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1. When do I need a permit?

In accordance with the Uniform Construction Code, anyone who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the use of a building, or to erect, install enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, shall obtain the required permits. Any facade work or signage may also require a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic District Commission. Contact Code Office for more information or by downloading from our Forms and Documents Section. If you have questions or need guidance call 610-250-6724.

Permit applications can be obtained from the Department of Code Enforcement
Second Floor
123 S 3rd Street
Easton, PA

2. What do I do if a building seems unsafe and requires repairs and maintenance?

The Department of Code Enforcement enforces the City of Easton Property Maintenance Code, Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and other ordinances adopted by the City to ensure our citizens and visitors have access to affordable, safe and sanitary homes, apartments and commercial structures to live, work and play. If you suspect that a building is unsafe or is in need of repairs or maintenance, please contact Code Enforcement at 610-250-6724.

3. What if a neighboring yard is full of high weeds, along with weeds in gutters and tree wells, or the street trees have dangerous or broken limbs?

ES-301.6 High weeds are a nuisance. They are considered injurious to the health, cleanliness, comfort, and safety of residents. Call Codes at 250-6724. 

907.05 The property owner is responsible for pruning street trees so they do not obstruct or shade street lights, obstruct pedestrians' passage, or view of traffic signs or of intersections. Call the City Forester at 250-6680.

4. What if there is a "nuisance house" on the street and it is the source of all kinds of problems?

Nuisance houses can be eliminated in a number of ways, and for a number of reasons, some already noted under other headings. Other examples include: Too many persons living in one unit: a group of not more than three unrelated persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit and Occupancy Limitations Certificate gives notice of the maximum occupancy per dwelling unit. Dirty Conditions: waste and other materials and objects may not accumulate in stairways, passageways, or other means of egress. Call Codes at 250-6724 or the Bureau of Health at 250-6729.

5. What if I live in an apartment that is infested with roaches?

When any building, lot or premises is subject to infestation by rodents, insects or other vermin, the person in charge must repeat eradication measures until the infestation is eliminated. Call the Bureau of Health at 610-250-6729.

6. What if my landlord doesn't provide smoke detectors in our building?

BOCA Fire Codes and NFPA Codes adopted by the City, state that all must have some form of smoke detectors. Report any violation at once, by calling the City Fire Inspector at 610-250-6745

Fire Safety Inspections are available, free of charge. If you believe that your building is not appropriately equipped with fire safety equipment, call the Fire Inspector at 610-250-6745 for a free inspection.

7. What should I do if garbage and debris is piling up on the lot or yard next door?

All buildings, lots, or premises must be kept free from any condition conducive to rodents, insects and other vermin. No person shall allow the accumulation of water, garbage, building material, brush, or other material that may attract rodents, insects, or other vermin. Call Codes at 610-250-6724 or the Bureau of Health at 610-250-6729. The City further monitors habitation of properties through the following: Moving Permit which must be secured from the Finance Department and Rental Property Tenant Form which must be provided and updated by the owner for use by the Rental Licensing Officer. Every owner who rents to any other person or entity must file each name and address with the Rental Licensing Officer at 610-250-2060. Call the Finance Department at 610-250-6614.

8. What should I do if a neighbor's home burglar alarm rings for hours?

Audible alarms must have timers that disengage the alarm ten minutes. All alarms must be registered with the Code Office. No more than three false alarms in a twelve-month period are permitted under Section 751 1 (c) of the PA. Crimes Code. Call the police at 610-330-2200.

9. Are we allowed to burns leaves and other debris in the backyard?

Open burning is not allowed in the City except for food preparation and for certain controlled business operations. Call the Fire Department at 610-250-6771.

10. What should I do if I see garbage cans placed at the curb all the time?

Prior to the scheduled day of collection, refuse containers must be obscured from view from the street. Refuse containers are to be placed at curbside no earlier than 6 pm the evening before any day of collection. Call Public Works at 610-250-6680 or Code Enforcement at 610-250-6724.

11. What do I do about litter?

It is illegal to discard, place, sweep, or throw paper, debris, garbage, or other litter into gutters, streets, highways, sidewalks, yards, porches, or buildings. Call the police at 610-330-2200.

12. What about garbage that is overflowing and smells?

Garbage cans must be watertight and must have tight-fitting covers. Unreasonable accumulation of refuse on any property is a nuisance and a violation; Garbage should be stored in such a manner as not to attract rodents, insects, or other vermin; No person shall cause, allow, or permit the emission of noxious or offensive odor. Call Codes at 610-250-6724, or the Health Bureau at 610-250-6729.

13. What about owners that don't clean up after dogs?

Owners are responsible for cleaning fecal matter left by their animals on any public or private property. Call the police at 610-330-2200, Health at 610-250-6729, or Codes at 610-250-6724.