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Bureau of Permits and Inspections
The Bureau of Permits and Inspections consists of three divisions: Property Maintenance, Uniform Construction Code, and Health and Sanitation. We are here to assist you with obtaining permits, tenant occupied licenses, health licenses and property complaints. Some of the permits that we issue include: construction permits, electrical turn on permits, yard sale permits and sidewalk permits.
Most permit and license applications are done online only.
We use OpenGov for most permits and license applications. There, you can find and apply for licenses, permits, and additional services.
Below are the most requested options. Select the one you need.
There are 2 kiosks available for your convenience located in our customer service center. Staff is available to assist you as well.
TENANT OCCUPIED INSPECTIONS
This application is for the licensing and inspection of all buildings and structures defined by the building code as Group I (Institutional) or Group R (Residential) that are tenant-occupied.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (C of O)
A Certificate of Occupancy is required for all new construction, major renovations, reoccupying condemned structures, changes in occupancy, and certain state licenses. All work and final inspections must be completed prior to scheduling a C of O inspection.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
Any structure or premises changing ownership or tenancy, without a change in use classification, must obtain a Certificate of Compliance. An inspection is required to ensure adherence to the Property Maintenance Code.
UCC PERMITS
This application is for all building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, and fire protection permits.
ELECTRICAL TURN ON PERMITS
A permit is required for an electrical inspection before the utility can turn on the electricity. This inspection ensures that the electrical system meets safety standards before activation. YOU MUST HAVE A DR NUMBER FROM MET ED TO REQUEST AN ELECTRICAL TURN ON INSPECTION.
GENERAL FOOD APPLICATION
(HEALTH LICENSE)
Apply for the General Food License (Health License) required for all City of York food facilities.
TEMPORARY FOOD PERMITS
Apply for a Temporary Food Permit, good for up to five days, for food service at an event.
YARD SALE PERMITS
You are allowed to hold up to nine yard sales per year. This limit helps ensure that yard sales remain occasional events rather than ongoing commercial activities.
DUMPSTER PERMITS
A permit is required for all dumpsters, and dumpster bags placed in public right-of-way. (Not required when being placed on private property).
RESPONSE CENTER
(PROPERTY COMPLAINTS)
Submit a complaint, concern, compliment, or just a general question for the City of York.
NIO TICKET PAYMENTS
Neighborhood Improvement Ordinance tickets are issued to property owners or residents for city ordinance violations.
Other Permits
Fence permits and driveway permits, as well as Zoning Determination Requests, and Zoning Appeals, are managed through the Bureau of Planning and Zoning . For more details, visit their webpage. You can also go directly to their OpenGov section here.
Due to the large volume of requests for assistance, we cannot take walk-in customers. Appointments must be made by calling 717-849-2256.
For your convenience, most of our services are available online.
There are 2 kiosks available for your convenience located in our customer service center. Staff is available to assist you as well.
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Contact Us
Tenant occupied reinspections and Consolidated Board of Appeals:
Amy Newcomer – Tenant Occupied Administrative Assistant
(717) 849-1425
anewcomer@yorkcity.orgTenant occupied applications, initial tenant occupied inspections, property complaints:
Michelle Diggs – Property Maintenance Supervisor
(717) 849-2347
mdiggs@yorkcity.orgGeneral Office Inquiries and Details:
Julie Bedsaul – Office Coordinator
(717) 849-2256
jbedsaul@yorkcity.orgUCC permit inspections/reinspections and CofO/CofC inspections/reinspections:
Kelvin Brown – Administrative Assistant
(717) 850-3899
kbrown@yorkcity.orgFood Permits and Health Licenses
Cliffonda Stokes – Health Enforcement Officer
(717) 843-4948
cstokes@yorkcity.orgBuilding, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, demolition, and fire protection permits:
Charly Forrest – Permits Technician
(717) 849-2239
cforrest@yorkcity.org
Other Information and Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Is there a tenant occupied inspection checklist?
Unfortunately, there is not a checklist available. The tenant occupied inspection is based on the City of York Property Maintenance Code Book. This code book can be found on the City of York website, under the Codified Ordinances. You can also download and view it here.
What type of property complaints can be filed?
Grass and/or weeds over 10 inches, trash accumulation-loose trash-trash not placed out for collection, insect/bug infestation, ceiling leaks, pipe leaks, sewer backup, mold; are just some of the top complaints filed with our office.
Can I stop paying rent because the owner won’t fix issues with the property?
We cannot provide any legal advice. Please consult with an attorney and a bank regarding this request.
Do I Need a Permit?
The key to knowing if a project needs a building permit is to determine if the work planned can realistically be called maintenance or not. Permits are generally NOT required for maintenance or aesthetic changes like painting, siding, rain gutters/spouts, window replacement of the same sizes, etc., unless the property is located in the Historic District.
What if it's more then just maintenance?
Once the work description involves terms such as constructing, enlarging, altering, moving or removing, demolishing, etc., then chances are very good that a building permit will be required.
Do I need a permit for my shed?
Yes. The specific details and requirements depend on your project. Please contact our Permits Tech, Charly Forrest at 717-849-2239 or cforrest@yorkcity.org for more information.
Do I need a permit to replace my sidewalk?
Yes. Permits are required for curb and sidewalk repairs and replacements.
Who is responsible for the sidewalk and trees in front of my property?
The property owner is responsible for both the sidewalk and trees in front of their property. This includes maintaining and repairing the sidewalk as well as caring for the trees and their removal if necessary.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
No, you do not need a permit to remove a tree from your property, whether it’s in the front of the property, on the sidewalk, or in the rear.
Do I need a permit to work on my electrical projects?
Yes, permits are required for all electrical and mechanical/HVAC work. Obtaining these permits ensures that the work complies with safety standards and local building codes. Always submit your UCC Permit applications BEFORE starting any electrical projects.
What are some other projects that require permits?
A permit is required for fire protection, site development, sign installation/modification, sheds, decks, patios that change the drainage pattern, and interior remodeling work.
Do I need a permit to fix my roof?
Roof replacement that involves more than 25% of any one roof surface requires a building permit.
What are the current permit fees?
The fees for permits vary based on the type of work being performed, such as building, electrical, plumbing, and other construction-related activities. To view the most up-to-date permit fee schedule, please refer to the fee schedule document. For further assistance or questions, contact Charly Forrest, Permit Tech, at 717-849-2239 or cforrest@yorkcity.org.
Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy?
Use and Occupancy Permits are required for all buildings and structures. Buildings cannot be occupied until a certificate of occupancy is issued. More information on this matter is provided here.
What is a certificate of compliance?
A certificate of compliance is required whenever an existing commercial building changes owner, tenant or undergoes a change of name.
When do I need a Special Events permit?
Special Events held that generate or invite public participation and/or spectators resulting in an impact on public streets, sidewalks, public lands, public facilities, adjacent private properties are required to apply for a Special Events Permit. The Special Event Policy is designed to standardize events held are executed with the safety and health of the participants, the protection of public property, and the impact on non-participating citizens is taken into account.
When are PLANS required for residential construction?
Plans are required for residential construction when the proposed work involves new construction, significant alterations, additions, or structural changes. These plans must be submitted to the City of York’s Bureau of Permits, Planning, and Zoning for review and approval to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. Additional details can be found in this document.
When is a building permit required?
A building permit is required for most construction, renovation, and repair projects that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or significant alterations to a property. This includes new construction, additions, major renovations, and certain types of repairs. For detailed information on when a building permit is necessary, please review the Building Permit Requirements document. If you’re unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact Charly Forrest, Permit Tech, at 717-849-2239 or via email at cforrest@yorkcity.org.
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Permits and Inspection Staff
Steven R. Buffington – Deputy Director/Building Code Official
(717) 849-2208
sbuffington@yorkcity.orgMichelle Diggs – Property Maintenance Supervisor
(717) 849-2347
mdiggs@yorkcity.orgGerman Barranca – Plans Review Inspector
(717) 845-2124
gbarranca@yorkcity.orgShelton Scott – Assistant Building Code Official
(717) 849-2222
sscott@yorkcity.orgCliffonda Stokes – Health Enforcement Officer
(717) 843-4948Carlos Santiago – Code Enforcement Officer
(717) 849-2341
csantiago@yorkcity.orgAnthony Brunner – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 819-1460
abrunner@yorkcity.orgPat Rose – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 852-8231
prose@yorkcity.orgJayden Handy – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 849-2882
jhandy@yorkcity.orgDai’Quest Casiano – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 849-5220
dcasiano@yorkcity.orgFloretha Williams – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 849-2233
fwilliams@yorkcity.orgJacquez Casiano – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 819-1012
jcasiano@yorkcity.orgRaymond McGettigan – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 819-1016
rmcgettigan@yorkcity.orgShonna Akins – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 819-1488
sakins@yorkcity.orgMatthew Enterline – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 848-0288
menterline@yorkcity.orgCharles Grimes – Property Maintenance Inspector
(223) 284-3807
cgrimes@yorkcity.orgErica Marshall – Property Maintenance Inspector
(717) 819-1028
emarshall@yorkcity.orgCharly Forrest – Permit Technician
(717) 849-2239
cforrest@yorkcity.orgJulie Bedsaul – Office Coordinator
(717) 849-2256
jbedsaul@yorkcity.orgKelvin Brown – UCC Administrative Assitant
(717) 850-3899
kbrown@yorkcity.orgAmy Newcomer – Tenant Occupied Administrative Assistant
(717) 849-1425
anewcomer@yorkcity.org -
Building Codes
New Construction (Both Commercial and Residential)
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC) along with Appendices B, C, D, E, F, H, and J, as published by the International Code Council (ICC).
- The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry requires compliance with the accessibility requirements of Chapter 11 and Appendix E of the 2018 IBC.
Residential Construction
- 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) along with Appendices A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, and L, as published by the ICC.
Existing Building Code
- 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) along with The Appendix, as published by the ICC.
Fire Code
- 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) along with Appendices B, C, D, E, F, and G, as published by the ICC.
Plumbing Code
- 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) along with Appendices B, C, D, E, F, and G, as published by the ICC.
Mechanical Code
- 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) along with Appendix A, as published by the ICC.
Fuel Gas Code
- 2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) along with Appendices A, B, C, and D, as adopted by the ICC.
*To view these documents please visit www.ICCsafe.org
Property Maintenance Code of the City of York as formulated on the basis of the International Property Maintenance Code.
Effective January 1, 2007
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Property Maintenance Code
Download our Property Maintenace Code
The City of York utilizes the Property Maintenance Code to enforce property violations and ensure community standards are upheld.
Click here to view and download it.A Neighborhood Improvement Ordinance (NIO) ticket
is a notice indicating that a monetary penalty has been assessed against an offender, such as a property owner or resident, for violating a city ordinance. NIO tickets can be appealed by filling out an NIO Appeals Form. The form MUST be sent it in via regular mail, or hand-delivered to our office. Emailed forms will not be accepted.
Bureau of Permits and Inspections
101 S. George St
York, PA 17401
Phone: (717) 849-2256
Fax: (717) 849-2329
Please Note: The Permits and Inspections office has moved into the former bank space.
