Please obtain a copy of the ICC permit application. Complete all sections that apply to the work you want to do. We need three copies of all documentation and one completed application.

• The Application must be signed by the Property Owner or the Owner’s Agent. Homeowners may do their own work, all work no matter who performs it needs to be inspected.
• 3 copies of all documentation is required for 1 completed application.
• A Floor Plan is required. Specific information regarding wall sheathing, insulation, interior finish, ceiling joists, fire blocking, studs, flooring and sub-flooring must be detailed. Also show any electrical, plumbing, mechanical or other work to be completed under this application for permit.
  
  • Entrances/Exits - Residential Emergency Escape Opening Permit Submittal Guide
• Emergency egress compliance is required.
• Grinder pump installations should be cleared with Upper Macungie Township Authority prior to submitting application.
• All contractors need proof of insurance and Upper Macungie Township listed as a certificate holder (8330 Schantz Road, Breinigsville, PA 18031, 610-395-9355 fax). If the policy does not include Workers’ Compensation coverage, we need a notarized exemption form.
• Plumbers and Electricians need a license prior to starting any work.

How to Complete the Application

• Section 3 – Contractors Information: List all contractors that are doing work on the application and include addresses and contact information, include a certificate of insurance for each contractor listed (with Upper Macungie Township shown as a certificate holder) along with the application.
• Section 5 – Check improvement type and list proposed use of the Basement under
  Other (24) i.e. Finished Basement. Read and check the items that apply to your basement alteration.
• Section 6 – Electrical work, check yes or no and list amps, circuits, wire size, service outlets. Under Power Devices list the number of receptacles, switches, lights, fans, appliances, etc. List the PPL job number in this section if applicable.
• Section 7 – Plumbing work, check yes or no and enter the number of items.
• Section 8 – Mechanical work, check yes or no and enter the number of items and the heating source.
• Section 9 – Other, use it to provide more detail about your project.

Homeowners doing their own work must comply with all current codes and pass inspections required by the Township. Most applications take 15 business days to process and no fees are due until the permit is reviewed, approved and issued.

Do not cover sewer clean out or sewer trap with any flooring.

2009 International Residential Code

Section R310 – Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings

R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required. Basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room. Where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor. Where a door opening having a threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening and is provided with a bulkhead enclosure, the bulkhead enclosure shall comply with Section R310.3. The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the emergency escape and rescue opening from the inside. Emergency escape and rescue openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Section R310.2. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.

Exception: Basements used only to house mechanical equipment and not exceeding total floor area of 200 square feet (18.58 m²).

R310.1.1 Minimum opening area. All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.530 m²).

Exception: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet (0.465 m²)

R310.1.2 Minimum opening height. The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm).

R310.1.3 Minimum opening width. The minimum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm).

R310.1.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge.

R310.2 Window wells. The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet (0.9 m²), with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches (914 mm). The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.

Exception: The ladder or steps required by Section R310.2.1 shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 inches (152 mm) into the required dimensions of the window well.

R310.2.1 Ladder and steps. Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position. Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be required to comply with Sections R311.5 and R311.6. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center vertically for the full height of the window well.

R310.3 Bulkhead enclosures. Bulkhead enclosures shall provide direct access to the basement. The bulkhead enclosure with the door panels in the fully open position shall provide the minimum net clear opening required by Section R310.1.1. Bulkhead enclosures shall also comply with Section R311.5.8.2

R310.4 Bars, grilles, covers and screens. Bars, grilles, covers, screens or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or window wells that serve such openings, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with Sections R310.1.1 to R310.1.3, and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, special knowledge or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.

R310.5 Emergency escape windows under decks and porches. Emergency escape windows are allowed to be installed under decks and porches provided the location of the deck allows the emergency escape window to be fully opened and provides a path not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height to a yard or court.

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