Building permits, zoning and land rules in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
68Index Score / 100 #35 of 67 in Pennsylvania
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania requires a building permit before work covered by the statewide Uniform Construction Code begins, but building permits come from the municipality or its third-party code agency, not from one county counter12. Zoning is set township by township and borough by borough3. Septic permits are separate and come from the applicable local sewage agency, whichever office issues the building permit45.
At a glance
Building permit
Required for UCC-covered work; administered by municipal or certified third-party code officials12
Zoning
Varies by municipality; county SALDO applies where no municipal SALDO is in effect36
Septic authority
The applicable local agency or Sewage Enforcement Officer, including a joint agency in participating municipalities47
Soils fit for a standard septic drain field
Only 0.3% of the county's soils rate free of severe limitations8
Water wells
No state license needed for a homeowner drilling their own well on their own land9
Effective property tax rate
1.5% of assessed value, about $2,175/yr on the median bill1011
County subdivision and land development review (SALDO), municipal planning/zoning technical assistance, and support for the Armstrong County UCC Group covering building permits in 35 participating municipalities
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Do you need a building permit in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania?
Yes. Armstrong County construction covered by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code requires a building permit before work begins1. Municipalities administer and enforce the UCC themselves or through certified third-party agencies2. The Armstrong County UCC Group jointly administers the code for 35 participating municipalities and contracts with Bureau Veritas for inspections and permit services13. Call Bureau Veritas at 724-548-1414 or 866-378-7717 if the parcel is in a participating municipality14. Permitted work must remain accessible for the required inspections15. A UCC-regulated building cannot be used until the building code official issues a certificate of occupancy16. A qualifying agricultural building with no habitable space is excluded from the Construction Code Act, but local land-use rules may still apply17.
Who issues building, zoning and septic permits in Armstrong County, and how do you reach them?
There is no single Armstrong County building-permit counter for every parcel; the responsible code official or inspection agency depends on the municipality18. For a municipality in the Armstrong County UCC Group, contact Bureau Veritas at 724-548-1414 about construction requirements, permits, and inspections14. For county subdivision or land-development review, contact Armstrong County Planning and Development at 724-548-3223 or visit 402 Market Street, Kittanning, PA 1620119. County planning staff assists municipalities with ordinances, planning, and zoning and maintains a municipal officials directory19. Armstrong County's SALDO applies where a municipality has no ordinance in effect; a municipality with its own ordinance sends the application to the county Planning Commission for review and report6. County subdivision review has a published fee schedule; the reviewed guide lists $30 for a single-lot subdivision creating 1 or 2 lots, separate from any building or municipal fee20.
Does Armstrong County have zoning?
Armstrong County does not provide one zoning answer for every parcel; zoning varies among its municipalities3. Where a municipality has adopted zoning, an applicant must obtain local zoning approval before subdivision or land-development approval, and conflicting municipal standards prevail over the county ordinance21. For setbacks, building height, lot coverage, and permitted uses, identify the parcel's township, borough, or city and ask which current ordinance applies22. In a municipality without applicable zoning, the county SALDO sets minimum single-family detached lot sizes by water and sewage service: at least 8,500 square feet with both public water and sewer, 15,000 with public sewer and private water, and 30,000 with private sewage23. For setbacks in unzoned municipalities, the county's citizens guide lists 25 feet at the front and 10 feet at each side and rear, with at least 50 feet from an arterial street, but the county subdivision ordinance states a different front figure of 15 feet, so confirm the number with Armstrong County Planning and Development24. Subdivision and land development remain regulated under county and applicable municipal ordinances6.
How do septic permits work in Armstrong County?
Armstrong County on-lot sewage permitting and enforcement belong to the applicable local agency, including the Armstrong County Sewage Enforcement Agency where it serves as the delegated joint local agency4. The local agency issues permits for retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot systems, except for large-volume systems7. A subdivision or land-development project may use an on-lot system, a private sewage facility, or centralized sewerage, so contact the municipal sewage or water authority or Sewage Enforcement Officer before county planning review25. Pennsylvania provides a conditional permit exemption for an individual system serving an owner or immediate family's residence on a contiguous tract of at least 10 acres; siting, notice, ownership, and local-ordinance conditions still apply26. Only 0.3% of Armstrong County soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so establish septic feasibility before committing to a house site8.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Armstrong County?
We could not confirm one countywide rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV living, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy in Armstrong County. Municipal zoning varies, so the parcel's township, borough, or city should confirm the allowed use, placement, setbacks, and occupancy rules before a buyer moves an RV or tiny home onto the land322. Pennsylvania's state-park camping limits apply to state park campgrounds and do not answer residential RV use on private land27. A tiny home subject to the UCC needs a building permit and inspections and cannot be occupied until the building code official issues a certificate of occupancy12829. Send any proposed wastewater arrangement to the applicable local sewage agency or Sewage Enforcement Officer before occupancy45.
Building a home in Armstrong County: the steps, in order
Identify the parcel's municipality and ask it about current zoning, permitted uses, setbacks, and floodplain status330.
Determine whether the municipality participates in the Armstrong County UCC Group; participants use Bureau Veritas at 724-548-1414, while other municipalities identify their own code official1418.
Before creating or developing a lot, have a surveyor prepare the plan, signed application, fee, and required approvals for Armstrong County Planning and Development31.
Ask the local sewage or water authority or Sewage Enforcement Officer whether the site will use on-lot disposal, a private facility, or centralized sewer service25.
Obtain the UCC permit before work and complete the required inspections115.
For access to a Commonwealth highway, obtain the highway occupancy permit before using the driveway32.
Give the utility company written proof of passed inspections before connecting completed construction to public electric or gas service, then obtain the certificate of occupancy before use3316.
What to check before you buy land in Armstrong County
Soils and septic: only 0.3% of Armstrong County soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so prove a workable sewage path before choosing the house site8. Water: a homeowner may drill a well on owned or leased land without the state license required of commercial drilling companies, while Pennsylvania does not set private-well construction standards9. Zoning and access: confirm the municipality's current zoning and obtain a highway occupancy permit before using a driveway onto a Commonwealth highway332. Flood risk: Armstrong County may restrict subdivision or land development in or directly beside a floodplain, no building or development may occur in a floodway, and municipal floodplain ordinances still apply30. Taxes: the effective property tax rate is about 1.5%, and the median annual property tax bill is about $2,1751011. Terrain: 67.8% of Armstrong County is wooded and 50.7% has a slope of 15% or less, useful context for access, clearing, and siting costs3435.
Watch-outs
Armstrong County zoning varies by municipality, so verify the current ordinance with the parcel's township, borough, or city3.
Pennsylvania does not license most construction contractors statewide, but municipalities may impose contractor requirements and owner-builders still need applicable permits and inspections36.
Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Armstrong County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score
How Armstrong County scores
Seclusion38100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency56100% ev.
Admin Boringness6290% ev.
Durability77100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% ev.
Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$164kTypical home
1.5%Property tax
$4,502Land / acre
44.9"Annual rain
0% of yrsSevere drought
1.4 / yr (+1.4)Mid-century 100°F days
10 daysMid-century dry spell
1.51" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.68×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$937Home insurance / yr
1.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.52%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
43,608People within 30 min
4,005,082People within 2 hr
76,024Radius comparison (15 mi)
98.1People / sq mi
0.6%Federal land
50.7%Land at 15% slope or less
0.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Armstrong County
Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.
Not yet researched: Borough of Apollo · Borough of Applewold · Borough of Atwood · Bethel Township · Boggs Township · Bradys Bend Township · Burrell Township · Cadogan Township · Cowanshannock Township · Borough of Dayton · East Franklin Township · Borough of Elderton · Borough of Ford City · Borough of Ford Cliff · Borough of Freeport · Gilpin Township · Hovey Township · Kiskiminetas Township · Kittanning Township · Borough of Leechburg · Madison Township · Mahoning Township · Manor Township · Borough of Manorville · Borough of North Apollo · North Buffalo Township · Parker · Parks Township · Perry Township · Pine Township · Plumcreek Township · Rayburn Township · Redbank Township · Borough of Rural Valley · South Bend Township · Borough of South Bethlehem · South Buffalo Township · Sugarcreek Township · Valley Township · Washington Township · Wayne Township · West Franklin Township · Borough of West Kittanning · Borough of Worthington
Answers from the rulebook for Armstrong County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Armstrong County rules
Building code adoptedPartial
UCC administration in the 35 Armstrong County municipalities participating in the Armstrong County UCC Group.
The county page states that local municipalities administer and enforce the UCC locally.
Thirty-five local municipalities jointly administer the UCC through the Armstrong County UCC Group.
The Group contracts with Bureau Veritas for third-party inspection services under a fee schedule.
Individuals seeking construction-requirement or building-permit information in participating municipalities may contact Bureau Veritas.
“Thirty-five local municipalities have elected to jointly administer the UCC through participation in the Armstrong County UCC Group. The Group contracts with Bureau Veritas to provide third party inspection services for a set fee schedule.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate municipal zoning across Armstrong County's boroughs and townships; the county source identifies zoning at the municipal level rather than as a single countywide zoning system.
Local zoning approval is required in municipalities having an officially adopted zoning ordinance.
Where municipal zoning conflicts with the county SALDO, the municipal zoning ordinance prevails.
The county guide identifies some municipalities as zoned and others without a Y designation; the guide itself is dated February 2019 and municipal status should be confirmed for current applications.
“Municipality Zoning Phone Number Sewage Enforcement Officer Phone Number Building Permit Phone Number Apollo Y 724-478-4201 Kiski Valley WPCA* 724-568-3655 PA UCC contact Boro Manager 724-478-4201 x 1 Applewold Y 724-543-1224 West Hills Area WPCA* 724-545-9126 Bureau Veritas 724-548-1414 Atwood 724-354-3418 David Ice 724-894-2302 Bureau Veritas 724-548-1414”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Municipal zoning within Armstrong County, aggregated across municipalities; the county does not administer each municipal zoning ordinance.
“Although the county has a subdivision and land development ordinance, only 12 municipalities within the county have a zoning ordinance.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Subdivision and land-development lots in Armstrong County municipalities without an applicable local zoning ordinance.
Minimum lot area and width are determined by the applicable municipal zoning ordinance where one exists.
If the municipality does not have an officially adopted zoning ordinance in effect, the county SALDO provisions prevail.
Requirements vary by dwelling type and water/sewage classification.
In no case may the minimum lot size be less than the minimum for a single-family detached unit with the appropriate water and sewage classification.
single-family detached lot with public water and sewage: >= 8500 sq. ft. · single-family detached lot with public sewage and private water: >= 15000 sq. ft. · single-family detached lot with public water and private sewage: >= 30000 sq. ft. · single-family detached lot with private water and sewage: >= 30000 sq. ft.
“Single Family/ Single Occupancy Detached 8,500 sq. ft. .195 acres 15,000 sq. ft. .344 acres 30,000 sq. ft. .688 acres 30,000 sq. ft. .688 acres”
SetbacksSpecified
Residential subdivisions and land developments in Armstrong County municipalities where no local ordinance is in effect.
Building setback lines must comply with the regulations of the municipality where the subdivision or land development is located when a local ordinance is in effect.
The minimum residential front setback is measured from the edge of the right-of-way of existing or proposed local or collector streets.
A minimum 50-foot setback is required from the edge of the right-of-way of existing or proposed arterial streets.
Minimum setback lines apply to both streets on corner lots.
A side and rear yard setback of at least 10 feet measured from the property line is reserved for residential lots, parcels, and tracts.
The county ordinance conflicts with the county's Citizen’s Guide, which lists a 25-foot residential front setback for unzoned municipalities; the conflict is unresolved.
residential front setback: >= 15 feet (No local ordinance in effect; measured from the edge of the right-of-way of existing or proposed local or collector streets.) · arterial-street setback: >= 50 feet (Measured from the edge of the right-of-way of existing or proposed arterial streets.) · residential side setback: >= 10 feet (Measured from the property line.) · residential rear setback: >= 10 feet (Measured from the property line.)
“Building setback lines shall be in compliance with the regulations of the Municipality in which the Subdivision or Land Development is located. If there is no local ordinance in effect, building setback lines shall be as follows: A. There shall be a minimum front building setback line in residential areas of at least fifteen (15) feet to be measured from the edge of the right-of-way of existing or proposed local or collector streets. B. A building setback line of at least fifty (50) feet is required from the edge of the right-of-way of existing or proposed arterial streets. C. Minimum setback lines shall apply to both streets on corner lots. D. A side and rear yard setback line of at least ten (10) feet measured from the property line shall be reserved for all lots, parcels, and tracts which are intended for residential purposes.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Specified — Parcels in Armstrong County municipalities identified by the county guide as unzoned municipalities.
“For Unzoned Municipalities Front Side Rear Residential *25' 10' 10' Commercial 50' 25' 25' Industrial 50' 25' 25' *At least 50' is required from the edge of a right-of-way of an existing or proposed arterial (main route) street.”
Specified — Building setback lines for subdivisions and land developments in Armstrong County municipalities without an effective local ordinance; local municipal standards control where applicable.
“Building setback lines shall be in compliance with the regulations of the Municipality in which the Subdivision or Land Development is located. If there is no local ordinance in effect, building setback lines shall be as follows: A. There shall be a minimum front building setback line in residential areas of at least fifteen (15) feet to be measured from the edge of the right-of-way of existing or proposed local or collector streets.”
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Travel trailers and recreational vehicles used in recreational land developments or campgrounds in municipalities without local regulations, under the county SALDO; this does not establish permission for year-round residential RV occupancy.
The use must be part of a Recreational Land Development for seasonal or leisure-time activities and not intended now or in the future for year-round dwelling purposes.
A Recreational Land Development is subject to the Article III review and approval process; preliminary-plan requirements are waived only for minor recreational developments of ten lots or less meeting the stated on-lot sewer, on-lot water, and existing-street conditions.
The development must comply with applicable local municipal land-use controls and Pennsylvania Code Title 28 Chapter 19 campground requirements.
Camping spaces require the stated lot-size, lot-width, leveled-area, recreation-area, separation, and street setbacks.
minimum campground lot size: >= 2000 sq ft per unit · minimum campground lot width: >= 40 ft · minimum leveled area: >= 1350 sq ft (maximum slope four percent; area must provide room for a travel trailer, one car, and outdoor living space) · recreation area: 100 sq ft per campsite (collectively; maximum five percent slope) · separation between units/buildings: >= 10 ft (includes awnings and accessory attachments) · camping-site side and rear setback: >= 5 ft · sleeping-occupancy/accessory-building setback from arterial highway: >= 50 ft · sleeping-occupancy/accessory-building setback from local or collector street: >= 25 ft · sleeping-occupancy/accessory-building setback from internal campground road: >= 10 ft
“A Recreational Land Development includes the improvement and development of land for seasonal or leisure time activities (not intended now or in the future for year-round dwelling purposes) including cottages, cabins, travel trailers, and other forms of camping accommodations intended for recreational and/or educational purposes and land intended for various other outdoor recreation activities.”
Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)
On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement in Armstrong County, including municipalities served by Armstrong County Sewage Enforcement Agency.
DEP provides technical oversight and financial assistance.
The applicable local agency may be a municipality, joint local agency, or county agency.
The official DEP service-area page identifies Armstrong County Sewage Enforcement Agency as a delegated joint local agency.
“Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Local (with conditions) — On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement in Armstrong County through local agencies, including the Armstrong County Sewage Enforcement Agency as a delegated joint local agency.
“Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
Septic permitRequired
Retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot sewage systems in Armstrong County.
Local agencies are responsible for issuing permits.
The source identifies an exception for large-volume on-lot systems.
The applicable local agency may be a municipality, joint agency, county health department, or delegated joint agency.
“With certain exceptions (i.e. large volume on-lot systems), local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems which renovate sewage effluent in a soil absorption area or spray field.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot sewage systems in Armstrong County, subject to the applicable local agency.
“With certain exceptions (i.e. large volume on-lot systems), local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems which renovate sewage effluent in a soil absorption area or spray field.”
Required — Retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot sewage systems in Armstrong County.
“With certain exceptions (i.e. large volume on-lot systems), local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems which renovate sewage effluent in a soil absorption area or spray field.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Subdivision and land-development sewage disposal in Armstrong County.
The available disposal method may be an on-lot system, a private sewage facility, or connection to a centralized sewerage system.
The county citizens guide requires contact with the applicable municipal sewage or water authority, or the Sewage Enforcement Officer/Agency, before proceeding to county planning.
“There are three methods of sewage disposal typically proposed: construction of an on-lot sewage disposal system; construction of a private sewage facility; or connection to a sewerage system that leads to a centralized wastewater treatment facility.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Subdivision of land for agricultural purposes under the Armstrong County SALDO.
The exemption applies to agricultural leases divided into parcels of more than ten acres.
The subdivision may not involve a new street or easement of access.
The subdivision may not involve a residential dwelling.
Municipal or other applicable requirements may still apply.
“Provided, however, that the subdivision by lease of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of more than ten acres, not involving any new street or easement of access or any residential dwelling, shall be exempted.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and land development in Armstrong County.
The county ordinance applies to municipalities without an effective municipal subdivision and land development ordinance.
If a municipality has its own ordinance, the application is forwarded to the county Planning Commission for review and report.
Applications must follow the ordinance procedures and applicable municipal zoning requirements.
“These regulations shall apply to all Municipalities within the County, which have no Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance in effect.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development throughout Armstrong County, subject to the county SALDO and applicable municipal ordinances.
“These regulations shall apply to all Municipalities within the County, which have no Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance in effect.”
Driveway accessLimited
Access from a subdivision or land development plan to a highway under Pennsylvania Department of Transportation jurisdiction, within areas governed by the Armstrong County SALDO.
The requirement applies when a subdivision or land development plan requires access to a PennDOT-jurisdiction highway.
Final Plan approval cannot be granted unless the plan contains the specified Highway Occupancy Permit notice.
The plan must state that access to the State Highway is only as authorized by a PennDOT-issued highway occupancy permit.
The county guide states that Apollo Borough is not subject to the county SALDO and has its own SALDO.
“The plan shall be marked to indicate that access to the State Highway shall be only as authorized by a highway occupancy permit issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Subdivision or land development in or directly adjacent to a floodplain or floodway in Armstrong County.
The county may prohibit or restrict subdivision or land development in or adjacent to a floodplain unless adequate methods are formulated to address floodplain problems.
Flood boundaries and elevations must be shown on submitted plans according to the applicable municipal floodplain ordinance.
No building or development can occur within a floodway.
Local municipal floodplain ordinances remain applicable.
“No building or development can occur within a floodway.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Armstrong County subdivision and land-development review fees.
The county planning page links a current fee schedule.
The reviewed citizens guide lists fees including $30.00 for single-lot subdivisions of one or two lots; building/UCC and municipal fees may be separate.
single lot subdivision fee: 30 USD (1 or 2 lots)
“Single Lot Subdivisions (1 or 2 lots) $30.00”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Armstrong County subdivision and land-development plan review.
A surveyor prepares and submits the plan, signed application, fee, and required approvals or forms.
The county planning staff reviews the plan and may identify changes.
Final review and approval is by staff or the Planning Commission.
The official SALDO provides a 90-day decision period after the applicable filing date for complete applications.
decision period: 90 days (measured following the date of the next regular Planning Commission meeting after filing a completed application, subject to the ordinance text)
“All complete applications for Subdivision or Land Development shall be acted upon by the Planning Commission or Staff, where applicable, and the decision conveyed to the applicant no later than ninety (90) days following the date of the next regular meeting of the Commission following the filing of the completed application.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Partial — Building permit inquiries in Armstrong County municipalities participating in the county UCC Group.
“Individuals seeking information on construction requirements or building permits in participating municipalities may contact Bureau Veritas at 724-548-1414 or 866-378-7717.”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Armstrong County has no county-wide zoning; zoning is handled by individual municipalities (some have zoning ordinances, some have none). The county administers only a Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO).
Residential buildings and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems in Pennsylvania municipalities enforcing the Uniform Construction Code or under third-party agency enforcement.
The permit must be obtained before covered construction begins.
Emergency repairs or equipment replacement may proceed before application only if the permit application is submitted within 3 business days.
The regulation incorporates the exceptions in § 403.1(b), including specified UCC scope exclusions and exemptions.
No permit is required for listed limited work, including fences no more than 6 feet high; retaining walls no more than 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; certain water tanks up to 5,000 gallons with a height-to-diameter or width ratio no greater than 2 to 1; certain sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep; specified playground equipment; certain window awnings; uncovered decks no more than 30 inches above grade; communications wiring; ordinary repairs; and public-service-agency equipment.
The listed exemptions apply only if the work does not violate a law or ordinance.
Ordinary repair does not include cutting load-bearing walls or structural beams, changing required means of egress, or adding or relocating listed piping, wiring, or mechanical systems.
emergency permit application deadline: 3 business days (after emergency repair or equipment replacement) · fence height exemption: <= 6 feet · retaining wall exemption height: <= 4 feet (unless supporting a surcharge) · water tank capacity exemption: <= 5000 gallons (height-to-diameter or width ratio no greater than 2 to 1) · sidewalk or driveway height exemption: <= 30 inches (not over a basement or story below) · prefabricated pool depth exemption: < 24 inches · uncovered deck height exemption: <= 30 inches
“An owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a residential building [...] shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under § 403.62a (relating to permit application).”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction or building work in Armstrong County subject to the UCC.
“The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
Required — Construction or building work subject to the Pennsylvania UCC in Armstrong County.
“The UCC states that before beginning any construction or building work, the property owner or an authorized representative must obtain a UCC building permit”
Required — Commercial buildings, structures, facilities, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems in Pennsylvania jurisdictions enforcing the Uniform Construction Code.
“An owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a commercial building, structure and facility [...] shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under § 403.42a (relating to permit application).”
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable
A property owner performing construction work on the owner's own primary residence in Pennsylvania without compensation, and most construction work for which Pennsylvania does not impose a statewide contractor licensure or certification requirement.
Pennsylvania has no statewide licensure or certification requirement for most construction contractors or their employees.
For home-improvement regulation, the statutory exclusion applies to work performed without compensation by the owner of the owner's private residence or residential rental property.
The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act excludes construction of a new home from the definition of home improvement.
Municipalities may impose their own contractor licensure or certification requirements.
“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors (or their employees).”
InspectionsRequired
Residential construction for which a Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code permit was issued.
The permit holder must keep construction accessible and notify the construction code official when work is ready.
Required inspection areas are foundations; plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems; frame and masonry; and wallboard.
The official may conduct additional inspections for UCC or municipal-ordinance compliance.
A final inspection and final inspection report are required.
Third-party agencies under contract must submit the final inspection report to the property owner, builder, and designated lender.
“A construction code official shall inspect all construction for which a permit was issued. The permit holder shall insure that the construction is accessible for inspection.”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — UCC-regulated construction in Armstrong County.
“Inspections are also necessary in several cases, including construction or changes to commercial or residential buildings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, and the installation of swimming pools or hot tubs.”
Required — Construction for which a Pennsylvania UCC building permit was issued.
“A construction code official shall inspect all construction for which a permit was issued. The permit holder shall insure that the construction is accessible for inspection.”
Required — Construction for which a Pennsylvania UCC permit was issued.
“A construction code official shall inspect all construction for which a permit was issued. The permit holder shall insure that the construction is accessible for inspection.”
Required — Commercial construction governed by §§ 403.41-403.48 of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
“A construction code official shall perform inspections to insure that the construction complies with the approved permit and the Uniform Construction Code.”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Use or occupancy of a commercial building, structure, or facility governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
A building, structure, or facility may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.
The certificate is issued within 5 business days after receipt of a final inspection report indicating UCC compliance.
A certificate may cover a portion that independently meets the UCC.
The certificate may be suspended or revoked for issuance in error, incorrect applicant information, or UCC violation; the owner may request a board-of-appeals hearing before revocation.
A temporary certificate may cover a portion before completion of all permitted work only if the portion may be occupied safely, and the official must set its validity period.
The certificate must include the permit number and address, permit holder information, covered portion, issuing official, applicable code edition, designated occupancy and construction classifications, special stipulations and conditions, accessibility variances, and final-inspection date.
certificate issuance deadline: 5 business days
“A building, structure or facility may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — A building or facility in Armstrong County subject to the UCC before use.
“A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
Required — Use or occupancy of buildings, structures, or facilities subject to the Pennsylvania UCC.
“A building, structure or facility may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
Required — Residential buildings subject to the Pennsylvania UCC.
“A residential building may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
Required — Use or occupancy of a residential building governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
“A residential building may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
Zoning districtsPartial
Pennsylvania zoning requirements and district information; the official state source directs applicants to the local township, borough, or city.
Local registrations, permits, and zoning requirements must be addressed with the township, borough, or city where the activity will occur.
The source does not publish a statewide zoning-district map or a single statewide zoning-district schedule.
This claim does not identify or aggregate individual municipal zoning districts.
“Local registrations, permits, zoning requirements and related questions should be directed to the township, borough, or city where you will be operating.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured housing assembled and shipped by the manufacturer and bearing the required federal-construction-and-safety label, including changes in occupancy, resale, relocation, additions, repairs, utility connections, and grading addressed by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code.
For new labeled manufactured housing installed in conformity with the manufacturer's approved design, the UCC does not apply except as provided in the regulation.
Construction activities or processes, including utility connections and grading, that are not addressed by the manufacturer's approved design must comply with the UCC.
The UCC applies to alterations or repairs outside the federal manufactured-home standards and manufacturer installation instructions after assembly and shipment.
The UCC applies to additions after delivery to the site.
The UCC applies to construction, alteration, repair, or change of occupancy if the manufactured housing is resold to a subsequent purchaser.
The UCC applies to construction, alteration, repair, or change of occupancy if the original purchaser relocates the manufactured housing.
Pennsylvania building-permit guidance states that manufactured housing projects require inspections for site preparation, foundation construction, repairs, and changes in occupancy.
This state construction-code rule does not resolve local zoning, land-use siting, or utility/septic approval requirements.
“Construction, alteration, repair or change of occupancy if the original purchaser relocates the manufactured housing.”
Septic inspectionLimited
Individual and community sewage-disposal systems before concealment or covering after construction.
The system may not be covered until approval to cover is given by the original permit issuer or authorized representative.
If 72 hours have elapsed after notification of construction completion, excluding Sundays and holidays, the applicant may cover the system unless permission has been refused.
post-completion waiting period: 72 hours (Sundays and holidays excluded.)
“shall be covered from view until approval to cover the same has been given by the body which issued the original permit”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Composting, incinerating, recycling, and similar water-conservation toilets used for residential or establishment sanitation statewide.
For a new residence or establishment, an onlot sewage system or other approved disposal method must treat washwater or excess liquid, and both facilities must be under one permit, except for the retaining-tank exception.
For an existing residence or facility with no alteration of the onlot system, no permit is required for installation.
A composting or incinerating toilet on a qualifying retaining-tank lot is treated as and permitted as a privy.
The device must meet manufacturer specifications and be operated and maintained to prevent pollution or health hazards.
Liquid discharges are prohibited unless sent to a compliant onlot sewage system or another method approved under the chapter or by DEP.
Recycling, incinerating, and composting toilets must bear the NSF Standard No. 41 seal.
“an onlot sewage system or other approved method of sewage disposal shall be provided for treatment of washwater or excess liquid from the unit”
Well permitLimited
Water-well drilling statewide, distinguishing commercial water-well drillers from farmers and homeowners drilling their own wells on owned or leased land.
Water-well drilling companies must obtain a license and permits.
The licensing requirement does not apply to farmers or homeowners who drill their own water wells on their own or leased land.
The state has construction standards for public water-supply wells but not private water wells.
Drillers must submit the well's construction details to the state and the well owner.
“Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term lodging rentals of rooms, apartments, or houses for fewer than 30 days to the same person in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania hotel occupancy tax rate is 6 percent.
Allegheny and Philadelphia counties have an additional 1 percent local hotel tax collected by the Department of Revenue.
Some counties impose an additional tax collected by the county treasurer.
If the taxpayer does not exclusively use a third-party booking site, or the broker does not collect and remit the hotel occupancy tax, the taxpayer must register with the Department of Revenue for a Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License.
If a taxpayer exclusively uses a third-party booking site and the broker confirms collection and remittance, the homeowner should not register for a Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License.
lodging duration threshold: < 30 days (To the same person.) · Pennsylvania hotel occupancy tax rate: 6 percent
“anyone who rents out their property to provide lodging for less than 30 days to the same person must collect and remit”
Campground & park staysLimited
RV use and occupancy at Pennsylvania state park campgrounds.
Use must occur at a state park campground and comply with campsite rules.
Campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Campers may camp up to 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year.
Campers must vacate and remove all equipment for 48 hours between reservations.
A maximum of two sleeping units is permitted per campsite, of which only one may be wheeled.
Campsite occupancy is limited to one family unit or one non-family unit limited to five persons per site.
The page does not establish statewide permission for long-term or residential RV occupancy outside state park campgrounds.
maximum stay, Memorial Day to Labor Day: 14 consecutive nights · maximum stay, remainder of year: 21 consecutive nights · equipment-removal interval between reservations: 48 hours · maximum sleeping units per campsite: 2 units (Only one may be wheeled.) · maximum non-family occupancy: 5 persons per site (One family unit is permitted instead.)
“maximum of two sleeping units are permitted per campsite, of which only one may be wheeled.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Temporary camping at Pennsylvania state park campgrounds.
“Campers may camp for up to 21 consecutive nights”
county zoning authorityLimited
County zoning authority over land in Pennsylvania municipalities that lack an effective municipal zoning ordinance.
County zoning power is limited to land in municipalities wholly or partly within the county that have no zoning ordinance in effect when the county zoning ordinance is introduced and until the municipal zoning ordinance becomes effective.
A zoning ordinance enacted by a municipality other than the county repeals the county zoning ordinance pro tanto within that municipality.
The statute defines a county under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code as a county of the second through eighth class.
“The powers of the governing bodies of counties to enact, amend and repeal zoning ordinances shall be limited to land in those municipalities, wholly or partly within the county, which have no zoning ordinance in effect at the time a zoning ordinance is introduced before the governing body of the county and until the municipality's zoning ordinance is in effect. The enactment of a zoning ordinance by any municipality, other than the county, whose land is subject to county zoning shall act as a repeal protanto of the county zoning ordinance within the municipality adopting such ordinance.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Pennsylvania counties adopting and enforcing zoning ordinances on unincorporated land.
“Section 602. County Powers.--The powers of the governing bodies of counties to enact, amend and repeal zoning ordinances shall be limited to land in those municipalities, wholly or partly within the county, which have no zoning ordinance in effect at the time a zoning ordinance is introduced before the governing body of the county and until the municipality's zoning ordinance is in effect.”
county building authorityLimited
Pennsylvania county authority over building-code administration and enforcement for residential construction in unincorporated areas.
The general Pennsylvania Construction Code Act assigns administration and enforcement to municipalities, not counties.
A county of the second class may retain authority only if it has adopted a plumbing code and accompanying rules and regulations under the Local Health Administration Law.
The retained authority is limited to promulgating and enforcing that plumbing code and making changes that meet the minimum requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.
The official Department of Labor and Industry page states that residential UCC requirements in opt-out municipalities are enforced by certified third-party agencies hired by property owners or contractors.
“A county of the second class that has adopted a plumbing code and accompanying rules and regulations pursuant to the act of August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304, No.315), known as the Local Health Administration Law, shall retain the authority to promulgate and enforce such plumbing code and to make such changes as it deems necessary, provided that such changes meet the minimum requirements as defined in the Uniform Construction Code.”
Set by your town or city, not the county
In Pennsylvania, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Armstrong County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Minimum dwelling size
Lot coverage
Building height
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania
Is Armstrong County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Armstrong County scores 68/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 43,608 people within a 30-minute drive.
Do you need a building permit in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania?
Armstrong County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Municipal / joint-local agency Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) under PA DEP Act 537. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania?
Land in Armstrong County runs about $4,502 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Armstrong County?
Armstrong County gets about 44.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0% of years.
How remote is Armstrong County?
A representative private-land location has about 43,608 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,005,082 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
