BuildingPermitCost How Bethlehem calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using a fee table based on floor area. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work gets its own permits.
The fee table
New building, Type 1, 2 & 3 construction
| Floor area | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 sq ft – 500 sq ft | $180.00 |
| Over 500 sq ft | $180.00 for the first 500 sq ft + $0.20 per additional sq ft or fraction |
New building, Type 4 & 5 (frame) construction
| Floor area | Fee |
|---|---|
| 0 sq ft – 500 sq ft | $150.00 |
| Over 500 sq ft | $150.00 for the first 500 sq ft + $0.25 per additional sq ft or fraction |
Repairs and alterations
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $5,000 | $60.00 |
| $5,001 – $500,000 | $60.00 for the first $5,000 + $12.00 per additional $1,000 |
| Over $500,000 | $6,000.00 for the first $500,000 + $3.00 per additional $1,000 |
Surcharges
- State-imposed training fee (PA UCC): $4.50
What counts as project value
Floor area (square feet). New buildings are priced by floor area from outside dimensions; stories over 18 ft count as two stories, over 30 ft as three (except one-story Use Group F); areas under 5 ft ceiling and crawl spaces excluded. Repairs/alterations use the estimated cost of construction, which the building official may verify or correct.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: $150.00 for the first 500 sq ft + $0.25 × 1,900 per sq ft over = $625.00
- State-imposed training fee (PA UCC): fixed = $4.50
- Total before trade permits: $629.50.
Fees people miss
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Reinspection after the first re-inspectionWhen: additional reinspections | $75.00 per visit |
| Moving a building (dwelling or larger)When: moving a building | $200.00 each |
| Zoning: change of use / new useWhen: change of use or new use | $72.00 each |
| Zoning: home officeWhen: home office use | $36.00 each |
| Parking lotWhen: parking lots | $60.00 each |
| Refund retentionWhen: permit revoked, withdrawn or expired | percent |
Trade permits are separate. Electrical: New single-family dwelling $115 per unit; service change up to 200 A $50, up to 400 A $90; minor alterations (1-4 devices) $50; alterations/additions/rewire 5+ devices $90. Non-residential 1.2% up to $30,000 plus 0.6% over, minimum $90. Plumbing: $50 for 1-3 fixtures plus $15 each additional; sanitary sewer $50; water service $45; water heater $50. Non-residential 1.2% up to $30,000 plus 0.6% over, minimum $90. Mechanical: R-3/R-4: $50 first device plus $15 each additional; fireplace/stove $45. Other use groups 1.2% up to $30,000 plus 0.6% over, minimum $90.
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value and floor area.
- Submit to Department of Community and Economic Development, Code Enforcement (Bureau of Building) online through the permit portal.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.