When Do I Need a Permit
Overview of Permits and Inspections in Altoona, PA
The City of Altoona requires permits for various construction projects to ensure compliance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and safe building practices. Permits are required for Building, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing work.
When a Permit is Required
You must obtain a permit for the following activities:
- New Construction: Building any new residential or commercial structure.
- Additions and Repairs: Building or repairing decks, garages, accessory buildings, roofs, porches, foundations, or siding.
- Structural Changes: Demolishing structures, cutting away walls/partitions, removing structural beams, or rearranging parts of a structure that affect egress.
- Specific Features: Installing swimming pools, signs, four or more windows, or four or more steps.
- Other Structures: Prefabricated and temporary structures.
Exemptions: Simple repairs such as painting, floor coverings, ceilings, cabinets, countertops, sidewalk repairs, spouting, and accessory structures under 100 sq. ft. do not require a permit. Replacing fewer than four windows is also exempt.
How to Apply
Applications for building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits are available on the Forms and Documents tab of the City’s website.
Plan Reviews and Inspections
Commercial Projects
For commercial projects, plans must be submitted to one of the following inspection agencies, plus one set for the City’s internal review:
Laurel Municipal Inspection Agency
- Address: 140 E. Carroll St, PO Box 375, Carrolltown, PA 15722
- Phone: 814-471-0424
- Email: info@lmiagency. org
Pennsylvania Municipal Code Alliance (PMCA)
- Address: 1013 Wayne Ave, Chambersburg PA 17201
- Phone: 717-496-4996
- Email: pmca@pancodealliance. com
Residential Projects
The City of Altoona handles all reviews and inspections for residential building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work.
- Contact: City Inspector Mike Baldwin
- Phone: 814-949-2406
- Email: mbaldwin@altoonapa. gov