Hempfield Township, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Township issuance of building and zoning permits and local UCC enforcement within Hempfield Township.

Department

Code Enforcement Department / Community Development

Address

1132 Woodward Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601-9310

Phone

724-834-7232

Website

https://www.hempfieldtwp.com/158/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine project type and whether it is UCC reviewed or exempt from UCC review.
2. Submit the application through the Online Service Center or coordinate directly with Community Development.
3. Provide plans and project information required for the specific permit type.
4. Township review is published at 30 business days for residential and commercial UCC reviewed permits, and 15 business days for residential permits exempt from UCC review such as fences or accessory structures under 1,000 square feet.
5. Receive permit issuance and complete required inspections before final approval or occupancy.

Typical processing time: 30 business days for residential or commercial permits requiring UCC review; 15 business days for exempt residential permits

Source: Code Enforcement Department / Community Development

General Requirements

Hempfield says permits are required for new single-family houses, new commercial buildings, garages, sheds, storage buildings, gazebos, pavilions, car ports, residential or commercial buildings, roofs over porches or decks, pools, fences, decks, and porches.

Required Documents

• Project-specific plans and permit application through the Township; commercial plan review and some electrical inspection rates are tied to CEA

Building code

Hempfield states it opted into and enforces the Pennsylvania UCC locally.

Contractor requirements

Not clearly published on the reviewed Township pages; state home improvement contractor registration still applies where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Published examples include residential fence $35, residential shed up to 144 square feet $25, residential demolition $105, and commercial fence $35

Plan check fee

Commercial plan review is generally $250; residential blasting plan review is $75; commercial electrical uses CEA inspection rates

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Residential new construction or addition is $0.50 per gross floor area plus current UCC fee; residential renovation or alteration is $0.35 per gross floor area plus current UCC fee; commercial new construction is cumulative by gross floor area plus $250 plan review and current UCC fee

Reinspection fee

Not clearly published in a separate reinspection schedule on the reviewed pages

Payment note

Online Service Center is available; verify any card processing charges within the portal before payment

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Residential fences and accessory structures under 1,000 square feet are identified by the Township as exempt from building codes or UCC review, though permits are still processed in the 15 business day exempt track

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online Service Center (online)
• Code Enforcement (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Not itemized on the reviewed public page; varies by project and whether UCC review applies.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Hempfield states it opted into and enforces the Pennsylvania UCC locally.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Community Development
• Fee Schedule
• Directory
• License lookup guide: Pennsylvania Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Pennsylvania Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Pennsylvania hub: Pennsylvania Contractor License & Permit Hub

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