Hampden Township, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Township Community Development office handles zoning permits, residential and non-residential building permits, burn permits, plan submissions, and certificates of occupancy within Hampden Township.

Department

Community Development

Address

209 S. Sporting Hill Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Phone

717-761-0119

Website

https://www.hampdentownship.us/township_departments/community_development/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Community Development and obtain the correct permit form for the project.
2. Submit the completed building or zoning permit application with two sets of construction documents.
3. For subdivision or land development, use the separate plan submission form and materials.
4. Most standard residential permits are processed within 15 business days and most non-residential permits within 30 business days.
5. Pay the applicable township fee and wait for permit issuance before work begins.
6. Complete inspections and obtain a certificate of occupancy or completion where required.

Typical processing time: 15 business days for most standard residential permits and 30 business days for most non-residential permits.

Source: Community Development

General Requirements

Residential building permit required for construction work exceeding $500 total project cost. Township specifically notes zoning permits for changed building footprints, sheds, fences, accessory buildings, and increases in impervious coverage. Burn permits are required for covered outdoor burning.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Two sets of construction documents for building permits
• Zoning permit form for zoning-triggered work
• Subdivision or land development form where applicable

Permit validity

Burn permits are valid for 30 days. Standard building permit expiration is not clearly posted on the department page.

Building code

Pennsylvania UCC locally enforced by township Community Development staff and officials

Owner-builder

Not separately summarized on the department page.

Contractor requirements

Pennsylvania HICPA registration applies to covered home improvement contractors.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Burn permit $35 residential and $100 commercial; no general township building permit fee schedule was clearly linked from the page

Plan check fee

Not clearly posted on the department page

Permit fee formula

Public page clearly states burn permit flat fees; building permit fee formula was not clearly published on the Community Development page.

Reinspection fee

Not clearly posted on the department page

Payment note

The public page indicates applications are obtained from and submitted through the department office; confirm current payment method with staff

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Non-structural roof re-shingling
• Window replacement
• Replacement siding, fascia, gutters, downspouts
• Kitchen and bathroom remodeling that is repair or replacement of existing items

Important: These are listed as exceptions from the residential building permit trigger.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Community Development / township inspection staff (phone)

Inspection hours

Weekdays 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, required trade or construction inspections, final inspection, then certificate of occupancy where applicable

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania UCC locally enforced by township Community Development staff and officials
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Community Development
• Code of Ordinances
• Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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