Borough of Hanover, PENNSYLVANIA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Borough of Hanover administers permitting locally, but UCC plan review and inspections are contracted to a third-party reviewer/inspector

Department

Borough of Hanover, Department of Code Enforcement

Address

Administration Building, 33 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA 17331

Phone

(717) 637-3877

Email

cmiller@hanoverboroughpa.gov

Website

https://www.hanoverboroughpa.gov/258/Permitting

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review Hanover's permitting policy before submitting an application.
2. Submit the permit application electronically through the iWorQ portal, including all required uploads and electronic signature.
3. Include any stormwater management materials and outside approvals if the project disturbs 500 square feet or more or 5,000 square feet or more as outlined by the Borough.
4. Borough staff and the contracted third-party UCC reviewer inspect and review the submittal.
5. Pay the invoice, including Borough permit fees and any third-party review and inspection charges.
6. Pick up or finalize issuance of the permit through DCE and complete inspections before use or occupancy.

Typical processing time: Borough policy says the contracted third-party review process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks depending on project nature

Source: Borough of Hanover, Department of Code Enforcement

General Requirements

Hanover states building permits are required for residential and commercial new construction, remodels and renovations involving structural change, electrical or plumbing work, ADA-triggering work, changes to ingress/egress, fire alarm or extinguishing system changes, additions or expansions, accessory structures 1,000 square feet or over, and accessory structures with electrical or plumbing

Required Documents

• Electronic application
• Required uploads listed in the iWorQ application
• Plans and stormwater materials as applicable
• Outside approvals required by the project

Building code

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code with third-party UCC review and inspection services

Contractor requirements

Borough contracting structure does not replace Pennsylvania HICPA obligations; trade and third-party UCC review requirements still apply

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$55

Plan check fee

Additional third-party plan review and inspection fees are charged where applicable and reflected on the applicant invoice; the Borough fee schedule also lists $500 commercial and $150 residential fees for changes in construction plans plus review fees

Permit fee formula

Building permits are based on project cost, with residential charged $10 per additional $1,000 and non-residential $15 per additional $1,000 after the minimum tier

Reinspection fee

Unpermitted work penalty is 20% of the base permit fee, with a $150 residential minimum and $550 commercial minimum; permit pickup delayed beyond 10 business days adds a $50 fee plus additional fees every 30 days thereafter

Payment note

DCE states permit payment and issuance hours are Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., unless other arrangements are approved

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Borough of Hanover, Department of Code Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Through Hanover DCE and its contracted third-party reviewer/inspector after permit issuance (other)

Inspection hours

Permit payment and pickup: Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Application through iWorQ, third-party review, permit issuance, required inspections, then final approval and occupancy/use clearance

Additional Resources

• Building code: Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code with third-party UCC review and inspection services
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Permitting Page
• iWorQ Portal
• 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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