Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Centre County, Pennsylvania
78Index Score / 100 #11 of 67 in Pennsylvania
Centre County, Pennsylvania has no countywide zoning ordinance and does not issue building permits itself; the township or borough where the parcel sits handles zoning, and building permits go through the municipality, a certified third-party agency or the state, depending on local arrangements123. Septic permits for on-lot systems are issued by the responsible municipality or joint local agency, not the county45.
At a glance
Building permit
Required before covered work under Pennsylvania's UCC; the enforcing agency depends on the municipality62
Zoning
Check the township or borough; local zoning requirements are handled municipality by municipality7
Septic permits
Issued by the responsible municipality or joint local agency under Pennsylvania's Act 53745
Owner-builder
An owner may work without compensation on the owner's own primary residence, but local licensing rules may still apply8
Agricultural buildings
Excluded from the state Construction Code Act if they meet the statutory agricultural-building definition9
Manufactured homes
Installation details and later changes can trigger UCC requirements; local land-use approval is separate10
Countywide comprehensive planning, GIS mapping and technical assistance to Centre County's 35 municipalities on their own zoning and subdivision ordinances; does not issue building, zoning or septic permits itself
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Do you need a building permit in Centre County, Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code applies in Centre County, and owners must obtain a building permit before starting covered work26. Most municipalities administer the UCC themselves or use a certified third-party agency; enforcement arrangements differ in municipalities that opted out2. Inspections are required for regulated residential construction and changes to electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems13. Qualifying agricultural buildings without habitable space are excluded from the state Construction Code Act, although zoning, fire, electrical, health and environmental requirements may still apply9. Pennsylvania generally does not license most construction contractors, and an owner working without compensation on the owner's own primary residence may act as the builder, but municipal licensing rules can still apply8.
Who issues building permits in Centre County, and how do you reach them?
The permit issuer varies by municipality. Centre County property owners may deal with their township or borough, a certified third-party code agency, or the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, depending on local UCC administration2. Call the township or borough first and ask who accepts residential UCC applications, sets local fees and schedules inspections for that parcel; the published state fee schedule applies only when the Department is the issuing authority14. Centre County Planning & Community Development assists the county's 35 municipalities and can be reached at (814) 355-679115. State-handled applications require the political subdivision and county plus the applicable form, fee, plans, site plan and checklist; local procedures may differ16. A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a covered building or facility can be used17.
Does Centre County have zoning?
Centre County has no countywide zoning ordinance: zoning is set by each township or borough, and the county's own housing document says 22 of 36 municipalities have adopted zoning ordinances1. Not every municipality has adopted one, so ask the township or borough whether the parcel is zoned1. Centre County Planning & Community Development assists the county's 35 municipalities with zoning and subdivision ordinances, GIS mapping and other planning work15. Pennsylvania law allows county zoning only as a backstop in a municipality with no zoning ordinance, and that county authority ends when the municipality's own ordinance takes effect18. Setbacks, minimum dwelling size, lot coverage and building height are set locally; as one example, Haines Township requires 1 acre, 100 feet of width and no more than 35% impervious coverage for a single-family detached dwelling in its Forested Conservation and Agriculture districts19. The county subdivision ordinance does set mobile-home standards where a municipality lacks its own subdivision ordinance, including a minimum 5,000-square-foot lot and 50-foot width, but municipal rules still apply20.
How do septic permits work in Centre County, Pennsylvania?
On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement in Centre County are handled by local agencies, generally a municipality or joint local agency, under Pennsylvania's Act 537 framework4. A local permit is required for individual and community on-lot systems and retaining tanks, with a separate exception for large-volume systems5. A narrow exemption can apply on a contiguous tract of at least 10 acres serving the owner or immediate family, but ownership, local-ordinance and siting conditions must all be met21. A completed system cannot be covered until the permit issuer approves it, subject to the state's limited 72-hour provision after notice of completion22. Only about 16.1% of Centre County soil is rated as not severely limited for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before treating a listing as septic-ready23.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Centre County?
We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing long-term RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Centre County. Ask the township or borough whether the parcel's zoning district allows the proposed use, what setbacks apply, and whether occupancy during construction is permitted7. Pennsylvania's state-park campground limits do not answer whether an RV may be occupied on private land24. A manufactured home installed to the manufacturer's approved design is largely outside the UCC, but utility connections, grading, additions, alterations, resale or relocation can bring work under the UCC; local siting and land-use approval remain separate questions10. A tiny home used as a dwelling should therefore be cleared with both the municipal zoning contact and the responsible UCC code agency before purchase or placement.
How do you build a home in Centre County? The steps, in order
Identify the township or borough and ask for the parcel's zoning district, dimensional standards and responsible UCC code agency72.
If the proposal divides land or qualifies as land development, determine whether the municipal ordinance or Centre County's subdivision ordinance governs the review12.
If the site will use on-lot sewage, identify the responsible municipality or joint local agency and obtain its permit45.
Apply for the UCC building permit before covered work begins; a state-handled application requires the applicable forms, fee, plans, site plan and checklist625.
Arrange required inspections with the responsible code agency26.
Obtain a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit for access to a state highway; driveway culverts affecting a regulated stream or floodway can also require stream authorization2728.
Obtain the UCC certificate of occupancy before using the building29.
What should you check before buying land in Centre County?
Confirm the municipality, zoning district, code agency and applicable subdivision ordinance before relying on a listing's description of buildability73031. Only about 16.1% of Centre County soil is rated as not severely limited for a conventional septic drain field, so seek a site evaluation before committing to an on-lot sewage plan23. Centre County is 81.2% wooded, while 56.6% of its land has a slope of 15% or less; clearing, access and grading can materially shape the usable building envelope3233. A driveway connecting to state highway land or a PennDOT drainage facility needs a Highway Occupancy Permit, while a driveway culvert affecting a regulated stream or floodway may need separate stream authorization1128. Farmland value is about $8,311 per acre, the typical home value is about $356,480, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $3,28234353637.
Watch-outs
Centre County has 35 municipalities, and local zoning and UCC administration can differ by municipality; verify the parcel's township or borough before applying1572.
The county subdivision ordinance's mobile-home setbacks and lot dimensions apply only where the municipality lacks its own subdivision ordinance, and municipal rules must also be satisfied3820.
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.
Centre County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score
How Centre County scores
Seclusion55100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency62100% ev.
Admin Boringness5890% ev.
Durability86100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost62100% 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 →
$356kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$8,311Land / acre
43.5"Annual rain
0.9% of yrsSevere drought
1.1 / yr (+1.1)Mid-century 100°F days
10.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.76" (+8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.59×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$939Home insurance / yr
0.6% / yrInsurance growth
0.25%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
28,980People within 30 min
1,550,028People within 2 hr
68,640Radius comparison (15 mi)
142.3People / sq mi
0.7%Federal land
56.6%Land at 15% slope or less
16.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Centre 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 Bellefonte · Benner Township · Boggs Township · Burnside Township · College Township · Curtin Township · Gregg Township · Haines Township · Harris Township · Borough of Howard · Howard Township · Huston Township · Liberty Township · Marion Township · Miles Township · Borough of Milesburg · Borough of Millheim · Penn Township · Borough of Philipsburg · Borough of Port Matilda · Rush Township · Borough of Snow Shoe · Snow Shoe Township · Borough of State College · Taylor Township · Union Township · Borough of Unionville · Walker Township · Worth Township
Answers from the rulebook for Centre County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Centre County rules
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Countywide aggregate of municipal zoning in Centre County; zoning rules are administered at the municipal level rather than by a countywide zoning ordinance.
The official county source states that 22 of 36 municipalities had adopted zoning ordinances at the time of the source.
Municipal zoning requirements must be checked for the specific municipality or township.
Centre County may administer subdivision and land-development controls in municipalities that have not adopted their own regulations, but that is distinct from countywide zoning.
“Twenty-two of Centre County’s 36 municipalities have adopted zoning ordinances. Ten municipalities administer separate subdivision/land development regulations with the remaining municipalities coming under Centre County’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. There is no countywide zoning ordinance.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Mobile home subdivisions and land developments governed by the Centre County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance where the municipality has not adopted its own subdivision and land-development ordinance.
The County SALDO applies only when the municipality has not adopted its own subdivision and land-development ordinance.
All applicable municipal ordinances and regulations must also be satisfied before approval.
Where on-lot sewage disposal is proposed, the lot must be increased sufficiently to accommodate the proposed system and applicable isolation distances for wells and other required distances.
minimum mobile home lot size: >= 5000 square feet · minimum mobile home lot width: >= 50 feet · minimum mobile home lot length: >= 100 feet · maximum mobile home park density: <= 8 lots per acre (of the total area of the Mobile Home Park)
“The minimum mobile home lot size shall be not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of area. The minimum width of any mobile home lot shall be not less than fifty (50) feet. The minimum length of each mobile home lot shall not be less than one hundred (100) feet.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Single-family detached dwelling units in Haines Township's Forested Conservation and Agriculture zoning districts.
“51.4.4 Minimum Lot Requirements Minimum Minimum Maximum A. Permitted Primary Uses Lot Size Width (ft.) Impervious Coverage [...] 6. Single Family 1 acre 100 35% Detached Dwelling”
SetbacksSpecified
Mobile home subdivisions and land developments governed by the Centre County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance where the municipality has not adopted its own subdivision and land-development ordinance.
The County SALDO applies only when the municipality has not adopted its own subdivision and land-development ordinance.
All applicable municipal ordinances and regulations must also be satisfied before approval.
For mobile home parks, the minimum building setback line is 25 feet from the street right-of-way; side and rear building setback lines of at least 7.5 feet must be established where applicable.
Mobile homes must be at least 40 feet from mobile-home-park boundary lines, reducible to 25 feet with suitable perimeter screening or fencing.
Mobile homes must be at least 50 feet from auxiliary park buildings and repair, maintenance, or storage areas.
The minimum distance between mobile homes is 15 feet.
minimum building setback line: >= 25 feet (from the edge of the street right-of-way) · side and rear building setback lines: >= 7.5 feet (where applicable) · mobile-home-park boundary buffer: >= 40 feet (may be reduced to 25 feet with suitable perimeter screening or fencing) · distance from auxiliary park buildings and repair, maintenance, or storage areas: >= 50 feet · minimum distance between mobile homes: >= 15 feet
“Mobile homes shall be located at least fifty (50) feet from any auxiliary park buildings and any repair, maintenance or storage areas of buildings. The minimum distance between mobile homes shall be not less than fifteen (15) feet.”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement in Centre County municipalities under Pennsylvania Act 537.
Local agencies, generally municipalities or joint local agencies, perform permitting and enforcement.
Pennsylvania DEP provides the statewide Act 537 framework, oversight, SEO certification, and service-area mapping.
Large-volume on-lot systems are an exception to the described local-agency responsibility.
“"Local Agency" as "a municipality, or any combination thereof acting cooperatively or jointly [...]"”
Septic permitRequired
Individual and community on-lot sewage systems and retaining tanks in Centre County, subject to Act 537.
Local agencies issue permits.
Large-volume on-lot systems are an exception to the quoted local-agency permitting responsibility.
The responsible local agency depends on the municipality or joint service area.
“local agencies are responsible for issuing permits”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and land development proposals in Centre County municipalities without their own subdivision and land development ordinance, and county review of applicable proposals.
Municipalities that adopted their own subdivision and land development ordinance may administer their own regulations.
The county office determines whether proposals fall under the county ordinance.
“Administering the County’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and receiving, reviewing, and monitoring all plans originating from those municipalities having adopted their own subdivision and land development regulations;”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development proposals in Centre County municipalities lacking their own subdivision and land-development ordinance, and county review of plans from municipalities with their own regulations
“when municipalities have not adopted their own subdivision and land development ordinance.”
Driveway accessLimited
Driveway culverts and other driveway-related work affecting regulated streams or floodways in Centre County.
The county states that driveway culverts are commonly permitted activities under the stream-permit program.
In most cases, a permit is required before work that changes, expands, or diminishes a stream, floodway, or body of water.
General permits have pre-approved conditions, construction limits, dimensions, and other criteria; projects not qualifying for a general permit may require other Chapter 105 authorization.
“Typical activities that are commonly permitted include: driveway culverts, highway bridges, utility line stream crossings, stream bank stabilization projects, etc.”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Zoning in Pennsylvania is administered at the municipal level; most Centre County townships have adopted zoning ordinances and a municipal zoning officer's approval is a prerequisite to a building permit. Centre County does not run a countywide zoning ordinance.
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).”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction or building work in Centre County subject to the Pennsylvania UCC.
“The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
Required — Construction and building work in Pennsylvania, including Centre County.
“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, including residential work in Centre County.
“The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work. 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 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).”
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.”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction in Centre County subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code.
“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) — Construction in Centre County subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code
“regulates the codes and standards of building projects”
Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and other construction subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code in Centre County.
“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) — Construction governed by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, including Centre County municipalities.
“As of October 1, 2018, this chapter has adopted the 2015 International Codes and the various provisions amended by the UCC Review & Advisory Council (RAC).”
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.”
6 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction or changes to commercial or residential buildings and specified building systems in Centre 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 and commercial buildings and listed building systems in Pennsylvania, including Centre 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 in Centre County for which a UCC permit was issued
“inspect all construction for which a permit was issued”
Required — Construction or changes to residential buildings and related regulated systems in Centre 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. Additionally, manufactured and industrialized housing projects require inspections for site preparation, foundation construction, repairs, and changes in occupancy.”
Required — UCC-regulated residential and other building work in Centre 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.”
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Use of a building or facility in Centre County subject to the UCC.
“A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
Required — Use of a building or facility in Pennsylvania, including Centre County.
“A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
Required — Use or occupancy of buildings and facilities subject to the Pennsylvania UCC in Centre County.
“before a building or facility can be used”
Required — Use or occupancy of a UCC-regulated building, structure, or facility in Centre County.
“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.”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
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;”
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
Required — Construction in a flood plain subject to the Pennsylvania UCC in Centre 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 permits and related services, where the Department is the issuing authority.
Local municipalities and third-party code agencies may charge their own applicable fees.
The cited fee schedule is for the Department's Buildings Division.
The fee schedule is effective November 8, 2025.
fee schedule 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) · duplicate certificate of occupancy: 5 USD
“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.”
Permit processPartial
UCC permit applications submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry for projects within Centre County when the Department has jurisdiction.
Applicants must identify the political subdivision and county.
A completed UCC-3, applicable fee, plans, site plan, and UCC-2 checklist are among the required materials.
Electronic and paper submissions are accepted.
The Department will not process applications lacking the political subdivision and county information.
Local municipal or third-party procedures may differ.
“It is imperative that applicants indicate the name of the political subdivision and the county where the proposed construction will occur. Without this, we cannot verify that the Department has jurisdiction for this work. We will not process applications that lack this information.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Published (with conditions) — UCC building-permit process applicable to Centre County construction subject to the state code.
“The following items (1-9) constitute a complete UCC application package”
Published (with conditions) — Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code building permits for construction and building work subject to the UCC.
“The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
Partial — Local registrations, permits, and zoning inquiries for businesses and development in Pennsylvania.
“Local registrations, permits, zoning requirements and related questions should be directed to the township, borough, or city where you will be operating.”
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 Centre 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 and sewer utility-connection requirements for Centre County property development.
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 Centre County, Pennsylvania
Is Centre County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Centre County scores 78/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Centre County, Pennsylvania?
Centre County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (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 Centre County, Pennsylvania?
Land in Centre County runs about $8,311 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Centre County?
Centre County gets about 43.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.9% of years.
How remote is Centre County?
A representative private-land location has about 28,980 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,550,028 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.
