The scope of your project will determine if your planned changes are an addition or simply a renovation of existing space.

In general:

  • If you are adding more living space, then your project is an addition, and you should review the information for additions here.
  • If you are moving or removing walls or adding new electrical, mechanical, or plumbing, you need a building permit.
  • If you are making interior cosmetic changes, replacing cabinets, changing fixtures, painting, or wallpapering, then you do not need a permit.
  • If you are not sure if your renovations require a permit, call the Building and Zoning Department to discuss.

Historic District:

If you are located in the historic district and are making changes to the exterior of your property that can be seen from the street and exceed $2,000, please review the HARB Certificate of Appropriateness requirements.

Applicable Building Codes

All construction work must conform to the requirements of the following codes: the 2018 IBC Code, or, for simple projects, you can view the ICC Codes online at no charge here.

Standard Inspection Requirements:

  • Footing and foundation prepour (forms in place before concrete is poured)
  • Concrete slab and or backfill
  • Floodplain
  • Plumbing, water service, mechanical, electrical, and gas
  • Rough framing, fire resistance, fire separation
  • Insulation
  • Fire suppression, fire prevention, fire alarm
  • Structural steel, poured concrete, engineered truss
  • Sanitary sewer
  • Final

Drawing Requirements can be reviewed here.

Application Checklist

Please note that we are providing this checklist to assist you in submitting drawings and an application package that will provide enough information for us to understand your proposal and determine if it meets the building code. Failure to provide the needed information will delay your permit.

Permit Application and Review Procedures:

  • Applicant completes Building and Zoning Permit Application and Checklist. Residential applications require two complete sets of plans (site, architectural, mechanical, plumbing, structural, & electrical as needed).
  • Applicant delivers completed signed application, signed completed checklist, and two copies of all plans to the Borough Building and Zoning Office. Make sure you have the proper type, i.e., residential or commercial. All applicable portions of the permit should be filled in. If you are unsure whether a question is applicable, please ask at the time of submittal. Plans must be complete, identical, legible, to scale, and stapled together as two separate sets.
  • All applications will be checked at the counter for completeness. If any required information, plans, or checklists are missing, the building permit application cannot be accepted.
  • When you come in to apply, we will determine permit fees. A fee schedule is available here. Payment must be made for the application to be accepted. We will need a separate check for escrows.
  • Permit review is conducted once a week. Incomplete applications and plans will be returned to the applicant. If the plans are incomplete, inaccurate, or unclear, a correction letter will be sent to the applicant. This will require resubmitting the corrected construction documents and will delay issuance of the permit.
  • We will contact you in writing with the results of the plan review.
  • You may start your project when you receive the permits. Note that it is your responsibility to schedule all inspections. Inspections must be scheduled 48 hours in advance.

Important: Your permit cannot be closed without a final inspection. Escrow will not be returned until the final is complete. Residential Building Permits Package (three documents) includes plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and related systems.

Resources

The information in this guide is intended solely to help individuals understand the code requirements. It is not a complete recitation of the code. Property owners should consult the Doylestown Borough Code of Ordinance for answers to specific questions.