Bensalem, PA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Township Code § 167-1 adopts and incorporates the International Plumbing Code/2000 in its entirety, except as amended by § 167-2, and provides that any stricter Pennsylvania statute or regulation supersedes the chapter or the national code. Section 167-2 renames the local code the 'Bensalem Township Plumbing Code of 2001' and amends several IPC sections: the Code Official is appointed by the Mayor with Council's advice and consent and may be removed at the Mayor's sole discretion; the plumbing permit fee is whatever is set in the adopted fee schedule; and starting construction, repair, alteration, removal or demolition before a permit issues triples every fee due under the schedule, without limiting the Township's right to also sue for compliance.

Amended § 108.5 lets the Code Official issue a written stop-work order the moment work proceeds contrary to the code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, effective immediately in an emergency without prior written notice; continuing work after a stop-work order (other than work to fix the violation) draws a fine up to $1,000.00. Technical amendments also require a water service pipe at least 21 inches below grade to guard against freezing, and building sewers at least 30 inches below grade (or connecting to a septic tank).