Building, Zoning and Codes

The Building, Zoning & Codes Department consists of two full-time employees and a part time Fire Marshal. This department is responsible for administering the following programs and procedures for Bridgeport Borough:

• Code Enforcement
• Building, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Permits
• Business and Contractor Licenses
• Borough Rental Inspection Program
• Issuance of Use & Occupancy Permits
• Subdivision and Land Development Applications
• Zoning Applications and Zoning Hearing Board Applications

Currently, Bridgeport Borough has adopted the 2015 International Building Code and the 2012 International Property Maintenance Code. These codes may be accessed at Borough Hall, or by following these links:

2012 International Property Maintenance Code

2015 International Building Code

The Bridgeport Borough Official Code may be viewed by clicking here.

Please read before applying for any permits with Bridgeport Borough:
1. Permit applications must be submitted fully completed, with all requisite related documents, as well as the correct fee amount, before they will be reviewed and processed by the borough.

2. Your selected contractor must be registered as a contractor with the borough (i.e. obtained an annual contractor license), and have submitted their certificate of insurance, before a permit will be issued for your project. Please note that per PA state law, general contractors are not required to register as a licensed contractor.

3. For any projects that involve earth disturbance or underground utilities (examples: fences, additions, new plumbing), property owners must contact PA One Call by calling 811 prior to commencement of construction. PA One Call representatives will come to your property and mark out any underground utilities that may need to be accounted for prior to excavation.

4. All applicable permits must be applied for and received prior to beginning any work, whether residential, commercial or institutional.

5. Building Permit Applications may be obtained at Bridgeport Borough Hall or by clicking on the "Building Permit Application" tab on this page. Two sets of plans must be submitted with the application. Construction or renovation plans may require sealed plans.

6. Applicants may be required to review Bridgeport Borough Code and/or Zoning regulations (also included within Borough Code) in order to obtain specifications regarding their particular property and zoning district, such as front, rear and side yard setbacks, and percentage of impervious surface coverage.

7. Plumbing permit applications may be obtained at Bridgeport Borough Hall by clicking on the "Forms" tab on this page.

• Permits are required when relocating, re-configuring or adding fixtures supply, drainage or venting (riser diagrams required with permit application)
• Only Master Licensed Plumbers may apply for a Plumbing Permit, unless the work is being performed by the property owner.
• A current Master Plumbing License must be in possession when making application.

8. Mechanical permit applications may be obtained at Bridgeport Borough Hall or by clicking on the "Forms" tab on of this page.

• Replacement, additions or alterations require a permit.
• Specifications and/or cut sheets are required for unit installation.
• Units to be installed on the exterior require decibel levels and drawings of location of unit on property. All outside units must be contained within property setbacks.

9. Electrical permit applications may be obtained at Bridgeport Borough Hall or by clicking on the "Forms" tab on this page.

• All electrical permit applicants must select his or her own licensed third-party inspection agency to perform inspection of the permitted project.

10. Use & Occupancy Permits are required for any resale of a property, whether residential, commercial or institutional.

11. At minimum, a Conditional Use & Occupancy Permit is required in order to move into a property.

All rental properties are required to register with Bridgeport Borough and submit to the Borough's annual inspection program. Rental Property Packets and Rental Unit Inspection Guidelines may be found on the "Forms" tab on this page.

Inspections: All requests for inspections are scheduled through Borough Hall by calling Angela Gear, (610) 272-1811. All inspections are done by the Bridgeport Borough Building, Zoning and Codes Department. When requesting an inspection, you must provide 24 hours' notice, the job location and the permit number. No inspections will be scheduled without the correct permit number. It is the applicant's responsibility to arrange electrical inspections with the 3rd party agency of their choice.

Fee Schedule: Bridgeport Borough reserves the right to request a copy of the project contract in order to ensure that the permit fees are correct. The Fee Schedule may be accessed by clicking on the "Fee Schedule" tab on this page.