Process

Planning and Development Services follows developments in the township from concept to final construction.

When a Developer has an idea for a property, we encourage them to meet with PDS with an early concept of the proposal to provide design feedback, identify what will be required during the official review process, and highlight any potential special considerations or challenges that the Developer will need to address. This isn’t required, but most Developers find it to be very useful for making the next stages smoother.

Next, the Developer makes their official submission for land development approval. Our Land Development Specialists review the application and provide comments to ensure it will comply with our ordinance.

The Developer then presents their project to the Planning Advisory Commission for their review. Members of the public can ask questions and make comments during this stage—find the Agendas here!  Once the PAC gives approval, the project heads on to the Board of Supervisors, who give the final approval for the development. This process may need to be repeated several times if the Developer needs to submit multiple applications.

After receiving final approval, the Developer can start grading the site. However, before they start building, they must submit building permit applications. Our Building Inspectors review the construction drawings and inspect the site for safety and accessibility.

Finally, the project is finished, and the business or housing opens to the public! To see what is being built in Cranberry and where developments are in the process, visit What Are They Building?