Forms and Downloads

Opening a Business in Bensalem Township

Procedures, Permits & Requirements

All applications and forms are available on the official Bensalem Township website at www.bensalempa.gov. Visit the Forms & Downloads section for the necessary applications and documentation.

1. Zoning Verification

Before opening a business, applicants should determine the zoning classification of the property where the business will be located. This is necessary to ensure that the proposed business use is permitted at that location.

Applicants may research the property’s zoning classification using the Township’s online Zoning Map and review the applicable zoning regulations.

If additional clarification or official verification is needed, a written Zoning Certification may be requested through the Building and Planning Department.

Please note that official zoning determinations must be obtained in writing through the Township’s Zoning Certification application process.

Zoning verification may also be obtained by submitting a Commercial Use & Occupancy Application. Use & Occupancies should be submitted prior to the submission of building permits Building & Planning Department reserves the right to withhold the issuance of a building permit if a Use & Occupancy Application has not been submitted.

2. Commercial Building Renovations & Building Permits

Any renovations or alterations to a commercial building require the appropriate building permits before construction begins.

All commercial construction plans must be signed and sealed by a licensed Pennsylvania architect or engineer. A wet-stamped seal is requested in place of a raised or embossed seal.

For projects located within a shopping mall, Mall Management must review and approve the plans before they are submitted to the Township for review.

A. Required Building Permit Application

The required application is the Building Permits Code – Commercial. This application includes sections for all applicable construction trades.

All aspects of the proposed project must be submitted together using this single application, including:

• Building construction
• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• Mechanical systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Fire alarm systems

Plans and permit applications may be submitted electronically or delivered in person to the Building & Planning Department.
For electronic submissions, please email plans and permit documents to (most preferred):
permitcenter@bensalempa.gov
For in-person submissions (less preferred), plans may be dropped off at the Building & Planning Department.
Paper plans must not exceed 11 x 17 inches.
We will also accept plans on a flash drive.

B. Plan Review & Approval Process

Applicants can generally expect a response regarding their building permit application within 10–15 days, depending on whether all required information and documentation have been submitted.

All plans must comply with the current applicable code sets adopted by the PA UCC.

All contractors must be licensed with Bensalem Township before building permits can be released.

If an application or plans are rejected, the applicant may contact the Plans Examiner responsible for reviewing the submission to discuss and resolve any outstanding issues. Any and all resubmissions must be sent to permitcenter@bensalempa.gov for processing and re-review.

C. Construction Tax

A construction tax, established under Ordinance No. 98-10, applies to new and existing businesses creating additional units. New commercial buildings are also subject to this tax.

D. Construction & Required Inspections

Construction may begin only after all required permits have been approved and issued.

Please note that fees will be tripled for work performed without the required permits.

Inspections are required at each phase of construction. A specific list of required inspections will be provided when the permits are issued. All applicable inspections must be completed and approved.

E. Use & Occupancy Permit

Applicants must apply for a Use & Occupancy Permit prior to the submission of building permits. Use and Occupancy inspections will be scheduled with final building permit inspections.

For additional information, contact the Building and Planning Department at 215-633-3644.

Once all required inspections have been completed and approved, the Certificate of Occupancy will be issued within 5 business days.

Businesses Not Requiring Renovations

If no construction or renovations are planned, applicants may apply for a Use & Occupancy Permit immediately.

The permit fee is calculated based on the square footage of the business space.

3. Sign Permits

A permit is required for both the installation of a new business sign and the refacing of an existing sign.

Applicants must obtain the appropriate sign permit before beginning any sign installation or modification work.

4. Business Privilege License & Additional Requirements

Businesses opening in Bensalem Township should also address the applicable Business Privilege License and other agency requirements.

Business Privilege License – E-Collect

For Business Privilege License information and assistance, contact:

Phone: 1-866-225-0033

Bucks County Board of Health

Businesses requiring health department approval or inspections should contact:

Phone: 215-949-5805

Fire Marshal’s Office

For questions regarding fire prevention regulations, fire sprinkler systems, fire protection requirements, and related matters, contact:

Phone: 215-633-3617

5. Important Contact Information

Bensalem Township – Building & Planning Department

2400 Byberry Road
Bensalem, PA 19020

Phone: 215-633-3644

Email for Electronic Permit Submissions: permitcenter@bensalempa.gov

Important Reminder

Business owners are encouraged to review all applicable zoning, building, permitting, licensing, and inspection requirements before beginning construction or business operations.

Please consult the Bensalem Township Building and Planning Department with questions regarding specific properties, proposed business uses, or permitting requirements.

For current applications, forms, fees, and additional information, visit www.bensalempa.gov and select Forms & Downloads.

INFORMATION FOR ZONING CERTIFICATION APPLICANTS

Bensalem Township – Building & Planning Department

Please Research Proposed Use of Property First

There are two options for obtaining zoning information for a property. Applicants are encouraged to research the information independently before submitting a request for a written Zoning Certification.

OPTION 1: Research Zoning Information Online

You may be able to find the zoning information you need by using the resources available on the Bensalem Township website.

Step 1: Locate the property’s zoning district.

1. Visit the Bensalem Township website.
2. Click on Departments, then Building & Planning.
3. Select Zoning Map.
4. Locate the property address on the Bensalem Township Zoning Map.
5. Identify the zoning district for the property. Examples include R1, R2, GC, LI, and others.

Step 2: Review the zoning regulations.

1. Return to the Building & Planning page.
2. Select Township Code of Ordinances.
3. Review the applicable zoning regulations for the property’s zoning district.

View the Bensalem Township Code of Ordinances

If your research provides clear and complete information about the property’s zoning district and whether the existing or proposed use is permitted, you may not need to request a Zoning Certification.

OPTION 2: Apply for a Written Zoning Certification

If your online research does not provide clear, complete, or conclusive information, the next step is to apply for a written Zoning Certification through the Building & Planning Department.

A Zoning Certification provides written clarification and verification regarding the zoning of a property and the applicable use information requested.

How to apply:

1. Visit the Bensalem Township website.
2. Navigate to Forms and Downloads and locate the Zoning Certification application.
3. Complete the application with the required property and applicant information. A separate application must be submitted for each property address or tax parcel number.
4. Indicate the type of certification requested and clearly identify the existing or proposed use of the property.
5. Submit the completed application with the required $105.00 payment, payable to Bensalem Township by check or money order. 

Submit your application and payment to:

Bensalem Township – Building & Planning Department
2400 Byberry Road
Bensalem, PA 19020

For application questions, contact the Building & Planning Department at 215-633-3644.

Important Notice: Zoning Information Must Be Provided in Writing

Zoning information and zoning determinations are not provided verbally by the Township or its clerical staff. Clerical staff cannot provide verbal verification or confirmation of whether a particular use is permitted at a property.

All requests for official zoning certification or verification must be submitted through the Zoning Certification application process. The requested zoning information will be provided in writing by the appropriate Township department.

Please research the available online resources first. If you cannot find clear and conclusive information, submit a Zoning Certification application to obtain written clarification and verification.

www.Buckscountyconservation.ORG  

www.Dep.State.Pa.US   

Municipalities Planning Code    

PA Local Government Support & Publications 

Pa One Call 

International Code Council 

Environmental Protection Agency 

US Consumer Product Safety Commission 

Better Business Bureau 

FEMA

Google has created a sketching tool that may be useful to you in the application process, click here to check it out 

Asbestos Abatement/Demolition/Renovation Notification Form

Manufactured Homes PA Certificate of Compliance

PA Labor & Industry UCC Building Codes