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§ PA Cumberland County
City building permits

Hampden Township

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

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Community Development

Street address
209 S. Sporting Hill Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone
717-761-0119
Coverage
Township Community Development office handles zoning permits, residential and non-residential building permits, burn permits, plan submissions, and certificates of occupancy within Hampden Township.
Online portal
Community Development
Township department page with downloadable forms
Additional resources
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Hampden Township

Residential building permit required for construction work exceeding $500 total project cost. Township specifically notes zoning permits for changed building footprints, sheds, fences, accessory buildings, and increases in impervious coverage. Burn permits are required for covered outdoor burning.

Non-structural roof re-shingling
Window replacement
Replacement siding, fascia, gutters, downspouts
Kitchen and bathroom remodeling that is repair or replacement of existing items
  • Exempt Non-structural roof re-shingling
  • Exempt Window replacement
  • Exempt Replacement siding, fascia, gutters, downspouts
  • Exempt Kitchen and bathroom remodeling that is repair or replacement of existing items

Note: These are listed as exceptions from the residential building permit trigger.

Required documents
  • Completed application
  • Two sets of construction documents for building permits
  • Zoning permit form for zoning-triggered work
  • Subdivision or land development form where applicable
Building code
Pennsylvania UCC locally enforced by township Community Development staff and officials
Permit validity
Burn permits are valid for 30 days. Standard building permit expiration is not clearly posted on the department page.
Owner-builder
Not separately summarized on the department page.
Contractor requirements
Pennsylvania HICPA registration applies to covered home improvement contractors.

Source: Community Development ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 15 business days for most standard residential permits and 30 business days for most non-residential permits.

  1. 01
    Contact Community Development and obtain the correct permit form for the project.
  2. 02
    Submit the completed building or zoning permit application with two sets of construction documents.
  3. 03
    For subdivision or land development, use the separate plan submission form and materials.
  4. 04
    Most standard residential permits are processed within 15 business days and most non-residential permits within 30 business days.
  5. 05
    Pay the applicable township fee and wait for permit issuance before work begins.
  6. 06
    Complete inspections and obtain a certificate of occupancy or completion where required.

Typical processing time: 15 business days for most standard residential permits and 30 business days for most non-residential permits.

Source: Community Development ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Hampden Township building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Burn permit $35 residential and $100 commercial; no general township building permit fee schedule was clearly linked from the page
02
Plan check fee
Not clearly posted on the department page
03
Permit fee formula
Public page clearly states burn permit flat fees; building permit fee formula was not clearly published on the Community Development page.
04
Reinspection fee
Not clearly posted on the department page

The public page indicates applications are obtained from and submitted through the department office; confirm current payment method with staff

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • Community Development / township inspection staff (phone)
Inspection hours
Weekdays 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical sequence: Permit issuance, required trade or construction inspections, final inspection, then certificate of occupancy where applicable

Source: Community Development ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Hampden Township permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Hampden Township, PA? ▸
Residential building permit required for construction work exceeding $500 total project cost. Township specifically notes zoning permits for changed building footprints, sheds, fences, accessory buildings, and increases in impervious coverage. Burn permits are required for covered outdoor burning.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Hampden Township, PA? ▸
Building permit fees in Hampden Township, PA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Burn permit $35 residential and $100 commercial; no general township building permit fee schedule was clearly linked from the page. Fees are calculated as: Public page clearly states burn permit flat fees; building permit fee formula was not clearly published on the Community Development page.. Plan check fee: Not clearly posted on the department page.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Hampden Township, PA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Hampden Township, PA, follow these steps: 1. Contact Community Development and obtain the correct permit form for the project. 2. Submit the completed building or zoning permit application with two sets of construction documents. 3. For subdivision or land development, use the separate plan submission form and materials. 4. Most standard residential permits are processed within 15 business days and most non-residential permits within 30 business days. 5. Pay the applicable township fee and wait for permit issuance before work begins. 6. Complete inspections and obtain a certificate of occupancy or completion where required.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Hampden Township, PA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Hampden Township, PA typically run 15 business days for most standard residential permits and 30 business days for most non-residential permits.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Hampden Township, PA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Hampden Township, PA. The following work is generally exempt: Non-structural roof re-shingling; Window replacement; Replacement siding, fascia, gutters, downspouts; Kitchen and bathroom remodeling that is repair or replacement of existing items. Note: These are listed as exceptions from the residential building permit trigger. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Hampden Township, PA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Hampden Township, PA via: Community Development / township inspection staff.
last verified April 2026 source Community Development ↗ entry id permits/pennsylvania/cumberland/hampden-township
Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

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