Permits Requirements for Commercial Construction Under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code

(Under Pennsylvania law , all work not considered as being "residential" is deemed to be "commercial".  This includes factories, schools, businesses, stores, beauty shops, storage buildings and other non-residential uses.)

An owner or agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of any commercial building, structure and facility shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under Title 34§ 403.42a of the Uniform Construction Code.

An owner or agent who intends to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code must also obtain the required permit under Title 34§ 403.42a of the Uniform Construction Code.

A permit is not required for the following non-residential exceptions:

• Fences under 6 feet in height
• Oil Derricks
• Retaining Walls less than 4 feet in height
• Sidewalks and driveways less than 3i inches in height above grade at any point\
• Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinetry work and countertop work
• Replacement of existing windows if no structural work is done
• Ordinary repairs do not typically require a permit.

The following are NOT considered as ordinary repairs and require the submittal of approved plans and the issuing of a permit by the municipality:

(1)  The addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric equipment or wiring or mechanical equipment.

(2)  The removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support.

(3)  The removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements.

(4)  Cutting away a wall, partition or portion of a wall.

(5) The installation of new or replacement electrical or mechanical work or equipment

ALL OTHER WORK TO COMMERCIAL / INTUITIONAL / INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES, INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRES A U.C.C. PERMIT  

Most commercial work will involve some issues dealing with the handicap accessibility regulations.

Click here for residential permit requirements.

Annual Permits:

A NON-RESIDENTIAL building permit applicant may apply for an annual permit instead of an individual permit for alterations to existing equipment or to an already approved electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing installation. All of the following are required to be eligible for an Annual Permit:

(1)  The applicant shall regularly employ or have under contract at least one qualified trades person in the building or structure owned or operated by the applicant.

(2)  The applicant shall submit an application for an Annual Permit to the Building Code     Official.  Click here for the Application.

(3)     An annual permit holder must keep detailed records of alterations made in accordance with the annual permit. The permit holder shall provide access to these records to the building code official.