Jeannette, PA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Code and Zoning Enforcement Office

Street address

110 S. Second Street, Jeannette, PA 15644

Phone

724-527-4000 Ext. 20

BWhetzel@cityofjnt.com

Coverage

City building, zoning, occupancy, rental, sidewalk, signage, demolition, and pool permits within Jeannette.

Online portal

Website Forms Library

Website forms library

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Jeannette

The City enforces the PA UCC and zoning rules for accessory structures including pools, fences, sheds, and garages; public forms cover zoning permits, residential building permits, manufactured homes, demolition, sidewalks, signage, swimming pools, and commercial occupancy.

Scope of work

Permit?

Privacy fence under 6 feet

Exempt

Residential retaining walls under 4 feet

Exempt

For owner occupied structures, the City's rental occupancy inspection program does not apply

Exempt

Exempt Privacy fence under 6 feet
Exempt Residential retaining walls under 4 feet
Exempt For owner occupied structures, the City's rental occupancy inspection program does not apply

Required documents

Completed permit form
Plans where required
Three sets of sealed plans prepared by a licensed architect or engineer for commercial building permits
Electrical inspection reports before certificate of occupancy

Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code
Contractor requirements: Electrical inspections and fees are the responsibility of the owner or contractor and reports must be submitted to the City building code official; PA home improvement contractor registration rules still apply where applicable.

Source: Code and Zoning Enforcement Office ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Rental occupancy requests are typically scheduled through the Tax Office; lien and zoning certificate requests are typically completed within 24 hours of receipt and payment; no general building permit turnaround was published

01

Select the correct permit form from the City Forms and Permits page.
02

Complete the form and mail or drop it off to City Hall at 110 S. 2nd Street.
03

For occupancy inspections, call or stop at the Tax Office to schedule the inspection and pay before inspection.
04

For commercial occupancy, contact the Code Enforcement Officer directly before beginning the process because the City notes it can be more detailed.
05

The City or Fire Department performs the inspection, issues corrections if needed, and emails the permit or occupancy document once the property passes.

Typical processing time: Rental occupancy requests are typically scheduled through the Tax Office; lien and zoning certificate requests are typically completed within 24 hours of receipt and payment; no general building permit turnaround was published

Source: Code and Zoning Enforcement Office ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2021

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

Examples include above-ground pool $105 plus $20, deck over 30 inches $105 plus $20, demolition $105 plus $20, and commercial plan review $150 plus $30

Plan check fee

Commercial building permit plan review fee is $150 plus $30, due at plan submission

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Residential examples are flat permit plus flat inspection amounts; commercial new, alteration, and renovation permit fee is total construction cost multiplied by 0.0075 after plan review

Reinspection fee

Electrical inspections are extra and paid separately by owner or contractor; no separate public reinspection penalty schedule was found

Jeannette says forms may be mailed or dropped off and occupancy inspection payments can be made in person or by mail; checks should be payable to the City of Jeannette

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2021) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Tax Office (phone)
Tax Office (in-person)

Inspection hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Typical sequence: City fee schedule lists footing, foundation, sanitary underground, rough framing, rough plumbing, rough mechanical, energy, drywall, plumbing final, mechanical final, and overall final; electrical rough-in, service, and final are separate third-party reports.

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Jeannette permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Jeannette, PA? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Jeannette, PA? ▸

Building permit fees in Jeannette, PA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Examples include above-ground pool $105 plus $20, deck over 30 inches $105 plus $20, demolition $105 plus $20, and commercial plan review $150 plus $30. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential examples are flat permit plus flat inspection amounts; commercial new, alteration, and renovation permit fee is total construction cost multiplied by 0.0075 after plan review. Plan check fee: Commercial building permit plan review fee is $150 plus $30, due at plan submission.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Jeannette, PA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Jeannette, PA, follow these steps: 1. Select the correct permit form from the City Forms and Permits page. 2. Complete the form and mail or drop it off to City Hall at 110 S. 2nd Street. 3. For occupancy inspections, call or stop at the Tax Office to schedule the inspection and pay before inspection. 4. For commercial occupancy, contact the Code Enforcement Officer directly before beginning the process because the City notes it can be more detailed. 5. The City or Fire Department performs the inspection, issues corrections if needed, and emails the permit or occupancy document once the property passes.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Jeannette, PA? ▸

Building permit processing times in Jeannette, PA typically run Rental occupancy requests are typically scheduled through the Tax Office; lien and zoning certificate requests are typically completed within 24 hours of receipt and payment; no general building permit turnaround was published. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Jeannette, PA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Jeannette, PA. The following work is generally exempt: Privacy fence under 6 feet; Residential retaining walls under 4 feet; For owner occupied structures, the City's rental occupancy inspection program does not apply. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Jeannette, PA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Jeannette, PA via: Tax Office, Tax Office.

last verified April 2026 source Code and Zoning Enforcement Office ↗ entry id permits/pennsylvania/westmoreland/jeannette

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Code and Zoning Enforcement Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Jeannette

Other jurisdictions in Westmoreland County.