City Building Permits

Jonestown Borough, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Pennsylvania Lebanon County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

LCPD handles zoning and residential UCC permits for Jonestown Borough. Commercial UCC review is routed through CCIS after zoning review.

Department
Lebanon County Planning Department, Building Code Administration
Address
Room 206, Municipal Building, 400 S 8th St, Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone
717-228-4444
Website
https://www.lebanoncountypa.gov/departments/planning

Online Permit Portal

Open Lebanon County Planning Department

Platform: Email and paper submission through LCPD • Account required: No • Submission: Online or in-person

Application Process

  1. Obtain zoning approval from LCPD if the project needs zoning review.
  2. Submit the signed UCC application and plans to lcpdreview@lebanoncountypa.gov, or drop off one paper set at Room 206, Municipal Building.
  3. LCPD reviews residential work and issues the permit after fee payment; commercial submissions are sent to CCIS after county zoning processing.

Typical processing time: LCPD states 15 business days after a complete residential submission.

Source: Lebanon County Planning Department, Building Code Administration

General Requirements

Permits are required for new homes, additions, decks over 30 inches, roofed porches, structural work, pools, solar, and similar code-regulated projects.

Required Documents

  • UCC application
  • Construction plans
  • Zoning approval if required
Permit validity
County UCC form states 180-day start and activity limits, with 5-year overall completion limit.
Building code
Pennsylvania UCC using the 2018 I-Codes as amended.
Owner-builder
Owner or authorized agent may sign the application.
Contractor requirements
Pennsylvania HICPA registration applies for covered home improvement work over $5,000.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50 plus $4.50 state fee for listed miscellaneous projects.
Plan check fee
$100 for new homes; $50 for detached accessory structures over 1,000 square feet.
Permit fee formula
Square-foot based for many residential projects.
Payment note
Check or cash per county worksheet.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Replacement of roof coverings
  • Non-structural basement finishing
  • New furnace, water heater, air conditioner, or similar appliance
  • New generator (subject to utility electrical requirements)
  • Unroofed deck less than 30 inches above grade

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Lebanon County Planning Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Call Heather at 717-304-4066 (phone)
Inspection hours
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Footer, foundation, framing, insulation, drywall if required, and final, with specialty inspections as applicable.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Lebanon County Planning Department, Building Code Administration before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jonestown Borough Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Jonestown Borough, PA?
Permits are required for new homes, additions, decks over 30 inches, roofed porches, structural work, pools, solar, and similar code-regulated projects.
How much does a building permit cost in Jonestown Borough, PA?
The minimum permit fee is $50 plus $4.50 state fee for listed miscellaneous projects.. Fees are calculated as: Square-foot based for many residential projects.. Plan check fee: $100 for new homes; $50 for detached accessory structures over 1,000 square feet..
How do I apply for a building permit in Jonestown Borough, PA?
1. Obtain zoning approval from LCPD if the project needs zoning review. 2. Submit the signed UCC application and plans to lcpdreview@lebanoncountypa.gov, or drop off one paper set at Room 206, Municipal Building. 3. LCPD reviews residential work and issues the permit after fee payment; commercial submissions are sent to CCIS after county zoning processing.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Jonestown Borough, PA?
Typical processing time is LCPD states 15 business days after a complete residential submission..
What work is exempt from building permits in Jonestown Borough, PA?
The following work is generally exempt: Replacement of roof coverings; Non-structural basement finishing; New furnace, water heater, air conditioner, or similar appliance; New generator (subject to utility electrical requirements); Unroofed deck less than 30 inches above grade. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Lebanon County Planning Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Jonestown Borough, PA?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Call Heather at 717-304-4066.

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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.

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