The City of Bethlehem's Department of Community and Economic Development operates various bureaus that impact the City’s quality of life and building conditions. Those bureaus are: Code Enforcement, Community Development, Planning and Zoning, Recycling and Housing Inspections.

Looking for Housing Opportunities
The City is seeking housing providers with the capacity to provide short-term or transitional homes for families and or individuals who are either homeless or at-risk of being homeless.  Private property owners and housing providers who own or are purchasing vacant housing units that require renovation are perfect candidates. In return, the City is providing both rental subsidies and housing rehab grants for interior and/or exterior improvements. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Interest by June 30, 2021.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all planning applications, zoning hearing board appeals and Certificates of Appropriateness/Historic Board applications are strongly encouraged to submit the waiver below of timeliness for review to protect the applicant, the Board Members, City officials and members of the public from the risk of COVID-19 exposure. 
Waiver-Request.pdf

Parklet Applications 2021
The City of Bethlehem is currently accepting parklet applications for the 2021 dining season. The purpose of the program is to allow restaurants to expand their operational footprint to help meet social distancing requirements.  Applications will be accepted until March 31.  Each application will be evaluated using indicators of operational impact.  If approved, distribution of parklets is anticipated in mid-April.  The program will prioritize the Central Business District for distribution. Interested businesses should complete the application and email it to engpermits@bethlehem-pa.gov for review. 

2021 Parklet Application