City of Bethlehem (Lehigh portion)

Code Enforcement publishes permit and certificate forms for construction, occupancy, and use changes. Permit triggers are form-specific and not summarized in one public FAQ on the reviewed pages.

Note: Bethlehem's public-facing code enforcement materials reviewed did not expose a single exemption list comparable to other municipalities. Applicants should confirm exemptions directly with Code Enforcement before relying on PA UCC assumptions for city work.

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, with current PA UCC adoption based on the 2021 ICC series effective January 1, 2026.

Permit validity

Not clearly published in the reviewed public pages.

Owner-builder

Not clearly published in the reviewed public pages.

Contractor requirements

Pennsylvania HICPA registration applies where required. Additional city trade or business registration requirements may apply depending on work type.

1. 01
   Identify the needed permit or certificate type from the Code Enforcement forms library.
2. 02
   Complete the applicable application with property, owner, contractor, and project information.
3. 03
   Include supporting materials such as plans, business registration items, or occupancy documentation where the specific form requires them.
4. 04
   Submit the package to City of Bethlehem Code Enforcement and pay the listed fee.
5. 05
   Complete inspections and obtain occupancy approval where required.

Typical processing time: Processing time not clearly published on the pages reviewed.

Source: City of Bethlehem, Department of Community and Economic Development, Code Enforcement Bureau ↗

Public forms instruct applicants to make checks payable to the City of Bethlehem.

• Through Code Enforcement after permit filing and approval (phone)

Inspection hours

Not clearly published on the reviewed pages.

Typical sequence: Project-specific. Certificate of occupancy forms indicate final approval and occupancy review steps.

Source: City of Bethlehem, Department of Community and Economic Development, Code Enforcement Bureau ↗