Do I need a permit in Bucks county?

Planning a demolition project in Bucks County, PA? Whether you're tearing down a shed, removing a garage, or gutting your home interior, the big question many homeowners and contractors ask is: “Do I need a permit?”
The answer: usually, yes — but it depends on the type and scope of the work.

In this guide, we’ll break down when you need a demolition permit in Bucks County, where to get it, how much it costs, and what happens if you skip it.

In most Bucks County townships — including Warminster, Doylestown, Bensalem, and others — you need a demolition permit for any structure that’s:

• Permanently attached to a foundation
• Larger than a few hundred square feet
• Considered part of the home’s core structure (roof, walls, etc.)

This typically includes:

• Full home teardowns
• Detached garage removals
• Deck or porch demolitions
• Interior gut projects (if walls, plumbing, or electric are impacted)
• Chimney or fireplace removals
• Above-ground or in-ground pool removal

Some minor demolitions may not require a permit, like:

• Taking down a small tool shed (usually under 100–200 sq ft)
• Fence removal (depending on township)
• Tearing out carpet, cabinets, or fixtures with no electrical or plumbing changes

⚠️ Always check with your township office first. Even small jobs can require approval depending on zoning or local ordinances.

Each township in Bucks County handles its own permits. A few examples:

• Warminster Township – https://www.warminstertownship.org
• Doylestown Township – https://www.doylestownpa.org
• Bensalem Township – https://www.bensalempa.gov

To get your permit:

1. Visit the township website or office
2. Download the demolition permit application
3. Provide details (structure size, type, method of demolition)
4. Submit with a site plan and any required fees

Doing demolition without the proper permits can lead to:

• Stop work orders from the township
• Fines or penalties
• Issues with resale, insurance, or code compliance
• Legal trouble if an injury or property damage occurs

It’s always better to be safe and pull the right permits — especially when working with a professional demolition contractor.

Permit fees vary by township and project size. Here are typical ranges:

• Shed/Garage Demolition: $50 – $150
• Interior Gut Demolition: $75 – $250
• Full House Demolition: $200 – $500+
  Always ask the township about disposal requirements, erosion control, and inspections.

At TMM Construction – Demolition Pros, we handle the permit process for most projects so you don’t have to stress about the paperwork.

✅ Fully licensed and insured
✅ Local to Warminster and Bucks County
✅ Permits, cleanup, and safe demo included

Contact us today for a free estimate — and we’ll make sure your demo is legal, fast, and hassle-free.