Borough of Emmaus, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the Borough of Emmaus.

Department

Borough of Emmaus Codes, Planning, Zoning, and Health Inspector Department

Address

Emmaus Town Hall, 28 South 4th Street, Emmaus, PA 18049

Phone

(610) 967-1322

Website

https://www.emmauspa.gov

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine permit type and assemble a zoning and building permit application.
2. Include project description, estimated cost, present and proposed occupancy, owner and contractor contact information, and a plot plan drawn to scale.
3. Submit two sets of plans where required, including structural details and plumbing fixture information.
4. Provide PennDOT highway occupancy approval first if the site fronts a state road, and PA Labor and Industry approval where required.
5. Borough staff reviews the package and issues comments or approval.
6. Pay fees before starting work, post the permit card, and call for inspections.

Typical processing time: Generally reviewed within 10 working days of submission.

Source: Borough of Emmaus Codes, Planning, Zoning, and Health Inspector Department

General Requirements

Change of use or occupancy, new buildings, structural alterations or repairs, additions or new structures, fences, sheds, pools, patios, parking lots, driveways, plumbing fixture installation or replacement, and moving or razing a building.

Required Documents

• Application
• Plot plan to scale
• Two sets of plans
• Structural details
• Plumbing fixture information
• Contractor insurance certificate
• State approvals where applicable

Permit validity

Construction must commence within 6 months after permit issuance.

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, as amended by the Borough of Emmaus, with 2021 ICC-series based PA UCC in effect January 1, 2026.

Owner-builder

Zoning and building permits may be obtained by the owner, contractor, or an authorized agent. The borough prefers the contractor for major construction.

Contractor requirements

Plumbing permit applications must be submitted by a master plumber licensed by the Borough of Emmaus. Contractor insurance certificates are required. Pennsylvania HICPA registration still applies where required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$75 for structural alterations under $1,000; $40 for a residential water heater permit

Plan check fee

$80 review fee for residential additions, $120 review fee for larger structural alterations, and $120 residential electrical and plumbing plan review fees

Permit fee formula

Mixed; per unit, per square foot, flat-fee, and valuation-based formulas are all used depending on permit type.

Reinspection fee

Residential plumbing reinspection fee $80; certificate of occupancy reinspection fee $50 per unit

Payment note

Credit card payments use the current pass-through rate from the card company; e-check convenience fee is $1.00.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Borough of Emmaus Codes, Planning, Zoning, and Health Inspector Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (610) 967-1322 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

At least 24 hours notice required

Inspection hours

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

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, foundation, framing, and final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, as amended by the Borough of Emmaus, with 2021 ICC-series based PA UCC in effect January 1, 2026.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building and Zoning Guidelines
• 2026 Fee Schedule
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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