Permits and inspections are required by State and/or Local regulations for the following residential projects:
In-ground and above-ground pools and hot tubs that are designed to hold 24 inches or more of water including temporary "blow-up" pools
Covered and uncovered patios, decks, and porches
Sheds or other out buildings
Attached and detached garages
Driveways (Concrete or asphalt paved)
New Electrical Services
Any addition or structural renovation to an existing residential structure
Retaining walls 4 feet high or higher
Applications may be printed for your convenience (see left) or you may pick one up at the Jacobus Borough Municipal Office during regular business hours.
These are basic guidelines only. Prior to beginning any building or improvement projects, please contact Jacobus Borough's Building Code Official/Zoning Officer, Mike Hammers @ 717-870-7753.
'STREET OPENING PERMITS' are required anytime work being done extends into, or is on, a borough street. A $100.00 Permit fee is required upon submission of the 'Street Opening Application. Please note other fees and/or requirements may apply to your application. For further information please contact the Jacobus Borough Municipal Office @ 717-428-1752.
Applications for Alarm Permits, Transient Retail Licenses (aka Solicitation Licenses/Permits) and Yard Sale Permits are available at the Jacobus Borough Municipal Office during regular business hours.
Please see below for more information on permit requirements.
ALARM PERMITS
Jacobus Borough's 'Alarm Device' Ordinance #99-142, according to Section 401, was enacted for the purpose of providing rules and regulations concerning the implementation of the approval and regulation of alarm devices and automatic dialing devices in accordance with 18 Pa.C.S. 7511, Act 70 of 1998, as amended.
According to Section 402 of the 'Alarm Devices'Ordinance, permits are required as follows:
1. Persons seeking to use an automatic dialing device, alarm device, alarm or outdoor audible alarm shall first file a permit with the Borough or its designated agent for police protection and obtain the prior written approval from the public safety agency which shall be notified of and/or respond to an alarm. The cost of the permit shall be established from time to time by resolution of the Borough Council. The borough shall furnish forms which any person wishing to apply for a permit shall submit with his application. An alarm system which produces both a fire and burglar alarm shall be considered separate thereby requiring two (2) permit approvals.
2. All outdoor audible alarms that can be activated falsely shall be subject to the same conditions applicable to automatic dialing devices that result in false alarms.
3. For the purpose of this Part, the use of a common alarm for multiple tenant or user premises which do not provide common access and entry to a policeman or fireman responding to an alarm is strictly prohibited.
4. The owner of an unoccupied property shall be considered the responsible party causing or permitting a false alarm.
5. A person purchasing a premises in the Borough on which an alarm device is located shall not continue to operate the alarm device on the premises without obtaining or amending the existing alarm device permit within 30 days after the person obtains title to the premises.
A $20.00 fee is required upon submission of an 'Alarm Permit' application. Upon issuance of the Alarm Permit, a copy of the above-stated ordinance and a copy of the borough's fee resolution are issued to the property owner obtaining the permit. The permit information is forwarded by Jacobus Borough to its contracted police protection agency, York Area Regional Police Department.
TRANSIENT RETAIL BUSINESS LICENSE (also referred to as Solicitation License or Permit)
Any person, firm or corporation engaging in a transient retail business (or solicitation) within the Borough of Jacobus must obtain a 'Solicitation License' first. A $10.00 fee is required per license. Licenses are issued for a maximum of 6 weeks. Charitable, religious or nonprofit civic organizations are excepted from the fee requirement, but must still apply for a license.
Residents PLEASE NOTE... should any person approach you or appear on your property with the intent of soliciting business, even if they are just handing you information, do not hesitate to ask if they have a 'Solicitation Permit' issued by Jacobus Borough. If a permit cannot be produced, please call 911 immediately to report the incident.
Transient Retailers having the proper permit may do business between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. prevailing time, Monday through Saturday only.
Upon issuance of a 'Solicitation Permit' transient retailers are given a copy of Jacobus Borough's 'License and Regulation of Transient Retail Business' Ordinance and a copy of the fee resolution.
YARD SALE PERMITS
Jacobus Borough residents are entitled to 1 (one) Yard Sale Permit in any 12 month period @ a cost of $10.00 (Ten Dollars). The permit may be issued for a maximum of 3 consecutive days between dawn and dusk only. Any and all placards, signs and such, related to the sale must be removed within 24 hours of the conclusion of the sale. The permit granted by Jacobus Borough shall be prominently displayed on the premises during the sale.
Jacobus Borough allows 'FREE' Yard Sale Days for it's residents three times per calendar year. You do not need to obtain a permit to hold a yard sale during the weekends specified below:
A. The Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Memorial Day weekend B. The first Friday and following Saturday and Sundays of July C. The Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of the Labor Day weekend
For 'permitted' yard sales, copies of Jacobus Borough's Yard Sale Ordinance & printed 'signage' regulations are given to the applicant upon issuance of the permit.
Jacobus Borough 126 N. Cherry Lane • Jacobus, Pennsylvania 17407-1000 Phone (717) 428-1752 • Fax (717) 428-0588 • Email: jacobusborough@verizon.net
