South Whitehall Township, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within South Whitehall Township.

Department

South Whitehall Township Community Development, Building and Construction

Address

4444 Walbert Avenue, Allentown, PA 18104

Phone

(610) 398-0401

Website

https://www.southwhitehall.com/departments/community-development/building-and-construction/permits-licensing

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the correct permit or license application from the township permit page.
2. Submit the completed package to the Township Building at 4444 Walbert Avenue or use the secure drop box.
3. Pay by check or money order; the township says cash and credit cards are not accepted at this time.
4. The township forwards the processed application to third-party agencies and or the zoning officer for review.
5. After approval, a permit clerk contacts the applicant regarding issuance fees.
6. Pay issuance fees before pick-up or mail payment so the permit can be mailed back.

Typical processing time: Processing time not clearly published.

Source: South Whitehall Township Community Development, Building and Construction

General Requirements

The township says building permits are required in many situations and publishes a list of residential situations where they are not required. Commercial construction generally requires permits for alterations, additions, and new construction unless an exception applies.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Plans and specifications in the quantities required by the reviewing agency
• Workers compensation coverage or exemption form
• Other supporting reviews depending on scope

Permit validity

Not clearly published on the permit page reviewed.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Not clearly summarized on the permit page reviewed.

Contractor requirements

Workers compensation insurance or exemption form is published. The fee schedule also includes annual master and journeyman plumber license fees. Pennsylvania HICPA registration still applies where required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 application fee for residential construction, non-residential building, and major non-residential trade permits

Plan check fee

Incorporated into township review structure; additional plan re-reviews are $50 each

Permit fee formula

Mixed; application fee plus issuance fee table largely based on building gross square footage or permit category.

Reinspection fee

Additional inspections or re-inspections by SWT inspectors are $50 each; zoning re-reviews and floodplain re-reviews also carry additional fees

Payment note

Permit page currently says pay by check or money order and do not email applications. Fee schedule separately lists a variable credit card processing fee for township payments generally.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Alterations with fair market value under $500, including labor and materials
• Retaining walls under 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge
• Fences under 4 feet high unless serving as the required pool barrier
• Concrete patios (building permit not required but zoning permit required)
• Decks 30 inches or less above grade (building permit not required but zoning permit required)
• Detached residential accessory buildings under 500 square feet
• In-kind window, storm window, door, garage door, and storm door replacement in the same clear-width opening without framing changes
• Replacement of existing roof material without structural roof framing changes
• Replacement of glass, gutters, leaders, and exterior siding
• Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, similar finish work, and shallow prefabricated pools up to 24 inches of water

Important: Refer to the township permit page for the complete residential exemption list and any additional conditions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Through permit clerks and the applicable reviewing or inspection agency after issuance (phone)

Inspection hours

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

Typical inspection sequence: The fee schedule notes typical inspections such as footer, foundation, building, accessibility and energy rough-ins, insulation, wallboard, and finals.

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
• Permits and Licensing
• 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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