Pennsylvania · Penalties if you skip one

What you can build without a permit in Pennsylvania

By Mario Bailey Last checked · 17 official sources

Quick answer

Across the 2 Pennsylvania jurisdictions we have verified, 0 of 22 project rules need no permit at all, 11 turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes, and 11 require a permit regardless. Pool work is where the answer most often comes with a published condition rather than a flat yes: 2 of the 2 jurisdictions that answer publish one.

How to read this page

"No permit" means the jurisdiction publishes that the work needs no building permit. "Depends" means it publishes a size, height, depth, cost or scope condition that decides the answer, quoted in its own words in the last column; the number beside it is the figure that condition turns on, and which side of the number is exempt is stated by the condition, not by us. Exempt from a building permit is not exempt from zoning, setbacks, height limits, flood rules, an HOA, or a separate electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit, and several of the conditions below say exactly that.

Pool

All 2 make the pool answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes, and the 2 that state a number all publish 24 inches.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Philadelphia Depends 24 inches prefabricated swimming pools or spas less than 24 inches deep AND less than 5000 gallons do not require a permit; all larger pools require a permit.
Pittsburgh Depends 24 inches prefabricated pools accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling that also hold no more than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above grade.

Shed

All 2 make the shed answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes, and the 2 that state a number all publish 200 sq ft.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Philadelphia Depends 200 sq ft detached structures under 200 sq ft for one-or-two-family dwellings do not require a permit.
Pittsburgh Depends 200 sq ft floor area of a one-story detached accessory structure accessory to a single-family or two-family dwelling.

Deck

1 of 2 makes the deck answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes. Pittsburgh requires a permit for deck work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Philadelphia Depends 216 sq ft residential decks up to 216 sq ft (excluding roof decks) qualify for EZ permit without plans; larger decks require full building permit with plans.
Pittsburgh Permit required Every deck in Pittsburgh needs an approval, and the 30-inch height only changes which one.

Electrical

1 of 2 makes the electrical answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes. Philadelphia requires a permit for electrical work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Pittsburgh Depends An electrical permit is required in Pittsburgh to install a new electrical system, to extend or modify an existing system, and to renovate or repair one.
Philadelphia Permit required An electrical permit is required from Philadelphia L&I for residential electrical installations, alterations, and renewals.

Fence

1 of 2 makes the fence answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes. Pittsburgh requires a permit for fence work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Philadelphia Depends 6 feet permit required if fence exceeds 6 feet tall, is masonry over 2 ft, is on Historic Registry, or is in the 100-year floodplain.
Pittsburgh Permit required Pittsburgh always requires an application for a fence, and the fence height only changes who reviews it.

HVAC

1 of 2 makes the HVAC answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes. Philadelphia requires a permit for HVAC work regardless of size.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Pittsburgh Depends Pittsburgh calls this a Mechanical Permit and it covers fuel gas as well as heating, cooling and ventilation.
Philadelphia Permit required A mechanical permit is required from Philadelphia L&I for HVAC installations, replacements, and ductwork alterations.

Bathroom Remodel

All 1 makes the bathroom remodel answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Philadelphia Depends Scope-dependent. 34 Pa.

EV Charger

All 1 makes the EV Charger answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Philadelphia Depends Under 34 Pa.

Patio

All 1 makes the patio answer turn on a size or scope condition the jurisdiction publishes. 1 publishes no answer we could verify.

Jurisdiction Permit Published figure What the rule says
Philadelphia Depends concrete or other hard-surface paving on grade (driveways, walkways, patios not used for parking) is exempt; covered or elevated patio structures require a permit, and paving in flood protection areas requires one.

If the work is already built

Under Section 903 of the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (Act 45 of 1999): '(1) Any individual, firm or corporation that violates any provision of this act commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 and costs. (2) Each day that a violation of this act continues shall be considered a separate violation.' The penalty amount is forwarded to the entity with enforcement jurisdiction (Section 903(b)).

Pennsylvania penalties, the after-the-fact path, and what the statute actually says

1 of the 23 rules we hold for Pennsylvania are unresolved because the jurisdiction publishes no answer; they are counted nowhere above. The 22 answered rules come from 17 official sources, each linked from the permit page behind every jurisdiction name. See the full picture for the state on the Pennsylvania permit requirements page, or the national view of which projects need a permit at all on Do you need a building permit?

This page compiles what each Pennsylvania jurisdiction publishes, with a last checked date. It is not legal advice, and a project that is exempt from a building permit can still need zoning approval or a trade permit. Confirm with the office linked from the jurisdiction's page before you build.