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

1. Confirm the project is within Mercer Borough and identify any local zoning, sewage, floodplain, driveway, or subdivision approvals required before UCC permit issuance. 2. Contact the listed code official Jeffrey Elder at (814) 745-2517 to obtain the active application path, current forms, and any local signoff requirements. 3. Submit the permit application 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 Mercer Borough, PA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (814) 745-2517 — Jeffrey Elder.

City Building Permits

Mercer Borough, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Pennsylvania Mercer County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within Mercer Borough. Pennsylvania L&I lists Mercer Borough as OPT-IN effective 07/06/2004 with Jeffrey Elder as the building code official.

Department: Mercer Borough — Building Code Official: Jeffrey Elder
Phone: (814) 745-2517
Website: https://www.mercercountypa.gov/

Application Process

Confirm the project is within Mercer Borough and identify any local zoning, sewage, floodplain, driveway, or subdivision approvals required before UCC permit issuance.
Contact the listed code official Jeffrey Elder at (814) 745-2517 to obtain the active application path, current forms, and any local signoff requirements.
Submit the permit application with parcel information, plans, contractor details, and any triggered supporting approvals.
Pay the quoted fee and wait for permit issuance before beginning regulated work.
Schedule required inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy or closeout.

Source: Mercer Borough — Building Code Official: Jeffrey Elder

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
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), OPT-IN with no amendments. Statewide triennial update effective January 1, 2026.
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. Some municipalities or code officials may also require local contractor information or registration.

Fees

Payment note: Fees are generally confirmed after application review and must be paid before permit issuance.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Mercer Borough — Building Code Official: Jeffrey Elder to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(814) 745-2517 — Jeffrey Elder (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, required phase inspections, then final inspection or certificate closeout as applicable.

Additional Resources

Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), OPT-IN with no amendments. Statewide triennial update effective January 1, 2026.
Verify contractor license: Pennsylvania HICPA Contractor Registration
Zoning information: View zoning info
Pennsylvania L&I Municipal UCC Elections and Contact List
License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Mercer Borough — Building Code Official: Jeffrey Elder before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mercer Borough Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Mercer 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 Mercer Borough, PA?: 1. Confirm the project is within Mercer Borough and identify any local zoning, sewage, floodplain, driveway, or subdivision approvals required before UCC permit issuance. 2. Contact the listed code official Jeffrey Elder at (814) 745-2517 to obtain the active application path, current forms, and any local signoff requirements. 3. Submit the permit application 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 Mercer Borough, PA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (814) 745-2517 — Jeffrey Elder.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Mercer Borough can be complicated.

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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.

Other cities in Mercer County

Grove City Borough Jefferson Township Springfield Township Sugar Grove Township Wolf Creek Township

View all Mercer County jurisdictions →