City Building Permits
Township of Chester, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Township of Chester, Pennsylvania. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Thin public data; Township publishes permit application and fee schedule directly through its forms page and handles permit review locally.
- Department
- Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office
- Address
- 1150 Engle Street, Chester, PA 19013
- Phone
- 610-494-4149
Online Permit Portal
Platform: WordPress forms download page • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Download and complete the Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical Application.
- Prepare site sketch showing house and outbuildings with dimensions to property lines.
- Submit contractor license number, liability and workers compensation proof or release form, contractor proposal, and any detailed drawings or material lists for additions, decks, and fences.
- Obtain all applicable trade permits at the same time as the building permit.
- Allow Township review and obtain approval before starting work.
Typical processing time: Allow 3 days for Township review and approval for additions, decks, and fences
Source: Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office
General Requirements
The Township application covers building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, including alterations, repairs, fences, and demolition.
Required Documents
- Site sketch with setbacks
- Contractor license number
- Proof of public liability
- Proof of workers compensation or release form
- Contractor proposal
- Detailed drawing or print
- Material list for additions/decks/fences
- Building code
- Permit application references the Pennsylvania construction code framework through local permit administration
- Owner-builder
- Workers compensation release form is accepted where applicable.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor license number is required with proof of insurance documentation.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Residential $75 first $1,000; commercial $125 first $1,000
- Permit fee formula
- Residential $75 first $1,000 plus $35 for each additional $1,000 or part thereof; commercial $125 first $1,000 plus $55 for each additional $1,000 or part thereof
- Payment note
- Application notes a $4.50 state fee required on all permits
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Through Township after permit issuance (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Scope-specific inspections are implied by permit type; all applicable trade permits must be taken out together
Additional Resources
- Building code: Permit application references the Pennsylvania construction code framework through local permit administration
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- 2025 Permit Application
- Use and Occupancy Form
- 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 Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Township of Chester Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Township of Chester, PA?
- The Township application covers building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, including alterations, repairs, fences, and demolition.
- How much does a building permit cost in Township of Chester, PA?
- The minimum permit fee is Residential $75 first $1,000; commercial $125 first $1,000. Fees are calculated as: Residential $75 first $1,000 plus $35 for each additional $1,000 or part thereof; commercial $125 first $1,000 plus $55 for each additional $1,000 or part thereof.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Township of Chester, PA?
- 1. Download and complete the Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical Application. 2. Prepare site sketch showing house and outbuildings with dimensions to property lines. 3. Submit contractor license number, liability and workers compensation proof or release form, contractor proposal, and any detailed drawings or material lists for additions, decks, and fences. 4. Obtain all applicable trade permits at the same time as the building permit. 5. Allow Township review and obtain approval before starting work.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Township of Chester, PA?
- Typical processing time is Allow 3 days for Township review and approval for additions, decks, and fences.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Township of Chester, PA?
- The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs under the Pennsylvania UCC. Note: Public-facing Township sources reviewed do not publish a standalone exempt-work list.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Township of Chester, PA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Through Township after permit issuance.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Township of Chester can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works