City Building Permits
New Buffalo Borough, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in New Buffalo Borough, Pennsylvania. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Pennsylvania L&I lists New Buffalo Borough as OPT-IN effective 7/1/2004 and identifies Michael Gensemer at (717) 582-4483 as the building code official. Applicants should use the municipality plus the listed code-official contact as the verified filing path.
- Department
- New Buffalo Borough — building code official Michael Gensemer
- Phone
- (717) 582-4483
- Website
- https://perryco.org/
Application Process
- Confirm the exact municipality where the project sits and whether local zoning, floodplain, sewage, driveway, subdivision, or similar approvals are required before UCC permit issuance.
- Contact the listed municipal or third-party code official 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: New Buffalo Borough — building code official Michael Gensemer
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
- Construction 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 (statewide triennial update effective January 1, 2026). Pennsylvania L&I lists New Buffalo Borough as OPT-IN with amendments.
- Owner-builder
- Owners may typically apply directly or through an authorized agent, but the permit holder remains responsible for compliance and inspections.
- Contractor requirements
- Covered Pennsylvania home improvement contractors on jobs over $5,000 should 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 New Buffalo Borough — building code official Michael Gensemer to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (717) 582-4483 — Michael Gensemer, building code official (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 (statewide triennial update effective January 1, 2026). Pennsylvania L&I lists New Buffalo Borough as OPT-IN with amendments.
- Verify contractor license: PA Home Improvement Contractor Registration (HICPA)
- 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 New Buffalo Borough — building code official Michael Gensemer before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Buffalo Borough Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in New Buffalo 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 New Buffalo Borough, PA?
- 1. Confirm the exact municipality where the project sits and whether local zoning, floodplain, sewage, driveway, subdivision, or similar approvals are required before UCC permit issuance. 2. Contact the listed municipal or third-party code official 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 New Buffalo Borough, PA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (717) 582-4483 — Michael Gensemer, building code official.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in New Buffalo Borough can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector worksOther cities in Perry County
View all Perry County jurisdictions →