Pottstown Inspections and Permits

The Inspections and Permits department has the duty to process all Building Permits, Contractor Licenses, Inspection of Reported Code Violations and Inspection of on-going work for projects that require Permits and/or Zoning and Planning Applications.

Many residents are not aware that certain work must be inspected by the Fire Marshall upon completion, you will need to fill out the Fire Marshall Application (PDF). For much of this work you will need a permit as required by the Borough. You can see the required list by clicking here.

If you need to see the Borough Ordinances, click Here.

Also included in our responsibilities are Homeowner Property Transfers, Rental Unit Inspections and Rental Unit Registration.

The Codes Department can be reached by calling 610-970-6520.

The Borough also has a Home Owners Initiative Program to help attract home buyers to the Core District and a Housing Conversion Program.

Departments

Departmental Reports Administration
Inspections & Permits
Finance & Budget
Fire
Police
Public Works
Parks & Recreation
Zoning
Economic Development

The Borough of Pottstown uses the following codes:

	2006 International Building Code for all properties. Building permits are required for alterations as well as new construction.
	2006 International Fire Prevention Code regulates the issuance of permits and inspections for certain activities.
	2006 International Property Maintenance Code requires properties to be maintained to a minimum standard.
	2006 International Plumbing Code requirements for plumbing work.
	2005 National Electrical Code for all electrical work in the Borough of Pottstown.
	2006 International Mechanical Code sets the requirements for heating systems and pressure vessels.

The Borough of Pottstown also has a Shade Tree Program to help bring nature into our town. To learn more, Click Here.

Borough has also established two Historic Districts to preserve our oldest and most historic buildings. More information is available if you Click Here.

Rental Properties
All rental properties must be registered, licensed, and have a Certificate of Occupancy. No Certificate of Occupancy will be issued until the property complies with the Property Maintenance Code.

Once filled out, permits and licenses need to be brought to:
	Borough Hall 100 E. High Street Pottstown, PA. 19464 Monday - Friday - 8:30 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.

Any form or application not listed on this site may be filled out at Borough Hall.

Permits and Licenses

-	All contractors working in the Borough of Pottstown must be licensed to do work in the Borough. i.e., general contractors, alarm installers, AC/refrigeration, electricians, heater service, plumbers, etc.
-	All applications for license must include a certificate of insurance, workman’s compensation, and liability insurance.
-	There are two different Contractor License Applications: ICC Required - Application ICC Not Required - Application

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Permits are required for the following:

-	Change of Occupancy
-	Construction of a new building
-	Structural alterations or repairs
-	Adding new structures, additions or dwelling units
-	Garage, sheds, parking area, driveways, signs, fences, decks, pools, porches
-	Installing or replacing plumbing fixtures - Plumbing Permit (PDF)
-	Demolition or relocation of a building
-	Signs (Click here to open the Application) - PDF
-	Curbing and Sidewalk (Click here to open the Application ) PDF S

Who may apply for permits:

-	Building permit applications may be applied for and obtained by the property owner, contractor and/or authorized agent
-	Plumbing permits must be applied for by the owner or a master plumber licensed by the Borough of Pottstown

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Application for Building Permits

Applications for Building Permits should include the following:

-	Description of proposed construction (dimensions, type and extent of work, materials)
-	Estimated cost of construction
-	Type of occupancy (residential, office, retail, etc)
-	Name, address and telephone number of owner, contractor and authorized agent
-	Plot Plan indicating lot dimensions, proposed construction location, existing-structures, and driveway
-	Floor layout including dimensions
-	All new construction for public, commercial, industrial, office and multi-family uses must be reviewed by the Borough Planning Commission and approved by the Borough Council

General Building Code Guidelines

-	All permits must be obtained and fees paid prior to starting actual work. Fees are based on type, size and cost of construction
-	There are 3 basic inspections: foundation or footing, framing and final (Inspections are noted on permit cards.)
-	Code Enforcement staff requires 24 hours notice for all inspections Phone: 610-970-6520
-	Contractor is responsible for notifying office for all inspections
-	Permit Cards must be visibly displayed on job site
-	Building Inspector must be notified of all structural changes in construction after Permit is issued
-	Final inspections must be made and a Certificate of Occupancy issued prior to occupation of any structure
-	Applicant is responsible for obtaining the necessary electrical inspections and approvals
-	Construction must commence within six (6) months from the date the Permit is issued
-	Permit fees are non-refundable. Approved building plans must be available at the construction site at all times

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Zoning and Planning Applications

Conditional Use Application - Use this application to request a zoning conditional use from the Pottstown Borough Council.

Planning Application - Use this application for subdivisions, land developments, or both.

Planning Architectural Review - Use this application for architectural review for constructing a single family dwelling, building additions, enclosures, facade changes, and etc.

Zoning Application - Use this application for requests for a variance , a special exception , an appeal from determination , a challenge to the validity of the land use ordinance, and , any other appeal from determination by a zoning officer , body or agency of the Borough charged with the administration of any land use ordinance.

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Residential Property Transfer

Property transfers require a full code compliance inspection before the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. These documents will help you through the process.

-	Transfer Checklist
-	Letter of Intent for Property Transfer
-	Property Transfer Application
-	Deed Recording Application (for Real Estate Transfer Registration)

Rental Inspection Required A Rental License is required whenever a rental unit has a change in occupancy. The documents below will help you through the process.
-	Residential Rental Units Checklist
-	Residential/Commercial Inspection Application

All Residential rentals must be registered with the Borough of Pottstown. All rental units must be registered annually.
-	Residential Rental Registration Form
-	Unit Information Fees

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Home Owners initiative program

Two different loan programs are being implemented: a homeowner loan program and a rental unit conversion program. The goal of the Homeowner Loan Program is to attract additional home buyers to the Core District through provision of funds for desired improvements, such as roof repairs, exterior painting, and kitchen and bathroom upgrades. The Multi-Family Housing Conversion Program is intended to reduce rental density by encouraging the permanent removal of one or two units from duplexes or triplexes.

For Further information - Contact Terri Lampe at 610-970-6508 or forward the completed HOMEOWNER INITIATIVE APPLICATION to:
Terri C. Lampe
Pottstown Borough Hall
100 East High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

Redevelopment District Map

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Borough Hall

100 E. High Street

Pottstown, PA 19464-9525

P:610-970-6500

If you notice any problems with this site, please email them to webmaster@pottstown.org