* All construction work must comply with the Pennsylvania UCC, as amended.

* Submit 2 complete sets of construction drawings to scale.

* Prepare floor plan showing basement layout, include all dimensions indicating new and existing walls, door sizes, stair width, stair railing, tread and riser dimensions, closets, mechanical room, etc.

* Provide location of all proposed plumbing fixtures, ejector pump and/or sump pump, along with a line diagram for water, drain and vent lines. All plumbing must be done by a plumber registered with Buckingham Township.

* Provide a section through the new space indicating: ceiling height, type of finished ceiling, frame wall construction with species and grade of stud, finish floor material, firestopping at exterior walls, draftstopping at drop ceiling areas. 

* Provide electrical plan indicating the location of all receptacle outlets, lighting fixtures, smoke detectors, switches and electrical panel.  All work is to be inspected by an approved electrical inspection agency.

* Provide HVAC plans and calculations for the new habitable space.

* Provide a copy of Worker’s Compensation certificate with Buckingham Township named as a certificate holder OR an exemption form with notarized signature.

* The cost of the basement alteration permit is $85.00 plus $9.00 per $1,000 estimated construction cost, plus $7.00 UCC educational surcharge (plumbing is $30.00 for the first fixture and $11.00 each additional fixture). Other fees may be applicable. Permit fee will be calculated at the time of plan review.

* Submit all items above with a completed Building Permit Application Form and Worker's Compensation Insurance Coverage Information Form as a "package" to the Building Department at the township building.  Links to these forms are at the end of this page.

Please note, you will receive a list of required inspections with your building permit. The Building Department will not be able to issue a Certificate of Occupancy until all inspections are approved.

1. Show second means of egress to the outside by either an access window or door. Include the size of window or door (5.7 sq. ft. minimum).
2. Fire stopping shall be installed where required, in basement renovations all concealed spaces created by new walls shall be fire stopped. Basement Renovation Firestop Detail
3. Access (or access panels) shall be provided for all plumbing cleanouts, water shut-offs, and electrical panels.
4. If plumbing is installed, a detailed plumbing diagram must be supplied showing pipe size, length of runs, distance to vents and water feed plan.
5. Mechanical room must be ventilated by installing 2-vent grilles, 1 - 12" from the floor, and 1 - 12" from the ceiling. Each opening shall have a free area equal to minimum of 1 square inch per 1000 Btu/h. (M1307).
6. All electrical work associated with this application shall be inspected and approved by an independent underwriting agency at both rough and final stages.
7. Illuminated 3-way switches at the top and bottom of stairs shall be required.
8. 1/2" gypsum is required under stairways when they are enclosed and available for storage.
9. Stairway detail showing the rise and tread sizes of the steps. (8-1/4'" max rise - 9" min tread).
10. A railing detail showing the height of the handrail, (34"-38") and the distance between the spindles. (less than 4").
11. Floor plan showing what the room will be used for. (Bedroom, TV Room, Rec. Room, etc.)
12. Smoke detectors must be hard-wired, battery backup, and interconnected with the existing smoke detectors.
13. The ceiling height must be shown on the plans.
14. Basement walls must be waterproofed or have "Dry-Lock" applied.
15. If a sprinkler system is in place, please show the placement of the sprinkler heads on a floor plan.
16. A minimum 4 mil. vapor barrier must be installed on the back side of the stud wall.

Any questions may be directed to the Department of Permits and Inspections, Buckingham Township @ 215-794-8836.

Directions for obtaining permit forms on-line

The following forms may be filled in on-screen, printed out, signed and delivered to the Township building. Note: The information will remain displayed on your computer until you shut off your computer and re-start. The information is only displayed on your very own computer, it will NOT appear on anyone else's computer when they open the form from the internet. Information is stored in a temporary file within your computer's memory.

These forms are opened using Adobe Acrobat. If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader program installed, you may go to the Adobe Acrobat website, and download it for free. Click on the Adobe Acrobat icon displayed on the far left, at the bottom of our Contents listing.

FORMS (please be patient these forms can take a minute to open)

Click here for the Building Permit Application Form

Click here for the Worker's Compensation Insurance Coverage Form

Click here for a list of Electrical Inspection Agencies

Click here for a Plumbing Permit