Jurisdiction
Township of Dover, Pennsylvania
Address
2480 West Canal Road, Dover, PA 17315
Contact
- url: https://www.dovertownship.org/home/departments/planning-development/
- phone: 717-292-3634
Roofing permit required
Not required
Contractor registration required
Required
Permit process note
Dover Township's FAQ says shingle roof replacement with no structural changes may not require permits, and tells owners to contact Planning & Development when in doubt. The Township's own answer to "Do I need a permit?" (its FAQ page, read October 7, 2026) says "Larger accessory structures, garages, pole buildings, additions, decks over 30 inches, and pools usually require building permits. Cosmetic work such as same-size replacement windows/doors with no structural changes, shingle roof replacement with no structural changes, siding replacement, and some basement finishing may not require permits," and adds "When in doubt, contact Planning & Development at 717-292-3634 or visit Building & Permits." Section 27-1101 of the Township's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 27, Ord. 2024-01, read October 7, 2026) says "For the erection, enlargement, repair, alteration, moving or demolition of any structure, a building permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Officer. This shall be in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code," and the Building & Permits page repeats it. That page's list of work for which "Building Permits are required" names new homes, additions, high decks, "Structural alterations to existing buildings," pools, large outbuildings and "Any other item as required by the Uniform Construction Code," and does not name roofing. The Uniform Construction Code's permit section says "An ordinary repair does not require a permit" (34 Pa. Code 403.62(d)), defines no ordinary repair and sets no area or cost limit. The Township's fee resolution of April 27, 2026 has no roofing line; it charges "All projects regulated by the PA Uniform Construction Code, as amended by Dover Township" by cost of construction. The enacted text names no roof work either way; the no-permit line for shingle roof replacement with no structural changes is the Township's stated practice, and this record does not decide whether it is the Township's reading of the Uniform Construction Code's "ordinary repair" relief. Under state law, Act 45 section 104(b)(5) and (6) list "Alterations to residential buildings which do not make structural changes or changes to means of egress" and "Repairs to residential buildings" among work the Act does not apply to, "except as might be required by ordinances in effect pursuant to section 303(b)(1) or adopted pursuant to section 503"; section 503(c) says "An ordinance under this subsection shall not be effective nor enforceable unless subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) have been satisfied"; and 34 Pa. Code 403.62(c) says "A permit is not required for the exceptions listed in § 403.1(b) (relating to scope) and the following, if the work does not violate a law or ordinance." This record does not decide whether the municipality's requirement is one adopted under section 503 or kept in effect by section 303(b)(1). The Department of Labor and Industry's register of municipal code change ordinances lists one Dover Township filing, on landings, ramps, stairways and guards at residential exit doors, which the Department found not in compliance by letter mailed March 11, 2008; it names no roof work. If structural work is involved, the Building & Permits page lists "Structural alterations to existing buildings" among work needing a building permit. A building permit for work regulated by the Uniform Construction Code costs $50.00 plus inspections for a cost of $0 to $8,500, and $8.00 per $1,000 plus inspections from $8,501 up. The fee resolution says "Written notification will be sent if construction is started without a permit. The property owner will be given seven (7) business days to come into compliance before the penalty of doubling the permit fee is applied," and Section 5-101 makes a violation of the code a summary offense with a fine of up to $100 for a first offense, rising for later ones. Applications go in through the Township's online Building & Zoning Permit Application form, and the Building Code Official has up to 15 business days to act on residential projects. Read for this answer: Part 1 of Chapter 5 of the Township Code, Uniform Construction Code (Section 5-101), the Township's adoption of the Uniform Construction Code, in full, which makes no change to the code's permit sections; Section 27-1101 of the Zoning Ordinance and the opening of Section 27-1102; Section 5-201 of the Property Maintenance Code; the Township's Building & Permits, Planning & Development and Apply For pages and its FAQ page; and the fee resolution of April 27, 2026, the Township's permit fee list. A search of the whole Township Code for roof provisions was not run for this record. The Township Office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, at 717-292-3634.
Adopted code
The 2021 International Residential Code, as adopted by the State in the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). 34 Pa. Code 403.21(a)(7) adopts "The 'International Residential Code of 2021,' except that:" followed by the State's list of exclusions and modifications, effective January 1, 2026 (55 Pa.B. 7701). None of the State's changes touches Chapter 9, Roof Assemblies, or Section R803, Roof Sheathing, so those apply as the International Code Council publishes them. Work on existing buildings is also pointed to the State's existing-building code: "The repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings must comply with Chapter 34 of the 'International Building Code of 2021' or with the 'International Existing Building Code of 2021'" (34 Pa. Code 403.21(f)). The UCC is the minimum everywhere in the state: "no municipality may propose or enact any ordinance which is less than the minimum requirement of the Uniform Construction Code" (Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, Act 45 of 1999, section 503(b)). The Act also lists work it "shall not apply to", including "Alterations to residential buildings which do not make structural changes or changes to means of egress" or to "Repairs to residential buildings," in each case "except as might be required by ordinances" kept in force under section 303(b)(1) or adopted under section 503 (Act 45 section 104(b)(5) and (6); 34 Pa. Code 403.1(b)(8) and (9)). The Act defines a repair as "The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance." So whether the code's roofing rules reach a given house reroof depends on the municipality's own ordinances. Everything above is Pennsylvania state law, the same in every municipality. Locally, Dover Township administers the code itself: Section 5-101 of the Township Code says "Dover Township hereby elects to administer and enforce the provisions of the Code, as amended from time to time," and the Township's Building & Permits page says a building permit "is a permit issued by the Township Building Code Official, or other authorized agent," with applications made online and reviewed by the Building Code Official; the Township's fee resolution says "Inspections billed pursuant to MDIA's most recent fee schedule." The Planning & Development office is at the Township Office, 2480 West Canal Road, Dover. Section 5-101 adopts the Uniform Construction Code "as amended from time to time" and says that "as the Code is amended to include or adopt new or updated versions of any building or other codes, such codes automatically shall be updated as part of this Part"; it keeps in force three pre-1999 Township ordinances on manufactured homes and swimming pool fencing, and the Township's Building & Permits page says "Applicable Building Codes are ACT 45, Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code". Section 5-101 names no roof work and changes nothing in the code's roofing provisions.
Impact-resistant roofing
Not required — No impact-resistance requirement under state law. The State's adoption of the 2021 International Residential Code (34 Pa. Code 403.21) contains no hail or impact rule, and it makes no change to the code's roof assemblies chapter, which itself has no UL 2218, Class 4 or hail-impact requirement for roof coverings. A municipality could add one only by an ordinance that equals or exceeds the Uniform Construction Code under Act 45 section 503, filed with the Department of Labor and Industry; none of the filings on the Department's register of municipal code change ordinances mentions hail or impact resistance. An owner may still choose an impact-rated roof covering. Everything above is Pennsylvania state law, the same in every municipality. Locally, Dover Township administers the code itself through its Building Code Official (Section 5-101 of the Township Code). Section 5-101, read in full, and the Township's Building & Permits page, FAQ and fee resolution contain no UL 2218, Class 4 or hail-impact requirement.
Repair permit threshold
Dover Township says shingle roof replacement with no structural changes may not require permits. The Township's own answer to "Do I need a permit?" (its FAQ page, read October 7, 2026) says "Larger accessory structures, garages, pole buildings, additions, decks over 30 inches, and pools usually require building permits. Cosmetic work such as same-size replacement windows/doors with no structural changes, shingle roof replacement with no structural changes, siding replacement, and some basement finishing may not require permits," and adds "When in doubt, contact Planning & Development at 717-292-3634 or visit Building & Permits." Section 27-1101 of the Township's Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 27, Ord. 2024-01, read October 7, 2026) says "For the erection, enlargement, repair, alteration, moving or demolition of any structure, a building permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Officer. This shall be in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code," and the Building & Permits page repeats it. That page's list of work for which "Building Permits are required" names new homes, additions, high decks, "Structural alterations to existing buildings," pools, large outbuildings and "Any other item as required by the Uniform Construction Code," and does not name roofing. The Uniform Construction Code's permit section says "An ordinary repair does not require a permit" (34 Pa. Code 403.62(d)), defines no ordinary repair and sets no area or cost limit. The Township's fee resolution of April 27, 2026 has no roofing line; it charges "All projects regulated by the PA Uniform Construction Code, as amended by Dover Township" by cost of construction. The enacted text names no roof work either way; the no-permit line for shingle roof replacement with no structural changes is the Township's stated practice, and this record does not decide whether it is the Township's reading of the Uniform Construction Code's "ordinary repair" relief. Under state law, Act 45 section 104(b)(5) and (6) list "Alterations to residential buildings which do not make structural changes or changes to means of egress" and "Repairs to residential buildings" among work the Act does not apply to, "except as might be required by ordinances in effect pursuant to section 303(b)(1) or adopted pursuant to section 503"; section 503(c) says "An ordinance under this subsection shall not be effective nor enforceable unless subsections (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) have been satisfied"; and 34 Pa. Code 403.62(c) says "A permit is not required for the exceptions listed in § 403.1(b) (relating to scope) and the following, if the work does not violate a law or ordinance." This record does not decide whether the municipality's requirement is one adopted under section 503 or kept in effect by section 303(b)(1). The Department of Labor and Industry's register of municipal code change ordinances lists one Dover Township filing, on landings, ramps, stairways and guards at residential exit doors, which the Department found not in compliance by letter mailed March 11, 2008; it names no roof work. State law sets no square-footage or percentage threshold for roof work; any threshold is set locally. The Uniform Construction Code "does not apply to" "Alterations to residential buildings which do not make structural changes or changes to means of egress, except as required by ordinances in effect under sections 303(b)(1) or 503 of the act" or to "Repairs to residential buildings, except as required by ordinances in effect under sections 303(b)(1) and 503 of the act" (34 Pa. Code 403.1(b)(8) and (9)), and "A permit is not required for the exceptions listed in § 403.1(b) (relating to scope) and the following, if the work does not violate a law or ordinance" (34 Pa. Code 403.62(c)). For houses the regulation adds: "An ordinary repair does not require a permit." Its list of work that is not an ordinary repair names cutting away a load-bearing wall, "The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support," changes to a required means of egress, and new or relocated piping, wiring or mechanical work (34 Pa. Code 403.62(d)); roofing is not named. A municipality may require more: under Act 45 section 503(c) it "may enact ordinances pursuant to this section which adopt additional code requirements for alterations or repairs to residential buildings," after a public hearing and after filing the proposed ordinance with the Department of Labor and Industry. These rules concern a "Residential building," which the regulation defines as "Detached one-family and two-family dwellings and townhouses which are not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures" (34 Pa. Code 401.1). Everything above is Pennsylvania state law, the same in every municipality. Locally, Dover Township administers the code itself through its Building Code Official (Section 5-101 of the Township Code). The line it draws for roof work is the FAQ's "no structural changes" quoted at the start; Section 5-101 and Section 27-1101 set no threshold for roof work.
Roof layer limit / recover
Two layers at most where the state code reaches the job. Pennsylvania adopts the 2021 International Residential Code without changing its reroofing section, R908 (34 Pa. Code 403.21(a)(7); the State's list of changes names no Chapter 9 section). Section R908.3.1.1 says "A roof recover shall not be permitted where any of the following conditions occur," and the third condition is "Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering." So one existing layer may be covered once, and a roof that already has two layers is torn off to the deck. The same section also bars a recover "Where the existing roof or roof covering is water soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing" and "Where the existing roof covering is slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile." The existing-building code the State also adopts, the 2021 International Existing Building Code (34 Pa. Code 403.21(f)), carries the same three conditions in Section 705.2.1.1. These rules bind work the Uniform Construction Code reaches. The Act does not apply to "Repairs to residential buildings" or to alterations that make no structural change, "except as might be required by ordinances" (Act 45 section 104(b)(5) and (6)), so whether R908 binds a particular house reroof turns on that exclusion and on the municipality's own ordinances. Everything above is Pennsylvania state law, the same in every municipality. Locally, Dover Township administers the code itself: Section 5-101 of the Township Code says "Dover Township hereby elects to administer and enforce the provisions of the Code, as amended from time to time," and the Township's Building & Permits page says a building permit "is a permit issued by the Township Building Code Official, or other authorized agent," with applications made online and reviewed by the Building Code Official; the Township's fee resolution says "Inspections billed pursuant to MDIA's most recent fee schedule." The Planning & Development office is at the Township Office, 2480 West Canal Road, Dover. Section 5-101 of the Township Code changes nothing in the code's reroofing provisions, and the Township's FAQ says shingle roof replacement with no structural changes may not require permits; its pages say nothing on roof layers.
Deck & sheathing requirements
State rules from the base code, where the state code reaches the job. Pennsylvania adopts the 2021 International Residential Code without changing Section R803, Roof Sheathing (34 Pa. Code 403.21(a)(7); the State's changes to Chapter 8 are to ridge framing and attic ventilation). Lumber roof sheathing follows Table R803.1: over rafters or beams 24 inches apart it must be at least 5/8 inch net thick. Wood structural panels "shall be identified for grade, bond classification and performance category by a grade mark or certificate of inspection issued by an approved agency," and their spans "shall not exceed the values set forth in Table R503.2.1.1(1) or APA E30." For shingles, "Asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solidly sheathed decks" (R905.2.1), and on any reroof "The structural roof components shall be capable of supporting the roof covering system and the material and equipment loads that will be encountered during installation of the roof covering system" (R908.2). These rules bind work the Uniform Construction Code reaches; the Act does not apply to "Repairs to residential buildings" or to alterations that make no structural change, "except as might be required by ordinances" (Act 45 section 104(b)(5) and (6)). Act 45 section 104(b)(5) excludes alterations "which do not make structural changes or changes to means of egress" and says only that "a structural change does not include a minor framing change needed to replace existing windows or doors"; 34 Pa. Code 403.62(d)(2) lists "The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support" as not an ordinary repair. Neither names roof sheathing; this record does not decide whether replacing it is either. Everything above is Pennsylvania state law, the same in every municipality. Locally, Dover Township administers the code itself: Section 5-101 of the Township Code says "Dover Township hereby elects to administer and enforce the provisions of the Code, as amended from time to time," and the Township's Building & Permits page says a building permit "is a permit issued by the Township Building Code Official, or other authorized agent," with applications made online and reviewed by the Building Code Official; the Township's fee resolution says "Inspections billed pursuant to MDIA's most recent fee schedule." The Planning & Development office is at the Township Office, 2480 West Canal Road, Dover. Section 5-101 of the Township Code changes nothing in the code's roof sheathing provisions. The Township's FAQ conditions its no-permit line for shingle roof replacement on "no structural changes," and its Building & Permits page lists "Structural alterations to existing buildings" as building permit work; neither draws a separate line for roof sheathing.
Sales & use tax
6% Pennsylvania sales and use tax, with a local tax added on purchases made in Allegheny County (1%) and Philadelphia (2%). On a reroof the roofer pays the tax on the materials and does not add it to the homeowner's bill. The Department of Revenue says: "The Pennsylvania sales tax rate is 6 percent. By law, a 1 percent local tax is added to purchases made in Allegheny County, and 2 percent local tax is added to purchases made in Philadelphia." Roof work is a construction activity: the rule's list of items "presumed to become a permanent part of real estate" includes "Roofing (repairs)" (61 Pa. Code 31.11). For construction activities, "A contractor shall pay tax upon the purchase price ... of all property, including materials, equipment, components and supplies, which he furnishes and installs" (61 Pa. Code 31.12(a)(1)), and the rule's example says the contractor "does not charge sales tax on this transaction to his customer. The contractor may include the tax he must pay in his bid proposal but not as a separately stated item." Apart from limited exceptions set out in the rule, the same holds on jobs for tax-exempt owners: "a contractor erecting a building, repairing a roof, replacing a door for a governmental agency, ... school district, charitable or religious organization, and the like, shall pay tax upon the property which he consumes" (61 Pa. Code 31.13(a)). Everything above is Pennsylvania state law, the same in every municipality. Dover Township is in York County. The Township's pages and fee resolution say nothing on sales tax.