Easton, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City authority for permits inside Easton city limits. Easton enforces the Pennsylvania UCC locally.

Department

City of Easton Department of Planning and Codes, Bureau of Codes and Inspections

Address

One South Third Street, 3rd Floor, Easton, PA 18042

Phone

(610) 250-6724

Email

codes@easton-pa.gov

Website

https://www.easton-pa.com/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Zoning Office or Codes Office first to confirm zoning and permit triggers; Easton states zoning is the first step for most projects.
2. Prepare the application package. For zoning, Easton requires a zoning permit application and supporting site information. For UCC permits, use the online OpenGov application and upload plans and project details.
3. If a contractor will pull the permit, confirm contractor registration or license status with the City before filing.
4. Submit the application online through OpenGov or through the Codes office and pay the applicable filing or permit fees.
5. Respond to review comments. Easton notes zoning review may take up to 90 days.
6. After approval, obtain the issued permit, keep approved documents available on site, and schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: Easton's zoning brochure says to allow up to 90 days for zoning review. No separate public UCC review turnaround was located in the City sources reviewed.

Source: City of Easton Department of Planning and Codes, Bureau of Codes and Inspections

General Requirements

Easton requires zoning approval before most new construction, locating a business, fences, signs, decks, patios, pools, retaining walls, accessory structures, driveways, and changes of use or occupancy. UCC permits are required for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, roofing, pools, and similar regulated work.

Required Documents

• Application
• Site plan or zoning support documents
• Plans and specifications as applicable
• Contractor information
• Project valuation or trade scope details

Permit validity

Public-facing Easton materials reviewed do not publish a single general permit expiration rule. Easton fee code does impose an investigation fee if a certificate of occupancy, certificate of compliance, or certificate of approval is not obtained within one year after completion.

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code under Act 45. Easton fee code references UCC permit fees and adds the state UCC training fee.

Owner-builder

No city-specific owner-builder handout was located. Owner applicants can file directly, but regulated work still must comply with the UCC and inspection requirements.

Contractor requirements

Easton requires contractor registration or licensing through the Department of Planning and Codes. Contractor license instructions list residential, building, plumbing, electrical, fire alarm, fire suppression, framing, insulation, masonry, mechanical/fuel gas, roofing, tree surgeon, and general trades.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100 for many residential mechanical, plumbing, or electrical permits; $140 residential roof replacement; $225 above-ground pool; commercial electrical minimum $200; commercial mechanical and plumbing minimum $225

Plan check fee

Additional plan reviews are $70 per hour with a one-hour minimum. Commercial plan review items are separately listed in the fee code.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Residential uses many flat-rate fees; building permits use valuation bands; commercial trade permits are largely valuation based.

Trade permit fee

Varies by trade

Reinspection fee

First reinspection is generally included; second and later reinspections are $85 each for UCC permits. Buyer notification reinspections are $50 after the first. A $200 investigation fee applies if a certificate is not obtained within one year of completion.

Payment note

Easton adds the state UCC fee of $4.50 to each listed UCC permit.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Easton Department of Planning and Codes, Bureau of Codes and Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Through the City after permit issuance (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by scope; Easton fee tables indicate multiple inspection visits are built into decks, roofs, pools, plumbing, electrical, and new construction permits.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code under Act 45. Easton fee code references UCC permit fees and adds the state UCC training fee.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• OpenGov Permitting Portal
• Contractors License Instructions
• 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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