McKeesport, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

McKeesport handles permits through Community Development and uses BIU as the building inspector / third-party UCC review resource.

Department

City of McKeesport Community Development Department; building permit review performed with Building Inspection Underwriters of Pennsylvania, Inc. (BIU)

Address

Community Development, 500 Fifth Avenue, Second Floor, McKeesport, PA 15132

Phone

412-675-5020; BIU building inspector 412-766-2565

Email

melissa.ernst@mckeesport-pa.gov , digital building submissions to submitbiupgh@biuinc.com

Website

https://www.mckeesport-pa.gov/150/Building-Inspector

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain the correct permit application from BIU or the City.
2. Prepare the building permit application and structural drawings for the proposed work.
3. Submit the package digitally to BIU at submitbiupgh@biuinc.com or coordinate through Community Development in person.
4. Receive review comments, approval, and fee instructions.
5. Pick up the permit, complete inspections, and for transfers or occupancy obtain the required occupancy permit through Community Development.

Typical processing time: Occupancy inspections should be scheduled at least two weeks before closing; no general building-permit turnaround is posted on the reviewed pages.

Source: City of McKeesport Community Development Department; building permit review performed with Building Inspection Underwriters of Pennsylvania, Inc. (BIU)

General Requirements

McKeesport states building permits are required for the construction, alteration, replacement, and repair of all structures.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Structural drawings
• Scope-specific materials required by BIU
• Occupancy permit forms and payment for sale or transfer inspections

Building code

Pennsylvania UCC enforced through the City and BIU.

Contractor requirements

Work involving licensed trades must meet applicable Pennsylvania licensing and registration rules; BIU and City materials control any local filing requirements.

Fees

Permit fee formula

General building permit formula not posted on the City page

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fee may be charged after two visits to the same unit

Payment note

Occupancy permits must be completed in person Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in Community Development. Occupancy permits are $75 per unit for one- and two-family dwellings, $50 per unit for multi-family, and $125 per unit for commercial or industrial. Street opening permits require a $5,000 maintenance bond.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of McKeesport Community Development Department; building permit review performed with Building Inspection Underwriters of Pennsylvania, Inc. (BIU) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• BIU and Community Development (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Building permit inspections during construction, then final or occupancy inspection where applicable.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania UCC enforced through the City and BIU.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• BIU Permit Forms
• City Directory
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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