Permits guide
Pocopson Township Clearing and Grading Permits
Pocopson's code has a grading chapter and a natural resource section in zoning that both touch clearing. Here is the text we read.
Pocopson Township requires a grading permit to disturb the topography or vegetation of land, with listed exceptions such as grading under 2,000 square feet. Its zoning caps woodland disturbance at 20 percent and requires an approved timber harvesting plan prepared by a professional forester. Ask how the township classifies forestry mulching.
Last checked: October 2026
Chapter 85: the grading permit
Chapter 85 of the Pocopson Township Code, Grading, Erosion and Sediment Control, was adopted in 2012 and amended in 2013. Section 85-3 says whenever the topography and vegetation are to be disturbed, a plan for the control of erosion and sediment is required. Section 85-3B makes it unlawful to pave, fill, strip, change the existing grade or otherwise disturb the topography or vegetation of any land in the township without first securing a grading permit.
The chapter defines earth disturbance activity as a construction or other human activity that disturbs the surface of the land, including clearing and grubbing, grading, excavations, embankments, road maintenance, land development, building construction and the moving, depositing, stockpiling or storing of soil, rock or earth materials. It defines stripping as the removal of vegetation and or soil.
| Item | Exception as written |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use of land for gardening for home consumption |
| 2 | Any activity for which a permit must be obtained from a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania agency |
| 3 | Normal agricultural operations |
| 4 | Land grading where the proposed cumulative increase in impervious coverage is less than 1,000 square feet |
| 5 | Any grading activity where the total area disturbed at one time does not exceed 2,000 square feet |
Section 85-4C also lets the Board of Supervisors waive the grading permit or its data requirements where, in its sole discretion, the activity does not warrant a plan or permit. Section 85-3F requires that all necessary DEP and county permits for earthmoving or grading be provided to the township before work starts.
What a grading application includes
Section 85-5 lists an area plan at no less than one inch equals 50 feet with contour intervals of no more than two feet, prepared by a registered engineer or surveyor and showing woodlands and steep slopes among other features, an improvements plan, a written description of erosion and sediment control measures following standards of the USDA, the Chester County Conservation District and township ordinances, a time schedule, and any dust control the township requires. Section 85-7G says precautions shall be taken to prevent the unnecessary removal of trees, as provided in zoning section 250-87, Conservation of natural features. Section 85-8 asks the permittee to notify the Zoning Officer or Township Engineer 48 hours before work starts.
Zoning section 250-87: woodland limits
Section 250-87 of the township's zoning chapter sets resource protection limits. It says that, except for approved timber harvesting under section 250-87L, all woodland disturbance is subject to limits: no more than 10 percent of forest interior habitat and no more than 20 percent of any other woodland on a lot or tract, where replacement plantings are provided as the section requires. Its summary table lists maximum disturbance by resource.
| Resource area | Maximum disturbance |
|---|---|
| Woodland | 20% |
| Forest interior habitat | 10% |
| Heritage trees | 0% |
| Riparian buffer, inner 50 feet | 0% |
| Riparian buffer, outer 50 feet | 15% |
| Very steep slopes | 10% |
| Moderately steep slopes | 25% |
| Floodplain | 0% |
| Wetlands | 0% |
Very steep slopes carry a further rule: clearcutting or grubbing of trees is prohibited on them. Wetlands may not be disturbed except where all applicable permits are obtained and a copy is given to the township. The township's text says the more restrictive provision applies where two provisions conflict, and that disturbing a protected resource before the required approvals is a violation.
Timber harvesting under section 250-87L
The township states that forestry, including timber harvesting as defined in its chapter, is a permitted use by right in all zoning districts, and must follow section 250-87L. Any timber harvesting must follow a timber harvesting plan submitted by a landowner or operator and approved by the township. The plan is prepared and signed by a professional forester and submitted not less than 45 days before the harvest begins. The township may seek help from the Chester County Conservation District or the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry service forester, and a plan is approved or denied within 30 days of submission.
The plan must include narrative and maps: owner and operator details, an existing features map with watercourses, floodplain, wetlands and steep slopes, and a logging plan showing skid roads, skid trails, log landings, access points, water control structures, crossings and the forest canopy to remain. It must also show how the work complies with Chapter 102 erosion and sediment control and Chapter 105 stream crossing and wetland rules.
Mulching and what to confirm
The sections we read do not mention forestry mulching by name. Whether a mulching job is treated as a timber harvest under section 250-87L, as woodland disturbance under the 20 percent limit, as earth disturbance needing a grading permit, or as exempt under section 85-3E, is a township decision, so we do not say. Ask in writing, with acreage, woodland type, slopes, distance to water and whether stumps will be removed or soil moved.
We read the township code on eCode360 in October 2026. Codification can lag behind newer ordinances, so ask the township to confirm the version in force. Also keep in mind the state rules: Chapter 102 requires controls on any earth disturbance, a written plan at 5,000 square feet or more, and a stormwater construction permit at 1 acre or more. Our Conservation District questions page lists what to bring when you call the District.
Questions about this page
Sources: Pocopson Township Code, Chapter 85, Grading, Erosion and Sediment Control, Pocopson Township Code, Chapter 250, Section 250-87, Conservation of natural features, 25 Pa. Code 102.4, Erosion and sediment control requirements, Chester County Conservation District, District Services Application. This is general information, confirm with the township or agency.
Does Pocopson Township require a grading permit to clear land?
Section 85-3B makes it unlawful to disturb the topography or vegetation of any land in the township without a grading permit. Section 85-3E lists exceptions, including grading activity where the total area disturbed at one time does not exceed 2,000 square feet.
How much woodland can be disturbed in Pocopson?
Section 250-87 limits woodland disturbance to 20 percent of woodland other than forest interior habitat and 10 percent of forest interior habitat, except for approved timber harvesting under section 250-87L.
What does Pocopson require for timber harvesting?
Section 250-87L requires a timber harvesting plan prepared and signed by a professional forester and submitted to the township not less than 45 days before the harvest, with approval or denial within 30 days.
Is forestry mulching exempt in Pocopson Township?
The sections we read do not say. They address grading, woodland disturbance and timber harvesting, and none names mulching. Ask the township in writing how a mulching job on your parcel is classified.
Call, or send the details.
(484) 486-7272hello@huntlyland.com. Send the town, rough acreage and two or three photographs. We reply with site-walk times, and a written plan follows the walk.
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