What are the Commercial Building & Structural permit rules in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania enforces trade permit fee schedules determined by local AHJ building departments per county. General contractors and sub-trades must maintain active state licenses and bond filings ($10,000–$50,000).

Are sub-trade contractor surety bonds required in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Most Pennsylvania municipal building departments require trade contractors to file an active license bond prior to permit issuance.

🏗️ STATEWIDE TRADE HUB (PA) 2 County Workstations

Pennsylvania Commercial Building & Structural Permit Guide

Building valuation schedules, structural PE stamps, and plan review add-on rates. Compare municipal fee structures, plan check add-on rates, and contractor bond thresholds across Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Commercial Building & Structural County Workstations

Select a county building department to calculate exact trade permit fees & bond rules

Philadelphia County

City of Philadelphia Dept of Licenses and Inspections (L&I)

2026 Verified

Plan Review Rate: 70%

Tech Surcharge: 4.5%

Mandatory Surety Bond: $15,000

Open Philadelphia County Commercial Building & Structural Workstation →

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)

City of Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections

2026 Verified

Plan Review Rate: 65%

Tech Surcharge: 4%

Mandatory Surety Bond: $15,000

Open Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) Commercial Building & Structural Workstation →