City Building Permits

Township of Derry (Hershey), PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Township of Derry (Hershey), Pennsylvania. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Pennsylvania Dauphin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Township permit authority for Hershey and the rest of Derry Township; department administers UCC, zoning, land development, stormwater, property maintenance, and related permits.

Department
Township of Derry Community Development Department
Address
Township of Derry Municipal Complex, 600 Clearwater Road, Hershey, PA 17033
Phone
717-533-2057, option 2
Website
https://www.derrytownship.org/departments/community-development

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permits

Platform: Municipal website forms page • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Call Community Development if permit need is unclear.
  2. Download the correct township application and checklist package for building, deck, pool, zoning, sign, demolition, or amendment work.
  3. Assemble the completed application, site plan, plan set, and any project-specific checklist items; electrical work uses approved third-party electrical agencies.
  4. Submit the package and fees to Community Development for township review and zoning/UCC coordination.
  5. Complete inspections, including third-party electrical where applicable, and obtain the required use and occupancy permit before use or occupancy.

Typical processing time: Derry Township does not publish a page-specific turnaround estimate on the main permit page; applicants are directed to call Community Development for project questions.

Source: Township of Derry Community Development Department

General Requirements

Derry states permits are required for most construction activities including new construction, additions, sheds, swimming pools, and fences.

Required Documents

  • Township application
  • Residential or commercial submission checklist
  • Project plans
  • Site plan
  • Workers compensation insurance information or exemption form
  • Project-specific deck or pool checklist where applicable
Permit validity
Permit may expire if work has not begun within 6 months after issuance or if work lapses with no activity for 6 months.
Building code
Derry publishes a list of adopted UCC building codes and states Community Development administers the Uniform Construction Code. Pennsylvania's UCC triennial update took effect January 1, 2026.
Owner-builder
Application allows owner, lessee, contractor, or design professional contacts; workers compensation exemption form is published for applicants who qualify.
Contractor requirements
Township application requests the contractor's Pennsylvania registration number and workers compensation information. Pennsylvania home improvement registration applies where threshold is met.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Minimums vary by permit type and are not summarized on the landing page.
Plan check fee
Included in the township fee schedule and permit forms; exact amounts vary by permit category.
Permit fee formula
Building and zoning fees are listed under Community Development items in the township fee schedule; electrical review and inspection fees depend on the approved third-party agency used.
Reinspection fee
Not summarized on the landing page; review current fee schedule and application packet.
Payment note
Checks should be payable to "Derry Township" for township fees; third-party electrical fees are paid under the selected agency's current fee schedule.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Township of Derry Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Community Development (phone)
Inspection hours
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are coordinated through Community Development, with third-party electrical inspections through the selected approved agency. Application packets and checklists govern project-specific inspections; a use and occupancy permit is required upon completion before use or occupancy.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Township of Derry Community Development Department before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Township of Derry (Hershey) 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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