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

The minimum permit fee is $150.00. Fees are calculated as: Square-foot based for residential work plus plan review; nonresidential fees use base plan review 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 Highland Township, PA?

1. Prepare construction plans with enough detail for Jones Township review. 2. Obtain sewage approval before applying for the building permit; Highland Township expressly requires sewage approval first. 3. Obtain any PennDOT highway occupancy permit needed for a new driveway to a state road. 4. Submit the permit application package to Russ Braun / Jones Township. 5. Complete plan review, pay the permit fee, and receive the permit. 6. Schedule inspections and obtain final approval.

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

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

City Building Permits

Highland Township, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Pennsylvania Elk County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Highland Township is an opt-in UCC municipality with Russell Braun as the contact. Jones Township administers Highland Township building permits by intermunicipal arrangement.

Department: Jones Township Building Code Department; Highland Township Business Office for local coordination
Address: Jones Township Building Code Department, PO Box 25, Wilcox, PA 15870; Highland Township Business Office, Pennsylvania Avenue, PO Box 505, James City, PA 16734
Phone: 814-929-5138 (Jones Township / Russ Braun); 814-781-3663 (SEO); 814-837-8762 (Highland Township office)
Website: https://jonestownship.com/highland-township-building-codes/

Online Permit Portal

Open Jones Township Highland Township Building Codes

Platform: WordPress page with downloadable PDF applications • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Highland Township County Information

Application Process

Prepare construction plans with enough detail for Jones Township review.
Obtain sewage approval before applying for the building permit; Highland Township expressly requires sewage approval first.
Obtain any PennDOT highway occupancy permit needed for a new driveway to a state road.
Submit the permit application package to Russ Braun / Jones Township.
Complete plan review, pay the permit fee, and receive the permit.
Schedule inspections and obtain final approval.

Typical processing time: No Highland-specific estimate posted; Jones Township warns incomplete plans can add weeks or months. Pennsylvania UCC regulations generally require action on complete applications within 30 business days.

Source: Jones Township Building Code Department; Highland 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, including mobile homes, or structures used as recreational cabins.

Required Documents

Application
Plans
Sewage approval
Any applicable highway occupancy or related outside approvals

Permit validity: Pennsylvania UCC 180-day rules apply unless extended.
Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code; current statewide update effective January 1, 2026.
Owner-builder: No separate Highland-specific owner-builder rule was found.
Contractor requirements: Pennsylvania HICPA registration for covered home improvement work over $5,000; workers compensation documentation 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: Square-foot based for residential work plus plan review; nonresidential fees use base plan review plus square-foot or valuation pricing.
Reinspection fee: $75.00 additional inspection fee
Penalty (no permit): $100.00 to $250.00 penalty surcharge for work started before permit issuance
Payment note: Jones Township states permit application fees are nonrefundable once processing starts.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Jones Township Building Code Department; Highland 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 posts a separate inspection requirements handout and coordinates required progress and final inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code; current statewide update effective January 1, 2026.
General Building Code Information
Highland Township County Information
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 Jones Township Building Code Department; Highland Township Business Office for local coordination before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Highland Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Highland Township, PA?: A valid sewage permit and UCC building permit are required before installation or construction of any dwelling, including mobile homes, or structures used as recreational cabins.
How much does a building permit cost in Highland Township, PA?: The minimum permit fee is $150.00. Fees are calculated as: Square-foot based for residential work plus plan review; nonresidential fees use base plan review 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 Highland Township, PA?: 1. Prepare construction plans with enough detail for Jones Township review. 2. Obtain sewage approval before applying for the building permit; Highland Township expressly requires sewage approval first. 3. Obtain any PennDOT highway occupancy permit needed for a new driveway to a state road. 4. Submit the permit application package to Russ Braun / Jones Township. 5. Complete plan review, pay the permit fee, and receive the permit. 6. Schedule inspections and obtain final approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Highland Township, PA?: Typical processing time is No Highland-specific estimate posted; Jones Township warns incomplete plans can add weeks or months. Pennsylvania UCC regulations generally require action on complete applications within 30 business days..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Highland Township, PA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Jones Township / Russ Braun.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Highland Township 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.

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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.

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