City Building Permits

Exeter Township, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

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

Pennsylvania Berks County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Township permit administration applies within Exeter Township. Township materials show local coordination for building, zoning, engineering, and fire code matters.

Department
Engineering; Building, Plumbing, and Zoning
Address
4975 DeMoss Road, Reading, PA 19606
Phone
(610) 779-5660
Website
http://www.exetertownship.com

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permit Application

Platform: Revize document center with downloadable permit forms • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Complete the applicable Exeter Township permit application. The form covers new building and addition work and cross-references zoning, stormwater, erosion control, flood zone, and utility requirements.
  2. Prepare the site plan and any required stormwater drainage plan, easement information, and flood zone information.
  3. Obtain outside approvals where triggered, including Berks County Conservation District approval for disturbance over 5,000 square feet and any PennDOT or utility approvals relevant to the project.
  4. Submit the application to the township and wait for approval before starting work.
  5. After permit issuance, post the permit and schedule required inspections with at least 24 hours advance notice.
  6. Pay any additional consulting engineering or consultant review costs before certificate of use and occupancy is released.

Source: Engineering; Building, Plumbing, and Zoning

General Requirements

Township posts detailed fees for residential and nonresidential building permits, additions, decks, pools, fences, retaining walls, roofs, sheds, garages, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, and occupancy permits.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan
  • Stormwater drainage plan if adding impervious surface unless exempt
  • Easement and right-of-way information
  • Flood zone disclosure
  • Erosion and sediment control approval if over threshold
  • Owner authorization if applicant is not owner
Permit validity
Residential new construction and addition permits expire after 1 year. One 6-month extension is listed in the fee schedule.
Building code
Pennsylvania UCC
Owner-builder
Application requires owner authorization where the applicant is acting as agent.
Contractor requirements
Township fee schedule includes plumbing license fees. Electrical inspections are by state-certified third party per the permit application.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$75
Plan check fee
Residential plan review included in permit fee schedule; specialty plan review $80 per hour. Nonresidential plan review and accessibility review are billed at consulting actual cost.
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Residential new construction $0.60 per square foot with $250 minimum; additions $0.65 per square foot with $250 minimum; unfinished space $0.50 per square foot with $150 minimum; many accessory and trade permits are flat fee.
Reinspection fee
Failed inspection or reinspection $125; permit issued after work starts is double the permit fee.
Payment note
Township also charges a $15 nonrefundable permit issuance fee for building, zoning, and road occupancy permits. Additional consultant costs may apply.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Engineering; Building, Plumbing, and Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (610) 779-5660 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
24-hour advance notice required
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Exeter explicitly lists footing, foundation, insulation, drywall, framing, mechanical, final, roof in progress, fire protection, plumbing, accessibility, energy conservation, and electrical by state-certified third party, where applicable.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Engineering; Building, Plumbing, and Zoning before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Exeter Township can be complicated.

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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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