BUILDING/FIRE/ZONING PERMIT GUIDE Summary Guidelines The following is an instructional guide that will serve to assist you in securing the various permits issued by the Bureau of Code Administration. In addition to the instructional sections contained herein, the following are some standard procedures that apply to all of the permit applications: Payment for any permit must be with a check or money order that is issued to the City Treasurer No work may commence without an approved permit. All permits applications must be completed and with the necessary information, i.e. drawings, etc. attached. All permit applications must be completed legibly and to include proper addresses with the appropriate zip code, contact phone numbers and email. Any false statements or incomplete information on your permit application will cause your permit application to be denied and returned. All permit applications must be signed and dated. All contractors and sub-contractors must have a valid Mercantile License or trade license if applicable as well as valid liability insurance. Indicate at the top of your application if you want your permit mailed to you or if you desire to pick up your permit at our office. Your permit placard must be posted in a conspicuous place. Progressive inspections require a 24-hour notice.
All permits expire if work has ceased and is not continuous for a period of 6 months. Electrical Permit Instructions : Contractors applying for an electrical permit must have a valid Master Electrical license or documentation from the Master Electrician granting the approval for a Journeyman Electrician to secure an electrical permit. All electricians must possess a license issued by the City of Harrisburg. All Master Electricians must possess valid liability insurance. Complete all information on application. Electrical work conducted on properties in a flood plain must comply with flood plain regulations. A building permit must also be secured for estimated costs of $1,000.00 or more. If any part of the service is being changed, i.e. service cable, meter base or panel, the property must be brought into compliance with the minimum city code requirements enclosed herein. If a property is placarded for water termination, an electrical permit will not be issued until the placard is lifted. For commercial installations, sealed blueprints prints must accompany the permit application. In addition to sealed blueprints, they must be certified by a third party plan reviewer. Contractors must indicate what third party inspection agency will be inspecting their electrical work. All Master Electricians must possess a valid Mercantile License. Sign and date your application.
Building Permit Application Instructions : The Building permit application is your comprehensive permit application which includes the total proposed improvements to the property. The following represents the requirements needed to complete your application in a timely manner: Complete sections I through D. Complete section E in detail as to what type of work is being performed. Additional paper may be attached. A site drawing with construction detail is required for all decks, accessory structures and new construction. Site drawings must indicate rear, front and side setbacks from the existing property lines. Complete section F indicating all improvements inclusive of electrical, plumbing, sprinkler work, HVAC etc. Indicate the sum of all improvements in the Total Cost of Improvements section. This will dictate the cost of your building permit. (Sprinkler/Fire Prevention Code fees may be included on your building permit application) 2 sets of signed and stamped drawings from a design professional indicating compliance with the adopted International Building Code for commercial buildings and buildings utilized by the general public for the following types of work: a) For a change of use, new or substantial construction work in commercial/industrial buildings or buildings utilized by the general public. (substantial is defined as work where the cost of such exceeds the 50% of the market value of the building) b) Work where the floor layout and the path of egress are altered for the above types of construction. c) When substantial rehabilitation of a commercial building, 20% of the total cost of improvements must be dedicated to the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Improvements. New fire sprinkler installations require sealed drawing to be approved by the City.
When submitting commercial drawings, the electrical portion of the plans must be signed by a third party electrical plans reviewer. A flood plain elevation certificate is required for all-new construction and substantial rehabilitation in the 100-year flood plain. (substantial is defined as work that exceeds 50% of the market value of the building) Flood plain construction must comply with the current adopted building and zoning codes. New or substantial flood plain or construction may require a special exception or variance before a permit can be issued and may require review by the Harrisburg Zoning Hearing Board. Work that involves improvements to the exterior of a building that exists in a registered historic district requires review by the Planning Director. Extensive modifications may require a separate approval by the Harrisburg Architectural Review Board. Complete Section G. Any contractor or sub-contractor must be listed and must possess a valid Mercantile License. Sign, date and indicate your address on your application. No building permit may be secured for properties that have been condemned by the City of Harrisburg without the submittal of a structural analysis by a licensed structural Engineer. Progressive Inspections are required by The Bureau of Codes Administration for all new construction, extensive rehabilitation or as indicated by the Bureau of Codes Administration.