Apply For a Permit

Apply For a Permit

How to Apply for a Building Permit

The first step in applying for a building permit is to visit or call the Department of Building & Zoning at (215) 750-3800 x1112, or visit the Municipal Center. Based upon your property and the work planned, the staff will explain the requirements of your project and give you an application. This initial contact will provide the resources and information you will need to make your project a success and avoid potential problems which could cost time and money.

What is a Building Permit?

A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project.

What Construction Projects Need Building Permits?

Building permits are typically required for the following:

• New buildings
• Additions
• Fences
• Renovations
• Demolitions
• Prefabricated structures
• Temporary buildings
• Mobile homes
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing systems
• HVAC systems (heating, ventilating, air conditioning)
• Miscellaneous residential (fireplace, pools, decks, etc.)
• Miscellaneous commercial (parking, health, food handling, etc.)
• Grading

In Bucks County, all earth disturbances of more than 1,000 square feet require a plan to be submitted to the Bucks County Conservation District for review and approval. Plans of less than 1,000 square feet only require that an erosion and sediment control plan is on site during the disturbance.
Any work requring a permit started before the issuance of a permit will be subject to all associative permit fees being doubled.

The Purpose of Permits

Permits allow the enforcement of codes, which have been adopted as law by a state, county or township. No matter what the specific project may be, the enforcement of codes is carried out to protect the public health, safety and welfare. The unit of government which enforces the code is acting to assure safe construction.

Code officials and inspectors use building permits as a vital step in their enforcement of codes. You have an investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel. When that home or business structure does not comply with the codes, your investment could be reduced. Applying for a building permit notifies the Code Official that you are constructing or remodeling a building so he or she can ensure code compliance.

Before any construction or remodeling work begins, application for a permit should be made. Building permits provide the means for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

The Permit Process

1. Visit or call the Building & Zoning Department. The staff will ask "What are you planning to do?" and "Where are you planning to do it?" The staff will explain the requirements (codes/ordinances) regarding your project. An application for a building permit will be given to you at this time. This initial contact will provide the resources and information you will need to make your project a success and avoid potential problems, which could cost you time and money.

2. Submit Application. The permit application requires information about the construction project. You'll be asked to document "who" will perform the work, "what" work will be done, "where'' the work will be done, "when" the work will be done and "how" the work will be done. Sketches, drawings, plans, or other documentation of the proposed work will have to be submitted for review. A fee will be collected at this time. The permit fee helps defray the cost of the Building Inspector's time spent in the application process, the review process, and the on-site inspection process. The fee also gives you access to the Building Inspector's knowledge and experience when and if you have any questions about your construction project.

3. Wait During Review Process. The majority of permit applications are processed with little delay. The project will be reviewed to determine that it is in compliance with the construction codes, with the zoning ordinance, and with other municipal or state ordinances and statutes.

4. Receive Results of Review Process. If compliance with the code, zoning ordinance and other applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved and a permit issued. If compliance is not determined, your application as submitted will be denied. If you are refused a building permit, you can correct the code violations or appeal the decision.

5. Receive Permit. The building permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the review process. Inspections required for your project will be indicated on the permit. The permit should be posted in a window or other prominent place at the construction site, keep a copy of the building plans at the site, and bring any proposed changes to the attention of the Building Inspector immediately. Changes will require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.

6. Arrange Inspection Visits. Each major phase of construction must be inspected by the Building Inspector to make certain the work conforms to the code, the building permit, and the approved plan. The person responsible for the construction project must request each inspection 24 to 48 hours in advance. If an inspector finds that some work does not conform to approved plans, the inspector will advise (and possibly provide written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed.

7. Receive Certificate of Occupancy. When code compliance is determined, the inspector issues a certificate of occupancy. This certificate is the formal document which marks the completion of your construction project and gives you permission to occupy your new or renovated building with the knowledge that it has met the safety standards in your community.