Building and Planning
Bensalem Township Building and Planning Department
Zoning and building permits are the primary tools utilized by Bensalem Township to ensure orderly development by enforcing the laws on new construction and repairs to existing structures. Zoning and building permits must be secured to the start of any construction. Wasted effort, unnecessary expense, and possible fines are prevented by acquiring the proper permits prior to the start of construction.
Zoning permits are issued after a review is performed verifying compliance with the Bensalem Township Zoning Ordinance. The intent of the zoning ordinance is to protect the owner's property and that of his neighbors by ensuring appropriate land use, proper population densities, conservation of property values, and the public's general welfare.
Building permits are issued after a review is performed verifying compliance with the Bensalem Township Building Code. The intent of the building code is to provide the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare through structural strength , means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the build environment.
On February 12, 2001, the Building and Planning Department, under the direction of Matthew K. Takita, began reviewing building plans based on the Township's newly adopted 2000 International Building Code (IBC) and the 1999 National Electrical Code (NEC). To date, we are the only Township in the County that has adopted an ordinance recognizing International Code series as law. These adoptions are generally consistent with State's proposed adoption codes for the uniform construction code. Based on the information currently available to us, the staff is prepared to provide full service upon official implementation of the U.C.C. by the State.
Building in Bensalem (residential new construction) has steadily increased since 2000. With the developments of Belmont Ridge and Wellington Estates ranging in the $600,000-$700,000 range, you can see that Bensalem is a desirable place to live. Most of these homes are now sold out!
The Building and Planning Department is also staffed with Code Administrators who provide maintenance inspections for the purpose of issuing a Use and Occupancy Permit. This type of permit is needed when homes are sold or rented, apartment rental units change hands, or commercial or industrial properties are rented or sold.
The department has a support staff readily available to assist you either over the phone or in person, with fast, professional service.
The Township of Bensalem operates under the Mayor-Council form of government. This includes the enactment and enforcement of many township ordinances, designed to protect the health safety and welfare of the community. We invite you to contact the members of the Building and Planning Department with any questions you may have.
TOWNSHIP ENGINEERING SERVICES (DEVELOPMENT)
|
O'Donnell and Naccarato |
Ron Gans, P.E. |
TOWNSHIP ENGINEERING SERVICES (TRAFFIC)
|
Pennoni Associates |
Phil Wursta, P.E. |
NOTE FROM THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Homeowners, Pool Companies, Landscape Contractors - Bucks County Conservation District is delegated to administer the Erosion Control Program on behalf of PADEP. The Board of Directors has established a theshold of 1000 square feet of earth disturbance. Disturbances of 1000 square or more require a plan submission to the Conservation District; 2000 square feet for swimming pools. Should you plan to be disturbing earth on your property, please contact the District at 215-345-7577 EARLY in the process. By doing so, you will not be held up at the local level, when you have all your approvals.
Contact Camille Peters or Gretchen Schatschneider at 215-345-7577.
It is important that you contact the DEP should you have any questions or need clarification concerning a land development project.
- Web: www.dep.state.pa.us
- Phone: 484-250-5991
- Complaint: 1-866-255-5158
Building and Planning Department Personnel
Matthew Takita
Director and Zoning Officer
215-633-3643
Jackie Ryan
Office Manager/Administrative Asst.
215-633-3654
Stan Tasey
Building Inspector II
215-633-3645
Vacant
Electrical Inspector
215-633-3649
Michael Kirk
Code Enforcement Officer
215-633-3648
Verna Franklin
Clerk Typist
215-633-3630
John Domanico
Code Administrator II
215-633-3648
Joseph Dunner
Code Administrator
215-633-3651
Stephen Terlecki
Code Administrator
215-633-3690
Christine Savage
Code Administrator
215-633-3650
Ron Gans
Township Engineer
215-633-3652
Quinton Nearon
Field Inspector
215-633-3652
Kris Lambert
Clerk Typist
215-633-3644
Lil Ivins
Clerk Typist
215-633-3647
Phyllis Pisch
Clerk Reception
215-633-3644
Loretta Alston
Planning/Zoning Clerk
215-633-3646
Our offices are open daily from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday. Any inquiries related to building and planning, inspections, permitting, zoning, and complaints may be addressed by dialing 215-633-3644.
We look forward to serving you and addressing all your needs.