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Scranton Building and Trade Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Last updated:
Jul 23, 2025
Getting a building permit in Scranton, Pennsylvania shouldn’t feel like a full-time job — but it often does. Whether you’re overseeing a multifamily development, rewiring a retail space, or installing a new roof on a single-family home, the Scranton permitting process can add serious friction to your timeline if you’re not prepared.
This guide simplifies it all. Below, we break down the Scranton building permit process step by step: which projects need a permit, how much you can expect to pay, which forms you’ll need, and how to apply without delays or rejections.
Simplify permitting in Scranton with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Scranton?
A Scranton building permit is required for most types of construction, remodeling, and mechanical installations. If your project involves structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, or alters the use or occupancy of a space, you’ll need a permit.
This includes:
- Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of any residential building
- Install, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system
- New structures (including accessory buildings), additions, decks, patios, driveways, sidewalks, pools, which require attached plot plans
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Per PA UCC exemptions (§ 403.62(c)), the following typically do not require a permit unless local code overrides:
- Fences up to 6 ft tall
- Retaining walls up to 4 ft (unless they support surcharge)
- Water tanks <5,000 gal (height/diameter ratio <2:1)
- Sidewalks & driveways up to 30 in above grade and not over basements
- Prefabricated pools < 24 in deep
- Swings/play structures for 1–2 family homes
Scranton building permit cost
Scranton building permit fees vary based on the project’s valuation, type of work, and number of trade components. Permit fees are typically calculated using a valuation-based formula, with minimum thresholds.
Building permit fees
| Valuation Range |
Fee |
| $1 - $300 |
$15 |
| $301 - $600 |
$25 |
| $601 - $1,000 |
$35 |
| $1,001 - $75,000 |
$35 + $12 per thousand over $1,000 |
| $75,001 - $500,000 |
$923 + $11 per thousand over $75,000 |
| $500,001+ |
$5,598 + $10 per thousand over $500,000 |
Inspection fees - Residential
| Category |
Fee |
| New Stand-Alone Construction |
$33.00 + $0.0935 per sq ft |
| Additions, Alterations, Remodeling & Repairs (Under $500K) |
0.825% of total construction cost |
| Additions, Alterations ($500K–$1M) |
$4,125.00 + 0.6875% over $500,000 |
| Additions, Alterations (Over $1M) |
$7,562.50 + 0.55% over $1,000,000 |
| Utility & Misc. (sheds, decks, pools, etc.) |
0.825% of construction cost |
| Demolition |
$41.25 |
| Minimum Inspection Rate |
$41.25 |
Inspection fees - Commercial
| Category |
Fee |
| New Stand-Alone Construction |
$41.25 + $0.1485 per sq ft |
| Additions, Alterations, Remodeling & Repairs (Under $500K) |
0.825% of total construction cost |
| Additions, Alterations ($500K–$1M) |
$4,125.00 + 0.6875% over $500,000 |
| Additions, Alterations (Over $1M) |
$7,562.50 + 0.55% over $1,000,000 |
| Utility & Misc. (sheds, decks, pools, etc.) |
0.825% of construction cost |
| Demolition |
$0.0275 per sq ft |
| Signs & Structural Buildings |
$13.75 + $1.10 per sq ft |
| Minimum Inspection Rate |
$41.25 |
| Minimum Inspection Rate |
$41.25 |
To get an estimate, check with the city’s latest permit fee schedule.
Scranton trade permits
Scranton requires separate permits for work involving plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and electrical systems. These are typically applied for in tandem with or after the general building permit.
Plumbing permits
Required for:
- Fixture additions or relocations
- Drainage or sewer line replacement
- Water service changes
- Gas piping installations
Plumbing permit fees
| Category |
Residential |
| First $1,000 of permit cost |
$33 |
| Each additional $1,000 |
$5.50 per $1k |
| Minimum inspection rate |
$41.25 |
Electrical permits
Required for:
- Panel upgrades
- Circuit installation or rewiring
- EV charger installation
- Generator or solar system hookups
Electrical permit fees
Residential
| Description |
Fee |
| For the first $1,000 on the permit |
$41.25 |
| For every additional $1,000 on the permit |
$8.25 per $1,000 |
| Minimum Inspection Rate (Residential) |
$41.25 |
Commercial & Industrial
| Project Cost Range |
Fee Calculation |
| Under $500,000 |
0.825% of total construction cost |
| $500,000 to $1,000,000 |
$4,125.00 plus 0.6875% of amount over $500,000 |
| Over $1,000,000 |
$7,562.50 plus 0.55% of amount over $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Inspection Rate |
$41.25 |
HVAC (mechanical) permits
Required for:
- Furnace or AC installation/replacement
- Mini-split system installs
- Ventilation or ductwork changes
- Gas line for mechanical equipment
HVAC permit costs
| Category |
Fee |
| First $1,000 of permit cost |
$33 |
| Each additional $1,000 |
$5.50 per $1k |
| Minimum inspection rate |
$41.25 |
Don’t let Scranton permits slow you down. Let PermitFlow handle the hassle — learn more.
How to apply for a building permit in Scranton
Step 1: Gather required documents
Prepare the following documents:
- Scranton building permit application:
- Plans and supporting documents
- Contractor license info (Contractor's License form)
- Cost estimate
- Owner’s authorization (if needed)
Issuance timeframes:
- Residential: within 15 business days
- Commercial: within 30 business days
Step 2: Submit your application
You can apply:
You’ll receive a case number to track the status.
Note: Permits must be submitted by a licensed contractor, except for homeowners doing their own single-family work.
Step 3: Plan review
The city reviews:
- Code compliance (building, fire, accessibility)
- Zoning and land use
- Stormwater or floodplain compliance
- Historic district regulations (if applicable)
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you’ll be invoiced for the full permit cost. Payment must be made before work can begin.
Step 5: Start work and schedule inspections
Post the permit visibly on site. Inspections must be scheduled at key stages:
- Foundation/footing
- Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Framing
- Final inspection
Contact the Code Enforcement Office for inspection scheduling at (570) 348-4100 or use the online system if your permit type qualifies.
Scranton permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Scranton with PermitFlow
Juggling permit paperwork, tracking down approvals, and navigating city-specific code requirements can drain time and energy from your projects. That’s where PermitFlow comes in.
PermitFlow’s permit management software is the fastest solution for pulling permits.
Builders and contractors choose PermitFlow for:
- Local expertise: Our team knows Scranton’s process inside and out, ensuring faster approvals and fewer surprises
- Centralized control: Manage all your building and trade permits across every jurisdiction from one streamlined dashboard
- Zero guesswork: We handle forms, submissions, and updates so you can focus on the work that matters
Stop letting permits delay your build. Contact PermitFlow today and keep your projects in Scranton on schedule and stress-free.
Getting a building permit in Scranton, Pennsylvania shouldn’t feel like a full-time job — but it often does. Whether you’re overseeing a multifamily development, rewiring a retail space, or installing a new roof on a single-family home, the Scranton permitting process can add serious friction to your timeline if you’re not prepared.
This guide simplifies it all. Below, we break down the Scranton building permit process step by step: which projects need a permit, how much you can expect to pay, which forms you’ll need, and how to apply without delays or rejections.
Simplify permitting in Scranton with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Scranton?
A Scranton building permit is required for most types of construction, remodeling, and mechanical installations. If your project involves structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, or alters the use or occupancy of a space, you’ll need a permit.
This includes:
- Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of any residential building
- Install, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system
- New structures (including accessory buildings), additions, decks, patios, driveways, sidewalks, pools, which require attached plot plans
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Per PA UCC exemptions (§ 403.62(c)), the following typically do not require a permit unless local code overrides:
- Fences up to 6 ft tall
- Retaining walls up to 4 ft (unless they support surcharge)
- Water tanks <5,000 gal (height/diameter ratio <2:1)
- Sidewalks & driveways up to 30 in above grade and not over basements
- Prefabricated pools < 24 in deep
- Swings/play structures for 1–2 family homes
Scranton building permit cost
Scranton building permit fees vary based on the project’s valuation, type of work, and number of trade components. Permit fees are typically calculated using a valuation-based formula, with minimum thresholds.
Building permit fees
| Valuation Range |
Fee |
| $1 - $300 |
$15 |
| $301 - $600 |
$25 |
| $601 - $1,000 |
$35 |
| $1,001 - $75,000 |
$35 + $12 per thousand over $1,000 |
| $75,001 - $500,000 |
$923 + $11 per thousand over $75,000 |
| $500,001+ |
$5,598 + $10 per thousand over $500,000 |
Inspection fees - Residential
| Category |
Fee |
| New Stand-Alone Construction |
$33.00 + $0.0935 per sq ft |
| Additions, Alterations, Remodeling & Repairs (Under $500K) |
0.825% of total construction cost |
| Additions, Alterations ($500K–$1M) |
$4,125.00 + 0.6875% over $500,000 |
| Additions, Alterations (Over $1M) |
$7,562.50 + 0.55% over $1,000,000 |
| Utility & Misc. (sheds, decks, pools, etc.) |
0.825% of construction cost |
| Demolition |
$41.25 |
| Minimum Inspection Rate |
$41.25 |
Inspection fees - Commercial
| Category |
Fee |
| New Stand-Alone Construction |
$41.25 + $0.1485 per sq ft |
| Additions, Alterations, Remodeling & Repairs (Under $500K) |
0.825% of total construction cost |
| Additions, Alterations ($500K–$1M) |
$4,125.00 + 0.6875% over $500,000 |
| Additions, Alterations (Over $1M) |
$7,562.50 + 0.55% over $1,000,000 |
| Utility & Misc. (sheds, decks, pools, etc.) |
0.825% of construction cost |
| Demolition |
$0.0275 per sq ft |
| Signs & Structural Buildings |
$13.75 + $1.10 per sq ft |
| Minimum Inspection Rate |
$41.25 |
| Minimum Inspection Rate |
$41.25 |
To get an estimate, check with the city’s latest permit fee schedule.
Scranton trade permits
Scranton requires separate permits for work involving plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and electrical systems. These are typically applied for in tandem with or after the general building permit.
Plumbing permits
Required for:
- Fixture additions or relocations
- Drainage or sewer line replacement
- Water service changes
- Gas piping installations
Plumbing permit fees
| Category |
Residential |
| First $1,000 of permit cost |
$33 |
| Each additional $1,000 |
$5.50 per $1k |
| Minimum inspection rate |
$41.25 |
Electrical permits
Required for:
- Panel upgrades
- Circuit installation or rewiring
- EV charger installation
- Generator or solar system hookups
Electrical permit fees
Residential
| Description |
Fee |
| For the first $1,000 on the permit |
$41.25 |
| For every additional $1,000 on the permit |
$8.25 per $1,000 |
| Minimum Inspection Rate (Residential) |
$41.25 |
Commercial & Industrial
| Project Cost Range |
Fee Calculation |
| Under $500,000 |
0.825% of total construction cost |
| $500,000 to $1,000,000 |
$4,125.00 plus 0.6875% of amount over $500,000 |
| Over $1,000,000 |
$7,562.50 plus 0.55% of amount over $1,000,000 |
| Minimum Inspection Rate |
$41.25 |
HVAC (mechanical) permits
Required for:
- Furnace or AC installation/replacement
- Mini-split system installs
- Ventilation or ductwork changes
- Gas line for mechanical equipment
HVAC permit costs
| Category |
Fee |
| First $1,000 of permit cost |
$33 |
| Each additional $1,000 |
$5.50 per $1k |
| Minimum inspection rate |
$41.25 |
Don’t let Scranton permits slow you down. Let PermitFlow handle the hassle — learn more.
How to apply for a building permit in Scranton
Step 1: Gather required documents
Prepare the following documents:
- Scranton building permit application:
- Plans and supporting documents
- Contractor license info (Contractor's License form)
- Cost estimate
- Owner’s authorization (if needed)
Issuance timeframes:
- Residential: within 15 business days
- Commercial: within 30 business days
Step 2: Submit your application
You can apply:
You’ll receive a case number to track the status.
Note: Permits must be submitted by a licensed contractor, except for homeowners doing their own single-family work.
Step 3: Plan review
The city reviews:
- Code compliance (building, fire, accessibility)
- Zoning and land use
- Stormwater or floodplain compliance
- Historic district regulations (if applicable)
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you’ll be invoiced for the full permit cost. Payment must be made before work can begin.
Step 5: Start work and schedule inspections
Post the permit visibly on site. Inspections must be scheduled at key stages:
- Foundation/footing
- Rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Framing
- Final inspection
Contact the Code Enforcement Office for inspection scheduling at (570) 348-4100 or use the online system if your permit type qualifies.
Scranton permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Scranton with PermitFlow
Juggling permit paperwork, tracking down approvals, and navigating city-specific code requirements can drain time and energy from your projects. That’s where PermitFlow comes in.
PermitFlow’s permit management software is the fastest solution for pulling permits.
Builders and contractors choose PermitFlow for:
- Local expertise: Our team knows Scranton’s process inside and out, ensuring faster approvals and fewer surprises
- Centralized control: Manage all your building and trade permits across every jurisdiction from one streamlined dashboard
- Zero guesswork: We handle forms, submissions, and updates so you can focus on the work that matters
Stop letting permits delay your build. Contact PermitFlow today and keep your projects in Scranton on schedule and stress-free.
