FAQs • Westmoreland County, PA • CivicEngage

How does the subdivision and land development approval process work?: Generally speaking, minor subdivisions reviews will go through a sketch review, and final review and approval. The process begins by submission of a plan and an application to the Department at the attention of Brian Lawrence. Upon sketch review, a review letter will be sent to the developer/owner, land surveyor/engineer, and municipality in which the plan is located. Once the letter is received it is the responsibility of the surveyor and/or developer to make adjustments to the plan, affix the required signatures, and finally submit the plan for final review and approval to the Department. Upon final approval, a $25.00 review fee is to be paid at the County Treasurer’s office and then finally recorded at the Recorder of Deeds’ office.

Major subdivisions and land development plans will go through a major subdivision review process that includes a sketch plan review (if necessary), a preliminary plan review, and a final review. Upon final approval, a $75.00 review fee is to be paid at the County Treasurer’s office and then finally recorded at the Recorder of Deeds’ office.

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Planning

1. What does the County Planning Department do?: Please visit What We Do page

2. Who handles building permits in the County?: All permits are handled at the municipal level. Municipalities employ one of three avenues to permit review and approval: 1) In-house staff review and approval 2) Contract with building inspection company for review and approval or 3) Department of Labor and Industry review and approval. To learn more, contact the local municipality.

3. How does the subdivision and land development approval process work?: Generally speaking, minor subdivisions reviews will go through a sketch review, and final review and approval. The process begins by submission of a plan and an application to the Department at the attention of Brian Lawrence. Upon sketch review, a review letter will be sent to the developer/owner, land surveyor/engineer, and municipality in which the plan is located. Once the letter is received it is the responsibility of the surveyor and/or developer to make adjustments to the plan, affix the required signatures, and finally submit the plan for final review and approval to the Department. Upon final approval, a $25.00 review fee is to be paid at the County Treasurer’s office and then finally recorded at the Recorder of Deeds’ office.

Major subdivisions and land development plans will go through a major subdivision review process that includes a sketch plan review (if necessary), a preliminary plan review, and a final review. Upon final approval, a $75.00 review fee is to be paid at the County Treasurer’s office and then finally recorded at the Recorder of Deeds’ office.

4. Where can I find maps of the County?: The Westmoreland County GIS Department manages an online tax map viewer where residents are able to view a number of maps in an online, interactive environment. Please visit their webpage for more information.
The County GIS and Planning Departments are currently in the process of improving residents access to ready-made maps for public consumption. For more information contact either of the Departments for particular requests.

5. Is there a County zoning ordinance?: The County does not have a zoning ordinance. Zoning ordinances are fully within the purview of local municipalities. A number of municipalities do not have a zoning ordinance. To learn more, contact the local municipality.

6. Where can I find information about public sewage and on-lot septic systems?: The Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Quality Management handles these issues. A local representative, Judy Self, can be reached at 724-925-5500.

7. What are flood insurance rate maps and how do they affect my property?: Flood insurance rate maps or FIRMs are maps that demarcate flood risk in areas that are prone to flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency creates the maps as a part of the National Flood Insurance Program.