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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Greene County.

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401-405 and referenced current ICC codes as adopted by Pennsylvania, including applicable 2021 ICC editions for 2026 permits. Greene County's 2025 hazard-plan search result states all 26 municipalities opted into local UCC enforcement. The county Planning Commission enforces or reviews the county SALDO for subdivision and land development, but does not replace local building-code permitting.

Inspection lane

Contact the local township, borough, or certified third-party UCC agency where the work is located to file the building permit and schedule inspections. Separately, Greene County Ordinance 2022-2 requires a county Assessment Office Building/Demo Application for any improvement or demolition, regardless of whether the municipality requires a building permit. County planning questions: 724-852-5300.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

The county SALDO excludes certain land-development categories, including a single- or two-family dwelling on a lot of record, conversion of a single/two-family dwelling to no more than three units unless condominium, and subordinate accessory structures such as residential garages or sheds generally under 625 square feet; these are land-development exclusions, not blanket building-code exemptions. Pennsylvania UCC emergency-repair and other minor-work exemptions, plus zoning, floodplain, sewage, and occupancy rules, must be confirmed with the local municipality or BCO.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Contact the local township, borough, or certified third-party UCC agency where the work is located to file the building permit and schedule inspections. Separately, Greene County Ordinance 2022-2 requires a county Assessment Office Building/Demo Application for any improvement or demolition, regardless of whether the municipality requires a building permit. County planning questions: 724-852-5300.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

Source trail

Official sources for this profile

Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Greene County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.

How should I begin an application?

Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact Greene County Planning and Community Development: 724-852-5300; Assessment Office: 724-852-5211; local UCC agency varies.

How long might review take?

N/A countywide; Pennsylvania UCC generally requires a code official to grant or deny a complete permit application within 30 business days, while local review and county SALDO review timing varies.

How are inspections scheduled?

Contact the local township, borough, or certified third-party UCC agency where the work is located to file the building permit and schedule inspections. Separately, Greene County Ordinance 2022-2 requires a county Assessment Office Building/Demo Application for any improvement or demolition, regardless of whether the municipality requires a building permit. County planning questions: 724-852-5300.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), 34 Pa. Code Chapters 401-405 and referenced current ICC codes as adopted by Pennsylvania, including applicable 2021 ICC editions for 2026 permits. Greene County's 2025 hazard-plan search result states all 26 municipalities opted into local UCC enforcement. The county Planning Commission enforces or reviews the county SALDO for subdivision and land development, but does not replace local building-code permitting. The county SALDO excludes certain land-development categories, including a single- or two-family dwelling on a lot of record, conversion of a single/two-family dwelling to no more than three units unless condominium, and subordinate accessory structures such as residential garages or sheds generally under 625 square feet; these are land-development exclusions, not blanket building-code exemptions. Pennsylvania UCC emergency-repair and other minor-work exemptions, plus zoning, floodplain, sewage, and occupancy rules, must be confirmed with the local municipality or BCO.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.