How much does a building permit cost in Portage Township, PA?

The minimum permit fee is $150.00 to $200.00 (conflicting public materials). Fees are calculated as: Residential work is mostly square-foot based plus plan review; commercial work uses a $500 plan review fee plus square-foot or valuation pricing; demolition, pools, cabins, and service inspections use flat fees.. Plan check fee: Residential new dwellings $100.00; residential additions and detached buildings under 1000 square feet $50.00; nonresidential base plan review fee $500.00.

How do I apply for a building permit in Portage Township, PA?

1. Sewage or sewer approval first. 2. Cameron County zoning and floodplain approval second. 3. Jones Township UCC application third, with plans and all required supporting approvals. 4. Pay plan review and permit fees. 5. Receive permit and keep placard and plans on site. 6. Schedule and pass required inspections.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Portage Township, PA?

Typical processing time is 30 business day state rule for complete applications..

What work is exempt from building permits in Portage Township, PA?

The following work is generally exempt: Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting surcharge; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways not over basements; Shallow prefabricated pools; Playground equipment; Certain window awnings; Certain low decks. Note: State UCC residential exemptions apply on the building permit side; zoning and floodplain approvals may still be required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Portage Township, PA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 814-929-5138 or 814-594-6194. 48 hours notice required..

City Building Permits

Portage Township, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Portage Township, Pennsylvania. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Pennsylvania Cameron County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within Portage Township. Pennsylvania L&I lists Portage Township as an opt-in municipality. Jones Township handles UCC permits and inspections; Cameron County handles zoning and floodplain approval.

Department: Jones Township Building Code Department for UCC building permits; Cameron County Zoning Office for zoning and floodplain; Portage Township secretary for local township contact
Address: Jones Township Building Code Department, PO Box 25, 320 Faries St, Wilcox, PA 15870
Phone: 814-929-5138 or 814-781-3663
Email: russ.braun@outlook.com
Website: https://jonestownship.com/cameron-county-building-codes/

Online Permit Portal

Open Jones Township Building Code

Platform: WordPress page with downloadable PDF applications • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Cameron County Zoning

Application Process

Sewage or sewer approval first.
Cameron County zoning and floodplain approval second.
Jones Township UCC application third, with plans and all required supporting approvals.
Pay plan review and permit fees.
Receive permit and keep placard and plans on site.
Schedule and pass required inspections.

Typical processing time: 30 business day state rule for complete applications.

Source: Jones Township Building Code Department for UCC building permits; Cameron County Zoning Office for zoning and floodplain; Portage Township secretary for local township contact

General Requirements

Same Jones permit sequence and county zoning approval rules.

Required Documents

Application
Plot plan
Two sets of construction drawings
County zoning approval
Sewage or sewer approval
E and S or stormwater permits if required
Road occupancy permit if required
Workers compensation evidence where applicable

Permit validity: Pennsylvania UCC 180 day start and inactivity rules.
Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code; Cameron County zoning and floodplain ordinances.
Owner-builder: No Portage-specific rule found.
Contractor requirements: Pennsylvania HICPA registration where required; workers compensation documentation where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $150.00 to $200.00 (conflicting public materials)
Plan check fee: Residential new dwellings $100.00; residential additions and detached buildings under 1000 square feet $50.00; nonresidential base plan review fee $500.00
Permit fee formula: Residential work is mostly square-foot based plus plan review; commercial work uses a $500 plan review fee plus square-foot or valuation pricing; demolition, pools, cabins, and service inspections use flat fees.
Reinspection fee: $75.00 each additional inspection
Penalty (no permit): $100.00 to $250.00 for residential work started before permit issuance and $250.00 for nonresidential work
Payment note: Jones checks payable to Jones Township.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting surcharge
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons
Sidewalks and driveways not over basements
Shallow prefabricated pools
Playground equipment
Certain window awnings
Certain low decks

Important: State UCC residential exemptions apply on the building permit side; zoning and floodplain approvals may still be required.

Inspections

How to Schedule

814-929-5138 or 814-594-6194 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: 48 hours notice required.
Time windows: Only footer inspections receive a specific appointment time.

Typical inspection sequence: Footer, foundation, framing with rough trades, energy, wallboard if required, sanitary approval, then final inspection and certificate of occupancy where applicable.

Additional Resources

Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code; Cameron County zoning and floodplain ordinances.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Portage Township Sewage Options for Camps and Cabins
Inspection Requirements
License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Jones Township Building Code Department for UCC building permits; Cameron County Zoning Office for zoning and floodplain; Portage Township secretary for local township contact before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portage Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Portage Township, PA?: Same Jones permit sequence and county zoning approval rules.
How much does a building permit cost in Portage Township, PA?: The minimum permit fee is $150.00 to $200.00 (conflicting public materials). Fees are calculated as: Residential work is mostly square-foot based plus plan review; commercial work uses a $500 plan review fee plus square-foot or valuation pricing; demolition, pools, cabins, and service inspections use flat fees.. Plan check fee: Residential new dwellings $100.00; residential additions and detached buildings under 1000 square feet $50.00; nonresidential base plan review fee $500.00.
How do I apply for a building permit in Portage Township, PA?: 1. Sewage or sewer approval first. 2. Cameron County zoning and floodplain approval second. 3. Jones Township UCC application third, with plans and all required supporting approvals. 4. Pay plan review and permit fees. 5. Receive permit and keep placard and plans on site. 6. Schedule and pass required inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Portage Township, PA?: Typical processing time is 30 business day state rule for complete applications..
What work is exempt from building permits in Portage Township, PA?: The following work is generally exempt: Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting surcharge; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways not over basements; Shallow prefabricated pools; Playground equipment; Certain window awnings; Certain low decks. Note: State UCC residential exemptions apply on the building permit side; zoning and floodplain approvals may still be required.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Portage Township, PA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 814-929-5138 or 814-594-6194. 48 hours notice required..

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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