Building Permits
A Building Permit is a license that grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. Building Permits allow for the enforcement of the codes which have been adopted as law by the City of Altoona. By applying for and obtaining a Building Permit , you are notifying the Code Official that you are constructing, remodeling, or repairing your building.
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION
- Building or installing a patio, garage, steps, accessory building or swimming pool
- Cutting away any wall, partition or portion thereof, removal or cutting of any structural beam or loadbearing support, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements
- Replacing or repairing a windows, roof, porch, foundation or siding
- Demolishing any structure or part of a structure that may affect the existing building
- Construction of any new type of building
- Prefabricated structures and temporary buildings
- Installing or replacing any type of sign
Most types of construction, remodeling, or repair of a building follow a series of steps before issuance of a building permit:
- Obtain Building Permit Application
- Submit Building Permit Application
- Review Process
- Building Permit is Issued
- Arrange for On-Site Inspections
COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION
Commercial construction projects differ slightly from residential projects. Prior to obtaining a building permit, two complete sets of construction documents and specifications must be submitted to the Building Inspector, each set bearing the seal of a registered design professional. Most major projects require a review process by other City Departments as well. After the review process is final, the Building Permit will be issued and inspections will be arranged.
INSPECTIONS
In order to better serve you, the Department of Codes & Inspections kindly asks that requests for inspections be made 24 hours in advance.
ZONING FEES
UNDER $50,000 = 20% OF BUILDING PERMIT FEE
$50,000-$100,000 = 30% OF BUILDING PERMIT FEE
$100,001-$500,000 = 50% OF BUILDING PERMIT FEE
$500,000 AND OVER = 75% OF BUILDING PERMIT FEE
DEMOLITION FEES
Commercial Buildings 2% of job cost + $4.00
Residential Dwellings 2% of job cost + $4.00
Garages/Sheds $20.00 + $4.00
Apartments $65.00 + $4.00
*** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, A SURCHARGE OF $4.00 WILL BE ADDED TO THE FEE OF ALL BUILDING, PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL PERMITS. THIS SURCHARGE IS REQUIRED BY THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, ACT 13, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE.
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
The following is a list of departments and telephone numbers that may be necessary to contact for inspections and other information for both residential and commercial building projects. Please call early to avoid delays should your project require reviews and/or approvals.
For construction inspections and questions, contact:
Commercial Building Inspector 814-947-4813
Residential Building Inspector 814-949-2406
For all plumbing, mechanical, energy inspections and questions, contact:
Plumbing Inspector 814-949-2461
For all electrical inspections and questions, contact:
Electrical Inspector 814-947-4813
For all Zoning matters and questions, contact:
Zoning Officer 814-949-2470
For curb cuts, driveways, sewer tap, floodplain information and electrical inspections, contact:
Engineering Department 814-949-2446
For lot merger information and land development questions, contact:
Planning Department 814-949-2470
For all water information and questions, contact:
Altoona City Authority 814-949-2540
For sewer information and questions, contact:
Altoona City Authority 814-949-2540