Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
85Index Score / 100 #1 of 67 in Pennsylvania
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania does not issue building permits: Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code applies statewide, but the municipality or a certified third-party agency administers residential building permits and inspections123. Zoning approval depends on the township, borough or city, while septic permits remain with the applicable Act 537 local agency45.
At a glance
Building permit
Required for covered work under Pennsylvania's UCC; the municipality or a certified third-party agency issues it, not the county12
Zoning
Varies by municipality; check the township, borough or city governing the parcel4
Septic permits
Required through the applicable Pennsylvania Act 537 local agency, which depends on the municipality or service area5
Owner-builder exemption
Yes, for a qualifying recreational cabin that meets Act 92's definition and safety-equipment conditions6
Building code
Pennsylvania's statewide UCC applies, with inspections required for covered construction and building-system work23
Agricultural building exemption
Qualifying agricultural buildings are excluded from the Construction Code Act, but habitable space does not qualify7
Subdivision plan review
County Planning reviews plans in 31 municipalities; the other 19 use their own SALDO8
Private well permit
Not required by the state for a homeowner drilling their own well9
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 Clearfield County, Pennsylvania?
Yes, covered residential construction in Clearfield County requires a building permit under Pennsylvania's statewide Uniform Construction Code, but county government does not issue it110. The township, borough or city administers the UCC itself or through a certified third-party agency; in an opt-out municipality, a certified third party handles residential building permits and inspections, while the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry handles commercial enforcement23. A residential building cannot be occupied until a building code official issues a certificate of occupancy11. A qualifying recreational cabin may be excluded if it meets Act 92's definition and filing and safety-equipment conditions12. Qualifying agricultural buildings are excluded from the Construction Code Act, but habitable space and places occupied by the public do not qualify7.
Who issues building permits in Clearfield County, and how do you reach them?
There is no single Clearfield County building department because the township, borough or city—or its certified third-party agency—issues residential building permits and performs UCC inspections13. The Clearfield County Planning Department is at 212 East Locust Street, Clearfield, PA 16830, and its department line is 814-765-514913. County Planning can help identify the parcel's municipality; ask that municipality who administers its residential UCC building permits. Covered construction and specified electrical, gas, mechanical and plumbing work require inspections, with responsibility following the same opt-in or opt-out arrangement as building permits3. County Planning does not become the building-permit office: it reviews subdivision and land-development plans in the 31 municipalities under the county SALDO, while the other 19 municipalities administer their own SALDOs14. Septic permits remain with the applicable Act 537 local agency, not the building-permit issuer5.
Does Clearfield County have zoning?
Zoning varies among Clearfield County's townships, boroughs and city, so zoning approval depends on the municipality governing the parcel4. Clearfield Borough, for example, has a zoning ordinance, but that borough rule does not answer zoning questions elsewhere in the county15. The county subdivision and land-development ordinance is a separate control: it governs subdivision and land development in the 31 municipalities without their own SALDO, but it does not itself control land or building use14. Before relying on a parcel for an RV, tiny home, manufactured home, accessory dwelling or a particular footprint, ask the municipality about allowed uses, zoning approval, setbacks, lot size and height. We could not confirm a complete current inventory of municipal zoning ordinances. Septic permits do not shift to a borough or city merely because it administers zoning; the applicable Act 537 local agency remains responsible5.
How do septic permits work in Clearfield County?
Local agencies issue permits for retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot sewage systems in Clearfield County, except for large-volume systems; the responsible agency depends on the municipality or service area5. For many townships, the multimunicipal Clearfield County Sewage Committee is the local agency, but we could not confirm a direct committee contact or a complete service-area list16. Ask the Clearfield County Planning Department which local agency and Sewage Enforcement Officer serves the parcel before designing the system13. Pennsylvania has a narrow permit exemption for certain owner or immediate-family residences on a contiguous tract of at least 10 acres, subject to siting, notification, and ownership conditions; acreage alone does not establish the exemption17. Composting, incinerating, or recycling toilets generally still need an approved on-lot system or other approved washwater method18.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clearfield County?
We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing full-time RV or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Clearfield County, so ask the township, borough or city governing the parcel. Zoning varies by municipality, and the county SALDO does not control the use of land or buildings4. Pennsylvania's RV rules for state park campgrounds do not answer whether someone may occupy an RV on private land19. Manufactured homes follow a separate approval track: Pennsylvania regulates building permits and certificates of occupancy for installation, while utility connections, grading, additions, resale and relocation can bring work under the UCC20. Local zoning and septic approval still must be resolved for the parcel45. Ask the municipality about residential use, temporary camping, setbacks and minimum dwelling size; County Planning can identify the relevant municipality13.
Building a home in Clearfield County: the steps, in order
Call the Clearfield County Planning Department to identify the parcel's municipality and the correct zoning, SALDO and UCC contacts13.
Get municipal zoning approval where zoning applies; Clearfield Borough is one confirmed municipality with zoning415.
If the project creates lots or is land development, determine whether County Planning or the municipality reviews the plan21. County-reviewed final plans may require local-engineer approval of water and sewer service, sewage-planning documents and a utility service letter22.
Obtain the septic permit from the applicable Act 537 local agency5.
Apply to the municipality's UCC administrator or residential third-party agency for the building permit before covered work begins223.
Complete building inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving in311.
Obtain a municipal floodplain permit for work in a special flood hazard area and a PennDOT driveway permit for access on state-highway land2425.
What to check before you buy land in Clearfield County
Soils are the biggest surprise here: only 1.3% of Clearfield County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and the possibility of an engineered or alternative system26. Terrain and cover are more forgiving: 60.5% of the county is at 15% slope or less, though 84% is wooded, so clearing can add cost even on buildable ground2728. Building-permit administration and zoning depend on the municipality governing the parcel14. For a new lot, confirm whether the county SALDO or a municipal SALDO governs review; county subdivision review is meant to secure legally enforceable access to a public right-of-way2129. A driveway on state-highway land requires a PennDOT permit25. Septic authority remains with the applicable local agency, and Pennsylvania does not require a state permit for a homeowner drilling a private well, though municipal requirements may apply309.
Watch-outs
Clearfield County has no county building department; ask the township, borough or city who issues the building permit and performs UCC inspections, while directing septic-permit questions to the applicable Act 537 local agency135.
Septic permitting authority varies by municipality; the Clearfield County Sewage Committee serves many townships as the Act 537 local agency, but this guide could not confirm a direct contact for it, so start with the county Planning Department to get routed correctly16.
RV, tiny-home and long-term camping rules on private land could not be confirmed countywide; zoning varies, so ask the municipality governing the parcel before assuming the use is allowed4.
Written October 7, 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.
Clearfield County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score
How Clearfield County scores
Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency57100% ev.
Admin Boringness76100% ev.
Durability83100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% ev.
Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$145kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$4,418Land / acre
43.6"Annual rain
0.5% of yrsSevere drought
0.5 / yr (+0.5)Mid-century 100°F days
9.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.69" (+8.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.66×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$913Home insurance / yr
0% / yrInsurance growth
0.39%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
10,921People within 30 min
1,455,338People within 2 hr
48,973Radius comparison (15 mi)
67.3People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
60.5%Land at 15% slope or less
1.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
Each button opens a current land search for Clearfield 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 Clearfield 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: Beccaria Township · Bell Township · Bigler Township · Bloom Township · Boggs Township · Bradford Township · Brady Township · Borough of Brisbin · Borough of Burnside · Burnside Township · Chest Township · Borough of Chester Hill · Borough of Coalport · Cooper Township · Covington Township · Borough of Curwensville · Decatur Township · DuBois · Ferguson Township · Girard Township · Borough of Glen Hope · Goshen Township · Graham Township · Borough of Grampian · Greenwood Township · Gulich Township · Borough of Houtzdale · Huston Township · Borough of Irvona · Jordan Township · Karthaus Township · Knox Township · Borough of Mahaffey · Morris Township · Borough of New Washington · Borough of Newburg · Borough of Osceola Mills · Penn Township · Pike Township · Pine Township · Borough of Ramey · Sandy Township · Borough of Troutville · Union Township · Borough of Wallaceton · Borough of Westover · Woodward Township
Answers from the rulebook for Clearfield County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Clearfield County rules
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Local zoning across Clearfield County municipalities, including incorporated boroughs, the City of DuBois, and townships; this is an aggregate countywide conclusion and does not mean Clearfield County administers each local zoning ordinance.
Zoning availability varies by municipality; the County report states that many local municipalities lack zoning.
Where a municipality has zoning, the applicable municipal zoning ordinance governs land use in that municipality.
The County SALDO does not itself control land use.
The cited County report records the County SALDO amendments as adopted by Ordinance 2 of 2020 and effective January 1, 2021; that date applies to the SALDO amendments, not to municipal zoning ordinances.
“our local municipalities, many who lack zoning, asked for our help in addressing these new land use conflicts”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning across Clearfield County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas; the countywide conclusion aggregates municipal zoning authorities and does not treat Clearfield County as the administrator of each local zoning ordinance.
“Location: Burnside Township [...] Number of Lots: 3 Zoning: None”
Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)
Clearfield County subdivision and land-development final-plan submissions, where applicable.
Approval of sanitary sewerage service and water service by the local municipal engineer is required on the checklist.
DEP sewage facilities planning modules, components, and waivers are included where applicable.
A letter from the appropriate utility companies stating that they will provide the subdivision with service is required.
The source does not establish a countywide requirement that every existing parcel connect to public water or public sewer.
“Approval of Sanitary Sewerage Service and Water Service by the Local Municipal Engineer. Include DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Modules, Components and Waivers where Applicable [...] Letter From the Appropriate Utility Companies Stating that They Will Provide the Subdivision with Service”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and land development in Clearfield County municipalities that do not have their own subdivision and land development ordinances.
The County SALDO applies only in municipalities without their own SALDO.
Nineteen municipalities have their own SALDOs; the other 31 municipalities fall under the County’s jurisdiction.
Plans are submitted to the Clearfield County Planning Commission or the applicable municipality for review and approval.
A plan may receive conditional approval, and final approval is not granted until missing information and conditions are satisfied.
The Planning Commission grants a final decision within 90 days of the meeting for which the plan was submitted.
municipalities with individual SALDOs: 19 municipalities · municipalities under county SALDO jurisdiction: 31 municipalities · final decision deadline: <= 90 days (measured from the meeting for which the plan was originally submitted)
“Clearfield County’s SALDO only applies to land in municipalities that do not have their own subdivision and land development ordinances (SALDOs).”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development in the 31 Clearfield County municipalities that do not have their own subdivision and land development ordinances.
“Clearfield County’s SALDO only applies to land in municipalities that do not have their own subdivision and land development ordinances (SALDOs).”
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development in the 31 Clearfield County municipalities under county SALDO jurisdiction
“The Clearfield County Planning Commission, a nine-member board, consists of dedicated volunteers who oversee the review of subdivisions and land developments in 31 municipalities across Clearfield County. Planning staff offer preliminary reviews and comments for the 19 county municipalities that have individual Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances.”
Driveway accessRequired
Lots created through subdivision under the Clearfield County SALDO.
The guide describes the access requirement as part of subdivision regulation benefits.
The county SALDO applies only in municipalities without their own SALDO; municipal ordinances apply in the other 19 municipalities.
“Subdivision also ensures that each lot has legally enforceable access to a public right-of-way”
Permit feesPublished
Applications under the Clearfield County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance in municipalities where the county SALDO applies.
The county website publishes an Application Fee Schedule PDF.
The county SALDO does not apply where a municipality has its own subdivision and land development ordinance.
“Clearfield County’s SALDO only applies to land in municipalities that do not have their own subdivision and land development ordinances (SALDOs). Currently, 19 municipalities in Clearfield County have their own SALDOs:”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Subdivision and land-development plan review under the Clearfield County SALDO in the 31 municipalities without their own SALDO.
A surveyor generally prepares and submits the plan.
Minor subdivision plans must be delivered one week before the Planning Commission meeting.
Land development plans must be delivered two weeks before the Planning Commission meeting.
The Planning Commission may approve, conditionally approve, deny, or table a plan.
Conditional approval gives the surveyor 90 days to provide missing information.
The final decision is issued within 90 days of the meeting for which the plan was submitted.
Plans in the 19 municipalities with their own SALDO must be handled through those municipalities instead.
minor subdivision submission lead time: 1 week · land development submission lead time: 2 weeks · conditional approval cure period: 90 days · final decision deadline: 90 days
“This means that the surveyor will have ninety (90) days to bring in the missing information to the County Planning Department.”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Clearfield County administers only a countywide Subdivision & Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), not countywide zoning; zoning is adopted municipally where it exists.
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).”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
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 seeking exclusion from Pennsylvania UCC construction requirements for a qualifying recreational cabin in Clearfield County.
The structure must meet the Section 103 Act 92 definition of a recreational cabin.
The owner must equip the cabin with 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 UCC-13 affidavit or written proof of insurance from an authorized Pennsylvania insurer stating that the structure meets the recreational-cabin definition.
Upon sale, the owner must provide written notice in the sales agreement and deed 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.
“Act 92 of 2004 provides that recreational cabins may be excluded from the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
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.”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction in Clearfield County because Pennsylvania's statewide Uniform Construction Code applies statewide.
“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) — Building construction in Clearfield County under Pennsylvania's statewide 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) — Building construction in Clearfield County subject to Pennsylvania's statewide 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) — Building construction in Clearfield County under 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.”
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.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction for which a Pennsylvania UCC permit was issued in Clearfield County.
“A construction code official shall inspect all construction for which a permit was issued.”
Required — Construction and specified building-system work in Clearfield County under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
“Inspections are also necessary in several cases, including construction”
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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Use or occupancy of residential buildings in Clearfield County subject to the Pennsylvania UCC.
“A residential building may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
Required — Use or occupancy of a residential building governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
“A residential building may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
Zoning districtsPartial
Pennsylvania zoning requirements and district information; the official state source directs applicants to the local township, borough, or city.
Local registrations, permits, and zoning requirements must be addressed with the township, borough, or city where the activity will occur.
The source does not publish a statewide zoning-district map or a single statewide zoning-district schedule.
This claim does not identify or aggregate individual municipal zoning districts.
“Local registrations, permits, zoning requirements and related questions should be directed to the township, borough, or city where you will be operating.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured housing assembled and shipped by the manufacturer and bearing the required federal-construction-and-safety label, including changes in occupancy, resale, relocation, additions, repairs, utility connections, and grading addressed by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code.
For new labeled manufactured housing installed in conformity with the manufacturer's approved design, the UCC does not apply except as provided in the regulation.
Construction activities or processes, including utility connections and grading, that are not addressed by the manufacturer's approved design must comply with the UCC.
The UCC applies to alterations or repairs outside the federal manufactured-home standards and manufacturer installation instructions after assembly and shipment.
The UCC applies to additions after delivery to the site.
The UCC applies to construction, alteration, repair, or change of occupancy if the manufactured housing is resold to a subsequent purchaser.
The UCC applies to construction, alteration, repair, or change of occupancy if the original purchaser relocates the manufactured housing.
Pennsylvania building-permit guidance states that manufactured housing projects require inspections for site preparation, foundation construction, repairs, and changes in occupancy.
This state construction-code rule does not resolve local zoning, land-use siting, or utility/septic approval requirements.
“Construction, alteration, repair or change of occupancy if the original purchaser relocates the manufactured housing.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Manufactured-home installation and occupancy-related approvals statewide, including Clearfield County.
“The issuance of UCC building permits and certificates of occupancy for the assembly and installation of new 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) — Clearfield County properties subject to Pennsylvania on-lot sewage regulation; the actual permitting authority is the applicable municipality, joint/multi-municipal agency, county department of health, or joint county department of health.
“The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) defines "Local Agency" as "a municipality, or any combination thereof acting cooperatively or jointly under the laws of the Commonwealth, county, county department of health or joint county department of health." Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
Septic permitRequired
Installation, construction, occupancy, or use of a building served by an individual or community onlot sewage system statewide.
A permit must be obtained from the local agency before installation, contracting for construction, construction, occupancy, or use.
Multiple chemical or portable toilets for temporary construction, recreation, or temporary facilities are covered by one permit.
A permit is not required for a recycling, incinerating, or composting toilet where the existing onlot system is not altered.
A permit exemption may apply to an individual onlot system serving an owner or immediate-family residence on a contiguous tract of at least 10 acres, subject to the owner-of-record date, local ordinance exception, notification, and siting requirements.
A permit is not required for a replacement dwelling when the local agency determines the size and anticipated use are the same as or less than the prior dwelling and the prior dwelling was in use within one year, except during an active malfunction investigation.
permit-exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (Only under the specific owner/immediate-family and January 10, 1987 owner-of-record conditions.) · permit-exempt siting distance: >= 200 feet (Applies to septic tanks and absorption areas from listed property, water, floodplain, and related features.) · permit-exempt utility right-of-way distance: >= 10 feet · local-agency verification fee cap: <= 25 USD (For verifying siting of a permit-exempt system.)
“without first obtaining a permit from the local agency, except as provided in subsections (c)—(e).”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Individual and community on-lot sewage systems and retaining tanks in Clearfield County, subject to the applicable local agency.
“With certain exceptions (i.e. large volume on-lot systems), local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems which renovate sewage effluent in a soil absorption area or spray field.”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Not required — Private homeowner wells in Clearfield County, under the Pennsylvania DEP statement concerning state regulation.
“Does the state of Pennsylvania regulate private homeowner wells? No. The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does not regulate private wells.”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Qualifying agricultural buildings in Clearfield County under the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and Uniform Construction Code.
The structure must qualify as an agricultural building under the statutory definition.
Qualifying structures include structures used to store farm implements, hay, feed, grain, or other agricultural or horticultural products; house poultry, livestock, or other farm animals; milk houses; and structures used to grow mushrooms or agricultural or horticultural products.
The definition includes a 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 definition excludes habitable space.
The definition excludes spaces in which agricultural products are processed, treated, or packaged.
The definition does not include a place of occupancy by the general public.
The exclusion is from the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act; other applicable requirements are not addressed by this claim.
maple-sap processing structure area: < 1000 square feet (The structure must be utilized to process maple sap.)
“(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) — Qualifying agricultural buildings under Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act and Uniform Construction Code.
“(b) Exclusions.--This act shall not apply to any of the following: [...] (4) Any agricultural building.”
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 — Floodplain development regulation by municipalities in Pennsylvania, including municipalities within Clearfield County.
“Municipalities are required to regulate development activities within the SFHA by reviewing permit applications and issuing or denying permits.”
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”
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 Clearfield County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Clearfield Borough, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.
The governing source identifies a Clearfield Borough Zoning Ordinance and a separate Airport Zoning Ordinance.
The cited source states that the zoning ordinance is available for public examination at the Borough Secretary's office.
The source identifies Ordinance No. 1192 adopted 8-18-1994 and Ordinance No. 1306 adopted 4-16-2009.
“A public zoning hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Clearfield Borough Admin Building, 6 South Front Street, Clearfield, PA 16830 at the request of Colonial Rentals, LLC for a “special exception” to the provisions of the Clearfield Borough Zoning Ordinance No. 1192, Article 4, Section 40712.”
Set by your town or city, not the county
In Pennsylvania, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Clearfield 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
Minimum lot size
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania
Is Clearfield County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Clearfield County scores 85/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and manageable long-term carry cost.
Do you need a building permit in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania?
Clearfield County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Clearfield County Sewage Committee (multimunicipal Act 537 local agency / SEO). 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 Clearfield County, Pennsylvania?
Land in Clearfield County runs about $4,418 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Clearfield County?
Clearfield County gets about 43.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.5% of years.
How remote is Clearfield County?
A representative private-land location has about 10,921 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,455,338 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.
