Borough of Mechanicsburg, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Borough department handling building and zoning permits within Mechanicsburg Borough.

Department

Codes & Zoning Enforcement

Address

36 W. Allen St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Phone

717-691-3310 (main); 717-691-3315 (Codes and Zoning)

Email

codes@mechanicsburgpa.org

Website

https://mechanicsburgpa.org/services/codes___zoning_enforcement/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the job needs a building permit, zoning permit, or both through the Codes and Zoning Department.
2. Download the building permit and any related zoning permit forms.
3. Prepare a detailed scope of work and submit the application package with plan sets.
4. Provide contractor insurance and workers compensation documents; insurance must be emailed directly from the carrier.
5. Borough staff review the package for completeness and code compliance.
6. Pay the applicable borough permit fees and receive the permit before starting work.
7. Request inspections when work is ready and keep work accessible until approved.

Typical processing time: Not posted on the main permit page; the borough packet warns incomplete applications delay issuance.

Source: Codes & Zoning Enforcement

General Requirements

Building permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of buildings and for electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work. Emergency repairs after hours may proceed, but the next business day the borough office is open a permit must be filed.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Detailed scope of work
• At least two plan sets for residential work; three sets including electronic for many commercial jobs
• Authorized agent letter if someone other than owner applies
• Contractor insurance and workers compensation proof

Permit validity

Not clearly stated on the public permit page.

Building code

Pennsylvania UCC

Owner-builder

Property owner remains responsible for securing the permit even if a contractor performs the work.

Contractor requirements

PaHIC number and insurance documents required; Pennsylvania HICPA registration applies to covered home improvement contractors.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Conflicting sources: $75 (current dept page) or $50 (Resolution No. 03-2022) for first $1,000

Plan check fee

Residential: included in total permit fee. Commercial: $115 per hour; expedited 5-day reviews add 50 percent

Permit fee formula

Valuation based. Resolution No. 03-2022: $50 first $1,000 plus $12 per additional $1,000; current dept page: $75 first $1,000 plus $15 per additional $1,000. Verify current fee at filing.

Reinspection fee

Commercial $115; Residential $90

Payment note

Fees should be confirmed directly with the department because the live webpage and fee resolution conflict

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Residential roof-covering replacement (unless structural roofing members are involved)
• Emergency repairs outside normal borough hours (but permit must be filed next business day office is open)

Important: The borough does not publish a broader universal exempt-work list on the permit page; verify edge cases with Codes and Zoning.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Permit holder or authorized agent notifies construction code official (phone)

Inspection hours

During normal hours at construction site unless another time is requested or agreed to

Typical inspection sequence: Application approval, permit issuance, progress inspections as needed, final inspection

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania UCC
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Codes & Zoning Enforcement
• 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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