The Bureau of Building Standards and Safety (BSS) facilitates the development and maintenance of affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary homes, apartments, and commercial structures to ensure every citizen has access to quality places to live, work and play in a tolerant environment, using the highest standards of customer service.
BSS comprises 4 divisions: Building/trade licensing, permits and inspections 4th Floor, Rental Property licensing and inspections, Presale inspections and Community Housing 3rd Floor.
You can apply online for all of our permits and licenses by using the Citizen Self Service Portal.
Building Code Update – Effective January 1, 2026
In accordance with the State of Pennsylvania's adoption of updated building codes, the City of Allentown will begin enforcing the following 2021 Building Codes starting January 1, 2026:
Codes in Effect
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) – Chapters 2–10, 12–35
- 2018 International Building Code (IBC) – Chapter 11 & Appendix E
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
- 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) (as referenced by the IBC or other codes only)
- 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
- 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
- 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
- 2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC)
- 2021 International Code Council Performance Code (ICCPC)
- 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
Prior Contracts
Per Section 304 of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), permits may be issued under the previous code if:
- A contract was signed with a contractor or design professional before January 1, 2026, and
- The permit application is submitted within six months of the new code’s effective date.
For more detail, see § 225-1: Adoption of Uniform Construction Code.