Bethlehem, PA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Under Codified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem Article 1731, a property changing hands, a commercial unit changing occupants, or a rental unit subject to Article 1735, 1738 or 1739 must be inspected before occupancy is permitted. 02(a) requires every transferor or their agent to schedule an inspection by the City's Housing Inspections Bureau at least 30 days prior to a title transfer, and to contact the Bureau within 10 days of listing the property for sale. 04(a) sets the three-tier outcome that makes up the inspection's "stages": if the inspection reveals no violations, the City issues a full certificate of occupancy; if it reveals at least one violation but nothing substantial, the City issues a temporary certificate of occupancy; if it reveals at least one substantial violation, the City lists those items on the inspection report and issues a temporary access certificate instead.

03(d), that inspection report is good for one year from the date of the original inspection. 02(c). 07(a)-(b); a first reinspection is free, with $75, $100 and $125 charged for the second, third and further reinspections. 07(e) if an owner sells or rents a unit without getting the inspection done first.