On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Center Township
Harshman's public downloads page provides residential and commercial building permit applications indicating permit review for common structural, building, and related UCC-regulated work. Pennsylvania UCC rules also require permits for regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work unless exempt.
Fences no more than 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge
Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons if the height-to-width ratio does not exceed 2 to 1
Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
Window awnings that project no more than 54 inches and need no additional support
Uncovered decks with floor no more than 30 inches above grade
Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring
Ordinary repairs, except work that removes load-bearing elements, affects required egress, or rearranges regulated plumbing, gas, mechanical, or electrical systems
- Exempt Fences no more than 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons if the height-to-width ratio does not exceed 2 to 1
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling
- Exempt Window awnings that project no more than 54 inches and need no additional support
- Exempt Uncovered decks with floor no more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring
- Exempt Ordinary repairs, except work that removes load-bearing elements, affects required egress, or rearranges regulated plumbing, gas, mechanical, or electrical systems
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Harshman CE Group or Center Township before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Plans
- Project-specific checklist items or handout requirements
- Separate zoning approval if required by the municipality
- Building code
- Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as enforced in an OPT-IN municipality.
- Permit validity
- A permit becomes invalid if work does not begin within 180 days after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. A permit may not remain valid more than 5 years from issue date without extensions.
- Owner-builder
- No Harshman-specific owner-builder rule was found. Confirm directly with the permits department.
- Contractor requirements
- Pennsylvania home improvement contractors performing work over $5,000 must confirm HICPA registration.
Source: Harshman CE Group, LLC ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Pennsylvania UCC regulations generally require a decision within 15 business days, or 5 business days with qualifying design professional certification. No Harshman-specific turnaround posted.
- 01 Open the Harshman downloads page and select the correct residential or commercial permit application.
- 02 Review the posted checklist and helpful handouts for the project type so the submission package is complete.
- 03 Submit the application, plans, and supporting materials through Harshman's permits department.
- 04 Obtain any separate zoning or municipal approvals required by the municipality before permit issuance.
- 05 Wait for plan review and permit issuance before starting regulated work.
- 06 Coordinate inspections with Harshman and obtain final approval before occupancy or closeout.
Typical processing time: Pennsylvania UCC regulations generally require a decision within 15 business days, or 5 business days with qualifying design professional certification. No Harshman-specific turnaround posted.
Source: Harshman CE Group, LLC ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Harshman CE Group, 724-993-4505 (phone)
- permits@harshmanllc.com (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Typical UCC phases include footing or foundation, rough systems, framing, and final inspection. Additional phases depend on project type.
Source: Harshman CE Group, LLC ↗
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Center Township permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Center Township, PA? ▸
Harshman's public downloads page provides residential and commercial building permit applications indicating permit review for common structural, building, and related UCC-regulated work. Pennsylvania UCC rules also require permits for regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work unless exempt.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Center Township, PA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Center Township, PA, follow these steps: 1. Open the Harshman downloads page and select the correct residential or commercial permit application. 2. Review the posted checklist and helpful handouts for the project type so the submission package is complete. 3. Submit the application, plans, and supporting materials through Harshman's permits department. 4. Obtain any separate zoning or municipal approvals required by the municipality before permit issuance. 5. Wait for plan review and permit issuance before starting regulated work. 6. Coordinate inspections with Harshman and obtain final approval before occupancy or closeout.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Center Township, PA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Center Township, PA typically run Pennsylvania UCC regulations generally require a decision within 15 business days, or 5 business days with qualifying design professional certification. No Harshman-specific turnaround posted.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Center Township, PA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Center Township, PA. The following work is generally exempt: Fences no more than 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks on grade up to 5,000 gallons if the height-to-width ratio does not exceed 2 to 1; Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; Window awnings that project no more than 54 inches and need no additional support; Uncovered decks with floor no more than 30 inches above grade; Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring; Ordinary repairs, except work that removes load-bearing elements, affects required egress, or rearranges regulated plumbing, gas, mechanical, or electrical systems. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Harshman CE Group or Center Township before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Center Township, PA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Center Township, PA via: Harshman CE Group, 724-993-4505, permits@harshmanllc.com.
last verified April 2026
source Harshman CE Group, LLC ↗
entry id permits/pennsylvania/greene/center-township
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Harshman CE Group, LLC before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.