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1. When are Building Permits required?

Building/Zoning permits are needed for the following:

• New Building
• Addition to Building/Exterior Alteration
• Basement Conversion to Living Space
• Roof Addition
• Conversion of Dwelling
• Razing or Moving Building
• Accessory Building, Shed, Fence
• Sign
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Enclosed Porch
• Swimming Pools - in Ground or Above Ground
• Decks
• Commercial/Industrial Interior Alterations

2. What are the restrictions for sheds?

Private residential sheds shall not exceed 200 square feet and shall be no closer than 5 feet to any property line.

3. Where can a fence be located on your property?

Fences can be located up to the property line. 

4. What are the height restrictions for a fence?

Fences can have a maximum height of seven feet in the rear and side yards and a maximum height of four feet in the front yard. No fence higher than 24 inches shall intrude in the sight triangle.

5. What are the requirements for an Above Ground Pool?

Swimming pools shall be located no closer than ten feet from the water's edge to the side and rear property lines. Above Ground swimming pools must be completely enclosed with a minimum four foot high fence. Swimming pools that are at least four feet above the ground need not be fenced if the construction is such that it prevents access to the water. 

Along with fence requirements, applicable electrical requirements shall also apply.

6. Do I need a permit for an Inflatable Pool?

Pools with the inflatable top ring that rises as the pool is filled and is deeper than 18 inches must meet all the requirements of the international residential code (IRC). The code states that a 48 inches high barrier must surround the pool with self-closing/latching gates that open away from the pool. Swimming pools shall be located no closer than ten feet from the water's edge to the side and rear property lines. Along with fence requirements, applicable electrical requirements shall also apply.

7. What is required for In Ground Pools?

Two copies of a grading plan are required. Contact the township engineer regarding grading specifications. Swimming pools shall be located no closer than ten feet from the water's edge to the side and rear property lines. In-ground swimming pools must be completely enclosed with a minimum four foot high fence. 

Along with fence requirements, applicable electrical requirements shall also apply.

8. What are the requirements for a Basement conversion to living space?

A building permit with a sketch of the proposed basement work is required along with an electric and/or plumbing permit, if necessary. If the basement will be used as a bedroom, two means of egress are required, a bilco door or an egress window.

9. Who can I contact with questions regarding building inspections?

You can email the Building Inspector.

10. Who do I contact regarding permits?

 You can email the Building and Zoning Officer.

11. Who do I contact regarding zoning questions?

You can email the Zoning Office.

12. How close can a driveway be to the property line?

 Driveways need to be at least 5 feet from the property line.

13. How close to the property line can I plant trees and shrubs?

Trees and shrubs can be planted up to the property; however, we recommend planting 2 feet from the property line to allow for future growth.

14. Am I responsible for my neighbor's tree branches that encroach onto my property?

 Any disputes between neighbors concerning tree branches, shrubs or other landscaping, are civil matters that must be resolved by the neighbors. For the most part, if branches encroach on your property, you have the right to trim them if they pose a problem. Professional legal advice should be obtained prior to any action that may cause an escalation in disputed property. Forks Township cannot resolve these issues.

15. What is meant by Township Right-of-Way?

The Township Right-of-Way (ROW) is land that is owned by the township, that in most cases involves the first 10 feet of land measured from the street or curb to your property line. In older developments, this distance may be less and some areas may have none at all. The ROW is considered an overlay area that is maintained by you the property owner. It is suggested that if you plan to do any landscaping or planting in this area you keep in mind that the township may at some time have to disturb this area for maintenance of utility lines or other public services.

16. What can I do regarding Grading/Water run-off problems on my property?

Forks Township is very concerned about water runoff. Developers are required to submit a grading plan for review by the township and must follow the plan before a c.o is issued. Initial grading does sometimes settle and some touch-up work is required and grass must be established before total stabilization occurs.

If you experience problems before all this happens, consult your builder to correct the problem. It is not permitted to intentionally discharge water onto a neighbor's property. Once a certificate of occupancy is issued by the township, any further soil disturbance is the sole responsibility of the homeowner. If any disturbance results in a dispute with neighboring properties, the matter must be handled by civil action between residents.