Permits & Licenses

Steps to Starting New Business

File for Zoning at the Zoning Office on the 1st Floor of City Hall, Room 105.
Once Zoning is approved, an Occupancy Inspection needs to be performed.
After the Occupancy Inspection is performed and has passed, the applicant can then fill out the paperwork for a Business License, which is renewed each year.
If Zoning is denied, the applicant can file for a Zoning Appeal which will be held in front of the Zoning Hearing Board at a date to be determined.
If all home occupations are denied, the applicant will then need to file for a Zoning Appeal to be held in front of the Zoning Hearing Board, where it will then be decided on whether the home occupation will have final approval or be permanently denied.

Building Permits

When do I need to obtain a building permit?
Building permits are required for any interior renovations to your property including plumbing, electrical and general repair. Building permits are also required for exterior renovations including new siding, roof or sidewalk, the addition of sheds and fences and paving, and blacktop and concrete work. Some of these projects may require you to obtain a zoning permit as well.

What is the cost of a building permit?
Please contact the License & Permits office at (570) 459-4925 for more information.

Projects requiring third party inspections vary and you should contact the Licenses & Permits office for requirements and rates at (570) 459-4925.

PLEASE BE ADVISED PERMIT APPLICATIONS REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF TWENTY-FOUR (24) HOURS TO PROCESS. TO AVOID A DELAY IN PROCESSING, PLEASE APPLY FOR PERMITS AT LEAST TWO (2) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF ANY WORK ON A STRUCTURE.

Zoning Permits

When do I need to obtain a zoning application?
Residential zoning permits are required for such things as additions to your home, the installation of fences, swimming pools, decks, sheds, garages and other buildings, and the construction of a driveway or other off-street parking lot.

What is the fee for a residential zoning application?
The fee for a residential zoning permit is $50.00 per unit.

When do I need to obtain a commercial zoning permit?
Commercial zoning permits are required for all new businesses, whether new construction or those that move into existing buildings. Applicants must first file a zoning application. An occupancy inspection is also required.

What is the fee for a commercial zoning application?
The fee for a commercial zoning permit is $100.00.

PLEASE ALLOW 15 DAYS TO PROCESS A ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION.

Download Zoning Permit Application Here

Occupancy Inspection

What is an occupancy inspection?
A code enforcement and zoning officer and the Fire Chief inspect proposed business locations to assure there are no code violations. They check for adequate fire extinguishers, proper exit signs, and any defects that may need to be fixed before occupancy is approved.

What is the fee for an occupancy inspection?
There is a fee of $50.00 per unit for a residential occupancy inspection, and $100.00 for a commercial occupancy inspection. If the inspection fails or the owner/agent does not appear for the inspection, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 per unit for a residential occupancy reinspection, and $100.00 for a commercial occupancy reinspection. If there is a change of use or change in occupancy group, the fee is $249.00. A home occupancy inspection is $55.00.

Download City of Hazleton's Request for Occupancy Form

Demolition

What are the fees for demolitions?
The permit fees for demolitions are as follows:
Storage sheds - $40
Residential garages - $100
Single home - $350
Double dwelling home - $500
Commercial buildings - $500 flat fee up to 10,000 square feet. Buildings over 10,000 square feet $500 plus additional price per square foot.

Contractors

Home improvement contractors need to be registered with the Attorney General's office in Harrisburg. Contractors are required to obtain a business license in order to perform work within the City of Hazleton.

In order to be licensed, contractors must present a copy of their insurance policy, including at least $500,000 in liability insurance, and proof of workers compensation insurance, if other employees work for the contractor.

All contractors applying for permits must present an estimate, written to the client, and description of the job they are doing.

Do I need a license to conduct business in Hazleton?

Anyone conducting business within the Hazleton city limits must pay a license fee. Licenses are issued on an annual basis. For a list of all types of businesses requiring licensure, please contact the Licenses & Permits office at (570) 459-4925.

Door to Door

Door-to-door solicitors must also be licensed and are subject to a background check by city police. The cost of the license is $100.

Transient Businesses

Transient retail business such as fireworks sales, flower sales, and tent sales must pay a licensure fee as follows:
Under Tent Outdoors (per week) - $500
Circuses/Sideshows (per day) $300
Parades (per day) $250
Carnivals (per week) $250