Code Enforcement

The Bureau of Code Enforcement enforces building and property codes to support a healthy, safe, and vibrant community for Scranton residents. The Bureau investigates complaints about possible violations and takes action to mitigate quality of life concerns. This department distributes permits and licenses and conducts health and property inspections for homes, rental properties, and businesses.

For assistance with permits, licenses, or inspections, please call Code Enforcement at 570-348-4193.

For animal control or to report an animal care violation, please call Animal Control at 570-348-4134 ext. 8217.

For any other issues, please call the Scranton Police Department’s non-emergency number at 570-348-4141

Thomas Oleski, Director and Building Code Official

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Phone:
570.348.4193
Email:
toleski@scrantonpa.gov

Depending on your project you may need to coordinate with several City Departments and Bureaus. 

Building Permit and Contractor Requirements

All construction projects in the City require a permit.

NO WORK IS TO COMMENCE WITHOUT POSSESSION OF A PERMIT

Cost of permits vary based on the size and scope of the project. In addition, all work within the City is to be completed by an insured licensed contractor with experience, knowledge, and a general understanding of the nature of work to be performed.

Click here to learn more.

Code Regulations

The City of Scranton enforces the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) Series, which includes the following codes:

  • 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
  • 2018 International Residential Code
  • 2018 International Building Code
  • 2018 International Existing Building Code
  • 2018 International Plumbing Code
  • 2018 International Mechanical Code
  • 2018 International Fire Code
  • 2018 International Energy Code
  • 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
  • 2014 National Electric Code
  • 2017 ANSI 117.1
  • 2021 International Building Code Chapter 11 ONLY

The 2018 editions of the International Codes adopted by UCC regulations, as modified by the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Review and Advisory Council, are to be used for construction project design, plan review and inspection purposes.

2017 ANSI 117 (Accessibility) and the 2021 IBC chapter 11 are effective as of January 1, 2022.

To view the current I-Codes, visit the link here.

Project Process

The following is the workflow for a building permit submitted to the Code Enforcement Office.

Contact the Code Enforcement Office to discuss the code requirements for your project. The Permit Clerk team will guide you through the development process and let you know if you need to apply for permits and submit plans. This should be done prior to any permit or plan submittal.

The first major step in the Permitting Process is to determine if you comply with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. If your project is a permitted use and complies with all requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, you will receive zoning approval. If your project requires a special exception or conditional use, you will need to appear before the Zoning Hearing Board or Scranton City Council, respectively, to receive zoning approval. If your project is not allowed, but you believe it qualifies as a hardship case, you may apply for a variance. In addition, some small projects, like fences, sheds, and pools, may still require zoning approval even if you do not need a building permit.For more information about zoning, please click here.

If your project is located in a Historic District, or if your building is a Historic Landmark, the project will be required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historical Architecture Review Board. This is done to ensure that the historical character of the building is not changed. Any and all work affecting general design, arrangement, texture and material, even if a building permit is not required, but obtain approval from the Historic Preservation staff.

If your project is located within a Flood Zone, as identified by the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map, then it will be subject to review by the Floodplain Administrator. Any project in a flood zone or floodway that includes a substantial improvement (50% or more of the market value) will be required to be elevated or floodproofed to FEMA standards. If you are building a new structure, completing a substantial improvement, either within a Special Flood Hazard Area, you are required to submit an Elevation Certificate, completed by an Engineer, Surveyor, or other professional authorized to complete the form.

The majority of permit applications are for simple projects that do not require extensive plan review. In these instances, permits can be issued immediately. If your project requiring the Code Official and other professional to review your plans, it may take several days to complete the plan review and to receive your permit. Commercial plans must be reviewed by our approved 3rd party plan review agency, NEIC. Please call to schedule an appointment with our Plan Review staff prior to coming to the counter for drop off. If your project involves land development or subdivision, approval from the City Planning Commission will also be required, in addition to Code Enforcement Review.

After your permit application is approved by the Building Code Official, you will pay for and pick up/print out your permit. The permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must post the permit in an area visible from the street. Please note, if you are erecting an external sign for your business, you must also apply for a Sign Permit for the initial installation.

An inspector will reach out to request an inspection for the work you have completed. The inspectors will meet on site of the requested building inspection. Upon completion, the inspector will issue an inspection report with violations (if any) noted and a time frame in which the violations shall be remedied. If noted violations are found, you must use licensed Contractors in the City of Scranton to obtain necessary permits to perform the work.

When you complete your project, and pass the final inspection, the inspector will mail a Certificate of Occupancy to you.

For prospective eating and drinking establishments, in addition to the above listed requirements, you are required to obtain an Eating and Drinking/ Health License. You need to acquire an application for an eating and drinking license. The food/drink establishment must pass a full health inspection. A Health License will not be issued until the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Code Official.

The Health Inspector can be reached at 570-348-4193 x 4522 during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

If you have successfully completed all of the above, you are finished with Scranton’s permit process!

Please note, if your project is a commercial business or organization, you may need annual licenses depending on the type of business, if you operate an external sign, or other factors. Check with our Code Enforcement office if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of January 1, 2023, the City of Scranton no longer requires a city-issued Dog License. You will need to license your dog with the State or County.

More information can be found at www.padoglicenses.com

Solar Panels are allowed in all zoning districts in Scranton. To install, you will need a permit and a licensed with the City contractor, to apply for an Electrical Permit.

Almost everything. Contact the Code Enforcement Office before any work is started.

Painting inside/outside of homes and gutter installation do not require permits.

Please note, if your building is a Historical Landmark or in a Historic District, you may still need a Certificate of Appropriateness

It depends on the cost of the materials and labor. Please visit Building Permits and Contractor Information for the latest permit fee schedule.

Yes. Contact Code Enforcement to verify current licenses.

If the homeowner is doing the work, then the homeowner is allowed to pull the permit. If a contractor is doing the work, then the contractor must pull the permit.

Yes. A copy of the contract must be submitted with the permit application.

One to two business days. Exceptions may occur.

Yes. A dumpster permit is required if the dumpster is on the street. The cost is $10.00 per day.

Home Improvement, General Contracting, Plumbing, Journeyman and Master, Electrical, Boiler and Mechanical all require testing. Testing is done twice a year, once in April and once in October.

Applications are available approximately 2 months prior.

It depends on the type of license and requirements used during application. Please visit Building Permits and Contractor Information for the latest contractor license fee schedule.

Yes. A certificate of insurance is required for all licenses.

Yes. Document the time and work being done along with the exact address. Contacting this office while work is being done will result in more immediate action.

Yes. All construction of new business requires a certificate. The cost is $350.00.

Yes. All new home construction requires a certificate. The cost is $250.00.

Yes. It is currently available on our OpenGov Citizens Services Portal.

Any and all commercial and residential extensions or expansions and all new construction require plan submittal.

Meet Our Team

Tom Oleski, BCO
Code Enforcement Director
Andrew Sunday, BCO
Code Enforcement Manager
Robin Selemba
Rental Manager
Stephen Osborne
Administrative Assistant
Ann Marie Herne
Permit Clerk/Cashier
Katie Reuther
Permit Clerk
NEIC
Trade Subcode Inspectors
and Plan Review
Erin Shea
Enforcer of Signs and Licenses
Todd Cortese
Weights and Measures Inspector
Evan Herbert
Housing Inspector
West
Richard Jascoviez
Housing Inspector
South
Porsha Fisher
Housing Inspector
East
Joseph Harmer
Health Inspector
Housing Inspector
West Side and Tripp Park
Timothy Scanlan
Housing Inspector
Pinebrook
Jailynn Wright
Housing Inspector
North Scranton and Tripp Park
Mike Gowerty
Housing Inspector
Hill Section and Downtown East
Kylie Mullins
Housing Inspector
Greenridge and the Plot
Cristal Gustaff
Housing Inspector
South Side and East Mountain
Sarah Namiotka
Housing Inspector
South Side and Minooka
Rental Inspector
Rental Registration Assistant
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