Birmingham Borough, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within Birmingham Borough. Pennsylvania L&I lists Birmingham Borough as OPT-OUT effective 06/26/2004. Applicants must confirm the current state or state-approved enforcement path — do not assume a local permit office exists.

Department

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (state enforcement — opt-out municipality)

Website

https://www.huntingdoncountypa.gov/

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is located within Birmingham Borough and note that this is an OPT-OUT municipality — permits are NOT issued locally.
2. Contact Pennsylvania L&I to confirm the current state or state-approved enforcement path for this municipality.
3. Obtain the correct application forms and submit with parcel information, plans, contractor details, and any triggered supporting approvals.
4. Pay the quoted fee and wait for permit issuance before beginning regulated work.
5. Schedule required inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy or closeout.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (state enforcement — opt-out municipality)

General Requirements

Pennsylvania UCC permit triggers generally apply to new construction, additions, many decks and pools, structural alterations, demolition, change of occupancy, and regulated electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Parcel information
• Construction plans
• Contractor details
• Any triggered zoning, sewage, floodplain, driveway, utility, or planning approvals

Permit validity

Verify directly with the active permit issuer; Pennsylvania UCC default commencement and abandonment rules generally apply unless local procedures state otherwise.

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The statewide triennial update became effective January 1, 2026. Pennsylvania L&I lists Birmingham Borough as OPT-OUT with no amendments.

Owner-builder

Owners may typically apply directly or through an authorized agent, but the permit holder remains responsible for compliance and inspections.

Contractor requirements

Pennsylvania home improvement contractors performing covered work over $5,000 must confirm HICPA registration requirements.

Fees

Payment note

Fees are determined by the state enforcement path and must be confirmed directly with Pennsylvania L&I.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (state enforcement — opt-out municipality) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact Pennsylvania L&I to confirm current inspection routing for opt-out municipalities (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: permit issuance, required phase inspections, then final inspection or certificate closeout as applicable. Confirm through the state enforcement path.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The statewide triennial update became effective January 1, 2026. Pennsylvania L&I lists Birmingham Borough as OPT-OUT with no amendments.
• Verify contractor license: Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Pennsylvania L&I Municipal UCC Elections List
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham Borough Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Birmingham Borough, PA?

Pennsylvania UCC permit triggers generally apply to new construction, additions, many decks and pools, structural alterations, demolition, change of occupancy, and regulated electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work.

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

1. Confirm the project is located within Birmingham Borough and note that this is an OPT-OUT municipality — permits are NOT issued locally. 2. Contact Pennsylvania L&I to confirm the current state or state-approved enforcement path for this municipality. 3. Obtain the correct application forms and submit with parcel information, plans, contractor details, and any triggered supporting approvals. 4. Pay the quoted fee and wait for permit issuance before beginning regulated work. 5. Schedule required inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy or closeout.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Pennsylvania L&I to confirm current inspection routing for opt-out municipalities.

Other cities in Huntingdon County