How much does a building permit cost in Chester, PA?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based schedule per City permit fee documents; trade licenses are annual flat fees.

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

1. Obtain required contractor trade license first; homeowners also must confirm permit need before starting work. 2. Submit completed permit application with three drawings describing the work and materials; engineered sealed drawings are required where applicable. 3. Pay permit fees at application and respond to any review comments from L and I. 4. Schedule required inspections during construction. 5. For occupancy, submit a letter that work is complete and request final inspection for the certificate of occupancy.

What work is exempt from building permits in Chester, PA?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repair items only to the extent allowed by the Pennsylvania UCC; Emergency repairs may proceed subject to prompt permit follow-up where the UCC allows. Note: Chester's public pages emphasize permit-required work but do not publish a local exemption list on the reviewed pages.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Chester, PA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call L and I / Building Officials.

City Building Permits

Chester, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Pennsylvania Delaware County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-run UCC enforcement for Chester; building official and L and I handle permits, licenses, and inspections.

Department: City of Chester Licenses and Inspections, including the Office of the Building Officials
Address: 1 Fourth Street, Chester, PA 19013
Phone: 610-447-7751; 610-447-7917; main 610-447-7700
Email: LicensingAndInspections@cityofchesterpa.gov
Website: https://www.chestercity.com/departments/licenses-and-inspections/

Online Permit Portal

Open Forms and Permits

Platform: WordPress forms download page; e-Collect Plus for business tax registration • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Obtain required contractor trade license first; homeowners also must confirm permit need before starting work.
Submit completed permit application with three drawings describing the work and materials; engineered sealed drawings are required where applicable.
Pay permit fees at application and respond to any review comments from L and I.
Schedule required inspections during construction.
For occupancy, submit a letter that work is complete and request final inspection for the certificate of occupancy.

Source: City of Chester Licenses and Inspections, including the Office of the Building Officials

General Requirements

Anyone performing construction, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, alterations, or additions must first obtain a license and permit; homeowners may also need permits.

Required Documents

Permit application
Contractor license
Three drawings
Engineered plans when required
Homeowner exemption form if applicable
Contractor requirement documents
CO request letter for final occupancy

Building code: Pennsylvania UCC framework enforced by the City
Owner-builder: Homeowner Exemption Form is published in the L and I forms list.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must first obtain a trade license before a permit for work within the City.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Valuation-based schedule per City permit fee documents; trade licenses are annual flat fees
Payment note: City states fees are collected through L and I with applications; downloadable fee schedules control

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Chester Licenses and Inspections, including the Office of the Building Officials to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Call L and I / Building Officials (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Trade and building inspections during construction, then final inspection before certificate of occupancy

Additional Resources

Building code: Pennsylvania UCC framework enforced by the City
Zoning information: View zoning info
Office of the Building Officials
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 City of Chester Licenses and Inspections, including the Office of the Building Officials before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chester Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Chester, PA?: Anyone performing construction, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, alterations, or additions must first obtain a license and permit; homeowners may also need permits.
How much does a building permit cost in Chester, PA?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based schedule per City permit fee documents; trade licenses are annual flat fees.
How do I apply for a building permit in Chester, PA?: 1. Obtain required contractor trade license first; homeowners also must confirm permit need before starting work. 2. Submit completed permit application with three drawings describing the work and materials; engineered sealed drawings are required where applicable. 3. Pay permit fees at application and respond to any review comments from L and I. 4. Schedule required inspections during construction. 5. For occupancy, submit a letter that work is complete and request final inspection for the certificate of occupancy.
What work is exempt from building permits in Chester, PA?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repair items only to the extent allowed by the Pennsylvania UCC; Emergency repairs may proceed subject to prompt permit follow-up where the UCC allows. Note: Chester's public pages emphasize permit-required work but do not publish a local exemption list on the reviewed pages.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Chester, PA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Call L and I / Building Officials.

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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.