City Building Permits
Township of Chester, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Township of Chester, Pennsylvania. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Thin public data; Township publishes permit application and fee schedule directly through its forms page and handles permit review locally.
- Department
- Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office
- Address
- 1150 Engle Street, Chester, PA 19013
- Phone
- 610-494-4149
Online Permit Portal
Platform: WordPress forms download page • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Download and complete the Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical Application.
- Prepare site sketch showing house and outbuildings with dimensions to property lines.
- Submit contractor license number, liability and workers compensation proof or release form, contractor proposal, and any detailed drawings or material lists for additions, decks, and fences.
- Obtain all applicable trade permits at the same time as the building permit.
- Allow Township review and obtain approval before starting work.
Typical processing time: Allow 3 days for Township review and approval for additions, decks, and fences
Source: Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office
General Requirements
The Township application covers building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work, including alterations, repairs, fences, and demolition.
Required Documents
- Site sketch with setbacks
- Contractor license number
- Proof of public liability
- Proof of workers compensation or release form
- Contractor proposal
- Detailed drawing or print
- Material list for additions/decks/fences
- Building code
- Permit application references the Pennsylvania construction code framework through local permit administration
- Owner-builder
- Workers compensation release form is accepted where applicable.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor license number is required with proof of insurance documentation.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Residential $75 first $1,000; commercial $125 first $1,000
- Permit fee formula
- Residential $75 first $1,000 plus $35 for each additional $1,000 or part thereof; commercial $125 first $1,000 plus $55 for each additional $1,000 or part thereof
- Payment note
- Application notes a $4.50 state fee required on all permits
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Through Township after permit issuance (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Scope-specific inspections are implied by permit type; all applicable trade permits must be taken out together
Additional Resources
- Building code: Permit application references the Pennsylvania construction code framework through local permit administration
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- 2025 Permit Application
- Use and Occupancy Form
- License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Township of Chester permit intake through Township Office before applying.
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