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Permits

Building and Demolition permits are required for all demolition, repairs, renovations, remodels and new construction in the City, excluding painting and flooring. The City of Johnstown has adopted and administers PA Act 45; the Uniform Construction Code. All commercial and some residential projects must have construction drawings and specifications produced and stamped by a Pennsylvania registered architect and/or engineer. An application can be downloaded here. All UCC related construction will be inspected for compliance prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit.

Building and demolition permits will be issued to the owner, authorized agent, or the contractor doing the work. A stop work order will be issued to any person(s) conducting any of the above detailed activities without the proper City issued permit.

The following is a fee schedule for building permits:

Residential Non-UCC and UCC Building Permits: $59.50

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $1-$1,000): $55 + state UCC tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $1,001-$5,000): $100 + state UCC tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $5,001-$10,000): $150 + state UCC tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $10,001-$25,000): $200 + state UCC tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $25,001-$50,000): $300 +  state UCC tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $50,001-$100,000): $400 +  state UCC tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $100,001-$250,000): $600 +  state UCC tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $250,001-$500,000): 1/2% (.005) of project value + state UCC Tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $500,001-$1,000,000):1/2% (.005) of project value + state UCC Tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $1,000,001-$2,000,000): 1/2% (.005) of project value + state UCC Tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $2,000,001-$3,000,000): 1/2% (.005) of project value + state UCC Tax

Commercial Building Permit (Project Value $3,000,000+): 1/2% (.005) of project value + state UCC Tax

*Projects that were started before a permit was issued will be charged double

The fee for demolition permits is calculated at one percent (1.0%) of the value of the demolition contract, with a plus a $150 sewer cap fee and the current Act 13 Fee ($4.50). Building permits expire after 60 days. Demolition permits expire after 30 days, but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Signage

Alteration, erection, or moving of any type of signage requires a building permit. All signs must be constructed and maintained in a safe manner that will cause no danger to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. No sign may extend onto any public street or right-of-way. Signs must conform with Zoning Ordinance regulations.

Private signs/posters such as those for a yard sale cannot be attached to any public utility pole or tree within the street line.

Specifics such as sign size and illumination vary based on the zoning district where the project will take place.

A building permit is not required for the following signs:

  • Public notices or warnings posted by federal, state or local agencies
  • Signs located in a building, not attached to a window or door
  • Works of art that do not include a commercial message
  • Signs on scoreboards or athletic field fences
  • Traffic signs on private property such as stop signs
  • Project identification signs of a regulated size

For all permit questions please contact the Building Code Official.

Contractor Licenses

The City of Johnstown requires a Contractor License for all contractors and subcontractors doing commercial building or repair projects within the City. This includes, but is not limited to, contractors doing work related to construction, alteration, repair, sign installation, site preparation, excavation, paving and demolition.

All contractors must complete and submit a registration form provided by the City along with correct payment. Proof of workers’ compensation and liability insurance must be presented. If a contractor does not employ other individuals, and does not carry workers’ compensation insurance, a notarized affidavit stating that there are no employees is required.

At the time of proper registration and payment of the fee, the contractor or subcontractor will be issued one (1) decal which is to be placed on all company owned vehicles. Additional decals are available at a cost of $2.00 each. The contractor’s license is valid for the calendar year in which it is issued no license fee will be pro-rated. The City of Johnstown Building Code Offical reviews all records on file for contractors and determines eligibility for permit approval and renewal.

For Contractor Licenses download here. CONTRACTOR LICENSE 2023