Building & Trade Permits

Permit Fees

Permit application fees are due prior to the application being submitted for review. 

Application Status & Payment Process

Applicants and all relevant parties can track application progress through the OpenGov online portal.

1. Initial Review
   After submission, the application is reviewed for completeness.
   • If information is missing or corrections are needed, the status will change to “Request for Changes.”
   • This means the application is incomplete and requires updates before moving forward.
2. Resubmission & Completion
   • Once all requested revisions are submitted and approved, the application will be marked as complete.
3. Payment Request
   • After the application is deemed complete, you will receive a notification to pay the required application fees.
   • No further review will take place until payment is received.
4. Payment Options
   You may pay fees using one of the following methods:
   • Online: Credit card or e-check (processing fees apply)
   • In Person: Cash or check (no processing fees)
5. Fee Information
   • Refer to the Schedule of Fees for current pricing.
   • For applications based on Cost of Construction, fees are calculated by rounding up to the next $1,000.
6. Additional UCC Fee
   • All application fees include a $4.50 State Uniform Construction Code (UCC) fee, which is added to Township permit fees.
     

Late Fees

If work begins before the required permits are obtained, a late fee will be applied.

• This applies to all work, including building, structural, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, and demolition.
• A late fee will be charged for each required permit.

Late Fee Amount:

• The late fee is equal to the permit fee, up to a maximum of $1,000 per permit.
• This fee is in addition to the standard permit fee.

Processing Fee

A non-refundable processing fee will be added to all credit card transactions made through Upper Dublin Township (program registrations, permit fees, bulk trash payments, etc.). Processing fees are paid directly to a third-party credit card vendor and are not paid to the Township.

We accept all major credit cards. In your OpenGov account, you have the option to pay for all active permit fees, which can lower the total processing fee. To avoid a processing fee, the Township can accept payments via cash or check. 

Review Process

Same-day permits are not issued. Please plan accordingly.

1. Zoning Review Form (Pre-Permit Submission)

• Required before starting any project that changes your property’s exterior footprint.
• Submit this form early in the process.
• The Zoning Officer will review your plans, including Building & Impervious Coverage, to ensure compliance with Township zoning regulations.
• This step must be completed before other permits can move forward.

2. Zoning Officer Review

• No building, structure, or land use may be constructed, altered, or changed without Zoning Officer approval.
• If your project requires zoning review, your full application will be routed accordingly.
• Projects that typically require zoning review include (but are not limited to):
  • Additions
  • Alterations
  • Tenant fit-outs
  • Fences
  • New structures
  • Antennas

3. Code Enforcement Review

• After zoning approval, the application is reviewed by the Code Department.
• Estimated review times:
  • Residential projects: ~15 business days
  • Non-residential projects: ~30 business days
• While staff aims to meet these timelines, they are not guaranteed.

4. Grading Permit Review (if applicable)

• If a grading permit is required, it must be approved before a building permit can be issued.
• This may extend the overall review timeline.

5. Revisions & Resubmissions

• If additional information or corrections are requested:
  • The review timeline will restart once revised materials are submitted.

6. Permit Issuance & Inspections

• Once approved, staff will contact the applicant to:
  • Schedule a pre-demolition inspection (if applicable)
• A final demolition inspection must be completed before construction can begin.

Contractor Paperwork

All contractors must have a valid contractor registration prior to any permit application being submitted through OpenGov.  The Contractor Registration can be accessed by clicking this link.

A pre-demo inspection must be scheduled and performed prior to issuance of the demolition permit, and a final-demo inspection must be scheduled and performed prior to issuance of the permits for construction