Borough of Malvern, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Borough office handles permits, zoning compliance, inspections, rental inspections, and code enforcement for Malvern Borough.

Department

Building & Code Enforcement

Address

1 E. First Ave., Suite 3, Malvern, PA 19355

Phone

610-644-2602

Website

https://www.malvern.org/building-code-enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm permit type and download the current checklist/form package from the Permit Center page.
2. Complete the applicable form and supporting checklist.
3. Mail or drop off the completed submission to Borough of Malvern, 1 E. First Avenue, Suite 3, Malvern, PA 19355.
4. Borough staff reviews the application; residential and sign permits target 15 business days and commercial permits/zoning applications target 30 business days.
5. Pay borough fees and required state surcharge for building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits.
6. Call to schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice.

Typical processing time: Residential and sign permits 15 business days; commercial permits and zoning applications 30 business days.

Source: Building & Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Borough FAQ says zoning permits are generally required before erection or structural alteration of buildings/structures and before initial use/change of use; building permits are required for work outside listed ordinary repairs.

Required Documents

• Permit-specific checklists
• Application packages
• Project-specific instruction packets

Permit validity

Not clearly posted on the public pages reviewed.

Building code

Pennsylvania UCC with borough zoning and property maintenance enforcement.

Owner-builder

No separate owner-builder rule was posted beyond the ordinary permit forms/process.

Contractor requirements

Borough asks whether borough registration is required for contractors and publishes a contractor registration form; PA HICPA registration applies to qualifying home improvement work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

See current borough fee schedule; public permit center did not expose machine-readable minimum line items in the page scrape.

Plan check fee

See current borough fee schedule.

Permit fee formula

Permit center points users to the borough fee schedule; forms are permit-type specific and the borough also requires a $4.50 PA state fee on building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits.

Reinspection fee

See current borough fee schedule.

Payment note

Fees may be paid online through MuniciPAY or through the borough office.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Exterior or interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Accessory utility and miscellaneous structures under 500 square feet for detached one-family dwellings, including carports, detached private garages, greenhouses, and sheds
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep and swings/playground equipment accessory to one- or two-family dwellings
• Window awnings within the stated projection limit and same-opening replacement of windows/doors/garage doors without framing changes
• Roof replacement not exceeding 25 percent of total roof area in a 12-month period, siding replacement, non-structural porch/stoop repairs, added insulation, and gutter/leader replacement
• Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC ordinary repairs

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 610-644-2602 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24 hours notice required

Inspection hours

Code office hours Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; administrative office Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Borough states required inspections are completed for all permitted construction projects; sequence depends on permit type.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania UCC with borough zoning and property maintenance enforcement.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• When Zoning Permit is Required
• Permits, Fees & E-Forms
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Borough of Malvern Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Borough of Malvern, PA?

Borough FAQ says zoning permits are generally required before erection or structural alteration of buildings/structures and before initial use/change of use; building permits are required for work outside listed ordinary repairs.

How much does a building permit cost in Borough of Malvern, PA?

The minimum permit fee is See current borough fee schedule; public permit center did not expose machine-readable minimum line items in the page scrape.. Fees are calculated as: Permit center points users to the borough fee schedule; forms are permit-type specific and the borough also requires a $4.50 PA state fee on building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits.. Plan check fee: See current borough fee schedule..

How do I apply for a building permit in Borough of Malvern, PA?

1. Confirm permit type and download the current checklist/form package from the Permit Center page. 2. Complete the applicable form and supporting checklist. 3. Mail or drop off the completed submission to Borough of Malvern, 1 E. First Avenue, Suite 3, Malvern, PA 19355. 4. Borough staff reviews the application; residential and sign permits target 15 business days and commercial permits/zoning applications target 30 business days. 5. Pay borough fees and required state surcharge for building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits. 6. Call to schedule inspections with at least 24 hours notice.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Borough of Malvern, PA?

Typical processing time is Residential and sign permits 15 business days; commercial permits and zoning applications 30 business days..

What work is exempt from building permits in Borough of Malvern, PA?

The following work is generally exempt: Exterior or interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Accessory utility and miscellaneous structures under 500 square feet for detached one-family dwellings, including carports, detached private garages, greenhouses, and sheds; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep and swings/playground equipment accessory to one- or two-family dwellings; Window awnings within the stated projection limit and same-opening replacement of windows/doors/garage doors without framing changes; Roof replacement not exceeding 25 percent of total roof area in a 12-month period, siding replacement, non-structural porch/stoop repairs, added insulation, and gutter/leader replacement; Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC ordinary repairs.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Borough of Malvern, PA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 610-644-2602. 24 hours notice required.

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