How much does a building permit cost in Decatur Township, PA?

The minimum permit fee is Residential minimums from $200 to $616 by project type; commercial new-construction minimum $385.. Fees are calculated as: Square-footage and valuation formulas depending on project type per the publicly posted regional Bureau Veritas schedules.. Plan check fee: Included in commercial permit fee; residential permit-not-issued plan review is 30% of projected permit fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in Decatur Township, PA?

1. Confirm any local prerequisites with Decatur Township. 2. Complete the Bureau Veritas building-permit application. 3. Submit plans, site information, and required supporting documents to Bureau Veritas in Lewistown at 75 Reserve Lane. 4. Bureau Veritas reviews the submission under the Pennsylvania UCC. 5. Pay the permit fees and schedule required inspections.

What work is exempt from building permits in Decatur Township, PA?

The following work is generally exempt: Fences 6 feet or less in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet high unless used for structural bearing; Water tanks on grade under 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above grade and not over a basement or story below; Exterior or interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Window awnings within code limits; Replacement windows and doors that do not require framing alteration; Replacement of existing roofing material and existing siding; Non-structural porch or stoop repairs, added insulation, and rainwater gutters and leaders; Uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade; Non-structural residential alterations without egress changes. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other local requirements. Confirm with Decatur Township and Bureau Veritas before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Decatur Township, PA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Bureau Veritas: (717) 242-0992.

City Building Permits

Decatur Township, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Pennsylvania Mifflin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within Decatur Township, Mifflin County. Mifflin County directs Decatur Township applicants to Bureau Veritas for UCC building permit administration.

Department: Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. (UCC building permits); Decatur Township (local coordination)
Address: Bureau Veritas, 75 Reserve Lane, Lewistown, PA 17044
Phone: 717-242-0992
Website: https://www.mifflincountypa.gov/planning/building-permits

Application Process

Confirm any local prerequisites with Decatur Township.
Complete the Bureau Veritas building-permit application.
Submit plans, site information, and required supporting documents to Bureau Veritas in Lewistown at 75 Reserve Lane.
Bureau Veritas reviews the submission under the Pennsylvania UCC.
Pay the permit fees and schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: 15 business days for one- and two-family dwellings; 5 business days with licensed design-professional certification; 30 business days for other permit types (Pennsylvania UCC statutory periods).

Source: Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. (UCC building permits); Decatur Township (local coordination)

General Requirements

Regulated construction, additions, alterations, demolition, and occupancy-related work under the Pennsylvania UCC.

Required Documents

Permit application
Plans
Site information
Contractor data
Workers compensation information or exemption
Applicable prior approvals

Permit validity: State UCC default expiration rules generally apply: permit becomes invalid if work does not begin within 180 days, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days, and a permit may not remain valid more than 5 years from issuance.
Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC); L&I lists Decatur Township as OPT-IN effective 7/5/2004 with amendments.
Owner-builder: Owners or authorized agents may apply.
Contractor requirements: No separate township contractor license was found. Pennsylvania HICPA registration applies where required by state law.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Residential minimums from $200 to $616 by project type; commercial new-construction minimum $385.
Plan check fee: Included in commercial permit fee; residential permit-not-issued plan review is 30% of projected permit fee.
Permit fee formula: Square-footage and valuation formulas depending on project type per the publicly posted regional Bureau Veritas schedules.
Reinspection fee: Additional after-the-fact processing fees may be charged at $77 per hour with municipal approval.
Payment note: No Decatur-specific online permit-payment portal found. Verify payment method with Bureau Veritas before filing.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Fences 6 feet or less in height
Retaining walls under 4 feet high unless used for structural bearing
Water tanks on grade under 5,000 gallons
Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above grade and not over a basement or story below
Exterior or interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Window awnings within code limits
Replacement windows and doors that do not require framing alteration
Replacement of existing roofing material and existing siding
Non-structural porch or stoop repairs, added insulation, and rainwater gutters and leaders
Uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade
Non-structural residential alterations without egress changes

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other local requirements. Confirm with Decatur Township and Bureau Veritas before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Bureau Veritas: (717) 242-0992 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Lewistown Bureau Veritas office)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical UCC inspections vary by scope and usually include footing, foundation, framing, rough-trade, and final inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC); L&I lists Decatur Township as OPT-IN effective 7/5/2004 with amendments.
Verify contractor license: Pennsylvania HICPA Contractor Registration (Attorney General)
Mifflin County Municipalities Directory
Pennsylvania UCC Municipality List (L&I)
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 Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. (UCC building permits); Decatur Township (local coordination) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Decatur Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Decatur Township, PA?: Regulated construction, additions, alterations, demolition, and occupancy-related work under the Pennsylvania UCC.
How much does a building permit cost in Decatur Township, PA?: The minimum permit fee is Residential minimums from $200 to $616 by project type; commercial new-construction minimum $385.. Fees are calculated as: Square-footage and valuation formulas depending on project type per the publicly posted regional Bureau Veritas schedules.. Plan check fee: Included in commercial permit fee; residential permit-not-issued plan review is 30% of projected permit fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Decatur Township, PA?: 1. Confirm any local prerequisites with Decatur Township. 2. Complete the Bureau Veritas building-permit application. 3. Submit plans, site information, and required supporting documents to Bureau Veritas in Lewistown at 75 Reserve Lane. 4. Bureau Veritas reviews the submission under the Pennsylvania UCC. 5. Pay the permit fees and schedule required inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Decatur Township, PA?: Typical processing time is 15 business days for one- and two-family dwellings; 5 business days with licensed design-professional certification; 30 business days for other permit types (Pennsylvania UCC statutory periods)..
What work is exempt from building permits in Decatur Township, PA?: The following work is generally exempt: Fences 6 feet or less in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet high unless used for structural bearing; Water tanks on grade under 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways 30 inches or less above grade and not over a basement or story below; Exterior or interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Window awnings within code limits; Replacement windows and doors that do not require framing alteration; Replacement of existing roofing material and existing siding; Non-structural porch or stoop repairs, added insulation, and rainwater gutters and leaders; Uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade; Non-structural residential alterations without egress changes. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other local requirements. Confirm with Decatur Township and Bureau Veritas before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Decatur Township, PA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Bureau Veritas: (717) 242-0992.

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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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