The Codes Department

Our team enforces codes to ensure compliance with safety standards. We conduct thorough inspections to verify adherence to structural, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety codes. By upholding building codes, we promote community well-being and resilience. Whether you’re planning a construction project or renovation, we’re here to help meet the necessary code requirements.

Building Upkeep and Utilities

We understand the importance of reliable utilities for the growth and success of businesses. The city actively supports and prioritizes the availability of efficient and accessible utility services. Whether it’s electricity, water, wastewater, or solid waste management, we strive to provide reliable infrastructure and responsive customer service. With proper upkeep and maintenance, you can be confident that your business will have the necessary resources to thrive and grow.

Acquiring licenses and permits

Obtaining the necessary building permits and licenses is essential for ensuring compliance with local regulations and maintaining safety standards. The City of Coatesville provides efficient and streamlined processes for acquiring permits and licenses related to construction, renovations, and business operations. Our department assists with permit applications, conducts thorough reviews, and issues approved permits. We strive to facilitate responsible and compliant development while safeguarding the interests of both residents and businesses. Whether you are a contractor, homeowner, or business owner, our team is ready to assist you in navigating the permitting and licensing requirements.

Planning and Zoning

The City of Coatesville offers comprehensive planning and zoning services to promote orderly and sustainable development. Our dedicated team ensures that land use and development adhere to established regulations and zoning ordinances. By guiding and implementing effective planning strategies, we aim to create a well-designed and harmonious community that enhances the quality of life for residents and businesses. Whether you’re seeking information on zoning regulations, assistance with zoning applications, or guidance on land use planning, our knowledgeable staff is here to support you.

Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA)

WHAT IS LERTA?

The Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program, authorized by Pennsylvania Act 76 of 1977 (P.L. 237; 72 P.S. § 4722) and Ordinance No. 1563-2022 by the City of Coatesville Council, is a creative way to encourage owner-driven revitalization and new construction in the City of Coatesville. Properties that qualify for LERTA still pay a local tax but do not see an immediate increase in local real estate taxes based upon the value of improvements made to the property within the LERTA boundary. By not immediately taxing the property owner on improvements made, the City grants property owners the opportunity to recuperate the money used for redevelopment and to stimulate investment into further renovations and improvements. “Improvement” is defined as repair, construction or reconstruction, including alterations or additions, having the affect of rehabilitating a Deteriorated Property so that it becomes habitable or attains higher standards of safety, health, economic use or amenity, or is brought into compliance with laws, ordinances or regulations governing such standards. Ordinary upkeep and maintenance shall not be deemed an improvement.

(View Coatesville LERTA Ordinance)

HOW DOES LERTA WORK?

The LERTA program creates a graduated increase in tax payments for any LERTA qualifying property located in the designated LERTA district that experiences an increase in the assessed value of the property as a result of an improvement or new construction. The LERTA abatement does NOT make a property tax-free. Approved LERTA property owners continue to pay their real estate taxes, but any tax assessment increase to the property will be eligible for the abatement program over the next five (5) years. Real estate taxes on the new improvements/construction will increase at a rate of 20% annually. Property owners will pay 100% of the tax increase for all subsequent years after the fifth and final year of the abatement. Year 1 of tax exemption for a particular approved LERTA property shall commence on January I of the year after the year in which completion of construction occurs on that particular approved LERTA property.

APPLYING FOR LERTA

Any property owner desiring tax exemption shall COMPLETE and SUBMIT a (LERTA Tax Abatement Application) to the Coatesville Department of Planning and Municipal Development PRIOR to the start of construction. A copy of the exemption request shall then be forwarded to all three local taxing authorities for consideration (The City of Coatesville, Coatesville Area School District, & Chester County). Each tax assessment agency shall, after completion of the new construction or improvement, assess separately the new construction or improvement of approved properties and calculate the amounts of the assessment eligible for tax exemption, in accordance with the limits established by the local taxing authorities. The taxpayer and the City will then be notified of the reassessment and amounts of the assessment eligible for exemption under LERTA.

*Improvements that do not result in an increased assessed value on the subject property will not qualify for LERTA.

*LERTA will only be granted when a LERTA application accompanies a building or use registration permit; benefits WILL NOT be applied retroactively to projects started without the proper permits.