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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Exeter Township
Township posts detailed fees for residential and nonresidential building permits, additions, decks, pools, fences, retaining walls, roofs, sheds, garages, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, and occupancy permits.
Note: No single Exeter exemption handout was identified in the reviewed public materials. The fee schedule distinguishes between UCC-regulated and not-UCC-regulated fences, retaining walls, decks, sheds, and driveways, which indicates Exeter screens exemption questions by project type.
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Stormwater drainage plan if adding impervious surface unless exempt
- Easement and right-of-way information
- Flood zone disclosure
- Erosion and sediment control approval if over threshold
- Owner authorization if applicant is not owner
- Building code
- Pennsylvania UCC
- Permit validity
- Residential new construction and addition permits expire after 1 year. One 6-month extension is listed in the fee schedule.
- Owner-builder
- Application requires owner authorization where the applicant is acting as agent.
- Contractor requirements
- Township fee schedule includes plumbing license fees. Electrical inspections are by state-certified third party per the permit application.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Complete the applicable Exeter Township permit application. The form covers new building and addition work and cross-references zoning, stormwater, erosion control, flood zone, and utility requirements.
- 02 Prepare the site plan and any required stormwater drainage plan, easement information, and flood zone information.
- 03 Obtain outside approvals where triggered, including Berks County Conservation District approval for disturbance over 5,000 square feet and any PennDOT or utility approvals relevant to the project.
- 04 Submit the application to the township and wait for approval before starting work.
- 05 After permit issuance, post the permit and schedule required inspections with at least 24 hours advance notice.
- 06 Pay any additional consulting engineering or consultant review costs before certificate of use and occupancy is released.
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Township also charges a $15 nonrefundable permit issuance fee for building, zoning, and road occupancy permits. Additional consultant costs may apply.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (610) 779-5660 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour advance notice required
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Exeter explicitly lists footing, foundation, insulation, drywall, framing, mechanical, final, roof in progress, fire protection, plumbing, accessibility, energy conservation, and electrical by state-certified third party, where applicable.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Exeter Township permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Exeter Township, PA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Exeter Township, PA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Exeter Township, PA? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Exeter Township, PA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Engineering; Building, Plumbing, and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.