Scranton, PA Building Permits Guide
Scranton, PA building permit timeline: Initial plan review takes approximately 90 days. Contact the building department for current processing times.
Building permit review in Scranton, PA takes approximately 90 days for initial plan review. Here is what you need to know about permit timelines, costs, and the review process in Scranton.
Scranton Plan Review Timeline
Analysis: The City of Scranton’s official building and permit webpages do not specify a standard time frame for the initial or subsequent plan review or submittal turnaround. The only relevant timing on the site is that applications for building permits should be submitted 4 to 90 days before the project begins, but this refers to the timing for application submission, not the review or plan check process itself. There are no stated deadlines or expected durations for first or subsequent plan reviews in the available documents.
Note: The Planning Commission in Scranton is required to act on preliminary or final plans within 90 days after the first regular meeting at which the plan is considered, but this applies only to planning documents, not to standard building plan reviews. This may not cover all building department reviews.
If you are looking for standard plan check timeframes (such as "first submittal review within X days"), this information is not provided on the City of Scranton’s website.
Last verified: June 2025 | Source: Scranton Building Department
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What Building Permits Do You Need in Scranton?
Scranton requires permits for most construction activity. The type of permit depends on your project scope.
Commercial Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review with the longest timeline
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: plan review for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes
- Change of use: required when converting building use (for example, retail to restaurant)
- Shell and core: separate from tenant improvement permits
Residential Permits
- New home construction: full plan review including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Additions and remodels: required when modifying structure or adding square footage
- Decks, pools, fences: separate permits with typically faster review
Trade Permits
Individual trade permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and fire sprinkler work.
How the Scranton Permit Review Process Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit your permit application through the Scranton building department. Applications are reviewed for completeness before being assigned to a plan reviewer.
Step 2: Plan Review
The city reviews your submitted plans for building code compliance, structural integrity, fire safety, energy code, and ADA accessibility. Commercial projects are reviewed by multiple departments at the same time.
Step 3: Corrections and Resubmittal
If the city issues correction comments, you will need to revise your plans and resubmit. Each correction cycle adds another review period. Most commercial projects go through 2 to 3 correction cycles.
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Once all review departments approve your plans, the building permit is issued. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Note: These timelines reflect general review periods. Large or complex projects may take longer. Request a quote from Permit Place for a project-specific estimate, or get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Scranton Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Scranton vary based on project type and valuation.
Commercial
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Residential
- Small projects (decks, pools, fences): $50 to $300
- Home additions and remodels: $200 to $2,000+
- New home construction: $1,000 to $10,000+ (based on valuation)
For a detailed permit cost breakdown specific to your project, get a free due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Scranton building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Scranton Building Department
Scranton Building Department
- Website: scrantonpa.gov/your-government/oecd/code-enforcement/construction-permits
- City Website: scrantonpa.gov
Frequently Asked Questions About Scranton Building Permits
How long does it take to get a building permit in Scranton?
Plan review in Scranton, PA takes approximately 90 days for the initial review cycle. Projects that receive correction comments will need additional review cycles, each adding time to the total. Most commercial projects go through at least two review cycles before approval.
Can I speed up the permit process in Scranton?
The most effective way to speed up the permit process in Scranton is to submit complete, code-compliant plans on the first attempt. This reduces correction cycles, which are the primary cause of delays. Permit Place helps ensure your application is complete before submission.
Do I need a permit for a tenant improvement in Scranton?
Yes. Most interior buildouts in Scranton that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require a building permit. Simple cosmetic changes (paint, flooring, non-structural work) typically do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Scranton?
Permit fees in Scranton are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial projects typically pay $500 to $25,000+ in total permit and plan review fees. The exact cost depends on project scope, square footage, and any additional trade permits required.
Can a permit expediter help with my Scranton project?
Yes. Permit Place expedites building permits in Scranton and 600+ other jurisdictions. We handle everything from application preparation through plan review, corrections, and permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete applications that reduce correction cycles.
What building permits do I need in Scranton, PA?
Most construction in Scranton requires a building permit. This includes new construction, tenant improvements, change of use, additions, and major renovations. Separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are also typically required. For a project-specific permit requirements report, use PermitNow.io.
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