On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hempfield Township
Hempfield says permits are required for new single-family houses, new commercial buildings, garages, sheds, storage buildings, gazebos, pavilions, car ports, residential or commercial buildings, roofs over porches or decks, pools, fences, decks, and porches.
Residential fences and accessory structures under 1,000 square feet are identified by the Township as exempt from building codes or UCC review, though permits are still processed in the 15 business day exempt track
- Exempt Residential fences and accessory structures under 1,000 square feet are identified by the Township as exempt from building codes or UCC review, though permits are still processed in the 15 business day exempt track
Required documents
- Project-specific plans and permit application through the Township; commercial plan review and some electrical inspection rates are tied to CEA
- Building code
- Hempfield states it opted into and enforces the Pennsylvania UCC locally.
- Contractor requirements
- Not clearly published on the reviewed Township pages; state home improvement contractor registration still applies where applicable.
Source: Code Enforcement Department / Community Development ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30 business days for residential or commercial permits requiring UCC review; 15 business days for exempt residential permits
- 01 Determine project type and whether it is UCC reviewed or exempt from UCC review.
- 02 Submit the application through the Online Service Center or coordinate directly with Community Development.
- 03 Provide plans and project information required for the specific permit type.
- 04 Township review is published at 30 business days for residential and commercial UCC reviewed permits, and 15 business days for residential permits exempt from UCC review such as fences or accessory structures under 1,000 square feet.
- 05 Receive permit issuance and complete required inspections before final approval or occupancy.
Typical processing time: 30 business days for residential or commercial permits requiring UCC review; 15 business days for exempt residential permits
Source: Code Enforcement Department / Community Development ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Published examples include residential fence $35, residential shed up to 144 square feet $25, residential demolition $105, and commercial fence $35
02
Plan check fee
Commercial plan review is generally $250; residential blasting plan review is $75; commercial electrical uses CEA inspection rates
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Residential new construction or addition is $0.50 per gross floor area plus current UCC fee; residential renovation or alteration is $0.35 per gross floor area plus current UCC fee; commercial new construction is cumulative by gross floor area plus $250 plan review and current UCC fee
04
Reinspection fee
Not clearly published in a separate reinspection schedule on the reviewed pages
Online Service Center is available; verify any card processing charges within the portal before payment
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online Service Center (online)
- Code Enforcement (phone)
Typical sequence: Not itemized on the reviewed public page; varies by project and whether UCC review applies.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Hempfield Township permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Hempfield Township, PA? ▸
Hempfield says permits are required for new single-family houses, new commercial buildings, garages, sheds, storage buildings, gazebos, pavilions, car ports, residential or commercial buildings, roofs over porches or decks, pools, fences, decks, and porches.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Hempfield Township, PA? ▸
Building permit fees in Hempfield Township, PA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Published examples include residential fence $35, residential shed up to 144 square feet $25, residential demolition $105, and commercial fence $35. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential new construction or addition is $0.50 per gross floor area plus current UCC fee; residential renovation or alteration is $0.35 per gross floor area plus current UCC fee; commercial new construction is cumulative by gross floor area plus $250 plan review and current UCC fee. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review is generally $250; residential blasting plan review is $75; commercial electrical uses CEA inspection rates.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Hempfield Township, PA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Hempfield Township, PA, follow these steps: 1. Determine project type and whether it is UCC reviewed or exempt from UCC review. 2. Submit the application through the Online Service Center or coordinate directly with Community Development. 3. Provide plans and project information required for the specific permit type. 4. Township review is published at 30 business days for residential and commercial UCC reviewed permits, and 15 business days for residential permits exempt from UCC review such as fences or accessory structures under 1,000 square feet. 5. Receive permit issuance and complete required inspections before final approval or occupancy.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Hempfield Township, PA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Hempfield Township, PA typically run 30 business days for residential or commercial permits requiring UCC review; 15 business days for exempt residential permits. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Hempfield Township, PA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Hempfield Township, PA. The following work is generally exempt: Residential fences and accessory structures under 1,000 square feet are identified by the Township as exempt from building codes or UCC review, though permits are still processed in the 15 business day exempt track. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Hempfield Township, PA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Hempfield Township, PA via: Online Service Center, Code Enforcement.
last verified April 2026
source Code Enforcement Department / Community Development ↗
entry id permits/pennsylvania/westmoreland/hempfield-township
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Code Enforcement Department / Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.