Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Roof in Pennsylvania?
Updated 2026-11-03 · verified against government sources
Pennsylvania adopts the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) statewide, but permits are administered by each municipality's code office; under 34 Pa. Code 403.42 only 'ordinary repairs' are exempt, and a full roof replacement generally exceeds that exemption.
Most PA jurisdictions require a UCC building permit for a full residential roof replacement, while minor patching/shingle repairs qualify as ordinary repairs without a permit; structural or decking work always requires a permit. Philadelphia offers a streamlined no-plans EZ permit specifically for roof covering replacement.
Major city examples
| City | Roof replacement permit |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | Roof covering replacement is explicitly eligible for an L&I EZ Permit (no plans needed); work must follow the EZ standard, be done by a licensed Philadelphia contractor (owner-occupied 1-2 family homes excepted), and structural roof work or roof decks require a standard building permit with plans. |
| Pittsburgh | Roof replacement permits are processed through the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections (PLI); like-for-like repairs may not need a permit, but full replacements and structural changes generally do. |
Cost, process and penalties
- Typical permit cost: Roughly $75-$250 for a typical residential re-roof permit (fee set by each municipality; Philadelphia EZ permit fees are published by L&I)
- Who pulls it: In Philadelphia the EZ permit must generally be taken out by a licensed city contractor, with an exception for owner-occupied one- and two-family homes; elsewhere in PA either the homeowner or the contractor can apply to the municipal code office.
- Working without one: Typical consequences include code-enforcement citations and fines, paying after-the-fact permit fees, having to open up finished roofing for inspection, work-stoppage orders, and disclosure/resale problems when buyers request permit records.
Philadelphia EZ-permit roof provision verified verbatim on phila.gov; Pittsburgh roof-specific details rely on the official PLI portal plus secondary roofers' guides - treat Pittsburgh wording as typical rather than quoted policy.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania adopts the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) statewide, but permits are administered by each municipality's code office; under 34 Pa. Code 403.42 only 'ordinary repairs' are exempt, and a full roof replacement generally exceeds that exemption. Most PA jurisdictions require a UCC building permit for a full residential roof replacement, while minor patching/shingle repairs qualify as ordinary repairs without a permit; structural or decking work always requires a permit. Philadelphia offers a streamlined no-plans EZ permit specifically for roof covering replacement.
How much does the permit cost?
Typical range: Roughly $75-$250 for a typical residential re-roof permit (fee set by each municipality; Philadelphia EZ permit fees are published by L&I). Cities often waive or reduce fees for minor repairs; confirm the current fee schedule with your building department.
Who pulls the permit?
In Philadelphia the EZ permit must generally be taken out by a licensed city contractor, with an exception for owner-occupied one- and two-family homes; elsewhere in PA either the homeowner or the contractor can apply to the municipal code office.
What if I skip it?
Typical consequences include code-enforcement citations and fines, paying after-the-fact permit fees, having to open up finished roofing for inspection, work-stoppage orders, and disclosure/resale problems when buyers request permit records.
Sources
- City of Philadelphia - Get permits without plans (EZ permits, roof covering replacement) (retrieved 2026-11-03)
- 34 Pa. Code 403.42 - Permit requirements and exemptions (PA UCC) (retrieved 2026-11-03)
- City of Pittsburgh - PLI Permitting overview (retrieved 2026-11-03)
Regulations change and enforcement varies by city and county. This page is general information, not legal advice — confirm with your local building department before signing a contract.