Codes & Zoning

Permit Required

• Placement in rear & side yard only
• Setback – 10 feet from property line – cannot exceed 15 feet in height
• Septic System – 5 feet away from system

*Oversize Sheds may require a Special Hauling Permit

Many township residents do not realize that all sheds, including prefabricated structures, require building permits.  The Township Code Administration Office has recently created a one-page shed permit application designed to be user-friendly.

Applicants are asked to provide a brochure or manufacturer's information for prefabricated sheds and two copies of property sketch.  The sketch should show all property lines, all existing structures and impervious surfaces (driveways, pools, etc.), on-site wells and sewage systems, and the proposed shed location in relationship to these features.

The Township's Zoning Ordinance stipulates that sheds can only be located in a rear or side yard, and must be at least ten (10) feet from all property lines.  Some residents also have easements and right-of-ways which may restrict the shed location.  The Codes Administration Office reviews permit applications to determine if a proposed location meets these zoning requirements.

Anyone who has built or installed a shed without a permit could be subject to a civil citation for violation of the Township's Zoning Ordinance, and may be required to remove the shed from the premises.  We therefore, encourage you to contact the Code Administration Office to request a permit for any existing non-permitted structures.

Most Signs Require a Permit

Many residents and business owners in West Brandywine Township are not aware of the zoning and permit requirements to erect a sign in the Township.  Seven pages of our Township's Zoning Ordinance are specifically dedicated to the rules and regulations pertaining to all types of signs in the Township.  Many requirements will vary depending upon the zoning district in which the sign will be located, so it is important that anyone planning to install a sign in the Township contact the Code Administration Office at (610) 380-8205.  

Although most signs do require permits, some sign types are classified as exempt and do not require a permit.  Some examples of exempt signs include hunting and trespassing signs, temporary real estate signs, temporary garage or yard sale signs, home occupation signs measuring less than two square feet, and temporary contractor signs measuring less than six square feet. Even though the exempt sign types do not require permits, there are still zoning regulations that govern their use.  For example, garage sale signs must be removed within 48 hours of the completion of the sale, temporary real estate signs must be removed within 14 days of the signing of an agreement, and contractor signs must be removed 14 days following the completion of the work. 

Below are listed some of the basic guidelines which apply to all sign types (including exempt signs) in all zoning districts:

•  Signs for private use are not permitted within the lines of a street right-of-way.
• Signs may not have a distracting effect on motorists. (such as moving, flashing or oscillating)
• Signs may not emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound or odor.
• Sign lighting may not resemble traffic control devices.
• Signs may not contain information that implies that a property shall be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of the West Brandywine Township Zoning Ordinance.
• Roof signs may not project above the roof's main peak or the building's cornice line.
• Floodlighting of a sign must be arranged to prevent light or glare detection at the property lines or at points of vehicular access.
• Signs may not be placed on trees, utility poles, rocks or other natural features. (This regulation excludes removable political signs, temporary removable yard or garage sale signs, and hunting/no trespassing signs)

West Brandywine has recently implemented a new single page sign permit application to simplify the permitting process for residents and businesses in the Township.  Please contact the Code Administration Office if you need a sign permit application, or if you would like to find out more about the sign zoning regulations in your area.