Aliquippa, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The city issues zoning, building, occupancy, sidewalk, dumpster, and related permits through city offices; UCC plan review and inspections are handled through MDIA materials published by the city.

Department

Code Enforcement Officer / Zoning Officer, City of Aliquippa

Address

581 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, PA 15001

Phone

(724) 375-5188

Email

James.Bologna@aliquippapa.gov

Website

https://aliquippapa.gov/directory/city-hall/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project with the City of Aliquippa Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer.
2. Complete the city or MDIA permit application and gather required plans and local approvals.
3. For commercial, multi-family, and sign work, submit plans and application electronically through MDIA's Wexford office workflow; MDIA reviews for code compliance.
4. Provide any requested revisions and satisfy all municipal requirements.
5. Pay all city and MDIA fees before permit issuance; guides say the applicant is notified when approved plans and permit pickup are ready at the municipal building.
6. Complete required inspections and obtain occupancy approval before use when applicable.

Typical processing time: Occupancy permit requests are processed within 2 weeks under the zoning ordinance; general building permit turnaround not clearly published

Source: Code Enforcement Officer / Zoning Officer, City of Aliquippa

General Requirements

The FAQ says building permits must be obtained and approved before construction. The zoning ordinance requires zoning and building permits before erection, addition, or structural alteration, and occupancy permits for new occupancy, changes in use, moved or altered buildings, utility service changes, and property sale-related occupancy situations listed by city forms.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan or plot plan
• Construction plans
• Design professional seal for commercial work
• Workers compensation certificate or affidavit of exemption
• Sewer and highway occupancy permits where applicable

Permit validity

The reviewed city ordinance excerpts did not publish a standard permit expiration term

Building code

PA UCC enforced by city ordinance; as of January 1, 2026 Pennsylvania's UCC triennial update to the 2021 ICC family became effective, subject to state transition rules

Owner-builder

MDIA permit materials allow owner or authorized agent application; workers compensation affidavit of exemption is available where applicable

Contractor requirements

City FAQ says contractors performing UCC-governed work must register with the City of Aliquippa, pay an annual $40 fee, and provide a certificate of insurance; Pennsylvania home improvement contractor registration also applies for covered residential work

Fees

Plan check fee

Included in MDIA schedule; guides say the permit clerk calculates plan review fees

Permit fee formula

MDIA fee schedule with city markup is published; contractor registration is $40 annually; dumpster permit fee is $25; street opening fee is $50 per the FAQ

Payment note

MDIA guides state all fees must be paid before permit issuance

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Remodeling or improvement of existing buildings that does not alter the basic structure, create additional lot coverage, or change the use of the parcel or building

Important: Roof construction is specifically called out by the city ordinance as requiring a permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Through MDIA / city coordination after permit issuance (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: MDIA review, permit issuance, required trade and building inspections, then occupancy approval where required

Additional Resources

• Building code: PA UCC enforced by city ordinance; as of January 1, 2026 Pennsylvania's UCC triennial update to the 2021 ICC family became effective, subject to state transition rules
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• City Hall Directory
• City FAQ
• MDIA Offices
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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