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Residential Construction

For almost any type of construction or remodeling, a construction permit is required.

Due to the impending digitization of the Permit files, the Permit Office will temporarily close Wednesday afternoons to the public. These closures will begin on Wednesday, August 2nd from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and last through Wednesday, September 27th. Thank you for your patience and understanding.



An application for Building Permit can be obtained by contacting the Building Code Enforcement Office at 610-865-7091.
Before starting any work, please check with our office for full details of what is required for the project. The staff is more than happy to help anyone through the application process and to ensure that the work is done right. Through a process of plan review and a schedule of inspections, the Code Enforcement/Zoning office makes sure that all of the building specifications and materials used are up to code and, therefore, safe for the occupants. Also through this process, insurance and zoning requirements are dealt with. This application process is relatively simple and permits are inexpensive. 


BUILDING

Applicant submits the completed Building Permit Application with two (2) sets of building plans and a site plan. 

Contractor: A current Certificate of Insurance for Workers’ Compensation must be on file with the Code Enforcement Office or submitted with the application.  If you do not have employees and are not required to provide Workers’ Compensation Insurance you must complete an affidavit  and have it notarized.

A current Business/Mercantile License must be on file with the City of Bethlehem or submitted with the permit application.

The permit application and plans will then be reviewed for City Code compliance. If the permit is denied, the applicant will be notified.

Once the permit is approved the applicant will be notified and payment will be due. (The permit must be signed and paid in person)

Property Owner: An Building Permit may be issued to a bona fide owner, occupant of a single family dwelling, which is to be occupied exclusively for living purposes, to do any work regulated by City Ordinance on the said dwelling and on the condition that the said owner personally purchase all material and perform all labor.

All Inspections will be performed by City of Bethlehem Inspectors and can be scheduled by calling 610-865-7091.
 

ELECTRICAL

Applicant submits the completed Electrical Permit Application .
 
Contractor: Electrical Contractors performing work within the City of Bethlehem must have a valid Electrician’s License.  If you do not have a City of Bethlehem Electrician’s License the City of Bethlehem will accept a valid Electrician’s License from one of the following municipalities:  Allentown and Reading.

If you would like to obtain an Electrician’s License from the City of Bethlehem you may do so by completing the application and providing proof of a passing grade from the exam administered by the International Code Council.  Information on the exam can be obtained by visiting ICCSAFE.ORG .

A current Certificate of Insurance for Workers’ Compensation must be on file with the Code Enforcement Office or submitted with the application.  If you do not have employees and are not required to provide Workers’ Compensation Insurance you must complete an affidavit and have it notarized.

A current Business/Mercantile License must be on file with the City of Bethlehem or submitted with the permit application.

Property Owner: An Electrical Permit may be issued to a bona fide owner, occupant of a single family dwelling, which is to be occupied exclusively for living purposes, to do any work regulated by City Ordinance on the said dwelling and on the condition that the said owner personally purchase all material and perform all labor.

Permit is then paid at Financial Services.

All Inspections will be performed by City of Bethlehem Inspectors and can be scheduled by calling 610-865-7091.


PLUMBING

Applicant submits the completed Plumbing Permit Application .

Contractor: Plumbing Contractors performing work within the City of Bethlehem must have a valid Master Plumber’s License.  If you do not have a City of Bethlehem Master Plumber’s License the City of Bethlehem will accept a valid Master Plumber’s License from a qualifying 3rd class city or greater.

A current Certificate of Insurance for Workers’ Compensation must be on file with the Code Enforcement Office or submitted with the application.  If you do not have employees and are not required to provide Workers’ Compensation Insurance you must complete an affidavit and have it notarized.

A current Business/Mercantile License must be on file with the City of Bethlehem or submitted with the permit application.

Property Owner: A Plumbing Permit may be issued to a bona fide owner, occupant of a single family dwelling, which is to be occupied exclusively for living purposes, to do any work regulated by City Ordinance on the said dwelling and on the condition that the said owner personally purchase all material and perform all labor.

Permit is then paid at Financial Services.

All Inspections will be performed by City of Bethlehem Inspectors and can be scheduled by calling 610-865-7091.
 

MECHANICAL

Applicant submits the completed Mechanical Permit Application.

Contractor: A current Certificate of Insurance for Workers’ Compensation must be on file with the Code Enforcement Office or submitted with the application.  If you do not have employees and are not required to provide Workers’ Compensation Insurance you must complete an affidavit and have it notarized.

A current Business/Mercantile License  must be on file with the City of Bethlehem or submitted with the permit application.

Property Owner: Permit may be secured and work performed by the property owner.

Permit is paid at Financial Services.

All Inspections will be performed by City of Bethlehem Inspectors and can be scheduled by calling 610-865-7091.