Chester, PA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office

Street address

1150 Engle Street, Chester, PA 19013

Phone

610-494-4149

Coverage

Thin public data; Township publishes permit application and fee schedule directly through its forms page and handles permit review locally.

Online portal

Forms and Applications

WordPress forms download page

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Chester

The Township application covers building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, including alterations, repairs, fences, and demolition.

Scope of work

Permit?

Ordinary repairs under the Pennsylvania UCC

Exempt

Exempt Ordinary repairs under the Pennsylvania UCC

Note: Public-facing Township sources reviewed do not publish a standalone exempt-work list.

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.

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Allow 3 days for Township review and approval for additions, decks, and fences

01

Download and complete the Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical Application.
02

Prepare site sketch showing house and outbuildings with dimensions to property lines.
03

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.
04

Obtain all applicable trade permits at the same time as the building permit.
05

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2025

Fee type

Amount

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

Application notes a $4.50 state fee required on all permits

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Through Township after permit issuance (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical sequence: Scope-specific inspections are implied by permit type; all applicable trade permits must be taken out together

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Chester permits

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

The Township application covers building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, including alterations, repairs, fences, and demolition.

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

Building permit fees in Chester, PA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.

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

To apply for a building permit in Chester, PA, follow these steps: 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.

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

Building permit processing times in Chester, PA typically run Allow 3 days for Township review and approval for additions, decks, and fences. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Chester, PA via: Through Township after permit issuance.

last verified April 2026 source Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office ↗ entry id permits/pennsylvania/delaware/chester-township

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Township of Chester

Other jurisdictions in Delaware County.