Licensing & Permits

Allegheny County and Pittsburgh contractor licensing requirements vary by trade. Here’s what you need to know before starting work.

Requirements by Trade

General Contractor

No statewide license required. Some municipalities require registration.

Must comply with HICPA for residential work.

Electrical

Allegheny County Department of Health, Electrical Inspection. Pittsburgh requires separate permit.

Master electrician license required for independent work.

Plumbing

Allegheny County Health Department plumber’s license.

Journeyman or master plumber license required.

HVAC

EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant handling. No state HVAC license.

Some municipalities require mechanical permits.

Roofing

No specific state license. Must register under HICPA for residential work.

Insurance and bonding strongly recommended.

Demolition

Allegheny County permit required. Asbestos abatement requires separate state certification.

Environmental regulations apply.

Insurance Requirements

General liability insurance (minimum $500,000 recommended)

Workers’ compensation insurance (required if any employees)

Commercial auto insurance (if using vehicles for work)

Professional liability/E&O (recommended for design-build)

Pittsburgh-Specific Requirements

Pittsburgh requires building permits for most construction work

Pittsburgh Bureau of Building Inspection handles permit applications

Zoning compliance required before permit issuance

Historic district projects require additional review (City Planning)

Legal Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contractor law involves complex regulatory requirements that vary by jurisdiction. Consult with a qualified attorney before taking any legal action. All content prepared with attorney supervision.

All educational content and document templates are prepared under the supervision of a PA licensed attorney.