City Building Permits

Fairview Township, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Fairview Township, Pennsylvania. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Pennsylvania Erie County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Fairview Township handles zoning permits. Building inspection permits may also be required and are obtained through Building Inspection Underwriters (BIU), which the township hosts in-office weekday mornings.

Department
Zoning Department, Fairview Township
Address
7471 McCray Road, Fairview, PA 16415
Phone
(814) 474-5942
Website
https://www.fairviewtownship.com/zoning/zoning-department/pages/zoning-permits

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Confirm whether the project requires a zoning permit by reviewing Fairview's zoning permit page or calling the township.
  2. Complete the residential or non-residential zoning permit application and submit required supporting materials.
  3. If a building inspection permit is also required, coordinate with BIU at the township building during morning office hours.
  4. Pay township zoning fees and any BIU permit charges.
  5. Receive permit approval and proceed with construction.
  6. Complete required BIU inspections and any use or occupancy approvals that apply.

Typical processing time: Fairview's 2025 zoning ordinance states the zoning officer must approve or deny a complete zoning permit application within 10 business days.

Source: Zoning Department, Fairview Township

General Requirements

Fairview states a zoning permit is required for construction, installation, or demolition of any dwelling, addition, roofed structure, swimming pool, sign, tower, fence, or structure whose height exceeds the maximum building height for the zoning district.

Required Documents

  • Owner and applicant names and addresses
  • Owner authorization if filed by another party
  • Description of work
  • Proof that the proposed use is permitted
  • Site plan or plot plan with property lines, proposed construction, existing structures, and distances from lot lines
Building code
Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as enforced through BIU for building permits.
Owner-builder
Applications may be made by the owner, lessee, authorized agent with owner authorization, building contractor, or design professional retained by the owner or lessee.
Contractor requirements
Fairview's downloadable files include a workers compensation insurance coverage form. Pennsylvania home improvement registration may apply for residential work over $5,000.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50 residential additions, accessory structures, pools, fences, signs, and similar permits.
Plan check fee
No separate public plan review fee line was clearly posted in the reviewed Fairview zoning fee summary. BIU building permit fees apply separately.
Permit fee formula
Mixed flat and square-foot-based zoning fees. Residential dwelling units are $250 per dwelling unit. Commercial, institutional, and industrial fees are tiered by square footage.
Payment note
Fairview's zoning fee sheet states zoning permit fees are due at the time of application.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Zoning Department, Fairview Township to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Building Inspection Underwriters (BIU) (other)
Inspection hours
Fairview's contact page states the Building Inspector can be reached at the Fairview Township office Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Typical inspection sequence: BIU's standard published residential inspection sequence is footing, under-slab plumbing when applicable, slab, foundation, rough-in, and final inspection before occupancy.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Zoning Department, Fairview Township before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Fairview Township can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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