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1. I am building an addition to my home, adding a deck, or putting in a swimming pool, who do I call?

You may contact Marcia Hirschmann, Director of Planning and Development, or Russell Penn, Building and Code Inspector at 724-981-0800.

2. Do I need a contractor license?

The City of Hermitage does not require contractors to obtain a contractor’s license when performing work for a Hermitage based resident or business. 

3. Do I need a permit for changing windows, doors, or installing vinyl siding?

No, a permit is not required for these projects. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

4. Do I need a permit to re-shingle my house?

If simply replacing the shingles, then no. If you must replace any sheathing underneath the shingles, you will need a permit for that work. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

5. My proposed addition is too close to the property line - is it ok to build with my neighbors permission?

No, all requests for such proposed structures must be approved by the Hermitage Zoning Hearing Board. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

6. Will the City locate where my property pins are located?

No, please contact a local surveying or engineering firm from the local phone directory. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

7. How far can a fence be from the side or rear property line? Is a permit required?

A fence may be located at the property line, however the City recommends keeping the fence at least three feet off the property line to allow for maintenance of both sides of the fence. Fences in the front yard do have setback requirements - please contact the City for the setback on your particular street. A permit is not required for a fence, however it is the responsibility of the homeowner to know where the property in line is and where any utility easements may be located. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

8. How high can my fence be?

6 feet is the maximum height permitted for privacy fences.

There are additional height requirements for fences in the front yard - As per the Hermitage Zoning Ordinance, Section 403.2: “No fence shall be permitted which obstructs a sight triangle measured 30 feet along the edge of any roadway and 30 feet along the edge of any intersecting roadway and/or driveway. The sight triangle must be free of obstruction by any fence higher than 3 feet. No fence shall be constructed within the legal right-of-way of any public street.”

For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

9. My neighbor’s tree/shrubbery is encroaching on my property - what can the City do?

This is a private property civil matter between the property owners. If it cannot be settled cooperatively, then the aggrieved person must file their complaint through the District Justice. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

10. Do you have drawings of my property at the City Building?

Give us a call and we’ll see what we have! We have more information on some properties than on others - it depends on the history of the property. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

11. Do you have copies of my deed available?

In general, we have deeds is our records dating from around 1960. Anything older would need to be retrieved at the Mercer County Courthouse Recorder’s Office. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

12. I want to open a sole proprietor business in a leased unit. What do I have to do?

You should check with the Building Department, giving them the location and a description of your proposed business as well as any proposed renovations to the unit. The Building Department will work with you to determine the type of permit and submittals needed to meet applicable zoning and building code requirements. Each type of business and each existing unit are unique and so may require different types of approvals depending on the circumstances. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.