Code Enforcement and Zoning
West Deer Township is a zoned community and has a number of ordinances regulating subdivision, zoning and building. It is recommended that you inquire at the Municipal Building prior to initiating any expansion or building on your property. There are numerous requirements for driveway construct, placement articles in the right-of-way, erection of signs, and many other types of projects.
The Township currently contracts with a third party provider for the issuance of building permits and site inspections. The Township’s Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for issuing ordinance violations.
Current Township Zoning Map
Zoning Ordinance Public Hearing 1.17.2024
For questions, contact the Township’s Zoning Office at 724.265.2780.
Current Building/Code Staff
David Thomas, dthomas@westdeertownship.com, 724.265.2780 ext. 225
Administrative Assistant
Dorothy Moyta, dmoyta@westdeertownship.com, 724.265.2780 ext. 236
Building Permits
In order to set standards and support uniform quality, the Township has adopted the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Building permits are required for, but are not limited to, projects such as: all new structures; single family homes; additions; garages; sheds; fences; and swimming pools. Please contact the Building Inspector if you are unsure whether or not you need a permit, and you will properly informed. The building permit must be accompanied with a plot plan and a set of construction drawings. Please make checks payable to West Deer Township.
Burning
Allegheny County prohibits outdoor burning other than small recreational wood fires. Burning permit applications may be obtained at the Township Building and submitted to the Allegheny County Health Department/Air Quality Division for approval. For more information, call 412.578.8115.
Property Maintenance
Although West Deer Township does not have an ordinance on grass cutting, Allegheny County requires property owners to keep their grass and weeds at a maximum of ten inches high. Building materials must be stored neatly and structures kept in sound conditions. Vehicles without current inspection and license plates may not be stored outside on private or public property.
Allegheny County Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services is in the process of updating the Allegheny County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). Our multi-jurisdictional HMP must be updated every five years. The HMP will be updated using the best and most current available information and data, conducting a thorough hazard risk assessment and vulnerability analysis, and evaluating and revising priorities and mitigation strategies to increase community resilience. See link below for more information.
https://www.pennsylvaniahmp.com/allegheny-hmp
Allegheny County Vacant Property Recovery Program
The purpose of the Allegheny County Vacant Property Recovery Program (VPRP) is to take blighted and/or tax delinquent properties and resell them to an applicant for reuse as determined within their application and as approved by the Municipality.
Click here for information and application form:
Vacant Property Recovery Program Application
Stormwater Management: MS4 Program
There is no doubt - stormwater management in Pennsylvania is a multi-layered, multi-jurisdictional, ever-changing set of rules, regulations, and requirements. The Township stormwater management page will help residents understand why these requirements are in place.