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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Center Township
Pennsylvania UCC permit triggers apply to new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolition, change of occupancy, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work.
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 with compliant proportions
Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above 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-family or two-family dwelling
Window awnings projecting 54 inches or less and not requiring additional support
Uncovered decks with walking surface no more than 30 inches above grade
Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring
Ordinary repairs, except work affecting bearing walls, structural supports, egress, or regulated utility and MEP 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 with compliant proportions
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above 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-family or two-family dwelling
- Exempt Window awnings projecting 54 inches or less and not requiring additional support
- Exempt Uncovered decks with walking surface no more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring
- Exempt Ordinary repairs, except work affecting bearing walls, structural supports, egress, or regulated utility and MEP systems
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with ICOPD or Center Township before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Construction drawings
- Application fee
- Notarized workers compensation form (if applicant or contractor lacks workers compensation insurance)
- Any other municipal approvals required by the project
- Building code
- Pennsylvania UCC. Pennsylvania L&I lists Center Township as OPT-IN with no amendments noted.
- Permit validity
- Permits become invalid if work does not begin within 180 days or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. A permit may not remain valid for more than 5 years from issuance.
- Owner-builder
- An owner or authorized agent may apply. If the applicant or contractor does not carry workers compensation insurance, the notarized exemption form is required.
- Contractor requirements
- HICPA registration is required for covered Pennsylvania home improvement contractors performing at least $5,000 of work per year.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No ICOPD-specific turnaround posted. Pennsylvania UCC residential review is generally 15 business days, or 5 business days with a design professional certification.
- 01 For permits filed before April 13, 2026, use the ICOPD application path.
- 02 Select the correct ICOPD residential or commercial packet and confirm SALDO review with Josh Krug if the project is commercial.
- 03 Submit the application by mail or in person with drawings, application fee, and any required workers compensation form.
- 04 For permits filed on or after April 13, 2026, contact Center Township directly at (724) 479-2688 for the township's new process.
- 05 Schedule inspections through the authority that issued the permit and complete final approval before occupancy.
Typical processing time: No ICOPD-specific turnaround posted. Pennsylvania UCC residential review is generally 15 business days, or 5 business days with a design professional certification.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- ucc@ceo.co.indiana.pa.us (for permits issued through ICOPD) (email)
- (724) 465-3879 (leave a message, for permits issued through ICOPD) (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (ICOPD)
Typical sequence: Pennsylvania UCC residential baseline: foundation, plumbing/mechanical/electrical rough, frame and masonry, wallboard, and final inspection.
For permits issued on or after April 13, 2026, contact Center Township directly at (724) 479-2688 for inspection scheduling.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Center Township permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Center Township, PA? ▸
Pennsylvania UCC permit triggers apply to new construction, additions, structural alterations, demolition, change of occupancy, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work.
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. For permits filed before April 13, 2026, use the ICOPD application path. 2. Select the correct ICOPD residential or commercial packet and confirm SALDO review with Josh Krug if the project is commercial. 3. Submit the application by mail or in person with drawings, application fee, and any required workers compensation form. 4. For permits filed on or after April 13, 2026, contact Center Township directly at (724) 479-2688 for the township's new process. 5. Schedule inspections through the authority that issued the permit and complete final approval before occupancy.
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 No ICOPD-specific turnaround posted. Pennsylvania UCC residential review is generally 15 business days, or 5 business days with a design professional certification.. 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 with compliant proportions; Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above 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-family or two-family dwelling; Window awnings projecting 54 inches or less and not requiring additional support; Uncovered decks with walking surface no more than 30 inches above grade; Installation or rearrangement of communications wiring; Ordinary repairs, except work affecting bearing walls, structural supports, egress, or regulated utility and MEP systems. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with ICOPD 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: ucc@ceo.co.indiana.pa.us (for permits issued through ICOPD), (724) 465-3879 (leave a message, for permits issued through ICOPD).
last verified April 2026
source Indiana County Office of Planning and Development (transitioning to Center Township on April 13, 2026) ↗
entry id permits/pennsylvania/indiana/center-township
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Indiana County Office of Planning and Development (transitioning to Center Township on April 13, 2026) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.