PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING FOR A BUILDING PERMIT FOR NEW MULTI-FAMILY, COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES

A water, sewer, and zoning permit must be obtained if required. Zoning permits are secured through the municipality wherein the construction is proposed. The Zoning Permit Application is located on the back of the Building Permit Application. A health permit is also required in the case of a food and/or drinking establishment.

The final step consists of submitting all required permits, and two sets of building construction plans with a Registered Engineer or Architect's seal and signature on each page of the plans to the Code Administration Office.

Note: You must apply to Dept. of Labor and Industry for permits and inspection of elevators and boilers"

**TWO COMPLETE SETS OF PLANS WITH A PENNSYLVANIA REGISTERED ARCHITECT OR ENGINEER'S SIGNATURE AND SEAL ARE REQUIRED ON ALL PLANS. **

COMPLETE BUILDING REVIEW:

  • Architectural building & site plans
  • Specifications
  • Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical Plans
  • Structural calculations
  • Soil investigation report
  • Energy code compliance
  • Accessibility

ELECTRICAL PLAN REVIEW:

  • Riser diagram or one line drawing
  • Floor layout with branch circuitry
  • Panel schedule including over current protection
  • Load calculations
  • Detailed materials and size requirements
  • Emergency electrical systems
  • Minimum short circuit rating requirements or fault current availability
  • Detailed equipment and service grounding

FIRE PROTECTION REVIEW: (Sprinklers, Standpipes & Alarm Systems)

  • Shop drawings (From contractor)
  • Hydraulic calculations (If applicable)
  • Water data (Current flow test)
  • Specifications (If applicable)
  • Details and specifications for hood suppression systems over cooking appliances.

BUILDING PLAN REVIEW:

  • A title block which includes: Type of Construction; Use Group; List of all installed fire protection; List of all design options
  • In Mixed-use buildings indicate design approach as 'Mixed- separated' or 'Mixed non-separated' and identify fire barriers where applicable.
  • Site plan and soil test report
  • Complete building plans showing uses of all areas
  • All appropriate wall, floor and foundation sections
  • Complete door schedule with catalog cuts for all doors and hardware (including locksets)
  • Complete window and glazing schedule
  • Complete interior finish schedule with flame spread ratings
  • Complete Specifications
  • List of all rated assemblies (include a diagram of assembly and design number)
  • Details showing all accessibility requirements in accordance with Chapters 10 and 11 of IBC and ICC/ANSI A117.1. Provide a key plan indicating locations of all required signage
  • Occupant load for all areas
  • Statement indicating shop drawing will be submitted for al fire protection systems
  • Electrical Plans (Show location of all exit and means of egress lighting)
  • List of all design loads for the building in accordance with section 1603 of IBC
  • Complete information for all special occupancy requirements (open well, high rise and covered mall)
  • Structural calculations and complete information for all special structures (Skylights, roof, panels, awnings, etc.)
  • Sequence of operations for all special systems (smoke control, elevator recall) List of all firestopping methods at penetrations. (Include specific materials and installation system numbers)
  • - Energy compliance path, e.g., IECC or ASHRAE 90.1 or COMcheck-EZ; (include building envelope, mechanical and lighting plans and calcs)

PLUMBING/MECHANICAL REVIEW CHECK LIST:

  • Submit manufacturer's installation instructions on the mechanical equipment and appliances
    • Submit details showing construction of commercial kitchen hood and duct system
  • Submit specifications for commercial kitchen exhaust hood suppression system. Indicate pipe size, minimum and maximum length, number of elbows and installation procedures and tests
  • Submit ventilation schedule indicating amount of supply air, exhaust air and outside air
  • Submit specifications for fixtures pipe materials, joints and connections for all plumbing systems
  • Submit gas piping plans showing location, pipe sizes and material Submit plans showing complete water piping system, including all sizes indicate fixture types and locations
  • If copper tubing is to be installed, indicate solder for copper tubing for potable water distribution to be lead free solder
  • Submit working drawings for the required fire protection, suppression and detection systems when a contractor is chosen
  • Submit riser diagram for drainage, waste and vent system
  • Provide HVAC plans and smoke detection systems
  • Provide 110V outlet for servicing rooftop appliances.

SPRINKLER PLAN REVIEW CHECK LIST:

  • Water flow test (Include pressures, location, time, date, witness and seasonal adjustment)
  • Types of pipes, joints, fittings, dimensions and lengths of pipes
  • Indicate sprinkler protection for all areas and square footage per sprinkler
  • Number, type and temperature ratings for all sprinklers
  • Catalog cuts for special sprinklers
  • Building occupancy (describe process or storage commodity)
  • Section and plan views of racks or shelving
  • Storage heights
  • Description of special systems (show valves and all trim)
  • Indicate locations of gauges, main drains auxiliary drains and test valves.
  • Plans showing arrangement, piping drainage, and the height of the Fire Department Connection
  • Statements indicating all tests and flushing will be completed
  • Hose rack layout
  • Storage areas complying with NFPA 231 series
  • Detail and location of all hangers
  • Supervision of valves and flow switches where applicable
  • Hydraulically calculated systems
  • Complete calculations
  • Completed sprinkler system summary sheet
  • Flow diagram showing nodes or reference points

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding this procedure.

DIRECTORY OF ADDRESSES & PHONE NUMBERS FOR REQUIRED PERMITS:

Zoning Permits:

State College Borough Municipal Building
243 S. Allen St., State College, PA 16801 (814) 234-7193

College Township Municipal Building
1481 E College Ave., State College, PA 16801 (814) 231-3021

Ferguson Township Municipal Building
3147 Research Dr., State College. PA 16801 (814) 238-4651

Patton Township Municipal Building
100 Patton Plaza, State College, PA 16801 (814) 234-0271

Harris Township Municipal Building
224 E. Main St., Boalsburg PA 16827 (814) 466-6228

Halfmoon Township Zoning Office
100 Municipal Lane, Port Matilda, PA 16870 (814) 692-9800

Water Permit:

State College Water Authority
1201 W. Branch Rd., State College, PA 16801 (814) 238-6766

Labor & Industry:

Department of Labor & Industry
Commonwealth of PA (717) 787-3806

Sewer Permits:

State College Borough Sewer Authority
118 S. Fraser St, State College, PA 16801 (814) 234-7140

University Area Joint Authority
1576 Spring Valley Rd., State College, PA 16801 (814) 238-5361

Health Permits:

State College Borough, Patton & Ferguson Township
State College Borough (814) 234-7191

College & Harris Township
L&I (814) 342-0410