Building, Housing and Codes Enforcement

Mission Statement

Provide fair and consistent enforcement of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and the Code of the Borough of West Chester through community engagement and the utilization and application of the latest training and education in the profession in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of our community.

Core Functions

The Building & Housing Department is responsible for enforcement of the Borough Code & the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code. This involves reviewing and issuing construction permits. zoning approvals, land development reviews, regulation and inspection of rental properties & property maintenance enforcement.  

The Department employs full time staff and coordinates with third party inspectors. Click on a link for common transactions or to access more information about building permit, rental licenses, codes enforcement, or zoning and planning.

  1. Apply for License or Permit

    To apply for, and pay for, a residential or commercial permit click here to go to our online portal, SmartGov.

  2. Pay or Dispute a Ticket

    To pay or dispute a ticket click here to go to our online portal, SmartGov.

  3. Report a Concern

    For the quickest way to report a concern click here to enter your information in our online system, SmartGov. You can do this with your information or anonymously.

  4. Schedule a Rental Inspection

    To schedule a rental inspection click here for your date and time in our online booking system.

  5. Residential/Student Rental Tracker

    Search for an address to see if it has a valid rental license, it's status, voting ward, how many units there are and if students are permitted.

  6. Tenant-Landlord Form

    This a required for a rental license to be compled by landords annually.

  7. Owner Responsible Agent Affidavit

RESOURCES