Downingtown, PA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Code Enforcement (Planning, Zoning & Building)

Street address

4-10 W. Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335

Phone

610-269-0344

codeinspector@downingtown.org

Coverage

Borough code office administers building, maintenance, zoning, plan review, and permit issuance for Downingtown Borough.

Online portal

Forms/Applications

CivicPlus

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Downingtown

Borough FAQ says building permits are required for interior and exterior work on homes and non-residential buildings; examples include interior renovations and electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning work, roof shingle replacement, sheds over 200 square feet, additions, porches, and decks.

Scope of work

Permit?

Fences

Exempt

Sheds under 200 square feet

Exempt

Patios/pavers

Exempt

Condensing units

Exempt

Generator units

Exempt

Exempt Fences
Exempt Sheds under 200 square feet
Exempt Patios/pavers
Exempt Condensing units
Exempt Generator units

Note: No borough-wide no-permit list was found on the code office page. The FAQ distinguishes some smaller exterior work as zoning permit work rather than building permit work.

Required documents

Permit form
Supporting plans/documents per application type

Building code: Pennsylvania UCC with local zoning/historic overlay rules layered on top.
Permit validity: Permits are issued for one year, may be re-issued annually for three years, and are void if work has not started within six months.
Owner-builder: No special public owner-builder rule was located beyond standard application submission.
Contractor requirements: Borough contractor licenses are issued within one week if fee is paid and proof of insurance naming the Borough of Downingtown as certificate holder is submitted.

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Residential permits 15 business days; commercial permits and zoning applications 30 business days; contractor licenses about 1 week after fee and insurance submission.

01

Review the Permit Application Introduction Letter and obtain the correct form from the borough Forms/Applications page.
02

Complete the permit application and assemble plans/supporting documents.
03

Submit the package and fee to the Code Enforcement Office at 4-10 W Lancaster Avenue by mail or drop-off.
04

Borough staff reviews the submission and may coordinate with Planning Commission or Zoning Hearing Board if applicable.
05

Pay any remaining assessed fees and await permit approval.
06

Schedule inspections with the borough code office as required.

Typical processing time: Residential permits 15 business days; commercial permits and zoning applications 30 business days; contractor licenses about 1 week after fee and insurance submission.

Source: Code Enforcement (Planning, Zoning & Building) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Downingtown building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

Residential new construction $0.45/sf with $1,800 minimum; residential renovation/addition $0.45/sf with $150 minimum; detached accessory buildings $0.35/sf with $125 minimum; commercial new construction $0.95/sf with $2,500 minimum.

Plan check fee

Residential plan review $0.12/sf with $250 minimum for new construction and $120 minimum for renovations; commercial plan review $0.40/sf with $550 minimum for new construction and $200 minimum for renovations.

Permit fee formula

Mix of square-foot pricing, per-fixture pricing, valuation percentages, flat zoning/U&O fees, and annual contractor or renewal charges.

Reinspection fee

Permit renewal $125; permit surcharge for work without a permit is normal permit fee x2; sewer penalties and returned-check fees are separately listed.

Applications are processed when the application fee has been received.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

610-269-0344 (phone)

Inspection hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Typical sequence: Not laid out step-by-step on the public page; inspections follow permit type and borough review.

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Downingtown permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Downingtown, PA? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Downingtown, PA? ▸

Building permit fees in Downingtown, PA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Residential new construction $0.45/sf with $1,800 minimum; residential renovation/addition $0.45/sf with $150 minimum; detached accessory buildings $0.35/sf with $125 minimum; commercial new construction $0.95/sf with $2,500 minimum.. Fees are calculated as: Mix of square-foot pricing, per-fixture pricing, valuation percentages, flat zoning/U&O fees, and annual contractor or renewal charges.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review $0.12/sf with $250 minimum for new construction and $120 minimum for renovations; commercial plan review $0.40/sf with $550 minimum for new construction and $200 minimum for renovations..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Downingtown, PA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Downingtown, PA, follow these steps: 1. Review the Permit Application Introduction Letter and obtain the correct form from the borough Forms/Applications page. 2. Complete the permit application and assemble plans/supporting documents. 3. Submit the package and fee to the Code Enforcement Office at 4-10 W Lancaster Avenue by mail or drop-off. 4. Borough staff reviews the submission and may coordinate with Planning Commission or Zoning Hearing Board if applicable. 5. Pay any remaining assessed fees and await permit approval. 6. Schedule inspections with the borough code office as required.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Downingtown, PA? ▸

Building permit processing times in Downingtown, PA typically run Residential permits 15 business days; commercial permits and zoning applications 30 business days; contractor licenses about 1 week after fee and insurance submission.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Downingtown, PA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Downingtown, PA. The following work is generally exempt: Fences; Sheds under 200 square feet; Patios/pavers; Condensing units; Generator units. Note: No borough-wide no-permit list was found on the code office page. The FAQ distinguishes some smaller exterior work as zoning permit work rather than building permit work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Downingtown, PA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Downingtown, PA via: 610-269-0344.

last verified April 2026 source Code Enforcement (Planning, Zoning & Building) ↗ entry id permits/pennsylvania/chester/downingtown

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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Code Enforcement (Planning, Zoning & Building) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Borough of Downingtown

Other jurisdictions in Chester County.