The scope of your project will determine if your planned changes are an addition or simply a renovation of existing space.

In general:

  • If you are making interior cosmetic changes, moving partitions, changing fixtures, painting or wallpapering then you do not need a permit.
  • If you are moving or removing walls or adding new electrical, mechanical, or plumbing you need a building permit.

Commercial Building Permits:

If you are adding space by building an addition or making changes to the exterior of the property, contact the Borough to discuss land development.

Planning Considerations

Zoning Requirements:

Before an occupancy or building permit can be issued it must be reviewed for zoning compliance. Each property within the Borough is part of a designated zoning district. The zoning district specifies the permitted land uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial and the minimum distances or set back from the property lines for buildings, accessory structures, and fences, as well as maximum height restrictions.

When you apply for an occupancy or building permit, the application will automatically be routed to Zoning for review.

You are encouraged to contact the Zoning Officer before you finalize your plans to make sure that the proposed use is permitted in the district you are in.

Historic District:

If you are located in the historic district and are making changes to the exterior of your property that can be seen from the street and exceed $2, 000 please review the HARB Certificate of Appropriateness requirements.

Applicable Building Codes:

All construction work must conform to the requirements of the Chapter 11 and Appendix E of the International Building Code 2015 and in the ICC/ANSI a117.1-2009 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Standard.

The information provided in this guide is intended only to assist individuals in understanding the code requirements. It is not a complete recitation of the code. Property owners should consult the Doylestown Borough Code of Ordinance for answers to specific questions.