Upper Allen Township’s permitting process is primarily handled through the Community Development Department. The Township provides permit information, application forms, and online payment/application options through its website. Township contact information lists the municipal office at 100 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, with general office hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Upper Allen Township states that a Certificate of Zoning Use and Occupancy Permit is required when the use of a property changes, such as a home occupation or a change in an existing business use. The Township further explains that if interior alterations are also proposed, a building permit is required, and if exterior alterations are involved, both a building permit and zoning permit may be required.

For commercial properties, the Township offers a commercial zoning permit application. Upper Allen specifically states that this application also requires submission of the Certificate of Use and Occupancy permit application for any new use or change of use. This is an important distinction for business-related projects because zoning approval may not be the only required step.  

Larger development projects may require a Subdivision and/or Land Development Plan application. The Township’s Planning Commission page states that the commission reviews subdivision and land development plans and also reviews certain other applications when referred by the Board of Commissioners. The subdivision/land development application materials also reference submission requirements, copies of plans and reports, and Township fee schedules.

If a project cannot comply with the zoning ordinance as written, an applicant may need to file with the Zoning Hearing Board. The Township states that the Board hears appeals involving the zoning ordinance, zoning map, or decisions of the Zoning Officer, and it has authority to grant variances and special exceptions. Upper Allen states that Zoning Hearing Board applications are due 23 days before the next available meeting date.

Upper Allen’s Planning and Zoning materials state that Township officials also review floodplain development projects, and the Township maintains a dedicated floodplain management page. This means some properties may require additional review beyond a standard zoning or building application, depending on location and project type. 

The Township publishes a fee schedule and notes that permit-related fees are set by resolution and may change. Upper Allen’s online and application materials state that certain payments can be made in person or online, and the Township’s payment portal says residents can purchase permits online.

Upper Allen Township states that applications are available through the Community Development Department, on the Applications and Forms page, and through its online permit system for certain permit types. The Township FAQ also says that if a resident is unsure which permit is needed, they should use the Township’s permit guidance page or contact the office for help.

A practical way to understand permitting in Upper Allen Township is that one project may require more than one approval. Depending on the scope, a project could involve zoning review, building review, use-and-occupancy approval, floodplain review, subdivision/land development review, or Zoning Hearing Board action. The Township’s own guidance says its permit page is intended as a guide only and that additional plans or permits may still be required before approvals are issued.