The Bureau of Permits and Health Licensing assists and protects the occupants of the City of York by providing a broad spectrum of inspections, reviews, and licensing services. From initial review of building plans to the inspection of establishments which serve food, the Bureau determines the condition and requires that standards of health and life safety are maintained. Through regular surveys of the community, Bureau inspectors ensure the protection of the infrastructure of the City and the investment of property owners and businesses.

General information on:
City of York Permits, Planning, Zoning & Health Licensing
Building Codes
Permit Applications

Bureau of Permits and Health Licensing Services
The Bureau issues all construction permits including building, electrical, plumbing, sign, excavation, demolition, and curb and sidewalk.

The Bureau licenses all eating establishments in the city, as agents of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Our Bureau also issues Certificates of Use and Occupancy, with the concurrence of all other required authorities. These required inspections add 4% of our revenue;

The Bureau issues licenses for a wide range of services, from plumber’s to mechanical amusement devices, such as pinball machines.

The Bureau makes initial determinations of Zoning requests and questions and forwards those requiring review to the Planning Department.

The Bureau also provides staff supports to the Historic Architectural Review Board, assisting to protect the historic fabric of our City.

The Bureau supports the City’s Economic Development effort by performing courtesy inspections and preliminary plan reviews.

Most recently, the Bureau has begun full use of the Hansen System land use software. Residents may lodge a complaint, by phone, to any one of a number of central service contact points in the city. The status or abatement of a complaint may now be tracked in a simple, time saving way. And soon, all of the permits issued by the Bureau will be produced on the new system.
And finally, in our continuing effort to provide World Class service to the residents and businesses of the City of York, all of the standard forms in use by the Bureau of Permits and Health Licensing have been revised and are now available at our counter. The new forms are more clearly organized and are easier for applicants to understand and complete.

The Mission of the Bureau of Permits and Health Licensing
Our mission is to provide a full range of services to all residents, contractors, architects and businesses on matters pertaining to construction, licensing and permits, in a fair and uniform manner.

We strive to treat all members of the community with the respect that they deserve and will provide World Class Service, to everyone, at all times. The staff of the Bureau of Permits and Health Licensing will always deal with issues that confront the community responsibly, efficiently, and expeditiously.

Concurrently, we invite all members of the community to participate in the improvement and preservation of our city by assuming their role as responsible businesspersons, property owners, residents, and citizens. By working together, we jointly participate in the continuing improvement and the growing reputation of the City of York as a World Class City.
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How to Contact Us

Department of Community Development
City of York 
1 Marketway West, 3rd Floor 
York, Pennsylvania 17401 
Phone: 717-849-2264
Fax: 717-849-2329