Commercial Construction

Building permits are needed for anyone who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a commercial building, structure and facility or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under §403.42a.

State Law permits 30 working days for a response to all commercial permit applications from the date of valid submittal.

Code Compliance Requirements
Submit the following in person or via first class mail for review and approval:

• Completed and signed Building Permit Application. Fully completing the contact information on the Building Permit will allow for a quicker response time during the Plan Review process.
• Electrical work is the only trade that is overseen by a 3rd party agency in Bethlehem Township. Therefore, a separate completed and signed Electrical Permit Application is required.
• Two (2) copies of complete plans and specifications. Most projects will require plans signed and sealed by a PA registered architect or professional engineer. Be sure to separate the electrical drawings from the building plans to save time and money during the review process.
• Two (2) copies of energy evaluations (COMCheck or equal) for building envelope, interior and exterior lighting, and mechanical compliance certificates.
• Two (2) copies of automatic fire sprinkler system and standpipe systems.
• Complete drawings, hydraulic calculations and specification/material data sheets.
• All drawings to be signed and sealed by a NICET Level III or IV or PA registered design professional
• Required fire alarm systems are to be certificated by an independent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Examples of such are Underwriters Laboratories (UL), FM Global (FM), Intertek-ETL, etc.
• Two (2) copies of signed & sealed geotechnical reports, when applicable.
• Submit copies of PA Labor and Industry approval for elevators and boilers over 199,000 BTU.
• Submit copies of approvals from PA Department of Health when applicable.
• For new construction, submit a completed BTMA sewer connection permit application.
• For new construction, submit evidence of domestic and fire water design approvals.
• For new fire sprinkler systems submit a copy of the water capacity approval that specifies the available water supply for the project address.
• If blasting is necessary, contractors must have a blasters license.
• Complete the permit application for a Blasting Permit and provide a copy of the PA DEP approval for blasting at the specified location.
• If you have questions with the building permit process contact the Community Development Department

Bethlehem Township Knox Box Program
Bethlehem Township approves the use of the Knox Rapid Entry Systems which offers a variety of types and sizes of entry systems that will suit your needs. The Fire Inspector has the authority to require a specific size that suites your property. Knox offers both recessed and surface mounted key boxes. Knox Box requirements can be found in under Forms & Documents.

Rental & Re-Sale Inspections
The Commercial and Fire Inspectors also perform required commercial inspections for every rental tenant and resale of commercial property. The application can be found under Forms & Documents.

Links
Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code
Fee Schedule