City Building Permits
Middle Smithfield Township, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Middle Smithfield Township, Pennsylvania. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County. PA L&I lists Middle Smithfield Township as OPT-IN under the Pennsylvania UCC. Permits are required for most work under the township's adopted codes.
- Department
- Zoning and Building
- Address
- Schoonover Municipal Center, 147 Municipal Drive, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302
- Phone
- 570-223-8920
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CivicPlus permit page • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Review the township permits page to determine whether the project requires a building permit, zoning permit, or both.
- Pick up or download the required application and handouts before beginning the project.
- Submit the application as homeowner or contractor with two sets of construction plans if required.
- Pay initial fees at submission or before plan review; after building code officer review, additional fees may be assessed.
- Complete inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy or use where required.
Typical processing time: No specific turnaround posted; township states its goal is to issue building permits in a timely manner.
Source: Zoning and Building
General Requirements
Permits are required whenever a structure is erected, constructed, razed, moved, altered, rebuilt, or enlarged, or when the use of a structure, land, or water is established or changed.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application (homeowner or contractor)
- Two sets of construction plans (where required)
- Floor plans, cross section, and elevations for new construction and additions
- DWV diagram, water supply diagram, HVAC plans, energy compliance information, and electrical plans for new construction and additions
- Written description for reroofing projects
- Additional materials as required by permit type
- Permit validity
- No township-specific validity rule clearly posted. Pennsylvania UCC default rules apply: permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or if no inspection is passed within 180 days; overall permit term is 5 years.
- Building code
- International Building Codes effective January 1, 2004 as required by Pennsylvania UCC Act 45.
- Owner-builder
- Permit applications can be submitted by either the homeowner or the contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- Home improvement contractors performing covered work must register under the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA).
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Included in the permit review process; verify current amounts with township.
- Permit fee formula
- Initial fees due at submission; additional fees may be assessed after building code officer review. Permit-specific amounts vary.
- Payment note
- Initial fees are due at submission or before review of plans.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Zoning and Building to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Township: 570-223-8920 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Township review, code official review, required field inspections, then final approval.
Additional Resources
- Building code: International Building Codes effective January 1, 2004 as required by Pennsylvania UCC Act 45.
- Verify contractor license: PA HICPA Contractor Registration Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Permits Page
- Contact Us
- 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 Zoning and Building before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Middle Smithfield Township Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Middle Smithfield Township, PA?
- Permits are required whenever a structure is erected, constructed, razed, moved, altered, rebuilt, or enlarged, or when the use of a structure, land, or water is established or changed.
- How much does a building permit cost in Middle Smithfield Township, PA?
- Fees are calculated as: Initial fees due at submission; additional fees may be assessed after building code officer review. Permit-specific amounts vary.. Plan check fee: Included in the permit review process; verify current amounts with township..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Middle Smithfield Township, PA?
- 1. Review the township permits page to determine whether the project requires a building permit, zoning permit, or both. 2. Pick up or download the required application and handouts before beginning the project. 3. Submit the application as homeowner or contractor with two sets of construction plans if required. 4. Pay initial fees at submission or before plan review; after building code officer review, additional fees may be assessed. 5. Complete inspections and obtain final approval before occupancy or use where required.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Middle Smithfield Township, PA?
- Typical processing time is No specific turnaround posted; township states its goal is to issue building permits in a timely manner..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Middle Smithfield Township, PA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Township: 570-223-8920.
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