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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bensalem Township
Bensalem publishes residential and commercial packets for building, demolition, fence, pools and spas, sign, zoning, occupancy, subdivision/land development, street openings, and many other work types.
Note: No separate Bensalem exempt-work bulletin was located in the reviewed sources. Because Bensalem has published permit packets for many common residential items, check the Township application library before assuming exemption. PA UCC exemptions still govern where local zoning or occupancy triggers do not apply.
- One complete set of plans
- Plot/site plan
- Specs sufficient for review
- Digital plans for documents larger than 11 by 17
- Commercial plans signed and sealed where required
- Building code
- Project design shall conform to the most current edition of the IRC adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly posted in the reviewed public packet scrape.
- Owner-builder
- Owner or agent may sign the permit application.
- Contractor requirements
- Bensalem publishes a contractor license application. PA home improvement registration still applies where required.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Select the correct residential or commercial application from the Applications, Inspections and Requirements page.
- 02 Submit the non-refundable application fee with the permit package.
- 03 Email digital plans to permitcenter@bensalempa.gov, or submit on disk/thumb drive; a physical drop box is also available.
- 04 Include required supporting approvals such as BCWSA plumbing approval where new fixtures are added and alteration-of-land permit materials for exterior/grading work.
- 05 Permit fees are invoiced by Code Inspections and inspections follow review/issuance.
Source: Bensalem Township Building and Planning Department ↗
Fee schedule
Effective 2024
Submission fee by cash, check, or money order; permit fees are invoiced by Code Inspections
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (215) 633-3644 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Confirm at submission
- Inspection hours
- Confirm at submission; office phone is (215) 633-3644
Typical sequence: Plan review, permit issuance, discipline/building inspections, then occupancy/certificate as applicable
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bensalem Township permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Bensalem Township, PA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bensalem Township, PA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bensalem Township, PA? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bensalem Township, PA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Bensalem Township Building and Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.