Altoona

Pennsylvania

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Codes & Inspections Department

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Codes & Inspections Department 1301 12th Street, Suite 103, Altoona, PA 16601Phone: 814-949-2456 Fax: 814-949-2203Office Hours: Monday - FridayCustomer Service from 8:30 AM - 4:00 PMTelephones answer until 4:30 PM Contact Us Our LinksDocument Center When Do I Need a Permit Licensing Report a PropertyMaintenance Concern Residential Rental Unit Inspection Program Report an Abandoned Vehicle Registered Student Housing Rebecca Brown Director Direct Phone: 814-949-2456 Meghan Klein Senior Customer Service Specialist Direct Phone: 814-949-2458 Angelina Capriotti-Long Customer Service Specialist Direct Phone: 814-949-2456 Michael Baldwin Building Inspector Direct Phone: 814-949-2406 Code Enforcement Officers Josh Kaufman Code Supervisor/Blight Manager Direct Phone: 814-949-2480 Scott Campanaro Code Enforcement Officer Direct Phone: 814-949-2414 Brent Wyandt Code Enforcement Officer Direct Phone: 814-949-2482 Joseph Dodson Code Enforcement Officer Direct Phone: 814-949-2462 Will Cokrlic Code Enforcement Officer Direct Phone: 814-949-2419 Nickolas DeAntonio Code Enforcement Officer Direct Phone: 814-949-2122 Alexi Neumann Code Enforcement Officer Office Phone: 814-949-2478 The Codes & Inspections Department administers the Uniform Construction Code in the City of Altoona through building inspections, property maintenance inspections, and rental inspections. Through daily routine inspections, the Code Enforcement Officers identify issues relating to property maintenance violations. The goal is to not only assist residents in identifying property maintenance issues, but to emphasize the importance of improving the quality of life by preventing such conditions through community efforts. Inspections are conducted for all work that requires a permit. Residential building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing inspections, and plan reviews are conducted by the City's Inspector. Commercial inspections and plan reviews are conducted by a contracted inspection agency. Rental inspections are conducted by the Codes & Inspections Department.

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
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