Bolthole Index

Clarion County, Pennsylvania

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in the Borough of Clarion, Pennsylvania

The Borough of Clarion, Pennsylvania requires a permit to erect or construct a structure inside borough limits, and the borough office issues it1. Clarion has its own zoning ordinance, enforced by the borough's zoning officer2. Septic permits are a separate local-agency permit under Pennsylvania law3; we could not confirm which agency covers addresses inside the borough, so ask the borough office.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for principal and accessory structures, including fences and sheds, issued by the borough1
Building code
Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code adopted by the borough4
Zoning
Yes, Chapter 210 of the borough code, with R-1, R-2, R-3, M-U, C-1, C-2, CI and E districts25
R-1 lot and setbacks
Single-family: 7,500 sq ft minimum lot; 25 ft front, 15 ft rear, 10 ft side yards67
Septic permit
Required from the local sewage agency; which agency serves the borough is unconfirmed3
Driveway on a state highway
PennDOT highway occupancy permit required8

Who to call

Building permits

Clarion Borough Office (Zoning / Housing Officer)

Zoning approval, building permits and inspections inside Clarion borough limits

(814) 226-7707

1400 East Main Street Clarion, PA 16214

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 24, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Borough of Clarion means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in the Borough of Clarion, PA?

Yes. The Borough of Clarion requires a permit for the erection or construction of a structure, principal or accessory, including fences, sheds and structures not subject to the Uniform Construction Code1. The borough has adopted the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code as its building code4. A combined zoning/building permit form may be used1.

An owner cannot skip the permit by building the house themselves. Pennsylvania has no general contractor licence for most construction work, but that rule does not remove the building permit9. The only agricultural exclusion we found covers qualifying farm buildings with no habitable space, and municipal zoning can still apply to them10. We could not confirm an owner-built-home exemption in the borough's code; ask the zoning officer.

Who issues building permits in Clarion borough, and how do you reach them?

The Borough of Clarion issues its own building permits. The borough's zoning code enforcement officer handles building permits, inspections, plan review and enforcement of building and zoning ordinances11. The office is at 1400 East Main Street, Clarion, PA 16214, and the phone is (814) 226-770711.

A complete application that conforms to the zoning chapter must be issued as soon as practical, and no later than 60 days after the borough receives it12. Fees are set by borough resolution, and the zoning fee schedule is kept at the zoning officer's office13. Clarion County's Planning Department does not issue building permits; it reviews subdivision and land development outside municipalities with their own ordinance14.

Does the Borough of Clarion have zoning, and what does it mean for lot size and setbacks?

Yes. Clarion adopted its own zoning ordinance, Chapter 210 of the borough code2. The published sections list the R-1, R-2, R-3, M-U, C-1, C-2, CI and E districts, and the zoning map controls where each applies5. The county has no zoning of its own for the borough; zoning in Pennsylvania is a municipal function15.

Rules differ by district. In the R-1 single-family district the minimum lot is 7,500 square feet6. R-1 yards are at least 25 feet in front, 15 feet in the rear and 10 feet on each side7. R-1 buildings may be up to 35 feet tall16, and lot coverage may not exceed 35 percent17.

We could not confirm the borough's rules for RVs, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings or short-term rentals, so ask the zoning officer before you buy.

How do septic permits work inside Clarion borough?

Pennsylvania requires a permit from the local sewage agency before an on-lot system is installed, built, occupied or used3. Local agencies can be individual municipalities, joint agencies or county health departments, with state DEP oversight18. Septic permits are separate from the borough's zoning/building permit.

We could not confirm which agency handles on-lot sewage permits for addresses inside the borough, or whether your lot would connect to public sewer. Call the borough office first11. The zoning application asks you to disclose any proposed on-lot or public sewage system and required permits.

The county's septic rules also require inspection before a system is covered19.

Building a home in the Borough of Clarion: the steps, in order

  1. Call the borough zoning officer and confirm your lot's zoning district and whether the use you want is allowed11.
  2. Check whether the lot needs subdivision or land-development approval; the borough applies the Clarion County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance20.
  3. Settle sewer or septic: ask the borough which agency issues septic permits and whether public sewer is available3.
  4. If the driveway meets a state road, get a PennDOT highway occupancy permit8.
  5. File the zoning/building permit application with a plot plan that shows the driveway location and surfacing21.
  6. Build with the required inspections, then obtain a certificate of occupancy before anyone lives there22.

What stays with Clarion County, and what to check before you buy

Clarion County sets no zoning for land in the borough, but county and state offices still matter for what the borough does not decide. Septic permitting is handled by a local agency with DEP oversight18. For land outside the borough's limits, use the Clarion County page instead, because borough rules do not apply there.

Before you buy, look at flood risk: construction in a flood plain needs documentation prepared and sealed by a registered design professional23, and the borough's floodplain chapter lists a building-permit requirement we could not read in full. Soils also matter: Clarion County's share of soils rated not limited for a conventional septic drain field is only 0.3%24, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system. Clarion County's effective property tax rate is 1%25, and the median bill is $1,477 per year26.

Watch-outs

  • Septic: we could not confirm which agency issues on-lot sewage permits inside Clarion borough, so ask the borough office before you pay for a soil test3.
  • Sheds, fences and other small structures need a borough permit even when they are not subject to the Uniform Construction Code1.
  • RV, tiny-home and accessory-dwelling occupancy inside the borough is unconfirmed; do not assume it is allowed, and ask the zoning officer11.
  • Zoning rules differ by district, so a lot next door can follow different lot, yard and height standards than R-15.

Sources

  1. Article IX Administration - Borough of Clarion, PA (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 210 Zoning - Borough of Clarion, PA (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  3. 25 Pa. Code § 72.22. Permit issuance (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  4. Chapter 80 Construction Standards - Borough of Clarion, PA (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  5. Chapter 210 Zoning - Borough of Clarion, PA (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  6. ecode360.com (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  7. ecode360.com (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  8. Apply for a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Contractor Licensing (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Pennsylvania Construction Code Act — Chapter 1 (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Clarion Borough Office (Zoning / Housing Officer) (clarionboro.org)
  12. Article IX Administration - Borough of Clarion, PA (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  13. Chapter 80 Construction Standards - Borough of Clarion, PA (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  14. Clarion County Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  15. Clarion County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (2026 county census)
  16. ecode360.com (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  17. ecode360.com (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  18. Municipal On Lot Sewage Service Areas, quoted and re-checked
  19. Sewage Facilities Planning: A Guide for Preparing Act 537 Update Revisions, quoted and re-checked
  20. Article IX Administration - Borough of Clarion, PA (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  21. Article IX Administration - Borough of Clarion, PA (Borough of Clarion), quoted and re-checked
  22. Apply for a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  23. Apply for a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 24, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Borough of Clarion

Borough of Clarion’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Erection or construction of principal or accessory structures inside Clarion borough limits.

    • The rule includes fences, sheds, structures not subject to the Uniform Construction Code, and satellite dish antennas under one meter; drying poles and children's play equipment are excluded.
    • A combined zoning/building permit form may be used.
    “The erection or construction of a structure (principal or accessory) or portion thereof, including fences, sheds, structures not subject to the Uniform Construction Code, and satellite dish antennas that are less than one meter in diameter, but excluding drying poles and children's play equipment;”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings inside Clarion borough limits.

    • The incorporated Uniform Construction Code is as amended from time to time.
    “The Uniform Construction Code, contained in 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401 through 405, as amended from time to time, is hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference as the building code of this municipality.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Structures, buildings, signs, or land for which a certificate of zoning compliance is sought inside Clarion borough limits.

    • The inspection condition applies before issuance of a certificate of zoning compliance.
    • The applicant must satisfy Chapter 210 and other Borough laws, conditions attached to variance, special-exception, or conditional-use approval, and applicable certificate-of-occupancy requirements.
    “The Zoning Officer shall not issue such certificate unless he/she has inspected said structure, building, sign or land and has determined that all provisions of this chapter and other laws of the Borough have been satisfied”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Uses requiring a certificate of zoning compliance inside Clarion borough limits, where a Borough Building Code certificate of occupancy is applicable.

    • The ordinance expressly limits the requirement to cases where a certificate of occupancy is applicable.
    • A Zoning Officer inspection and compliance with Borough laws and approval conditions are prerequisites to zoning-compliance certification.
    “the applicant has received a certificate of occupancy under the Borough Building Code, as applicable.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Clarion borough limits.

    • Chapter 210 was adopted by Borough Council; amendments are noted where applicable.
    “[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Clarion 11-6-2013 by Ord. No. 2013-795. Amendments noted where applicable.]”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts inside Clarion borough limits.

    • District boundaries are governed by the Chapter 210 zoning map.
    • Published Chapter 210 sections list R-1, R-2, R-3, M-U, C-1, C-2, CI, and E districts.
    “§ 210-13 R-1 Single-Family Residential District. § 210-14 R-2 Medium Density Residential District. § 210-15 R-3 High Density Residential District. § 210-16 M-U Mixed Use District.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Tilling of soil associated with agriculture inside Clarion borough limits.

    • This is an exclusion from the zoning/building permit requirement for alteration or development of real estate; it is not a general exemption from all Borough, county, state, sewage, or building requirements.
    “The alteration or development of any improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, but not including the tilling of soil associated with agriculture;”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land development inside Clarion borough limits.

    • Applicable subdivision or land-development approval conditions must be met for a zoning/building permit.
    “The Clarion County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance is hereby adopted by reference as the comprehensive subdivision and land development ordinance of the Borough.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Zoning/building permit applications involving driveways or access drives inside Clarion borough limits.

    • The application plot plan must show driveway/access-drive location and proposed surfacing.
    • Copies of highway occupancy permits are required only where required by local, county, or state agencies.
    “The location and proposed surfacing of driveways and access drives and copies of any highway occupancy permits as required by local, county and/or state agencies;”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Borough construction-code and zoning/building permit administration inside Clarion borough limits.

    • Construction-code fees are established by Borough governing-body resolution from time to time.
    • Zoning fees are in a schedule available at the Zoning Officer's office and may be altered by Borough Council resolution.
    • Applications and appeals are incomplete until all fees, charges, and expenses are paid.
    “The Borough Council shall establish by resolution a schedule of fees, charges and expenses and collection procedures for applications for zoning/building permits, certificates of zoning compliance, special exceptions, conditional uses, variances, appeals, amendments, and other matters pertaining to this chapter.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning/building permit applications inside Clarion borough limits.

    • The Zoning Officer may reject a noncompliant application in writing and must state reasons.
    • A conforming complete application must be issued as soon as practical, no later than 60 days after receipt.
    • The permit expires six months after issuance but may be extended every six months for up to one additional year for good cause.

    permit issuance deadline: <= 60 days (complete application conforming to Chapter 210, applicable local laws, and subdivision/land-development approval conditions)

    “he/she shall issue a permit therefor as soon as practical, but not later than 60 days from receipt of this complete application.”

Rules another office applies inside Borough of Clarion

Borough of Clarion does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family dwellings in the Borough's R-1 Single-family residential district.

    • The schedule also lists townhouse standards; this claim reports the single-family R-1 lot-area standard.
    • Corner lots must provide front yards on each street except where the side of the building is on a secondary street with a cartway under 15 feet.

    minimum lot area: 7500 square feet (R-1 single-family residential)

    “R-1 Single-family residential/ Townhouses 7,500 87,120 50 200 25 25 15 15 10 10 35 35 35% 45%”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family dwellings in the Borough's R-1 Single-family residential district.

    • Corner lots must provide front yards on each street except where the side of the building is on a secondary street with a cartway under 15 feet.

    minimum front yard: 25 feet (R-1 single-family residential) · minimum rear yard: 15 feet (R-1 single-family residential) · minimum side yard: 10 feet (R-1 single-family residential)

    “R-1 Single-family residential/ Townhouses 7,500 87,120 50 200 25 25 15 15 10 10 35 35 35% 45%”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family dwellings in the Borough's R-1 Single-family residential district.

    • The schedule separately lists a 45% maximum for townhouses; this claim reports the 35% single-family standard.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 35 percent (R-1 single-family residential)

    “R-1 Single-family residential/ Townhouses 7,500 87,120 50 200 25 25 15 15 10 10 35 35 35% 45%”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family dwellings in the Borough's R-1 Single-family residential district.

    maximum height: <= 35 feet (R-1 single-family residential)

    “R-1 Single-family residential/ Townhouses 7,500 87,120 50 200 25 25 15 15 10 10 35 35 35% 45%”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Borough of Clarion or Clarion County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residential construction inside Clarion borough limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — New single-family dwellings inside Clarion borough limits.
  • Living in an RV — Residential occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land inside Clarion borough limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Clarion borough limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Clarion borough limits.
10 more unanswered
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Who permits septic
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Borough of Clarion publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Clarion County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Clarion County: county rules, score and offices