 412-824-6235.
Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act
The State of Pennsylvania has adopted the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act of 2009. The law (Act 132) requires that all contractors who perform home improvements in Pennsylvania after July 1, 2009 for which the total cash value of the contractor’s home improvements is $5,000 or more per year register with the Office of the Attorney General and pay a non-refundable application fee. In the Borough of East McKeesport no building permit will be issued to any contractor who does not have a license and is required to have said contractor license.
Complaints
If you have any complaints or property maintenance issue’s please call the code enforcement officer or write the Borough at 907 Florence Avenue, East McKeesport, PA 15035
If you known of any criminal activity within the borough including but not limited to violations of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Liquor Code Act, the Controlled Substance Drug Device, and Cosmetic Act, or any other law please call the East McKeesport Police Department at 412-824-0324. If it is an emergency please call 911.
