Residential Building Permits: Decks, Sheds, Pools, Enclosed Porches, Fences

Residential Building Permit

Please check with your Homeowner’s Association (HOA) prior to applying for any Building/Zoning Permits. If you have questions, please contact Planning & Development Services, Ph: 724-776-4806 ext. 2900.

Enter Online Portal Opens in new windowRequirements and Procedures 

If you are applying for a Building Permit for any of the following - Use the Residential Building Permit - Modifications to existing Application in the Cranberry Township Online Portal.

  • DECKS (Over 30 inches above grade level)
  • SHEDS (Over 1,000 square feet)
  • UN-ENCLOSED PORCHES

If you are applying for a *Permit for a Utility Shed (under 1000 square feet, or a deck that is 30 inches or lower above grade level), use the Residential Zoning Permit from the Cranberry Township Online Portal.


Required for Type I Permitting:

1. Application
To apply for new permits, use the blue button above to log in or create an account in the Online Portal
No paper applications or paper plans are required.  

2. Lot Survey or Plot Plan LOT 
Download a copy of your lot survey or plot plan showing the proposed location of the deck, porch, or shed after you have drawn the structure on the copy of your plot plan, (as close to scale as possible) showing where it will be located on your property, and noting the distances the structure will be from your property lines.

3. Structure Design 
Download your structure design OR a manufacturer's brochure that identify all dimensions and details of the structure.
Please - no drawings or doodles.

To have your application approved, your downloaded drawing(s) must show:

  1. Size of the materials you will use:  (i.e. 2’’ X 4", 4" X 4", 2" X 10", etc.) and...
  2. Placement and spacing of those materials. 
  3. How the new structure will be attached to an existing structure, such as lag bolts (note the size) attaching a new deck to an existing house. 
  4. Depth of the holes, or "footer" ( 36 inches below the grade level depth is required for approval).

If you have questions, please contact Planning & Development Services, Ph: 724-776-4806 ext. 2900.

Residential Fence General Requirements

  • A building permit is required for a residential fence/wall over three (3’) feet in height within a front yard setback.
  • A permit is not required to install or erect a fence on residential property if the fence is not more than six (6’) feet high, and not constructed within a front yard setback.
  • The Township does not regulate which side of a residential fence is viewable.
  • A building permit is required for residential fences over six (6’) feet high.
  • The height of a residential fence is not regulated except within a front yard setback.

Please view our Fence Guidelines for standards and specifics.

Inspection reminder - All permits that have been issued for those decks, or pools need to have the final inspection completed to close out the permit. Please use the new Online portal button above to schedule your inspection now.

Plan Ahead - If you're planning a project, the PAUCC allows up to fifteen (15) working days for review of your residential building plans.

Deck Guide - Want to try your construction skills, looking for some tips on building that deck, or simply need some ideas.....here's a link to the American Wood Council Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide based on the 2018 IRC.