Bethlehem Township

Zoning-only permits are required for detached garages under 1,000 square feet, decks under 30 inches, sheds and accessory structures under 1,000 square feet, driveway additions or expansions, patios, fences, and retaining walls 48 inches or less. Construction permits are required for structural alterations, plumbing, electrical, retaining walls over 48 inches, HVAC work, water heater replacement, replacement windows, decks 30 inches or more above grade, pools, finished basements, living space conversions, patio roofs, and hot tubs.

Note: Bethlehem Township states some activities are excluded from construction permits but may still require zoning permits. The Township's posted examples show zoning-only treatment for several smaller accessory structures, patios, fences, low decks, and lower retaining walls rather than a full UCC permit exemption.

Building code

Pennsylvania UCC using the 2018 International Codes, with ICC ANSI A117.1-2009, plus the 2009 IFC as adopted by ordinance.

Permit validity

The application packet notes that a certificate of occupancy is needed before use, but the public township pages reviewed do not state a single general expiration term.

Owner-builder

Commercial construction page says an owner doing their own work is not required to provide workers compensation proof but must sign the waiver stating they are performing the work themselves.

Contractor requirements

The permit application and checklist require contractor information. The township fee schedule also applies administration fees to third-party reviewed applications.

1. 01
   Determine whether the work needs a zoning permit only or a full construction permit. Bethlehem Township publishes separate examples for each.
2. 02
   Prepare the application package. The Township permit form requires all relevant sections, site plans, two sets of working drawings, contractor and design professional details, estimated cost, and related outside approvals when applicable.
3. 03
   Submit the application to the Township. Commercial applications may also be submitted by first class mail.
4. 04
   The Township reviews the package for code compliance and contacts the applicant for any missing information.
5. 05
   After approval, the applicant is notified of the permit fee and pays the balance to obtain the permit.
6. 06
   The applicant calls for required inspections and receives a certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance after successful completion.

Typical processing time: Bethlehem Township states it has 15 business days to respond to complete residential permit applications and 30 working days for complete commercial permit applications.

Source: Bethlehem Township Community Development Department ↗

Permit applications require a $100 nonrefundable submittal fee, applied to the final permit if approved. The state UCC fee is $4.50.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Applicant contacts the Township for required inspections after permit issuance (phone)

Typical sequence: Permit issuance, milestone inspections by trade or construction stage, then certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance