Chester, PA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

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

Street address

1 Fourth Street, Chester, PA 19013

Phone

610-447-7751; 610-447-7917; main 610-447-7700

LicensingAndInspections@cityofchesterpa.gov

Coverage

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

Online portal

Forms and Permits

WordPress forms download page; e-Collect Plus for business tax registration

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Chester

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

Scope of work

Permit?

Ordinary repair items only to the extent allowed by the Pennsylvania UCC

Exempt

Emergency repairs may proceed subject to prompt permit follow-up where the UCC allows

Exempt

Exempt Ordinary repair items only to the extent allowed by the Pennsylvania UCC
Exempt 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Note: Chester's public pages emphasize permit-required work but do not publish a local exemption list on the reviewed pages.

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.

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Obtain required contractor trade license first; homeowners also must confirm permit need before starting work.
02

Submit completed permit application with three drawings describing the work and materials; engineered sealed drawings are required where applicable.
03

Pay permit fees at application and respond to any review comments from L and I.
04

Schedule required inspections during construction.
05

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Chester building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based schedule per City permit fee documents; trade licenses are annual flat fees

City states fees are collected through L and I with applications; downloadable fee schedules control

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Call L and I / Building Officials (phone)

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

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Chester permits

01 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.

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

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. 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.

04 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 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

05 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: Call L and I / Building Officials.

last verified April 2026 source City of Chester Licenses and Inspections, including the Office of the Building Officials ↗ entry id permits/pennsylvania/delaware/chester

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Chester Licenses and Inspections, including the Office of the Building Officials before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Chester

Other jurisdictions in Delaware County.