Kraft Code Services serves as the Borough’s third party agency for property maintenance code and building code review and enforcement of the Uniform Construction Code, including plan reviews, the issuance of building permits, building permit related inspections, property maintenance code inspections and rental inspections. Any complaints received by the Borough are thoroughly investigated by Kraft Code Services and the Borough and appropriate actions are taken.
The Borough of Wyomissing Zoning Hearing Board reviews and takes action on zoning related matters brought forth by applicants seeking a variance or special exception from the Borough of Wyomissing’s Zoning Ordinance. Zoning Hearing Board meetings are scheduled on an as needed basis, as applications are received and in compliance with the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC).
DUMPSTER / PORTABLE STORAGE PERMIT
PEDDLING / SOLICITING PERMIT
If you are planning on promoting or distributing information about your business, your products and/or services, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A SOLICITATION PERMIT. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO SOLICIT WITHOUT SAID PERMIT. Applications can be found below or picked up at Borough Hall. Photo identification is required at time of submission of the application.
TEMPORARY USE / SIGN PERMIT
MISCELLANEOUS / ZONING PERMIT
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
A Certificate of Occupancy is only required for commercial properties that are not applying for a building permit
RESIDENTIAL RENTAL INSPECTIONS
ZONING AND CODES RESOURCES
COMMERCIAL ZONING OFFICER CONTACT:
Michele Bare
610-376-7481
mbare@wyomissingboro.org
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RESIDENTIAL ZONING OFFICER, PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE and BUILDING CODE CONTACT:
KRAFT MUNICIPAL GROUP
6525 Shillington Plz.
Shillington, PA 19607
610-777-1311
contact@kraftmunicipalgroup.com
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HELPFUL LINKS
Borough Ordinances
Fee Schedule
PA One Call
PA Labor & Industry
Operational Permit
UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE
As a general rule, the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) requires that a property owner or the owner’s authorized agent obtain a UCC construction or building permit before commencing any work and that the work be inspected in the following cases: Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition or change in occupancy of a commercial building, structure or facility; Construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition or change in occupancy of a residential building; Erection, installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, replacement or conversion of any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the UCC; Construction or installation of a swimming pool, hot tub or spa; Site preparation, foundation, construction, utility connections, alterations, additions, repairs and changes of occupancy of manufactured and industrialized housing. Under the UCC, a building, structure or facility cannot be used or occupied without a UCC certificate of occupancy first being issued. Emergency repairs or replacement of equipment may be made without first applying for a permit so long as a permit application is submitted to the building code official within 3 business days after the repair or replacement.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
Homes and properties must be well maintained both inside and outside according to the 2018 IPMC. To keep neighborhoods safe, healthy and vibrant, the code regulations provide minimum maintenance and life safety standards, and applies to residential and commercial properties. Prior to 2018, property maintenance inspections were only performed on a complaint driven basis. Beginning in 2018 the Borough, utilizing Kraft Codes, began performing block by block exterior inspections of every property in the Borough, with the goal of inspecting every property at least once within a two year time period. An inspection will also be initiated if the Borough receives a complaint about a specific property, using the complaint form provided under the Citizens Resources section. Common examples of code violations are provided below.The Borough adopted the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) in 2006, and continues to adopt the newest version of the IPMC as it is updated every three years. The 2018 IPMC is the most current version that was adopted by the Borough and being used for routine inspections. A copy of the code is provided in the Citizens Resources section.
CITIZENS RESOURCES:2018 International Property Maintenance Code
Property Maintenance Complaint Form
- Missing, clogged or defective rain gutters and downspouts.
- Peeling, flaking or missing paint on exterior surfaces such as soffits, eaves, roof overhangs, window frames, doors and trim.
- Broken, cracked or missing windows.
- Structural defects to chimneys/decks/porches, etc.
- Porch supports are to be maintained in a safe and sound condition and in good repair.
- Homes should have address numbers (premise identification) displayed on the front of the property
- Accessory structures shall be maintained and in good repair. This includes retaining walls, fences, sheds, garages, etc.
- Grass and weeds must be maintained at a height less than 10 inches. Upon failure to maintain grass/weeds a Borough Contractor will remedy the violation at the homeowner’s expense.
- Storage of trash or rubbish on the exterior of the property. All trash being placed for collection must be stored in a leakproof, watertight container, with a sealed lid.
The IPMC also provides minimum standards for the interior condition of a property, including the installation and location of smoke detectors, heating, ventilation, lighting, plumbing, mechanical and means of egress. Other than during a routine residential rental permit inspections, it is extremely rare the Borough would conduct an interior inspection of a residential property. Even then it would only be conducted with a property owners permission, or in severe cases, by obtaining a search warrant from the local magistrate.
If a code violation is observed at a property, a letter will be sent via certified and first class mail to the owner and address listed on the tax records. That letter will contain the section of the IPMC there is a violation(s) of, a description of the violation, what must be done to remediate the violation, a time frame for compliance, the penalty for failure to comply and contact information for Borough staff. If you are not able to comply with the notice within the stated compliance time frame due to reasonable circumstances, please contact Borough staff to discuss the possibility of a time extension being granted.
When a property owner does not voluntarily comply with a violation notice within the stated compliance period, and has not contacted Borough staff to request a time extension, the Borough will file a non-criminal citation with the local magistrate. Applicable fines are set by the magistrate, typically ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on the nature of the violation and how long the violation has continued. In extreme cases of continued non-compliance, the Borough may file for a court order to enter the property and remediate the violation on behalf of the owner and placing a lien on the property for all associated costs.
SUB DIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE
Proposed residential land development that is less than 5,000 s.f. in size is exempt from the Subdivision and Land Development (SALDO) requirements. Commercial properties, regardless of the size of the proposed land development, must obtain Planning Commission and Borough Council approval, either through an approved, recorded plan, or the granting of a waiver request from all required sections of the SALDO. Any proposed subdivision of land must obtain Planning Commission and Borough Council approval. All proposed subdivision or land development is further reviewed by the Borough engineer, zoning officer, and fire and police departments, to ensure conformity with other Borough regulations and that public safety is taken into account.