Building Codes and Zoning

Zoning - The Borough Zoning Ordinance sets forth six zoning districts and details the authorized uses of land and property within each district. The Palmyra Borough Zoning Ordinance is administered by the Lebanon County Planning Department, 400 South Eighth Street, Lebanon, PA. They handle the issuing of all building and zoning permits for the Borough and are delegated to answer all related questions. The Zoning Office's telephone number is (717) 274-2801 ext. 2325. Procedures for applying for a building permit.

Building Code - The Borough adopted the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Prior to any construction or alterations, a building code permit is required. The code is administered by the Lebanon County Planning Department where permits are issued and where they are delegated to answer all related questions. The Code Office's telephone number is (717) 274-2801 ext. 2325.

Subdivision/Land Development - The Borough adopted the Lebanon County Subdivision/Land Development Ordinance. This ordinance regulates the dividing of land adjustment of property lines, and development of lots for single family, multi-family, commercial, industrial and other uses. Procedures for subdivision and land development may be reviewed here: Procedures for sub-division land development.

Property Maintenance - A Property Maintenance Code is an instrument used by governments to improve the condition of properties that have fallen into disrepair. While traditional zoning and nuisance abatement regulations may help in many areas, a Property Maintenance Code regulates building condition and safety. Common examples of property maintenance issues that can be addressed with a Property Maintenance Code include missing siding, gutters hanging off of a structure, and the presence of badly peeling paint. Less typical violations may include overcrowding, plumbing and heating fixtures not properly maintained, and infestation. Property maintenance regulations make is possible for a community to urge owners to address these issues.

The Borough believes the key to the preservation of property values and the maintenance of neighborhood integrity and attractiveness is property maintenance. The Borough simply had no mechanism to address the issue of building condition and maintenance. Adopting a Property Maintenance Code, in conjunction with existing zoning and nuisance abatement, gives the Borough the tools necessary to address these issues.

Although only a handful of communities in Lebanon County have adopted such a code, many other communities in the region have such a code, especially in cities and in densely populated towns.

At the end of September, the Borough will adopt the 2006 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which is a universal tool for the effective enforcement of property maintenance and housing violations. This code provides for the enforcement of both commercial and residential properties, and is a model code that is used by communities throughout the nation.

The code may be viewed at the Borough Office in the Palmyra Municipal Center (325 S. Railroad Street) on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to copyright protections the code may not be viewed online.

Voluntary Property Maintenance Checklist.