Practical permit guide for lot owners in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. Building, septic, well water, driveway, burn, solar, zoning, and waterway permits explained with authoritative sources.
Who Issues What
Permitting in our area involves Wayne County, the township your lot sits in (Damascus or Lebanon), the township Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO), and several state agencies depending on the activity.
Building Permits
- Damascus and Lebanon Townships handle local building permits, including new construction, additions, decks, accessory buildings, and many renovations.
- Pennsylvania has adopted the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Inspections are typically handled by a third party agency contracted by the township.
- Plan to submit a site plan, structural plans, and energy compliance documentation along with permit fees.
Septic (On Lot Sewage) Permits
- The township Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO), working under PA DEP authority, issues on lot sewage system permits under PA Act 537.
- A perc test (percolation test) and a deep probe are required before a system can be designed.
- Conventional, alternate, and sand mound systems are common in our area depending on soil conditions.
Well Water
- Pennsylvania does not currently require a state well construction permit for private residential wells, but commercial well drillers must be licensed by PA DCNR and submit well construction details electronically to DCNR through PaGWISDriller in GreenPort, with the same information provided to the well owner.
- No state drilling permit does not mean no local approval. Before drilling a private residential well in Damascus or Lebanon Township, ask the township zoning officer and Sewage Enforcement Officer which approvals and siting requirements apply to your lot.
- Damascus: the published zoning ordinance, section 602.1, requires permits for specified construction and land-use changes. It does not clearly resolve separate approval for a private residential well. The township warns that online ordinances are reference copies; obtain current requirements from the township office before proceeding.
- Lebanon: Wayne County lists township zoning and building-permit officials, but we could not verify a current well-specific approval requirement or exemption from published official guidance. Confirm with the township before drilling; the county contact listing is not permission to drill.
- Damascus Township ordinances and current-document notice
- Damascus zoning ordinance, section 602.1
- Lebanon Township officials (Wayne County official directory)
- Pennsylvania's on lot sewage regulations set minimum isolation distances (generally 50 feet from a well to a treatment tank and 100 feet from a well to an absorption area under 25 Pa. Code § 73.13); the Sewage Enforcement Officer confirms the specifics for your lot.
- Penn State Extension recommends initial water quality testing for bacteria, nitrates, and pH, with periodic re testing.
Driveway Permits
- Driveways accessing a township road require a township driveway permit.
- Driveways accessing a state route (such as PA 191) require a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP).
- Driveways that connect only to the private community roads inside The Woods at Duck Harbor may need community approval rather than a township permit; verify who owns the road first.
Burn Permits and Burn Bans
- Open burning rules vary by township and by current burn ban status.
- County burn bans are imposed by the Wayne County Commissioners during dry conditions, informed by PA DCNR fire danger ratings; see active alerts.
Solar
- Roof mounted solar typically requires a building and electrical permit through the township.
- Ground mounted solar may also require zoning review.
Waterway and wetland permits
Wayne Conservation District and PA DEP — project-specific review
Chapter 105 regulates water obstructions and encroachments in streams, wetlands, floodways, and other bodies of water. Whether your dock, shoreline work, or stream crossing needs authorization depends on its location, design, impacts, and applicable permit conditions or waivers. Ask the District before starting work.
Wayne Conservation District: (570) 253-0930 — 648 Park Street, Honesdale, PA 18431; Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM; closed weekends and federal holidays
- The District is delegated to review some Chapter 105 general permits under PA DEP. A general permit is available only when the project meets its terms, conditions, restrictions, and performance criteria; other projects may need a different DEP review.
- GP-2 covers qualifying small docks and boat launching ramps. Docks, shoreline stabilization, and stream or utility crossings need project-specific screening, not a blanket assumption that every project requires or qualifies for the same permit.
- Wetland or watercourse impacts may also require U.S. Army Corps of Engineers authorization. Ask which state and federal approvals apply.
- Soil disturbance may also involve Chapter 102 erosion and sediment control requirements. Plan and permit requirements depend on the size and nature of the work, receiving-water classification, and other project facts.
- Review time depends on the project, application completeness, and required approvals. Confirm the process and current timing with the reviewing office; do not start regulated work before required authorization.
See the Conservation District guide
Zoning
- Damascus and Lebanon Townships each have their own zoning ordinances. Setbacks, allowed uses, and accessory structure rules vary.
- The community's recorded covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) also apply on top of township zoning.
Authoritative Sources
Always confirm current rules and fees with the relevant office. This guide is for orientation and is not legal or engineering advice.
Sources and Related Resources
Authoritative External Sources
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