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

Fees are calculated as: Residential new work uses CKCOG valuation or hourly-inspection formulas; 2026 residential schedule shows an $83 hourly rate plus a $4.50 state surcharge. Commercial uses: square foot construction cost x area x 0.007.. Plan check fee: Included in residential permit fees. Commercial submissions require a $1,000 plan review deposit credited toward review and permit charges..

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

1. Confirm Buffalo Township zoning approval and any required sewage, planning, land development, driveway, floodplain, GIS address, and conservation approvals for the site. 2. Prepare the UCC application, plans, and supporting documents. Residential applications require two plan sets; commercial applications require three sets and a $1,000 plan review deposit. 3. Submit the application to CKCOG by email, mail, or in-person delivery, including workers compensation proof or exemption if a contractor is involved. 4. CKCOG reviews the submission for completeness and code compliance, then contacts the applicant when the permit is ready and calculates the fee. 5. Pay the permit fee in full before permit release or inspections. 6. Schedule required inspections with CKCOG by phone, email, or fax with at least 24 hours notice (48 hours recommended). 7. Obtain the final certificate of occupancy or compliance after all inspections are approved.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs that do not affect structure, egress, or mechanical, plumbing, gas, or electrical systems; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Above-ground prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons; Swings and playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings within code limits, movable cases/counters/partitions under 5 feet 9 inches, and window replacement without structural change; Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs listed in 34 Pa. Code section 403.42; Agricultural buildings (an agricultural building exemption form is required from CKCOG; other local approvals may still apply). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land development, setback, floodplain, sewage, or other local and county requirements. Confirm with CKCOG and Buffalo Township before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: CKCOG — (570) 522-1326, Email CKCOG at permits@ckcog.com. Minimum 24 hours notice required; 48 hours recommended..

City Building Permits

Buffalo Township, PA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Pennsylvania Union County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within Buffalo Township, Union County. Pennsylvania DLI lists Buffalo Township as a UCC opt-in municipality with CK-COG as code enforcement agency. A zoning permit is required from Buffalo Township before a building permit will be issued.

Department: Central Keystone Council of Governments (CK-COG), Uniform Construction Code Management / Building Permits
Address: 1610 Industrial Boulevard, Suite 400A, Lewisburg, PA 17837
Phone: (570) 522-1326
Email: permits@ckcog.com
Website: https://www.ckcog.com/municipal-members/union-county/

Online Permit Portal

Open CKCOG Fillable PDF Permit Application

Platform: Fillable PDF — no public self-service online portal • Account required: No • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm Buffalo Township zoning approval and any required sewage, planning, land development, driveway, floodplain, GIS address, and conservation approvals for the site.
Prepare the UCC application, plans, and supporting documents. Residential applications require two plan sets; commercial applications require three sets and a $1,000 plan review deposit.
Submit the application to CKCOG by email, mail, or in-person delivery, including workers compensation proof or exemption if a contractor is involved.
CKCOG reviews the submission for completeness and code compliance, then contacts the applicant when the permit is ready and calculates the fee.
Pay the permit fee in full before permit release or inspections.
Schedule required inspections with CKCOG by phone, email, or fax with at least 24 hours notice (48 hours recommended).
Obtain the final certificate of occupancy or compliance after all inspections are approved.

Typical processing time: Residential review typically takes less than 1 week when complete; Pennsylvania UCC requires residential permits within 15 business days if not returned for corrections. Commercial review takes up to 30 business days.

Source: Central Keystone Council of Governments (CK-COG), Uniform Construction Code Management / Building Permits

General Requirements

UCC permits are required for all new construction; living space additions; attached garages; decks or ramps over 30 inches high; structural roof framing work; in-ground pools and permanent above-ground pools over 24 inches deep; fences over 6 feet; retaining walls 4 feet or higher; detached accessory structures over 1,000 square feet; and renovations affecting egress, load-bearing walls, plumbing, or electrical systems.

Required Documents

Completed CKCOG building permit application
Construction plans (2 sets residential, 3 sets commercial)
Buffalo Township zoning approval
Sewage, land development, driveway, floodplain, GIS address, and conservation approvals as applicable
Residential energy worksheet for new residential construction
Workers compensation proof or owner exemption affidavit if a contractor is involved
Flood elevation certificate where applicable
Commercial plan review deposit ($1,000)

Permit validity: Unpaid UCC applications and permits become abandoned and null and void 1 year after application submission.
Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code under Act 45. The 2021 I-Codes became effective January 1, 2026.
Owner-builder: Residential plans may be drawn by the homeowner. Homeowners performing all associated work themselves may sign the CKCOG exemption affidavit in lieu of providing workers compensation coverage.
Contractor requirements: CKCOG requires workers compensation proof or exemption from all contractors. Pennsylvania home improvement contractors performing covered work must register with the Office of Attorney General under HICPA unless they perform less than $5,000 of work in a calendar year.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in residential permit fees. Commercial submissions require a $1,000 plan review deposit credited toward review and permit charges.
Permit fee formula: Residential new work uses CKCOG valuation or hourly-inspection formulas; 2026 residential schedule shows an $83 hourly rate plus a $4.50 state surcharge. Commercial uses: square foot construction cost x area x 0.007.
Reinspection fee: Work started before permit issuance is subject to special fees set by the Building Code Official. No general public reinspection fee schedule was identified.
Penalty (no permit): Work started before permit issuance triggers special fees set by the Building Code Official.
Payment note: Payment in full required before permit release or inspections. CKCOG adds a 3% credit card convenience fee. Printing charges may apply for emailed 11x17 residential alteration drawings.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary repairs that do not affect structure, egress, or mechanical, plumbing, gas, or electrical systems
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Above-ground prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons
Swings and playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings
Window awnings within code limits, movable cases/counters/partitions under 5 feet 9 inches, and window replacement without structural change
Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs listed in 34 Pa. Code section 403.42
Agricultural buildings (an agricultural building exemption form is required from CKCOG; other local approvals may still apply)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land development, setback, floodplain, sewage, or other local and county requirements. Confirm with CKCOG and Buffalo Township before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

CKCOG — (570) 522-1326 (phone)
Email CKCOG at permits@ckcog.com (online)

Scheduling deadline: Minimum 24 hours notice required; 48 hours recommended.
Time windows: Early AM (8:00–10:00), Late AM (10:00–12:00), Afternoon (1:00–3:00)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footer/post hole, foundation, frame and masonry, rough plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical, insulation, lath/wallboard, and final. Decks and pools follow modified sequences.

Additional Resources

Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code under Act 45. The 2021 I-Codes became effective January 1, 2026.
Verify contractor license: Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration (OAG)
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
CKCOG Inspections
Union County Conservation District
Union County GIS / Maps
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 Central Keystone Council of Governments (CK-COG), Uniform Construction Code Management / Building Permits before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Buffalo Township, PA?: UCC permits are required for all new construction; living space additions; attached garages; decks or ramps over 30 inches high; structural roof framing work; in-ground pools and permanent above-ground pools over 24 inches deep; fences over 6 feet; retaining walls 4 feet or higher; detached accessory structures over 1,000 square feet; and renovations affecting egress, load-bearing walls, plumbing, or electrical systems.
How much does a building permit cost in Buffalo Township, PA?: Fees are calculated as: Residential new work uses CKCOG valuation or hourly-inspection formulas; 2026 residential schedule shows an $83 hourly rate plus a $4.50 state surcharge. Commercial uses: square foot construction cost x area x 0.007.. Plan check fee: Included in residential permit fees. Commercial submissions require a $1,000 plan review deposit credited toward review and permit charges..
How do I apply for a building permit in Buffalo Township, PA?: 1. Confirm Buffalo Township zoning approval and any required sewage, planning, land development, driveway, floodplain, GIS address, and conservation approvals for the site. 2. Prepare the UCC application, plans, and supporting documents. Residential applications require two plan sets; commercial applications require three sets and a $1,000 plan review deposit. 3. Submit the application to CKCOG by email, mail, or in-person delivery, including workers compensation proof or exemption if a contractor is involved. 4. CKCOG reviews the submission for completeness and code compliance, then contacts the applicant when the permit is ready and calculates the fee. 5. Pay the permit fee in full before permit release or inspections. 6. Schedule required inspections with CKCOG by phone, email, or fax with at least 24 hours notice (48 hours recommended). 7. Obtain the final certificate of occupancy or compliance after all inspections are approved.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Buffalo Township, PA?: Typical processing time is Residential review typically takes less than 1 week when complete; Pennsylvania UCC requires residential permits within 15 business days if not returned for corrections. Commercial review takes up to 30 business days..
What work is exempt from building permits in Buffalo Township, PA?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs that do not affect structure, egress, or mechanical, plumbing, gas, or electrical systems; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Above-ground prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons; Swings and playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings within code limits, movable cases/counters/partitions under 5 feet 9 inches, and window replacement without structural change; Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs listed in 34 Pa. Code section 403.42; Agricultural buildings (an agricultural building exemption form is required from CKCOG; other local approvals may still apply). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land development, setback, floodplain, sewage, or other local and county requirements. Confirm with CKCOG and Buffalo Township before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Buffalo Township, PA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: CKCOG — (570) 522-1326, Email CKCOG at permits@ckcog.com. Minimum 24 hours notice required; 48 hours recommended..

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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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