Benezette Township, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Benezette Township is an opt-in UCC municipality administered by Jones Township Building Code Department under an intermunicipal agreement.

Department

Jones Township Building Code Department; Benezette Township Business Office for local coordination

Address

Jones Township Building Code Department, PO Box 25, Wilcox, PA 15870; Benezette Township Office, 105 School House Road, PO Box 10, Benezette, PA 15821

Phone

814-929-5138 or 814-594-6194 (Jones Township / Russ Braun); 814-787-8811 (Benezette Township)

Email

russ.braun@outlook.com , office@benezettetwp.com

Website

https://jonestownship.com/benezette-township-building-codes/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether public sewer is available; a sewer application is required before building permits where public sewage is available.
2. If on-lot sewage will be used, obtain SEO testing and approval before applying for the building permit.
3. Download the correct Jones Township / Benezette Township permit application and prepare plans and supporting documents.
4. Submit the full package to Russ Braun / Jones Township with the required plan review fee.
5. Respond to any review comments and pay the calculated permit fee.
6. Receive the permit and schedule required inspections with Jones Township.

Typical processing time: No township-specific turnaround posted; incomplete plans can add weeks or months. Pennsylvania UCC regulations generally require action on a complete application within 30 business days.

Source: Jones Township Building Code Department; Benezette Township Business Office for local coordination

General Requirements

A valid sewage permit and UCC building permit are required before installation or construction of any dwelling, mobile home, or recreational cabin. PennDOT highway occupancy approval may also be required for driveway access to state roads.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Plans or drawings
• Sewage or sewer approval
• Zoning or local approvals as applicable
• Outside permits such as PennDOT road occupancy approval

Permit validity

Pennsylvania UCC permit validity rules apply, including 180-day start and suspension limits unless extended.

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. Current statewide UCC triennial update took effect January 1, 2026.

Owner-builder

Owners may apply directly; no separate Benezette-specific owner-builder policy was found.

Contractor requirements

Pennsylvania HICPA registration applies to home improvement contractors for covered jobs over $5,000; workers compensation documentation is required where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$150.00

Plan check fee

$100.00 for new dwellings; $50.00 for additions and detached buildings under 1,000 square feet

Permit fee formula

Residential fees are mostly square-foot based plus plan review; nonresidential permits use a base plan review fee plus square-foot or valuation pricing.

Reinspection fee

$75.00 for each additional inspection

Penalty (no permit)

$100.00 to $250.00 surcharge where work starts before permit issuance

Payment note

Permit application fees are nonrefundable once processing begins.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Jones Township Building Code Department; Benezette Township Business Office for local coordination to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Jones Township / Russ Braun (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Jones Township coordinates required progress and final inspections; plan review, permit issuance, required progress inspections, and final approval are typical.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. Current statewide UCC triennial update took effect January 1, 2026.
• Benezette Township Sewage Department
• On-Lot Sewage Disposal / Septic System Information
• General Building Code Information
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Benezette Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Benezette Township, PA?

A valid sewage permit and UCC building permit are required before installation or construction of any dwelling, mobile home, or recreational cabin. PennDOT highway occupancy approval may also be required for driveway access to state roads.

How much does a building permit cost in Benezette Township, PA?

The minimum permit fee is $150.00. Fees are calculated as: Residential fees are mostly square-foot based plus plan review; nonresidential permits use a base plan review fee plus square-foot or valuation pricing.. Plan check fee: $100.00 for new dwellings; $50.00 for additions and detached buildings under 1,000 square feet.

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

1. Confirm whether public sewer is available; a sewer application is required before building permits where public sewage is available. 2. If on-lot sewage will be used, obtain SEO testing and approval before applying for the building permit. 3. Download the correct Jones Township / Benezette Township permit application and prepare plans and supporting documents. 4. Submit the full package to Russ Braun / Jones Township with the required plan review fee. 5. Respond to any review comments and pay the calculated permit fee. 6. Receive the permit and schedule required inspections with Jones Township.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Benezette Township, PA?

Typical processing time is No township-specific turnaround posted; incomplete plans can add weeks or months. Pennsylvania UCC regulations generally require action on a complete application within 30 business days..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Benezette Township, PA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Jones Township / Russ Braun.

Other cities in Elk County