The Buildings Division of the Upper Darby Township Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) administers and enforces the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) in accordance with Act 45 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as well as applicable Township ordinances.

The Division is responsible for reviewing construction plans, issuing permits, and performing inspections to ensure that all construction work complies with applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, and energy code requirements.

Through these responsibilities, the Buildings Division works to ensure that structures within Upper Darby Township are constructed and maintained in a safe manner that protects life, property, and the public welfare.

What the Buildings Division Does

The Buildings Division is responsible for:

• Reviewing construction documents and plans for code compliance
• Issuing permits for construction and related work
• Conducting inspections throughout the construction process
• Enforcing compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code
• Coordinating with other Township departments as required (Zoning, Public Works, Fire Department, etc.)
• Ensuring that completed work meets all applicable safety and code requirements

Before You Start Work

Do not begin any construction or regulated work until all required permits and approvals have been issued.

Starting work without a permit is a violation of Township regulations and may result in:

• Stop work orders
• Double permit fees
• Citations and fines
• Delays in project completion

Submission of an application does not authorize work to begin. Permits must be reviewed and approved prior to starting any work.

Permits and Approvals

Depending on the scope of your project, one or more permits or approvals may be required.

These may include:

• Building Permits
• Electrical Permits
• Plumbing Permits
• Mechanical (HVAC) Permits
• Fire Protection Permits
• Demolition Permits
• Zoning Permits
• Floodplain Development Permits
• Street Opening or Right-of-Way Permits

Projects often require multiple permits and approvals, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain all required approvals prior to starting work.

Zoning and Other Approvals

In addition to construction permits, many projects also require zoning approval.

Zoning permits may be required for:

• New construction
• Additions or structural changes
• Changes in use or occupancy
• Installation of signs
• Decks, patios, pools, retaining walls, fences, sheds, etc
• Site improvements

A zoning permit must be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit where applicable.

Floodplain Development

Properties located within a designated floodplain or Special Flood Hazard Area are subject to additional regulations.

Any development within the floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit in accordance with Chapter 305 – Floodplain Management.

Floodplain regulations are intended to:

• Reduce flood risk
• Protect structures from damage
• Ensure compliance with FEMA and State requirements

If your property is located in a floodplain, additional review and documentation will be required.

Work That May Not Require a Building Permit

Certain minor work may not require a building permit; however, this is limited and subject to specific conditions.

Examples may include:

• Minor repairs or maintenance
• Replacement of existing fixtures without altering systems
• Cosmetic work such as painting or finishing

Important:
Even if a building permit is not required:

• Zoning approval may still be required
• Floodplain regulations may still apply
• Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) may still be required
• Contractors must still be properly licensed with the State and Township

It is the responsibility of the property owner or applicant to verify permit requirements prior to starting work.

Plan Review and Permit Processing

Permit applications are reviewed to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations.

Applicants must submit complete and accurate documentation, which may include:

• Site plans
• Floor plans
• Construction details and specifications
• Engineering or design documents (when required)

Incomplete applications may delay the review process.

Permit review times vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

Inspections

Inspections are required throughout the construction process to verify that work is completed in accordance with approved plans and applicable codes.

Inspections must be scheduled at required stages of construction.

Work must remain accessible for inspection, and required approvals must be obtained before proceeding to the next phase of construction.

Fees and Payments

Permit fees are established in accordance with the Township Fee Schedule.

Payments may be made:

• Online
• By check or money order

Cash is not accepted.

(Fees are subject to change. Please contact the Township to verify the most current fee schedule.)

Important Reminders

• It is the responsibility of the property owner and/or their authorized agent (property manager, contractor, etc) to obtain all required permits
• Permits must be approved, issued, and fully paid for before work begins
• Multiple permits may be required for a single project
• All work must comply with Township and State codes
• Failure to comply may result in enforcement action

Related Codes and Regulations

The Buildings Division administers and enforces applicable State and Township codes, including:

• Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (Act 45)
• Chapter 262 – Uniform Construction Code
• Chapter 305 – Floodplain Management
• Chapter 550 – Zoning
• Chapter 290 – Fees
• Chapter 265 – Contractors

For the full Township Code, visit:
https://ecode360.com/UP3641

Contact the Buildings Division

For questions regarding permits, plan review, or inspections, please contact the Buildings Division.

Email: LI@UpperDarby.org

Phone: 610-734-7613

Residents may also submit inquiries or report concerns through the Township One Center.

To submit a concern, email One@UpperDarby.org or call the One Center Request Line at 610-734-7625.