Building permits, zoning and land rules in Cameron County, Pennsylvania
70Index Score / 100 #29 of 67 in Pennsylvania
Cameron County, Pennsylvania requires a UCC building permit before covered residential construction begins, and Jones Township administers the building-permit process after zoning and sewage approvals123. Cameron County zoning applies outside Emporium Borough, while the borough has its own zoning ordinance4. Septic permits remain a local-agency responsibility throughout Cameron County: start with the municipality where the parcel lies, then work with the Sewage Enforcement Officer5.
At a glance
Building permit
Required before covered construction; Jones Township administers Cameron County applications12
Inspections
Required for covered building and building-system work6
Zoning
County zoning applies outside Emporium Borough; the borough has its own zoning ordinance4
Septic permit
Required for covered on-lot systems; start with the parcel's municipality, then the local SEO75
RV or tiny home
Occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask Cameron County outside Emporium and the borough inside it4
Recreational cabin
A conditional UCC exclusion exists, but the cabin cannot be used as a residence8
These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.
Do you need a building permit in Cameron County, Pennsylvania?
Yes. Cameron County residential construction follows Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, and the owner or authorized representative must obtain a UCC building permit before starting covered work91. Inspections are required for covered construction and changes to residential buildings and their electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing systems, as well as pools and hot tubs6. A UCC certificate of occupancy is required before a covered building or facility may be used10. Cameron County does not have a confirmed general owner-builder exemption from those requirements. A qualifying recreational cabin can instead receive a conditional UCC exclusion, but the owner must file the required affidavit or insurance proof, and the cabin cannot be used as anyone's domicile or residence8. Jones Township can confirm which building-permit application, inspections and occupancy documents a project needs3.
Who issues building permits in Cameron County?
Jones Township's Building Code Department administers Cameron County UCC building permits and directs applicants to secure septic and zoning approvals before submitting the building-permit application23. Call Jones Township at 814-929-5138 for project-specific building-permit requirements and the local fee schedule3. Pennsylvania's published Department of Labor and Industry fees do not establish what Jones Township will charge for a locally administered Cameron County building permit11. Zoning approval stays with Cameron County outside Emporium Borough and with Emporium Borough inside the borough4. Septic approval does not move to Jones Township's building department: obtain the on-lot sewage application from the parcel's municipality and work with the Sewage Enforcement Officer5. The Cameron County Planning Commission separately oversees subdivision and land development in every county municipality12.
Does Cameron County have zoning?
Yes, but the zoning authority depends on location. The Cameron County Zoning Ordinance applies outside Emporium Borough, while Emporium Borough has its own zoning ordinance4. In Emporium's S Conservancy District, a one-family dwelling is a conditional use; the verified district standards include a 25-foot front yard, 15-foot side yards and a 35-foot rear yard13. A family dwelling in that same district requires 10,000 square feet of lot area, with different minimum widths for interior and corner lots14. Those S District measurements do not answer the rules for other borough districts or land governed by county zoning. Ask the Cameron County Planning Commission / Zoning Office for parcel-specific setbacks, lot size, dwelling size, height and lot coverage outside Emporium, and ask Emporium Borough for property inside it415. Cameron County's subdivision and land-development ordinance still applies in every county municipality12.
How do septic permits work in Cameron County?
For Cameron County land without public sewer, obtain the on-lot sewage application from the municipality where the project lies, then contact the Sewage Enforcement Officer for soils testing and inspections5. Local agencies issue septic permits for covered retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot systems7. New or replacement dwelling sites that will use an existing on-lot system must be field verified and approved by the municipal SEO before the zoning or building-permit application5. A same-size, same-use replacement dwelling can qualify for a narrow exception, and a separate exemption can apply on a qualifying tract of at least 10 acres held by the owner since January 10, 1987, unless a local ordinance still requires a septic permit16. None of Cameron County's mapped soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so complete the site evaluation before fixing the house location or budget17. Where public sewer is available, contact the Mid Cameron Municipal Sewer Authority about connection approval and fees5.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Cameron County?
We could not confirm a Cameron County rule allowing or prohibiting full-time RV living, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or a minimum dwelling size on private land. Ask the Cameron County Planning Commission / Zoning Office for a parcel outside Emporium Borough, and ask Emporium Borough for a parcel inside the borough415. A tiny home used as a dwelling must meet the UCC building-permit, inspection and certificate-of-occupancy requirements that apply to covered residential construction1610. The recreational-cabin exclusion is not a route to residential occupancy because a qualifying cabin cannot be used as a domicile or residence8. Before treating an RV or tiny home as usable lodging, obtain the municipality's answer on zoning and work with the local SEO on septic approval5.
Building a home in Cameron County: the steps in order
Identify the municipality and obtain zoning approval from Cameron County, or from Emporium Borough if the parcel lies inside the borough4.
For land without public sewer, obtain an on-lot sewage application from that municipality and complete the SEO's testing and septic-permit process5.
If the project divides or develops land, have a professional land surveyor prepare the application for the Cameron County Planning Director1812.
Submit the UCC building-permit application through Jones Township after securing zoning and sewage approvals3.
Complete the required building inspections, then obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the building610.
Obtain a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit if driveway or related work occupies state-highway land or connects to PennDOT drainage19.
What should you check before buying land in Cameron County?
Start with buildable ground and septic feasibility: 96.7% of Cameron County is wooded, 50.4% has slopes of 15% or less, and 0% of mapped soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field202117. Confirm whether Cameron County or Emporium Borough supplies zoning approval, and determine whether the parcel uses public sewer or needs municipal SEO approval for an on-lot system45. Check legal access and whether a driveway will touch state-highway land, because work on state-highway land requires a PennDOT permit19. For UCC-regulated construction in a floodplain, the required floodplain documentation must be prepared and sealed by a registered design professional22. Cameron County has 11.1 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 106 miles from the county center, so verify contractor availability, emergency access and utilities before closing2324.
Watch-outs
Obtain sewage and zoning approvals before applying to Jones Township for a Cameron County UCC building permit3.
Cameron County's zoning ordinance does not apply in Emporium Borough, which has its own zoning ordinance4.
Floodplain construction may require sealed documentation from a registered design professional22.
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.
Cameron County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score
How Cameron County scores
Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency51100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability66100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% 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 →
$110kTypical home
1.7%Property tax
$2,594Land / acre
43.9"Annual rain
0.6% of yrsSevere drought
0.6 / yr (+0.6)Mid-century 100°F days
9.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.62" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.63×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$758Home insurance / yr
-0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.6%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,620Radius comparison (15 mi)
11.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
50.4%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
Each button opens a current land search for Cameron County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.
Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances
Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.
Working estimate
—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—
A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.
Before an offer
Parcel due diligence
0/8 checked
Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.
Cities and towns in Cameron 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.
Borough of Driftwood · Borough of Emporium · Gibson Township · Grove Township · Lumber Township · Portage Township · Shippen Township
Answers from the rulebook for Cameron County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Cameron County rules
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Cameron County Zoning Ordinance for Cameron County areas other than Emporium Borough.
The county page states that the Cameron County Zoning Ordinance does not apply to Emporium Borough, which has its own zoning ordinance.
“the Cameron County Zoning Ordinance does not apply to the Emporium Borough which has its own zoning ordinance.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of municipal and township zoning across Cameron County
The county ordinance applies except in Emporium Borough; Emporium Borough has its own zoning ordinance.
This is an aggregate county claim and does not mean Cameron County administers every local ordinance.
“Please note the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance is applicable to all Cameron County municipalities, however the Cameron County Zoning Ordinance does not apply to the Emporium Borough which has its own zoning ordinance.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of zoning authorities across Cameron County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
“the Cameron County Zoning Ordinance does not apply to the Emporium Borough which has its own zoning ordinance.”
Septic permitRequired
On-lot sewage systems and new construction in Cameron County, including Emporium and Driftwood boroughs and the townships of Gibson, Grove, Lumber, Portage, and Shippen.
For projects in areas not served by municipal public sewer, obtain an application for an On-lot Sewage Disposal System from the municipal office or secretary where the project is located, then contact the Sewage Enforcement Officer for necessary soils testing or inspections.
For a subdivided lot, other State, county, and local planning, zoning, and land-use requirements must be met; if a lot is to be subdivided from a larger tract, local and State subdivision approval is required before permits issue.
The SEO conducts site investigation, soil-profile examinations, and percolation tests. Where the site is suitable, the system design depends on site conditions, isolation distances, percolation-test results, and bedroom count.
Building sites for new or replacement dwellings using an existing individual on-lot system, including privies and holding tanks, must be tested, field verified, and approved by the municipal SEO before a zoning or building-permit application.
For a subdivision, no subdivision may be recorded or sold until the SEO completes an on-site inspection and approves a sewage-planning module or issues a waiver.
Where public sewer serves the area, contact the Mid Cameron Municipal Sewer Authority; required tap and connection fees must be paid before approval to use public sewer.
The county form identifies Russ Braun as SEO for all Cameron County; the Jones Township government permit page identifies him as SEO and directs applicants in areas without municipal public sewer to contact him after obtaining the municipal application.
SEO identified by Cameron County: Russ Braun (The county application lists phone number (814) 781-3663.) · site slope described as potentially unsuitable for an on-lot system: 12%–25% percent (The township guidance states that a site too steep within this stated range or with unsuitable soils cannot use an on-lot system.)
“To obtain a permit for an on-lot sewage system the following steps must be followed:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot sewage systems in Cameron 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.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and land development in all Cameron County municipalities
Applications must be prepared by a Professional Land Surveyor.
Applications are submitted to the Cameron County Planning Director.
Applications are reviewed by the Cameron County Planning Commission, Cameron County Zoning Office, Cameron County Conservation District, and the governing body of the municipality where the project occurs.
“Please note the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance is applicable to all Cameron County municipalities, however the Cameron County Zoning Ordinance does not apply to the Emporium Borough which has its own zoning ordinance.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development transactions in all Cameron County municipalities.
“the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance is applicable to all Cameron County municipalities”
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land-development transactions throughout Cameron County municipalities.
“The Cameron County Planning Commission is responsible for the oversight of subdivision and land development transactions to ensure they are carried out in compliance with the County's adopted "Cameron County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance 95-1" under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.”
Permit processPartial
Subdivision and land-development application process in Cameron County.
Applications must be prepared by a Professional Land Surveyor.
Applications are submitted to the Cameron County Planning Director.
Applications are reviewed by the Cameron County Planning Commission, Cameron County Zoning Office, Cameron County Conservation District, and the governing body of the municipality where the development occurs.
“Subdivision and Land Development applications must be prepared by a Professional Land Surveyor and submitted to the Cameron County Planning Director.”
Pennsylvania rules that apply here
Building permitRequired
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 Pennsylvania, including Cameron County.
“The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
Required — Construction and building work in Cameron County subject to the Pennsylvania UCC
“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 exemptionConditional
An owner constructing a qualifying recreational cabin in Cameron County or elsewhere in Pennsylvania; this is a conditional UCC construction exclusion, not a general owner-builder exemption.
The cabin must have at least one smoke detector, one fire extinguisher, and one carbon monoxide detector in both the kitchen and any sleeping areas.
The owner must file with the municipality where the cabin will be constructed either the Department of Labor and Industry affidavit form UCC-13 or written proof of insurance from an insurer authorized to do business in Pennsylvania stating that the structure meets the recreational-cabin definition.
Upon sale, the sales agreement and deed must state that the structure is exempt from the UCC, may not conform to the UCC, and is not subject to municipal construction regulations.
Failure to provide the required sale notice voids the sale at the purchaser's option.
The UCC-13 attestation states that the cabin will be used for recreational activities only; will not be used as a domicile or residence by any person for any period; will not be used commercially; will not exceed two stories excluding any basement; will not be used as a place of employment; will not be a mailing address; and will not be listed as anyone's residence on specified government or tax records.
maximum stories excluding basement: <= 2 stories
“A recreational cabin if the following conditions are met: [...] The owner of the cabin files one of the following with the municipality:”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — An owner seeking exclusion of a qualifying recreational cabin from Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code construction requirements, including in Cameron County.
“Act 92 of 2004 provides that recreational cabins may be excluded from the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.”
Available — 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.
“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors (or their employees).”
Building code adoptedAdopted
Building construction throughout Pennsylvania under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
The UCC is administered and enforced locally by municipalities that opt in, using municipal employees or certified third-party agencies.
In municipalities that opt out, the Department of Labor and Industry is responsible for commercial code enforcement, while certified third-party agencies hired by property owners or contractors enforce residential UCC requirements.
The Department has sole jurisdiction for elevators and state-owned buildings wherever located.
The 2021 accessibility updates are permanently enjoined; structures must still comply with the 2018 accessibility requirements, and the injunction does not affect enforcement of non-accessibility UCC requirements.
The revised regulations adopting the 2018 I-Code series became effective February 14, 2022. Contract-based transition rules allow certain projects with contracts signed before that date to use the UCC in effect at the time of contract if application was made by August 14, 2022 or earlier.
The 2021 I-Code accessibility provisions became effective December 25, 2021, with a contract-based transition period allowing applications by June 25, 2022 or earlier.
Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code triennial update was published November 8, 2025 and became effective January 1, 2026.
2018 I-Code regulations effective date: 2022-02-14 (For contracts signed before this date, application and permit issuance under the UCC in effect at the time of contract were allowed if application was made by 2022-08-14.) · 2021 I-Code accessibility provisions effective date: 2021-12-25 (For contracts signed before this date, application and permit issuance under the UCC in effect at the time of contract were allowed if application was made by 2022-06-25.) · 2025 triennial UCC update effective date: 2026-01-01
“Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction in Pennsylvania, including Cameron County, subject to local administration and UCC exceptions.
“Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
Adopted (with conditions) — Builders statewide in Pennsylvania, including Cameron County
“Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
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 — Construction or changes to commercial or residential buildings and listed building systems in Pennsylvania, including Cameron 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 or changes to residential buildings and listed residential systems in Cameron County subject to the UCC.
“Inspections are also necessary in several cases, including construction or changes to commercial or residential buildings”
Required — Construction or changes to commercial or residential buildings and listed building systems in Cameron 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 — 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 — Use of a building or facility in Pennsylvania, including Cameron County.
“A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
Required — Use or occupancy of buildings or facilities in Cameron County subject to the UCC.
“A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
Required — Use or occupancy of buildings and facilities in Cameron County subject to the UCC
“A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
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.”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Statewide regulation and administration of on-lot sewage facilities and septic systems in Pennsylvania.
On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement are largely administered by local agencies, including individual municipalities, groups of municipalities, county departments of health, and joint county departments of health.
Local agencies issue permits for retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot sewage systems that renovate sewage effluent in a soil absorption area or spray field.
Large volume on-lot systems are an exception to the local-agency permitting responsibility identified on the DEP page.
DEP provides technical oversight and financial assistance to local agencies.
Delegated joint local agencies may receive additional DEP authority to review and approve or disapprove new land-development sewage-planning proposals, and depending on the delegation may process both on-lot and public sewerage proposals.
“Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities. 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. [...] In some cases, Joint Local Agencies may obtain additional authority and responsibility from DEP by requesting Act 537 planning approval delegation.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Local (with conditions) — On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement in Cameron County under Act 537.
“Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
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.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Qualifying agricultural buildings under Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act and Uniform Construction Code.
The exemption applies to an agricultural building as defined by the Act: a structure used to store farm implements, hay, feed, grain, or other agricultural or horticultural products; house poultry, livestock, or other farm animals; serve as a milk house; or grow mushrooms, agricultural, or horticultural products.
The definition includes a qualifying carriage house owned and used by members of a recognized religious sect for housing horses and storing buggies.
The definition includes a structure less than 1,000 square feet used to process maple sap.
The structure must not include habitable space.
The structure must not contain spaces where agricultural products are processed, treated, or packaged.
The structure is not a place of occupancy by the general public.
Other municipal land-use, zoning, fire, electrical, health, or environmental requirements may still apply; the cited exclusion is from the Construction Code Act.
maple sap processing structure area: < 1000 square feet (Must otherwise meet the statutory agricultural-building definition.)
“(b) Exclusions.--This act shall not apply to any of the following: [...] (4) Any agricultural building.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Available (with conditions) — Pole barns constructed on Pennsylvania agricultural fairgrounds and used for agricultural and public display purposes.
“The act also exempts pole barns from all UCC requirements, except for electrical requirements”
Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings covered by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code Act.
““Agricultural building.” A structure utilized to store farm implements, hay, feed, grain or other agricultural or horticultural products or to house poultry, livestock or other farm animals, a milk house and a structure used to grow mushrooms. The term includes a carriage house owned and used by members of a recognized religious sect for the purposes of housing horses and storing buggies. The term shall not include habitable space or spaces in which agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged and shall not be construed to mean a place of occupancy by the general public. [...] (4) any agricultural building;”
Driveway accessRequired
Construction or alteration of a driveway connected to Pennsylvania state highway land, including a driveway connecting to a PennDOT drainage facility.
The requirement applies to building or changing a driveway on state highway land.
A permit is also required if the driveway connects to a PennDOT drainage facility.
Paving may be considered maintenance only in some cases; PennDOT advises applicants to contact it to determine whether that exception applies.
Permits are usually given within 30 days when the needed information is provided and the application follows PennDOT regulations.
PennDOT has 60 days to review each application and aims to finish reviews within 30 days.
A minimum-use driveway is expected to be used by no more than 25 vehicles per day, or 50 average daily traffic.
minimum-use driveway traffic: <= 25 vehicles per day (Equivalent to 50 average daily traffic.)
“You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Construction or alteration of a driveway or road on Pennsylvania state highway land, and access connecting to a PennDOT drainage facility.
“You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development activities within a Special Flood Hazard Area in Pennsylvania municipalities.
Municipalities must evaluate whether a project is within the SFHA and identify the type of work.
Municipalities must review permit applications and issue or deny permits for SFHA development.
Municipalities must conduct periodic inspections for compliance with proposed plans and the floodplain ordinance.
After completion, municipalities review required certificates and issue a certificate of occupancy when the development complies with the local floodplain ordinance.
Additional zoning permit requirements may apply when proposed land use changes.
“A floodplain development permit (or its equivalent) must be issued by the municipality before development activities occur within the SFHA.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — UCC-regulated construction in floodplains in Cameron County
“When construction will occur in a flood plain, documentation required in Section 1612.5 of the 2018 International Building Code shall be prepared and sealed by a registered design professional.”
Limited — Activities subject to Pennsylvania Chapter 106 Floodplain Management permitting and authorizations.
“The site restoration permit is only for the removal of a highway obstruction or obstruction owned or maintained by the Commonwealth”
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”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry UCC building services, where the Department issues the permit.
Fee schedule effective November 8, 2025.
New-building standard fee is $414.49 plus $0.84 per square foot.
Expedited permit fee is $1,705.75 plus $0.84 per square foot and $206.60 per hour for inspections outside normal business hours.
Local Cameron County municipality or third-party agency fees were not established.
fee effective date: 2025-11-08 · new building standard fee: 414.49 USD (plus $0.84 per square foot of floor area or each fraction of floor area)
“Permit for new buildings and additions Standard fee | $414.49 Plus $0.84 per square foot of floor area or each fraction of floor area”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Variable (with conditions) — PennDOT highway occupancy permits, including driveway permits, for work involving state highway land or a PennDOT drainage facility.
“Permit costs vary. Please contact the district permit manager or consult our regulations. View the Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 441.4 or driveway fees or Chapter 459.4 for utility fees.”
Variable (with conditions) — PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit fees for driveways, local roads, and related facilities in Pennsylvania state highway rights-of-way.
“Permit costs vary. Please contact the district permit manager or consult our regulations. View the Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 441.4 or driveway fees or Chapter 459.4 for utility fees.”
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.”
Inside cities and towns in Cameron County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Lots containing a family dwelling in Emporium Borough's S Conservancy District.
A one-family dwelling is listed as a conditional use in the S District.
The ordinance also specifies interior and corner lot widths of 100 and 125 feet, respectively.
The county zoning ordinance does not apply inside Emporium Borough; Emporium Borough has its own zoning ordinance.
lot area per family: 10000 square feet · interior lot width: 100 feet · corner lot width: 125 feet
“D . Lot Area per Family . Ten thousand (10,000) square feet .”
SetbacksSpecified
One-family dwellings and other structures in Emporium Borough's S Conservancy District.
A one-family dwelling is listed as a conditional use in the S District.
A side yard abutting a street must be at least the required front-yard depth on the adjoining lot.
Through-lot rules and general area exceptions in §1103 also apply.
front yard depth: 25 feet (subject to §1103(3)) · side yard width: 15 feet each side (a side yard abutting a street follows the adjoining lot's required front-yard depth) · rear yard depth: 35 feet (through-lot rule in §1103(4))
In Pennsylvania, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Cameron 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
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer utility connection requirements in Cameron County.
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 Cameron County, Pennsylvania
Is Cameron County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Cameron County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Cameron County, Pennsylvania?
Cameron County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by 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 Cameron County, Pennsylvania?
Land in Cameron County runs about $2,594 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Cameron County?
Cameron County gets about 43.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.6% of years.
How remote is Cameron County?
A typical private-land location has about 6,620 people within 15 miles and 3,583,340 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
