Applications, Inspections and Requirements

INFORMATION FOR ZONING CERTIFICATION APPLICANTS

Bensalem Township – Building & Planning Department

Please Research Proposed Use of Property First

There are two options for obtaining zoning information for a property. Applicants are encouraged to research the information independently before submitting a request for a written Zoning Certification.

OPTION 1: Research Zoning Information Online

You may be able to find the zoning information you need by using the resources available on the Bensalem Township website.

Step 1: Locate the property’s zoning district.

1. Visit the Bensalem Township website.
2. Click on Departments, then Building & Planning.
3. Select Zoning Map.
4. Locate the property address on the Bensalem Township Zoning Map.
5. Identify the zoning district for the property. Examples include R1, R2, GC, LI, and others.

Step 2: Review the zoning regulations.

1. Return to the Building & Planning page.
2. Select Township Code of Ordinances.
3. Review the applicable zoning regulations for the property’s zoning district.

View the Bensalem Township Code of Ordinances

If your research provides clear and complete information about the property’s zoning district and whether the existing or proposed use is permitted, you may not need to request a Zoning Certification.

OPTION 2: Apply for a Written Zoning Certification

If your online research does not provide clear, complete, or conclusive information, the next step is to apply for a written Zoning Certification through the Building & Planning Department.

A Zoning Certification provides written clarification and verification regarding the zoning of a property and the applicable use information requested.

How to apply:

1. Visit the Bensalem Township website.
2. Navigate to Forms and Downloads and locate the Zoning Certification application.
3. Complete the application with the required property and applicant information. A separate application must be submitted for each property address or tax parcel number.
4. Indicate the type of certification requested and clearly identify the existing or proposed use of the property.
5. Submit the completed application with the required $105.00 payment, payable to Bensalem Township by check or money order. 

Submit your application and payment to:

Bensalem Township – Building & Planning Department
2400 Byberry Road
Bensalem, PA 19020

For application questions, contact the Building & Planning Department at 215-633-3644.

Important Notice: Zoning Information Must Be Provided in Writing

Zoning information and zoning determinations are not provided verbally by the Township or its clerical staff. Clerical staff cannot provide verbal verification or confirmation of whether a particular use is permitted at a property.

All requests for official zoning certification or verification must be submitted through the Zoning Certification application process. The requested zoning information will be provided in writing by the appropriate Township department.

Please research the available online resources first. If you cannot find clear and conclusive information, submit a Zoning Certification application to obtain written clarification and verification.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Bensalem Township – Building & Planning Department

www.Buckscountyconservation.ORG  

www.Dep.State.Pa.US   

Municipalities Planning Code    

PA Local Government Support & Publications 

Pa One Call 

International Code Council 

Environmental Protection Agency 

US Consumer Product Safety Commission 

Better Business Bureau 

FEMA

Google has created a sketching tool that may be useful to you in the application process, click here to check it out 

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Manufactured Homes PA Certificate of Compliance

PA Labor & Industry UCC Building Codes