How much does a building permit cost in Tionesta Borough, PA?

Fees are calculated as: No consolidated current fee schedule was identified; the borough forms page posts separate application forms for signs, utilities, sidewalks, and similar work..

How do I apply for a building permit in Tionesta Borough, PA?

1. Contact the borough zoning officer before starting any project to determine whether the work needs a UCC building permit, a borough municipal permit, or both. 2. If a building permit is required, use the posted Forest County Municipal Permit application and instructions from the borough forms page and gather any applicable stormwater, sewer, sign, sidewalk, or utility applications. 3. Submit the package to the borough so the zoning officer can confirm zoning and setback compliance before permit issuance. 4. Coordinate UCC review and inspections with Building Inspector Jeff Elder and Bureau Veritas. 5. Keep the permit and approved materials on site during construction. 6. Obtain final inspection approval and any required certificate of occupancy before occupancy or use.

What work is exempt from building permits in Tionesta Borough, PA?

The following work is generally exempt: The borough expressly states that some construction may be exempt from a UCC building permit but still require a borough municipal permit.. Note: Example: under the UCC a garage over 1,000 square feet triggers a building permit, but the borough zoning ordinance requires a municipal permit for any garage or shed regardless of size.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Tionesta Borough, PA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 814-755-3502, 814-282-1852 (Jeff Elder).

City Building Permits

Tionesta Borough, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Pennsylvania Forest County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Tionesta Borough is an OPT-IN municipality with amendments. The borough website clearly separates zoning review from UCC building inspection. The zoning officer determines whether a project needs a building permit or only a borough municipal permit.

Department: Building Inspector and Zoning Officer, Borough of Tionesta; Bureau Veritas as the borough's UCC inspection company
Address: Borough of Tionesta Municipal Office, 631 Elm Street, PO Box 408, Tionesta, PA 16353
Phone: 814-755-3502
Email: cindycrytzer@tionestaboro.org
Website: https://tionestaboro.org/government/building-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open Permits & Applications

Platform: WordPress document library with downloadable permit and application forms • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact the borough zoning officer before starting any project to determine whether the work needs a UCC building permit, a borough municipal permit, or both.
If a building permit is required, use the posted Forest County Municipal Permit application and instructions from the borough forms page and gather any applicable stormwater, sewer, sign, sidewalk, or utility applications.
Submit the package to the borough so the zoning officer can confirm zoning and setback compliance before permit issuance.
Coordinate UCC review and inspections with Building Inspector Jeff Elder and Bureau Veritas.
Keep the permit and approved materials on site during construction.
Obtain final inspection approval and any required certificate of occupancy before occupancy or use.

Typical processing time: State UCC timelines still require action within 15 business days for residential permits and 30 business days for commercial permits unless extended by agreement.

Source: Building Inspector and Zoning Officer, Borough of Tionesta; Bureau Veritas as the borough's UCC inspection company

General Requirements

The borough states municipal permits and building permits are required for residential and commercial building, alterations, renovations, demolitions, and repairs. The zoning officer also notes that some projects may not need a UCC building permit but still need a borough municipal permit.

Required Documents

Borough permit or municipal permit application as applicable
Zoning review
Forest County municipal permit materials where applicable
Any related sign, sidewalk, sewer, storm sewer, or water applications tied to the project

Permit validity: State UCC 180-day start and inactivity rule plus 5-year maximum validity apply to the building-permit side.
Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code with local zoning administration; Tionesta Borough is OPT-IN with amendments.
Owner-builder: No borough-specific owner-builder rule was clearly posted beyond the standard owner or agent permit structure.
Contractor requirements: Pennsylvania HICPA registration applies for home improvement contractors over $5,000.

Fees

Permit fee formula: No consolidated current fee schedule was identified; the borough forms page posts separate application forms for signs, utilities, sidewalks, and similar work.
Payment note: The reviewed borough pages did not post online permit-payment instructions.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

The borough expressly states that some construction may be exempt from a UCC building permit but still require a borough municipal permit.

Important: Example: under the UCC a garage over 1,000 square feet triggers a building permit, but the borough zoning ordinance requires a municipal permit for any garage or shed regardless of size.

Inspections

How to Schedule

814-755-3502 (phone)
814-282-1852 (Jeff Elder) (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: The borough states the Building Inspector is responsible for structural, plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical inspections, then final closeout under the UCC.

Additional Resources

Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code with local zoning administration; Tionesta Borough is OPT-IN with amendments.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Code Enforcement
Zoning Map
PA Department of Labor & Industry - UCC 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 Building Inspector and Zoning Officer, Borough of Tionesta; Bureau Veritas as the borough's UCC inspection company before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tionesta Borough Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Tionesta Borough, PA?: The borough states municipal permits and building permits are required for residential and commercial building, alterations, renovations, demolitions, and repairs. The zoning officer also notes that some projects may not need a UCC building permit but still need a borough municipal permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Tionesta Borough, PA?: Fees are calculated as: No consolidated current fee schedule was identified; the borough forms page posts separate application forms for signs, utilities, sidewalks, and similar work..
How do I apply for a building permit in Tionesta Borough, PA?: 1. Contact the borough zoning officer before starting any project to determine whether the work needs a UCC building permit, a borough municipal permit, or both. 2. If a building permit is required, use the posted Forest County Municipal Permit application and instructions from the borough forms page and gather any applicable stormwater, sewer, sign, sidewalk, or utility applications. 3. Submit the package to the borough so the zoning officer can confirm zoning and setback compliance before permit issuance. 4. Coordinate UCC review and inspections with Building Inspector Jeff Elder and Bureau Veritas. 5. Keep the permit and approved materials on site during construction. 6. Obtain final inspection approval and any required certificate of occupancy before occupancy or use.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Tionesta Borough, PA?: Typical processing time is State UCC timelines still require action within 15 business days for residential permits and 30 business days for commercial permits unless extended by agreement..
What work is exempt from building permits in Tionesta Borough, PA?: The following work is generally exempt: The borough expressly states that some construction may be exempt from a UCC building permit but still require a borough municipal permit.. Note: Example: under the UCC a garage over 1,000 square feet triggers a building permit, but the borough zoning ordinance requires a municipal permit for any garage or shed regardless of size.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Tionesta Borough, PA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 814-755-3502, 814-282-1852 (Jeff Elder).

Need help with your project?

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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.

Other cities in Forest County

Tionesta Township Jenks Township Kingsley Township

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