Thinking about adding a backyard shed, replacing a fence, or setting a small prefab studio on your property in Richland Township? You are smart to pause before you order materials. Clear rules guide where you can build, how tall it can be, and when permits and inspections kick in. In this guide, you will learn what drives approvals, the common pitfalls to avoid, and a simple checklist you can follow so your project passes the township’s review the first time. Let’s dive in.
What controls your project in Richland Township
Richland Township uses a few layers of rules to review small builds like sheds, fences, and other accessory structures. Understanding who controls what will keep you on track.
Zoning vs. building code
- Zoning permit: The township’s zoning ordinance governs land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, and placement. You will often need a zoning permit even if a building permit is not required. Zoning is where you confirm where the shed or fence can go and how big and tall it can be.
- Building permit (UCC): Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code sets when a building permit and inspections are required and what construction standards apply. Some very small accessory structures may be exempt from a building permit under the UCC, but you must confirm Richland’s thresholds with the township. Review the state framework on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Uniform Construction Code page for context before you call the township. You can find it by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s page for the Uniform Construction Code.
Other layers to check
- Property records and easements: Confirm lot lines and any recorded easements using Allegheny County parcel records or your deed. Do not build over a utility or drainage easement.
- Floodplains and overlays: If your lot touches a flood zone, extra rules or elevation may apply. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to see if your site is in a regulated area.
- Utilities: Call PA One Call before you dig for posts or foundations. It is the statewide utility‑location requirement. Start a ticket at PA One Call.
- Private rules: HOAs and deed covenants can be stricter than township rules. Always check them early.
Sheds and small accessory buildings
Sheds, detached garages, greenhouses, and similar structures are typically treated as accessory buildings. The township’s zoning ordinance defines where they can sit on your lot, how large they can be, and how tall they can be.
Do you need a permit?
- Zoning permit: Expect to apply for a zoning permit that reviews setbacks, height, and location. This is common even for small storage sheds.
- Building permit: Whether you need a UCC building permit depends on size, foundation type, and whether you add electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Many municipalities in Pennsylvania exempt very small sheds from a building permit, commonly in the 100 to 200 square foot range, but Richland Township sets its own enforcement and thresholds. Do not assume an exemption. Call the township to confirm your size and features.
- Inspections: If a building permit is issued, you may have inspections for foundation or post holes, framing, any electrical, and a final.
Setbacks, size, and height basics
Specific numbers come from Richland Township’s zoning ordinance. Since those figures vary by zoning district, ask the zoning officer for the exact setbacks and height caps that apply to your lot. As a reference point only, many Pennsylvania townships use standards like these typical examples:
- Side and rear setbacks for small sheds: often 3 to 10 feet from the property line.
- Maximum height: often 12 to 20 feet, sometimes limited to one story.
- Location: many ordinances allow accessory buildings in rear yards, and sometimes side yards under conditions.
- Size cap: some towns cap the footprint or limit total accessory area as a percentage of your home or lot. If you are planning anything approaching 1,000 square feet, expect closer scrutiny and potential engineered plans.
Use those examples only to frame your questions. Your property’s zoning district, lot coverage limits, and any overlays control the actual numbers.
Placement tips that avoid headaches
- Stay clear of easements: Utility and drainage easements can run along rear and side lot lines. Most are off‑limits for buildings.
- Watch septic and wells: Keep your shed away from septic tanks, leach fields, and wells. Many jurisdictions require 10 to 25 feet of separation depending on the component.
- Manage roof runoff: Plan downspouts so you do not discharge onto neighboring properties or over a septic field. Gutters or a small splash plan can help.
- Anchor appropriately: Larger sheds or those on open sites may need anchoring or a permanent foundation. Confirm acceptable foundation types and whether frost footings are required when you speak with the township.
Fences in front, side, and rear yards
Fences are common and often straightforward, but small details matter. Height, placement in the front yard, and sight lines on corner lots are the big ones.
Heights and visibility
- Front yard: Many townships cap front yard fence height lower than side or rear fences, commonly in the 3 to 4 foot range. Confirm Richland’s exact limit.
- Side and rear yards: Typical caps are in the 6 to 8 foot range, but you need Richland’s numbers.
- Corner lots and driveways: Most ordinances have “clear sight triangle” rules near intersections and driveway entrances. Taller fences may be prohibited in those triangles to preserve driver visibility. Ask the zoning officer for the sight triangle dimensions for your lot.
Materials and property lines
- Materials: Residential zoning often limits hazardous materials like barbed wire. Confirm allowed fence types before you order panels.
- Property line location: Know exactly where your line is. If you cannot find the pins, consider a survey. Placing a fence even a few inches over the line is a common source of neighbor disputes.
Permits and inspections
- Zoning permit: Many townships require a zoning permit for fences to check height, materials, and sight triangles. Expect to submit a simple site sketch.
- Building permit: Fences usually do not require a UCC building permit, but special conditions can apply for tall or retaining structures. Confirm with the township.
Easements, utilities, and environmental overlays
Your lot may include recorded restrictions or site conditions that override typical placement.
Utilities and PA One Call
Never dig without a utility locate ticket. Call PA One Call at least a few days before you dig to mark public utility lines. Submit your request at PA One Call and wait for utilities to be marked on site.
Easements and septic
Review your deed and check Allegheny County parcel records for recorded easements. Do not build sheds or fences within those easements. If you have a septic system or well, ask the township or county health department for required separation distances and sketch them on your site plan.
Floodplains and slopes
If your project area is in a flood zone, you may need to elevate, anchor, or avoid the location entirely. Start by checking the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, then confirm any local floodplain overlay rules with the township. Steep slope areas may also require engineered plans or special approvals.
Your step‑by‑step checklist
Follow this simple process before you order a fence, shed, or small prefab building:
- Gather parcel info
- Use your deed or Allegheny County parcel tools to confirm lot lines, dimensions, and any recorded easements.
- Find your zoning district
- Get the Richland Township zoning map and open the ordinance sections for accessory structures and fences.
- Confirm permit types
- Ask the township which permits you need for your exact project size and features. Expect a zoning permit, and possibly a building permit for larger or wired structures.
- Draft a simple site plan
- Draw your lot to scale. Show existing structures, the proposed shed or fence location, distances to property lines, the driveway, any septic or well, and easements.
- Pin down setbacks, height, and size limits
- Ask the zoning officer for the exact setbacks and maximum height for your district. Clarify how height is measured.
- Check utilities and subsurface constraints
- Open a ticket with PA One Call. Mark septic and well locations if present.
- Verify floodplain or overlays
- Look up your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask the township about any steep slope or resource protections.
- Review HOA or deed restrictions
- Confirm private rules. They can be stricter than township standards and often govern fence style and placement.
- Submit applications and pay fees
- File zoning and, if required, building permit applications. Include your site plan and any product spec sheets requested.
- Schedule inspections if applicable
- If the township issues a building permit, ask for the inspection schedule and how to book each inspection.
- Keep a paper trail
- Save copies of permits, stamped plans, and inspection reports. These documents help with future resale and insurance.
- Order materials only after approvals
- Wait for the township to issue permits before placing orders or scheduling installation.
When to call the zoning officer
Reach out to the township early if you are unsure about:
- Whether your shed size or foundation type needs a building permit under the UCC.
- The exact setback, height limit, and yard location rules for your zoning district.
- Fence height in the front yard, and sight triangle limits on a corner lot or near a driveway.
- Whether your lot coverage or impervious area will be exceeded by a new structure or expanded driveway.
- How floodplain or steep slope overlays affect your specific site.
- What to submit in your site plan and how long reviews typically take.
Smart, code‑sensible build tips
- Choose a foundation method that meets township requirements and fits your soil. Anchoring kits or concrete footers may be needed for wind resistance.
- If you add power to a shed, plan for a UCC electrical permit and a licensed contractor. Unpermitted wiring is a safety and resale risk.
- Think about drainage: simple gutters, splash blocks, or a small stone drip edge can keep runoff where it belongs.
- For shared property lines, talk to your neighbor before installing a fence. Align expectations on style, placement, and maintenance.
- Label and store your approvals. Appraisers and buyers appreciate clean documentation.
Wrapping up, the safest path is simple: confirm your zoning district rules, verify permit thresholds under the UCC, check utilities and easements, then submit a clear site plan. A little planning up front saves time, money, and headaches on the back end.
Ready for local guidance on timing, costs, and how small improvements affect your home’s value in Richland Township and the North Hills? Connect with The Honeywill Team for thoughtful advice before you build or list.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a 120 sq ft shed in Richland Township?
- A zoning permit is likely, and a building permit may be required depending on Richland’s UCC thresholds, foundation type, and whether you add electrical; confirm with the township.
How close to my property line can I place a shed in Richland Township?
- Setbacks vary by zoning district, so ask the zoning officer for the exact rear and side distances and verify you are clear of any recorded easements.
What fence height is allowed in Richland Township front yards?
- Many towns cap front yard fences around 3 to 4 feet, but you need Richland’s exact limit and any sight triangle rules for your lot.
Can I build a shed or fence over a utility or drainage easement in Richland Township?
- Generally no; building in an easement can lead to removal at your cost, so locate easements in your deed or county records and avoid them.
Are there size limits for accessory buildings like detached garages in Richland Township?
- Many ordinances limit accessory size by square footage or as a percentage of your home or lot, so confirm Richland’s cap for your zoning district.
What happens if my project area is in a FEMA flood zone in Richland Township?
- Floodplain rules may require elevation, anchoring, or a different location; start by checking the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and then speak with the township.
Who enforces Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code in Richland Township?
- The township’s UCC enforcement agency handles plan review and inspections, so contact the township office to confirm permits and inspection steps for your project.
