On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Summit Township
Summit's FAQ and applications pages cover zoning permits, demolition, driveway, floodplain development, operation permits, road occupancy permits, sign permits, special events, and zoning hearing requests. Summit states all building permits for construction in the township must be obtained from BIU.
Any unheated addition, storage building, or deck under 100 square feet, subject to ordinance compliance.
Steps not exceeding 32 square feet.
Stoops not exceeding 32 square feet.
Chimneys not exceeding 32 square feet.
Handicap ramps.
Overhangs not extending more than 24 inches beyond the outside wall.
Ground-level pads and sidewalks.
Mailboxes, flagpoles, light poles, utility boxes, curbs, retaining walls, decorative walls, and fences.
Roof-mounted cupolas, roof-mounted wind turbines, roof-mounted solar panels, and roof-mounted antennas.
Fences 6 feet or less do not need a zoning or building permit.
Above-ground pools without a deck do not need a zoning permit, but do require a building permit.
- Exempt Any unheated addition, storage building, or deck under 100 square feet, subject to ordinance compliance.
- Exempt Steps not exceeding 32 square feet.
- Exempt Stoops not exceeding 32 square feet.
- Exempt Chimneys not exceeding 32 square feet.
- Exempt Handicap ramps.
- Exempt Overhangs not extending more than 24 inches beyond the outside wall.
- Exempt Ground-level pads and sidewalks.
- Exempt Mailboxes, flagpoles, light poles, utility boxes, curbs, retaining walls, decorative walls, and fences.
- Exempt Roof-mounted cupolas, roof-mounted wind turbines, roof-mounted solar panels, and roof-mounted antennas.
- Exempt Fences 6 feet or less do not need a zoning or building permit.
- Exempt Above-ground pools without a deck do not need a zoning permit, but do require a building permit.
Required documents
- Permit-specific application
- Project description
- Plot or site information
- Ordinance-specific submissions such as floodplain or stormwater materials
- BIU UCC permit forms and plan review requirements handled separately
- Building code
- Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as enforced by Summit Township through BIU.
- Owner-builder
- No separate owner-builder rule was clearly posted on the reviewed Summit pages.
- Contractor requirements
- BIU permit application materials require workers compensation documentation or waiver when applicable.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: The applications page asks applicants to allow up to 3 business days for a response to online submissions.
- 01 Confirm permit type with Land Development and Zoning and review the township applications page.
- 02 Submit the zoning permit or other township application through the iWorQ portal or by township form where applicable.
- 03 Allow up to 3 business days for a response to online applications; call the township if no response is received after that window.
- 04 If a building permit is required, apply through BIU after or alongside township coordination. Summit states all building permits must be obtained from BIU.
- 05 Pay applicable township and BIU fees and receive issued permits.
- 06 Complete required inspections with BIU and final township closeout where applicable.
Typical processing time: The applications page asks applicants to allow up to 3 business days for a response to online submissions.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Summit Township building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$6 residential or agricultural use minimum; $10 commercial or industrial use minimum; $10 sign permit; $25 demolition permit.
02
Plan check fee
Separate floodplain application fee of $250 or no more than 5% of total cost is shown on the posted fee schedule. BIU plan review fees apply separately for building permits.
03
Permit fee formula
Based on estimated cost of construction for zoning and sign permits. Residential or agricultural use is $3 per $1,000 up to $200,000 and $1 per $1,000 over $200,000. Commercial or industrial use is $6 per $1,000 up to $200,000 and $2 per $1,000 over $200,000.
The township publishes a make-a-payment link. Specific online permit payment instructions depend on the iWorQ application type or BIU billing.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Scheduling deadline
- BIU generally asks for at least 24 hour notice for inspections.
- Inspection hours
- BIU office hours at the township office: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Typical sequence: BIU's published residential sequence is footing, under-slab plumbing when applicable, slab, foundation, rough-in, and final inspection before occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Summit Township permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Summit Township, PA? ▸
Summit's FAQ and applications pages cover zoning permits, demolition, driveway, floodplain development, operation permits, road occupancy permits, sign permits, special events, and zoning hearing requests. Summit states all building permits for construction in the township must be obtained from BIU.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Summit Township, PA? ▸
Building permit fees in Summit Township, PA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $6 residential or agricultural use minimum; $10 commercial or industrial use minimum; $10 sign permit; $25 demolition permit.. Fees are calculated as: Based on estimated cost of construction for zoning and sign permits. Residential or agricultural use is $3 per $1,000 up to $200,000 and $1 per $1,000 over $200,000. Commercial or industrial use is $6 per $1,000 up to $200,000 and $2 per $1,000 over $200,000.. Plan check fee: Separate floodplain application fee of $250 or no more than 5% of total cost is shown on the posted fee schedule. BIU plan review fees apply separately for building permits..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Summit Township, PA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Summit Township, PA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm permit type with Land Development and Zoning and review the township applications page. 2. Submit the zoning permit or other township application through the iWorQ portal or by township form where applicable. 3. Allow up to 3 business days for a response to online applications; call the township if no response is received after that window. 4. If a building permit is required, apply through BIU after or alongside township coordination. Summit states all building permits must be obtained from BIU. 5. Pay applicable township and BIU fees and receive issued permits. 6. Complete required inspections with BIU and final township closeout where applicable.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Summit Township, PA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Summit Township, PA typically run The applications page asks applicants to allow up to 3 business days for a response to online submissions.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Summit Township, PA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Summit Township, PA. The following work is generally exempt: Any unheated addition, storage building, or deck under 100 square feet, subject to ordinance compliance.; Steps not exceeding 32 square feet.; Stoops not exceeding 32 square feet.; Chimneys not exceeding 32 square feet.; Handicap ramps.; Overhangs not extending more than 24 inches beyond the outside wall.; Ground-level pads and sidewalks.; Mailboxes, flagpoles, light poles, utility boxes, curbs, retaining walls, decorative walls, and fences.; Roof-mounted cupolas, roof-mounted wind turbines, roof-mounted solar panels, and roof-mounted antennas.; Fences 6 feet or less do not need a zoning or building permit.; Above-ground pools without a deck do not need a zoning permit, but do require a building permit.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Summit Township, PA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Summit Township, PA via: Building Inspection Underwriters (BIU). BIU generally asks for at least 24 hour notice for inspections..
last verified April 2026
source Land Development and Zoning, Summit Township ↗
entry id permits/pennsylvania/erie/summit-township
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Land Development and Zoning, Summit Township before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.