Opening a New Business

Selinsgrove Borough has several ordinances that impact opening or relocating a business in the Borough within an existing building.  This guide is designed to help you navigate the process.  You will need to view a copy of the Selinsgrove Borough Code of Ordinances.  It is available online or in our office.  We recommend you to check zoning information before signing a lease.

Location

Step 1.

• Check Zoning and Permitted Uses in Chapter 27 of the Selinsgrove Code of Ordinances for the location that you want to occupy.
• Locate the parcel on the Zoning Map.  Write down the location’s zoning district.
• Look up the use for the type of business you want to operate from the Zoning Ordinance.
• Write down the use.
• If the use is permitted in the Zoning District, then move to Step 2.
• If the use is not permitted or permitted by Conditional Use or Special Exception, discuss with the Zoning Officer and refer to the Zoning Ordinance.

Note: Industrial Waste (Discharge) Permit – Certain non-residential uses, including manufacturing and food processing may require a separate permit from the Eastern Snyder County Regional Authority (ESCRA) and the Borough when the quality of the waste exceeds particular thresholds (i.e. BODs, pH, total suspended solids) as found in the Sewer Ordinance.  A grease trap may also be required by the Borough due to a concern for fats, oils, grease and solids (FOGS) to capture and reduce the likelihood of discharge into the collection system.

Step 2.

• Determine if the location meets the number of required off-street parking spaces.
• Look up the required minimum number of parking spaces in Table 27-14-1.
• Write down how many parking spaces you are required to have.
• Write down the number of parking spaces the proposed use has.
• Does your proposed location have enough parking spaces?
• If your use is permitted and you have enough parking, then move to Step 3.
• If the location does not have enough off-street parking spaces, discuss with the Zoning Officer and refer to the Zoning Ordinance.

Step 3.

• Obtain approval of the use from the Zoning Officer.
• Obtain a Zoning Permit Application and complete in its entirety.
• Return application to the Borough Office along with the current fee (Borough has up to 30 days to review).
• If the permit is approved, then move to Tenant Fit Out.
• If your use is permitted and you have enough off-street parking, major zoning issues will have been met.

Tenant Fit Out

Step 1.

• Determine if you need a building permit; inclusive of demolition, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work.
• What improvements will you be doing before you move into the location?
• If turnkey operation, and you are only making cosmetic enhancements including wallpaper, painting or decorating; no building permit is required.
• If you will be making alterations, changes, demolition, new construction, changing door size or window openings; a building permit is required.
• If you are changing electrical or plumbing fixtures in kind or place; a permit is not required.
• If installing electrical wiring, adding or subtracting plumbing fixtures, or installing any heating, ventilation or other fixed mechanical equipment you may need permits.
• Changing a light fixture or sink to another one does not require a permit; adding a fixture where one does not already exist requires a permit.

Step 2.

• Determine if you need to make the leased space accessible; ingress, egress, restroom(s).
• What type of activity was the location’s most recent Use and Occupancy Permit or Zoning Compliance Certificate issued for?
• What type of activity is proposed in the space?
• If the two types of activity are different, it is likely that you will need to make the space accessible to handicapped individuals.  Please discuss with Building Code Official.
• If the two types of activities are the same and you are making any additions or alterations you should plan on spending an additional amount equal to 20% of your costs to make the space more accessible than it is currently.

Permits

Step 1.

• Apply for the required permits.
• A copy of the approved Zoning Permit must be submitted with the building permit application.
• A building permit application must be obtained and submitted to the Borough’s third-party building code inspection agency, Central Keystone Council of Governments (CK COG).
• The CK COG will review the application and detailed construction plans for compliance with the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and accessibility code requirements.
• A permit will be issued upon the approval of construction plans and the payment of fees.
• Improvements shall be inspected at appropriate intervals during construction phase as determined by the CK COG.  The scheduling of inspections is the responsibility of the applicant.
• A Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the CK COG upon final approval of the improvements.
• A copy of the Certificate of Occupancy shall be provided to the Borough Office prior to completing a request and scheduling a Certificate of Zoning Compliance review.
• Submit a completed Sign Permit Application to the Borough Office for review and consideration along with artwork, dimensions, colors and proposed location including measurement of building frontage information.
• Water and sewer permits if required.