Building Code Department

The Building Code Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the local, state, and federal Building Codes and Standards adopted by East Stroudsburg Borough. The department provides assistance to all residents/owners and contractors engaged in residential and commercial construction, installation and/or alterations of structural systems, electric, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), natural gas systems, and any other aspects of construction, use and occupancy of residential and commercial buildings and structures.

Municipal Code Solutions(MCS) oversees the Building Code Department, which coordinates the permitting process, inspections scheduling, and the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issuance. For more information pertaining to Building Permits, Requirements, Building Codes, Inspections, and/or Certificate of Occupancies, please visit www.pa-codes.com.

Current Codes

Please note that per the PA Department of Labor and Industry: Many of these codes have various code sections amended by the UCC Review and Advisory Council (RAC). This information was published on February 14, 2022, in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and became effective the same date. Access to these changes is provided by: Pennsylvania Code and Bulletin.

Per 2021 International Building Code: “No person shall begin work without a valid building permit. It is unlawful for anyone to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, demolish, equip, use, occupy or maintain any building or land or cause or permit the same to be done.”

Apply for a Building Permit

Residential Projects

To apply for a Building Permit, please submit the following required documents:

Building Permit Application
Construction / Installation Plans –
Submit two sets of plans showing the full scope of the proposed work. Plans should clearly identify:
- Construction materials
- Material sizes and dimensions
- Product and material specifications
- Structural and construction details
- The location and extent of the proposed work.
  
  For sample drawings and helpful templates, please visit: Municipal Code Solutions‘ website.
  Please note: Certain projects may require construction plans that are prepared, signed, and sealed by a design professional licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If sealed plans are required for your project, you will be notified following the initial plan review.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Submit a current Certificate of Insurance listing the following entity as the certificate holder:
East Stroudsburg Borough
The Certificate of Insurance must show active coverage for:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
If the contractor does not maintain workers’ compensation insurance, the contractor must submit a completed and signed Workers’ Compensation Exemption Form.
The Workers’ Compensation Exemption Form is available on the Borough’s Forms and Applications page.
Zoning approval – Some projects that require a Building Permit also require zoning approval. However, zoning approval is not required for every building project.
Applicants who are unsure whether zoning approval is required should contact the Zoning Department or visit the Zoning Department webpage for information about zoning requirements and the Zoning Permit application process.

Please note that certain projects may require additional documents/information, which will be requested after the initial plan review.

For System Installations Building Permit (pools, hot tubs, HVAC systems, etc), please submit the following required documents:

Building Permit Application
Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions (owners’ manual)
Certificate of Insurance (COI) with East Stroudsburg Borough listed as the certificate holder. The COI must reflect general liability and workers’ compensation. If your COI does not reflect an active workers’ compensation policy, a signed Workers’ Comp Exemption Form must be submitted by the contractor (please find the Workers’ Comp Exemption Form in forms and applications).
Zoning approval –
- Note – Not all projects that require a Building Permit, also require zoning approval. If you are unsure if your project requires a zoning approval, please contact Zoning Department and/or visit the Zoning Department’s Page for more information about how to apply for a Zoning Permit.

Please note that certain projects may require additional documents/information, which will be requested after the initial plan review.

Commercial Projects

To apply for a Building Permit, please submit the following required documents:

Building Permit Application

2 sets of sealed construction plans. The plans must be sealed by an engineer or architect licensed in Pennsylvania.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) with East Stroudsburg Borough listed as the certificate holder. The COI must reflect general liability and workers’ compensation policies. If your COI does not reflect an active workers’ compensation policy, a signed Workers’ Comp Exemption Form must be submitted by the contractor (please find the Workers’ Comp Exemption Form in forms and applications).
Zoning approval –
- Note – Not all projects that require a Building Permit, also require a zoning approval. If you are unsure if your project requires a zoning approval, please contact Zoning Department and/or visit the Zoning Department’s Page for more information about how to apply for a Zoning Permit.

Please note that certain projects may require additional documents/information, which will be requested after the initial plan review.