Erie City, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Erie. The Code Enforcement office in Room 407 reviews, issues, and inspects building permits.

Department

Office of Code Enforcement, City of Erie

Address

626 State Street, Room 407, Erie, PA 16501

Phone

(814) 870-1313; (814) 870-1473

Email

permits@erie.pa.us

Website

https://cityof.erie.pa.us/business/applications/permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm permit type with the Office of Code Enforcement and whether zoning approval is also needed.
2. Prepare the application, plans, contractor and insurance information, and any BIU-approved plans when applicable.
3. Submit in Room 407 at City Hall or email the package to permits@erie.pa.us.
4. The City reviews zoning and code items and calculates permit fees.
5. Pay by cash, check, or money order.
6. Receive the issued permit, post it at the site, complete required stage inspections, and obtain final approval before permit closeout or occupancy.

Typical processing time: Minor residential permits are often granted at time of application per the residential permit page; no citywide turnaround standard was posted for all permit types.

Source: Office of Code Enforcement, City of Erie

General Requirements

Permit applications and associated requirements depend on permit type and structure type. The City covers residential building permits, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fences, signs, pools, parking lots, and occupancy change-of-use permits.

Required Documents

• Property address
• Owner name and address
• Contractor name, address, and insurance
• Designer or architect
• BIU-approved plans when applicable
• Total project cost
• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractor information when applicable

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as administered by the City. The City publishes project criteria including 48 inch frost depth, 40 pound ground snow load, and 90 mph wind speed for residential building permits.

Owner-builder

The reviewed City pages do not publish a separate owner-builder policy.

Contractor requirements

The City requires contractor insurance information in permit submissions. Pennsylvania home improvement registration may apply for residential work over $5,000.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$29.50 for many residential permits where the cost of construction is $2,000 or less.

Permit fee formula

For multiple residential permit types: $29.50 up to $2,000 construction cost, then $29.50 plus $6 per $1,000 over $2,000.

Payment note

Cash, check, or money order are accepted.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Window, door, roof, and siding replacement when dimensions or framing of the original structure are not altered.
• Residential roof coverings such as shingles when there are no structural repairs or structural changes.
• Electrical minor work including lamp replacement, connection of approved portable electrical equipment, like-for-like replacement of receptacles, switches, or fixtures rated 20 amps or less and under 150 volts to ground, certain motor-operated devices, dishwashers, kitchen range hoods, and battery-powered smoke detectors.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (814) 870-1313 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections at defined stages of the project, then final approval before permit closure or occupancy. Residential pages specifically call for final inspection scheduling by the homeowner or contractor after completion.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as administered by the City. The City publishes project criteria including 48 inch frost depth, 40 pound ground snow load, and 90 mph wind speed for residential building permits.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Code Enforcement Department
• eCode360 Permit Applications
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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