Upper Darby Township requires building permits to ensure that construction work is performed in accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), as adopted under Act 45, and applicable Township ordinances.

It is unlawful to perform regulated construction work without first obtaining all required permits and approvals.

Building permits help protect property owners, occupants, and the public by ensuring that construction is safe, properly designed, and inspected throughout the construction process.

Permit Requirements (Per State Law, Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code)

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), as adopted under Act 45 and enforced by Upper Darby Township, permits are required prior to the commencement of regulated construction work.

Commercial Buildings (All buildings other than single-family and two-family dwellings):
Pursuant to 34 Pa. Code § 403.42(a), an owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a commercial building, structure, or facility—or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code—shall first apply to the Building Code Official and obtain the required permit.

Residential Buildings (Single-Family Dwellings and Two-Family Dwellings):
Pursuant to 34 Pa. Code § 403.62(a), an owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a residential building—or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code—shall first apply to the Building Code Official and obtain the required permit.

Local Amendments and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Approvals (2005)

As part of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code adoption process, Upper Darby Township completed the required municipal election and approval process with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry in 2005.

As a result of that process, the Township has adopted the following requirements:

Residential Accessory Structures (120 sq. ft. or more):
A UCC permit is required for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 120 square feet or greater.

Residential Accessory Structures (Less than 120 sq. ft.):
A building permit is required for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures less than 120 square feet when such structures contain utilities (including, but not limited to, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems).

Residential Alterations and Repairs:
A UCC permit is required for all residential alterations and repairs, except for those specifically excluded under Chapter 1 of the International Residential Code (IRC), as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

These requirements are enforced in addition to all applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and Township ordinances.

Who May Apply for and Perform Work Under a Building Permit

Building permits may only be applied for and work may only be performed by individuals or entities who are properly authorized and licensed in accordance with State law and Township regulations.

Permits may be obtained by:

• Residential Contractors who are properly registered with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (Home Improvement Contractor Registration), and verified with Upper Darby Township, including possession of a valid Township Business Privilege License
• General contractors who are properly licensed and meet all Township and State requirements
• Property owners (limited circumstances only), as outlined below

Property Owners Performing Work

A property owner may apply for a building permit only for their primary residence and only if they are personally performing the work.

Property owners acting as their own contractor must comply with all applicable State and Township requirements, including:

• Compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code
• Compliance with all Township ordinances and permitting requirements
• Completion of required inspections
• Execution of any required affidavits or documentation

Property owners may not perform work under a homeowner permit for rental properties, investment properties, or any property that is not owner-occupied. If a property owner is acting as a contractor, they must obtain all required State and Township licenses.

Licensing Requirements (State and Township Law)

In accordance with State law and Township regulations:

Any individual or entity performing construction work as a contractor must obtain and maintain all required licenses, registrations, and approvals from both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Upper Darby Township.

Failure to comply with licensing requirements may result in:

• Permit denial or revocation
• Stop work orders
• Citations and fines
• Legal enforcement action

When a Building Permit is Required

A building permit is required when an owner or authorized agent intends to:

• Construct a new building or structure
• Enlarge or add to an existing structure
• Alter, repair, or renovate a building
• Change the use or occupancy of a building
• Demolish or move a structure
• Perform structural work, including framing or load-bearing changes
• Construct decks, porches, patios, garages, or sheds (as applicable)
• Install or modify systems regulated by the UCC

Additional permits may also be required for:

• Electrical work
• Plumbing work
• Mechanical systems
• Fire protection systems

Work That May Not Require a Building Permit

Certain work may be exempt from building permit requirements under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code; however, such exemptions are limited, narrowly defined, and subject to determination by the Township.

Examples may include:

• Cosmetic work such as painting, flooring, cabinetry, or finishes
• Replacement of windows or doors without changing size or structural openings
• Minor repairs that do not affect structural elements or building systems

Important:
Even if a building permit is not required:

• Trade permits may still be required (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
• Zoning approval may still be required
• Floodplain regulations may still apply

The Township reserves the sole authority to determine whether a permit is required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to verify requirements prior to starting any work.

Before You Apply

Before submitting a permit application, applicants should:

• Determine the full scope of work
• Confirm whether zoning approval is required
• Determine whether the property is located in a floodplain
• Confirm contractor licensing and registration requirements
• Ensure that all required plans and documents are prepared

Incomplete applications will delay processing.

Application Requirements

A complete building permit application typically includes:

• Completed permit application form
• Site plan showing property lines, structures, and proposed work
• Floor plans and construction drawings
• Elevation drawings (if applicable)
• Construction details and specifications
• Engineering or design documents (if required)

Additional documentation may be required depending on the scope of the project.

Plan Review Process

All applications are reviewed for compliance with:

• Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
• Applicable ICC codes (as adopted by Pennsylvania)
• Township ordinances and regulations

Review times vary depending on the complexity of the project and completeness of the application.

Applicants may be required to provide additional information or revisions during the review process.

Permit Approval

Once the application is approved:

• The permit will be issued
• Approved plans must be kept on-site
• Work may begin in accordance with approved documents

Work may not begin until the permit is issued.

Inspections

Inspections are required at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with approved plans and codes.

Common inspections may include:

• Footing and foundation inspections
• Framing inspections
• Rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections
• Final inspection

All required inspections must be approved before the project is considered complete.

Permit Expiration

Permits are valid for a specified period of time.

Failure to commence or complete work within the required timeframe may result in permit expiration.

Extensions may be requested in accordance with PA UCC and Township regulations.

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 applicant to obtain all required permits
• Multiple permits may be required for a single project
• Work must comply with approved plans and applicable codes
• Inspections are required throughout construction
• Permits must be approved, issued, and paid for prior to starting work
• The Township reserves the right to require permits, inspections, or additional documentation as necessary to ensure compliance
• Failure to obtain permits may result in double fees, stop work orders, citations, and enforcement action

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit before starting work?
Yes. Permits must be issued before any work begins.

How long does it take to get a permit?
Review times vary depending on the scope and completeness of the application.

Can I do the work myself?
Property owners may perform work on their primary residence only, subject to all applicable State and Township requirements. Owners acting as contractors must comply with all licensing, permit, and inspection requirements.

What happens if I work without a permit?
Working without a permit may result in double fees, stop work orders, citations, and enforcement action.

Contact the Buildings Division

For questions regarding building 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.