Allentown, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Allentown.

Department

City of Allentown, Department of Community and Economic Development, Building Standards and Safety, Building and Construction

Address

City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor, Allentown, PA 18101

Phone

(610) 437-7592

Email

webadmin@allentownpa.gov

Website

https://www.allentownpa.gov/en-us/Government/Departments/Community-Economic-Development/Building-Standards-and-Safety/Building-Construction/Construction-Permitting

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm permit type and whether the work is exempt using the city's Construction Permitting page plus the residential required/not-required PDFs.
2. Assemble the application, project description, valuation, contractor information, and plans where required.
3. Submit through CSS or at City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor.
4. Pay the non-refundable application fee and any later permit or plan review fees.
5. Respond to plan review comments if issued.
6. Receive the permit, post it on site, and schedule required inspections before concealment and at completion.

Typical processing time: Processing time not clearly published on the main permitting page.

Source: City of Allentown, Department of Community and Economic Development, Building Standards and Safety, Building and Construction

General Requirements

Permits are required for new construction, changes, demolitions, electrical, heating, plumbing, roofing, signs, and other covered construction work. Dedicated residential required/not-required PDFs are published on the permit page.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Project details
• Contractor information
• Estimated cost
• Plans where applicable

Permit validity

Not clearly published on the main permitting page.

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, with current PA UCC adoption based on the 2021 ICC series effective January 1, 2026.

Owner-builder

The city accepts owner submissions through its permit process, but licensed contractors are required for certain trades and situations.

Contractor requirements

Licensed contractors are required for some work, especially electrical, plumbing, and heating. Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act registration remains applicable where required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 residential application fee; $100 commercial application fee

Plan check fee

Included in ordinance section 270-31 Building Permit and Plan Review Fees

Permit fee formula

Application fee plus ordinance-based building permit and plan review fees

Reinspection fee

Not summarized on the main permit page; see ordinance and inspection program materials

Payment note

Application fees are non-refundable.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Allentown, Department of Community and Economic Development, Building Standards and Safety, Building and Construction to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Through the city's Building and Construction inspection process (online)

Inspection hours

Not clearly published on the permitting page.

Typical inspection sequence: Depends on project scope. The city states on-site inspections are used to confirm code compliance during and at completion of work.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, with current PA UCC adoption based on the 2021 ICC series effective January 1, 2026.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Construction Permitting Page
• Citizen Self Service Portal
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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