How's other towns (in comparison to Scranton) when it comes to remodeling (houses) and etc.... (Wilkes-Barre: to live in)

[lorac07]

For example: a few yrs ago I had a door installed in my upstairs hallway. Within seconds, and I do mean seconds, of the carpenter hammering out the frame, there was a knock on my door and it was 'zoning" people telling us we need a permit. Yet I've heard of localities (Jermyn, for instance) where people basically look the other way when someone is attempting to improve/remodel their property. Anyway, I'm looking at a house in Taylor (amongst other towns), which needs a bit of tweaking for me to live in it, and I'm wondering just how horrific the "authorities" be when it comes to a homeowner making changes.

[Huskyz]

Originally Posted by lorac07

For example: a few yrs ago I had a door installed in my upstairs hallway. Within seconds, and I do mean seconds, of the carpenter hammering out the frame, there was a knock on my door and it was 'zoning" people telling us we need a permit. Yet I've heard of localities (Jermyn, for instance) where people basically look the other way when someone is attempting to improve/remodel their property. Anyway, I'm looking at a house in Taylor (amongst other towns), which needs a bit of tweaking for me to live in it, and I'm wondering just how horrific the "authorities" be when it comes to a homeowner making changes.

Consider calling (or visiting) the Taylor town office and asking some questions, This is probably better than getting opinions on the forum.

[johnqpublic]

Scrantons permits office is as helpful and useful as boobs on a bull.. blind leading the blind { there are a very few who know what they are doing, but its the exception rather than the rule}

[Mr Yuk]

A permit for installing a door? That's ridiculous....I don't know how they would have known, unless you have nosy neighbors who have a bone to pick with you...

[frank754]

What about Wilkes-Barre, can I for example, have them pour some concrete through a basement window to fix up the cellar, or do I have to have a permit to even call someone to do that?

[poconoproud]

Originally Posted by lorac07

For example: a few yrs ago I had a door installed in my upstairs hallway. Within seconds, and I do mean seconds, of the carpenter hammering out the frame, there was a knock on my door and it was 'zoning" people telling us we need a permit. Yet I've heard of localities (Jermyn, for instance) where people basically look the other way when someone is attempting to improve/remodel their property. Anyway, I'm looking at a house in Taylor (amongst other towns), which needs a bit of tweaking for me to live in it, and I'm wondering just how horrific the "authorities" be when it comes to a homeowner making changes.

you needed a permit to replace a door inside your home? Re-donk-ulous..
but I did read on Scranton's building/zoning page that almost everything requires a permit, except painting the inside/outside of home and gutter installation. Changing out an interior door requiring a permit stinks of money grubbing to me.


Taylor Borugh doesn't really discuss what needs permits, so you should call. Taylor Borough Zoning (http://www.taylorborough.com/ZONING/2004_2005.htm - broken link)