Building permits, zoning and land rules in Clinton County, Pennsylvania
73Index Score / 100 #25 of 67 in Pennsylvania
Clinton County, Pennsylvania does not issue building permits: the statewide Uniform Construction Code applies, and applicants get a building permit from the municipality where the land lies or from a certified third-party inspector12. Clinton County issues zoning permits only in Colebrook, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes and West Keating Townships; every other municipality has its own zoning officer32. Septic permits come from the local sewage agency for the parcel's municipality, not from the county planning office4.
At a glance
Building permit
Required under Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code; apply through the municipality or its third-party agency, which sets the fee562
Zoning
County-administered in Colebrook, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes and West Keating Townships; locally administered elsewhere3
Septic permit
Required from the applicable local agency, generally the municipality or joint service area47
RV living
No countywide RV answer confirmed; a mobile home needs a district that allows single-family homes plus 650 square feet and anchoring in county-zoned townships89
Tiny home
No tiny-home-specific countywide rule confirmed; zoning and dwelling standards depend on the municipality and district8
Owner-builder
No general exemption; a qualifying recreational cabin may be excluded from UCC requirements after required documentation is filed10
Private well
No state permit when a homeowner drills on their own or leased land; some municipalities set their own well standards1112
County-zoned lot size
District-specific, from 1 acre in several districts to 10 acres in Woodland Conservation13
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Do you need a building permit in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code requires an owner to apply for and obtain a permit before constructing, enlarging, moving or changing the occupancy of a residential building, or installing regulated electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems in Clinton County5. Clinton County does not issue the building permit; the county directs applicants to the municipality where the property lies or to a certified third-party inspector2. Fences up to 6 feet, uncovered decks no more than 30 inches above grade and similar small projects are listed exceptions, and the building code official generally has 15 business days to grant or deny an application5. Fees are set by the municipality or its third-party agency, not by the state, so ask the enforcer for its published schedule6. Inspections cover foundation, systems, framing, wallboard and a final inspection14, and a residence cannot be occupied until a certificate of occupancy is issued15. A qualifying recreational cabin may be excluded from UCC requirements after the owner files the required affidavit or insurance proof with the municipality, but this is not a general owner-builder exemption10.
Who issues building permits and zoning permits in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?
Start with the municipality containing the parcel for a building permit, because Clinton County does not issue building permits and points applicants to the local municipality or a certified third-party inspector2. For zoning, contact Clinton County Planning, Zoning, Engineering, Grants at 570-893-4080 or planning@clintoncountypa.gov if the land is in Colebrook, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes or West Keating Township2. The office is at 2 Piper Way, Suite 244, Lock Haven, PA 177452. Clinton County administers zoning permits in those six townships only2. In every other Clinton County municipality, the designated city, borough or township zoning officer administers the applicable local ordinance38. Septic permits are issued locally rather than by the county planning office, so ask the municipality to identify its Sewage Enforcement Officer or joint service area16.
Does Clinton County, Pennsylvania have zoning?
Clinton County administers its zoning ordinance only in Colebrook, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes and West Keating Townships; other municipalities have their own zoning officers and ordinances, including the Borough of Avis, which has its own zoning chapter317. Unlike most counties around it in Pennsylvania, Clinton County has county zoning18. Within the county-zoned area, zoning districts include Rural Center, Residential, Agricultural, Industrial, Woodland Conservation, Rural Forest and Countryside19. Lot size, setbacks, height and coverage depend on the district202122. For example, minimum lots are 1 acre in the Rural Center, Rural Forest and Agricultural districts, 5 acres in Countryside, and 10 acres in Woodland Conservation; Residential lots have different standards depending on water and sewer service13. Front setbacks are 20 feet in Rural Center, 25 feet in Residential, 35 feet in Rural Forest and Agricultural, and 30 feet in Woodland Conservation and Countryside20.
How do septic permits work in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?
The applicable local agency issues permits for individual and community on-lot systems and retaining tanks in Clinton County, with large-volume systems treated as an exception4. The local agency may be a municipality, a group of municipalities acting jointly, or a health department, so ask the parcel's municipality for its Sewage Enforcement Officer before ordering a design7. Only 10.3% of Clinton County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making early site testing especially valuable23. No part of an on-lot system may be covered until the applicable local agency conducts the final inspection24. Pennsylvania has a conditional permit exemption for certain owner-occupied or immediate-family homes on contiguous tracts of at least 10 acres, but notification, ownership, siting and local-ordinance conditions still apply25. Composting or incinerating toilets do not eliminate the need to handle washwater or excess liquid through an approved disposal method for a new residence26.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?
We could not confirm one countywide rule for living in an RV or for occupying a tiny home in Clinton County, so ask the zoning officer for the parcel's municipality before moving a unit onto the land8. In the county-zoned townships, every single-family dwelling, mobile homes included, needs at least 600 square feet of gross floor area absent a more restrictive code27. A mobile home is allowed on an individual lot only in a district permitting single-family residences, on at least the district's minimum lot area and within setbacks9. It also needs a permanent foundation or compacted stand, anchoring against wind of at least 90 miles per hour, a continuous perimeter wall and at least 650 square feet of habitable floor area9. A mobile home in a floodplain must meet the municipal floodplain ordinance28. Those provisions do not establish that an RV may be used as a residence or that every tiny home fits the ordinance's classifications8.
How do you build a home in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?
Identify the parcel's municipality and zoning district, then confirm whether the county Planning office or a municipal zoning officer handles the zoning permit3.
Confirm lot size, setbacks, floodplain status and the proposed dwelling type before finalizing a site plan; floodplain regulation is municipal even in the county-zoned townships2029.
Ask the municipality which building code official or certified third-party agency accepts the UCC application and what fee that enforcer charges26.
Contact the municipality's Sewage Enforcement Officer for site testing and an on-lot permit before septic construction4.
Obtain a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit if the driveway will be built or changed on state highway land or connect to a PennDOT drainage facility30.
Keep permitted work open for inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the residence1415.
What should you check before buying land in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?
Confirm jurisdiction first because county zoning applies in only six townships and municipal ordinances govern elsewhere3. Arrange septic site testing before treating vacant land as buildable because only 10.3% of Clinton County soils lack severe conventional-drain-field limitations23. Check slope and clearing costs as well: 43.5% of the county is at 15% slope or less, and 90.5% is wooded3132. Ask the municipality about floodplain approval, and ask the Clinton County Conservation District whether stream, floodway or wetland work needs a separate permit2933. If creating a new parcel, confirm whether the county subdivision ordinance applies; county-reviewed minor subdivisions have 5 lots or fewer without new utilities, streets or rights-of-way, while larger or infrastructure-related proposals receive full Planning Commission review34. A homeowner drilling a private well on their own or leased land is exempt from the state driller-license and rig-permit requirement, and Pennsylvania has no statewide construction or siting standards for private wells, but some municipalities set their own, so ask the parcel's municipality1112. A hired drilling company must hold a state license and rig permit35. Public water systems require state construction and operation permits36.
Watch-outs
The zoning table can be easy to misread: county-zoned front setbacks range from 20 to 35 feet by district, while other figures in the table describe different dimensional standards20.
A qualifying agricultural building may be excluded from the state Construction Code Act, but agricultural uses in the county-zoned townships still face district, setback and environmental rules3738.
A driveway onto state highway land or a connection to a PennDOT drainage facility needs a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit30.
Written October 14, 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.
Clinton County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score
How Clinton County scores
Seclusion56100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency59100% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability81100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost67100% 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 →
$204kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$8,278Land / acre
43.3"Annual rain
1.5% of yrsSevere drought
1.3 / yr (+1.3)Mid-century 100°F days
10.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.73" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.58×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$815Home insurance / yr
0.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.51%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
558,955People within 2 hr
44,506Radius comparison (15 mi)
42.4People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
43.5%Land at 15% slope or less
10.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Clinton 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: Allison Township · Borough of Avis · Bald Eagle Township · Borough of Beech Creek · Beech Creek Township · Castanea Township · Chapman Township · Colebrook Township · Crawford Township · Dunnstable Township · East Keating Township · Borough of Flemington · Gallagher Township · Greene Township · Grugan Township · Leidy Township · Logan Township · Borough of Mill Hall · Noyes Township · Pine Creek Township · Porter Township · Borough of Renovo · Borough of South Renovo · Wayne Township · West Keating Township · Woodward Township
Answers from the rulebook for Clinton County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Clinton County rules
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Clinton County Zoning Ordinance administered by the Clinton County Planning Department within the specified county-covered municipalities, not countywide across every municipality.
The county ordinance covers Colebrook Township, Gallagher Township, Grugan Township, Logan Township, Noyes Township (including former East Keating Township), and West Keating Township.
The source states that zoning permits for other municipalities are handled by their designated city, township, or borough zoning officer.
Zoning permits require compliance with the applicable ordinance and the county page lists application information, parcel information, project cost, completion date, and conservation-district approval for earthmoving over 5,000 square feet.
“The Planning Department approves Zoning Permits covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance for the following municipalities: Colebrook Township Gallagher Township Grugan Township Logan Township Noyes Township (includes former E. Keating Twp.) West Keating Township”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Local zoning across Clinton County municipalities, aggregated at the county level; individual municipal authorities administer their own ordinances except where the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance applies.
The county page states that all 28 municipal land-use ordinances and maps are posted.
The county zoning ordinance applies to six listed municipalities; other municipalities have their own designated zoning officers and ordinances.
Specific dimensional requirements, uses, exceptions, and fees must be determined from the applicable municipal or county ordinance.
“All 28 municipal land use ordinances and maps are posted here. Click on the plus sign beside your municipality to view the content. Amendments, if any, appear at the end of each ordinance. If you don't see a SALDO, contact the municipality.”
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
The Clinton County Zoning Ordinance applies in Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating Townships.
The ordinance applies only in the seven listed municipalities; this claim does not establish zoning publication or administration for other Clinton County municipalities.
The official zoning maps of the seven townships are made part of the ordinance.
The ordinance states that it takes effect immediately upon enactment.
zoning districts: RC Rural Center; R Residential; A Agricultural; I Industrial; WC Woodland Conservation; RF Rural Forest; CS Countryside
“For the purposes of implementing the objectives of this Ordinance, the covered townships of Clinton County, including Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating, are hereby divided into the following zoning districts: RC Rural Center District R Residential District A Agricultural District I Industrial District WC Woodland Conservation District RF Rural Forest District CS Countryside District”
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Single-family dwelling units, including attached and detached units, in the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance: Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating Townships.
Applies in the county-zoning municipalities identified in the ordinance.
The requirement applies in the absence of more restrictive codes.
Single-family attached dwellings in RC and R Districts require Special Exception approval.
Applicable PA Uniform Construction Code requirements also apply.
minimum gross floor area: >= 600 square feet (In the absence of more restrictive codes.)
“In the absence of more restrictive codes, every single-family dwelling unit (whether attached or detached, including townhouse units, apartment units, mobile homes or manufactured housing) shall contain a minimum of 600 square feet of gross floor area.”
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Lots in the seven municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance, with standards varying by county zoning district.
The dimensional table directs readers to Part 4 and Part 5 for additional district- and use-specific standards.
R District lots are 1 acre with on-lot septic and water, or 20,000 square feet with public sewer and/or water.
WC District lots are 10 acres; CS District lots are 5 acres; RC, RF, and A District lots are 1 acre.
The more restrictive provision applies where Part 6 conflicts with the applicable zoning district.
RC minimum lot area: 1 acre · R minimum lot area with on-lot septic and water: 1 acre · R minimum lot area with public sewer and/or water: 20,000 sq ft · RF minimum lot area: 1 acre · A minimum lot area: 1 acre · WC minimum lot area: 10 acres · CS minimum lot area: 5 acres
“RC 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft (SF) 100 ft 20 ft 10/10 ft 20/10 ft 35/25 ft 20% [...] RF 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/8 ft 25/8 ft 35/25 ft 35% [...] A 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/10 ft 25/10 ft 35/25 ft 35% WC 10 acres (SF) 150 ft 30 ft 25/20 ft 30/20 ft 35/25 ft 20% CS 5 acres (SF) 150 ft 30 ft 25/20 ft 30/20 ft 35/25 ft 20%”
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Front, side, and rear yard setbacks in the RC, R, RF, A, WC, and CS zoning districts within the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance.
Values vary by zoning district and by principal versus accessory structure.
Front setbacks are measured from the edge of the street right-of-way.
The appendix states that Part 4 and Part 5 may impose additional dimensional standards.
Agricultural livestock or poultry buildings have a separate 100-foot property-line and 25-foot public-street-right-of-way setback, subject to 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.
RC front yard setback: 20 feet · RC side yard setback principal/accessory: 10/10 feet · RC rear yard setback principal/accessory: 20/10 feet · R front yard setback: 25 feet · R side yard setback principal/accessory: 15/10 feet · R rear yard setback principal/accessory: 20/10 feet · RF front yard setback: 35 feet · A front yard setback: 35 feet · WC front yard setback: 30 feet · CS front yard setback: 30 feet
“RC 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft (SF) 100 ft 20 ft 10/10 ft 20/10 ft 35/25 ft 20% [...] RF 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/8 ft 25/8 ft 35/25 ft 35% [...] Measured from edge of street right-of-way.”
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Maximum building coverage in the RC, R, RF, A, WC, and CS zoning districts within the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance.
Maximum building coverage varies by zoning district.
The appendix directs users to Part 4 and Part 5 for additional standards.
RC maximum building coverage: 20 percent · R maximum building coverage: 35 percent · RF maximum building coverage: 35 percent · A maximum building coverage: 35 percent · WC maximum building coverage: 20 percent · CS maximum building coverage: 20 percent
“RC 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft (SF) 100 ft 20 ft 10/10 ft 20/10 ft 35/25 ft 20% [...] RF 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/8 ft 25/8 ft 35/25 ft 35% [...] A 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/10 ft 25/10 ft 35/25 ft 35% [...] WC 10 acres (SF) 150 ft 30 ft 25/20 ft 30/20 ft 35/25 ft 20% [...] CS 5 acres (SF) 150 ft 30 ft 25/20 ft 30/20 ft 35/25 ft 20%”
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Principal and accessory structure height in the RC, R, RF, A, WC, and CS zoning districts within the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance.
Maximum height varies by zoning district and by principal versus accessory structure.
Agricultural structures, silos, and water towers are exempt from ordinary height regulations when necessary for their intended purpose, with additional setback requirements near residential districts or residential uses.
FAA rules apply; structures 75 feet or more above ground level require documented FAA review and/or approval as applicable.
RC maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet · R maximum height principal/accessory: 35/20 feet · RF maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet · A maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet · WC maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet · CS maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet
“Agricultural structures, silos, and water towers are not subject to height regulations provided that such appurtenances are erected only to such height as is necessary to accomplish their intended purpose, and in the case of structures being proposed for location adjacent to a Residential District or residential use, are set back a distance equal to their height from all property lines.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Individual mobile homes, including manufactured housing only to the extent it falls within the ordinance's mobile-home definition, in Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating Townships, in zoning districts permitting single-family residences.
The county ordinance applies only in the townships identified in the ordinance; municipalities outside that coverage are not resolved by this claim.
The ordinance defines a mobile home as a transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit or two units designed to be joined into one integral unit, arriving complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly, and constructed so it may be used without a permanent foundation.
Every lot must have at least the district's minimum lot area and the unit must meet applicable minimum setback lines.
The unit must be placed on either a permanent foundation or a properly graded, placed, and compacted stand or pad adequate to support anticipated loads during all seasons.
The unit must be anchored before occupancy with an anchoring system designed to resist wind velocity of at least 90 miles per hour.
The unit must have a continuous wall around its entire perimeter, using a permanent concrete or masonry wall or qualifying prefabricated skirting; bales of hay and plywood are not allowed.
Locked door or panel access must be provided to crawl space created by the wall.
A dwelling unit must contain at least 650 square feet of habitable floor area.
A unit placed in a floodplain must comply with all provisions of the appropriate municipal floodplain ordinance.
The Zoning Officer may require additional information necessary to protect county residents' health, safety, and welfare.
The ordinance cover states it was adopted by the Clinton County Commissioners on August 25, 2016; no separate effective date was stated in the reviewed material.
minimum wind resistance: >= 90 miles per hour · minimum habitable floor area: >= 650 square feet (for every unit used as a dwelling unit) · minimum lot area: district minimum
“A mobile home shall be permitted on an individual lot in any District permitting single-family residences.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Individual mobile-home placement in the districts governed by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance, including districts permitting single-family residences; the ordinance excerpt does not establish that every manufactured home is classified as a mobile home.
“A mobile home shall be permitted on an individual lot in any District permitting single-family residences. When reviewing permit applications for such mobile houses, the Zoning Officer shall utilize the following criteria and may require additional information to be submitted where it is necessary in order to adequately protect the health, safety, and welfare of County residents.”
Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)
On-lot or onsite septic-system permitting and enforcement within Clinton County municipalities.
The actual administering entity may be an individual municipality, a combination of municipalities acting jointly, a county department of health, or a joint county department of health.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provides technical oversight and financial assistance to local agencies.
“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
Individual and community on-lot sewage systems, retaining tanks, and other on-lot systems in Clinton County.
Local agencies issue permits for retaining tanks and individual and community on-lot sewage systems.
Large-volume on-lot systems are an exception to the ordinary local-agency responsibility and may require DEP permitting.
New land development planning generally requires a DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module Application Mailer, except projects qualifying for Component 1.
Local municipal coordination is required; completed planning modules must not be submitted directly to DEP without municipal coordination.
“local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Individual and community on-lot sewage systems, retaining tanks, and related on-lot systems in Clinton County, administered by the applicable local agency.
“local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems”
Required — On-lot or onsite septic-system permits in Clinton County municipalities.
“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 inspectionRequired
Final inspection of on-lot sewage system installations in Clinton County by the applicable local permitting agency.
The cited DEP guide describes final inspection as part of the local on-lot permitting program.
Additional operation or maintenance inspections are not uniform: the guide states that sewage-management programs vary by municipality.
The guide states that some municipalities use periodic pumping ordinances while others use more active inspection functions.
“No part of an individual or community onlot sewage system may be covered until a final inspection is conducted”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Agricultural uses in the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance.
Existing agricultural programs are permitted and encouraged as an interim use only until the property owner sells or transfers the property for development conforming to district regulations.
Agricultural uses initiated after the ordinance's effective date remain subject to safeguards and regulations.
Commercial animal husbandry is limited to the A, WC, and CS Districts.
Livestock or poultry buildings must meet specified setbacks, subject to 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.
Agricultural operations involving manure must comply with applicable Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requirements.
CAO and CAFO uses are limited to the A District and require Special Exception approval before issuance of a zoning permit.
This claim is not a blanket exemption from all construction or environmental requirements.
livestock or poultry building setback from property lines: >= 100 feet (Except as may be provided otherwise in 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.) · livestock or poultry building setback from public street right-of-way: >= 25 feet (Except as may be provided otherwise in 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.) · outdoor feedlot, agricultural compost, manure, or similar unenclosed storage setback from non-owner dwelling: >= 100 feet (Except as may be provided otherwise in 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.) · outdoor feedlot, agricultural compost, manure, or similar unenclosed storage setback from stream, water body, or designated wetland: >= 50 feet (Except as may be provided otherwise in 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.)
“All agricultural uses initiated after the effective date of this Ordinance shall however be subject to the following safeguards and regulations.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivisions and land development in the fourteen municipalities listed on the Clinton County subdivision page.
County Planning Department/Commission review is final for the listed municipalities.
Subdivisions cannot be smaller than one acre unless sold to a contiguous neighbor or relative.
In some zoning districts, subdivisions cannot be smaller than ten acres.
Plans involving rights of way, roads, new utilities, land developments, or more than five lots are reviewed by the full Planning Commission.
A subdivision is not official until deeds and plats are entered at the Register and Recorder's Office within 90 days of plan approval.
minor subdivision threshold: <= 5 lots or less (No addition of new utilities, streets, or rights of way.) · major subdivision threshold: >= 6 lots or more (Also applies to smaller numbers if new utilities, streets, or rights of way are planned or intended.) · minimum subdivision size: >= 1 acre (Unless sold to a contiguous neighbor or relative; some zoning districts require at least 10 acres.) · deed and plat recording deadline: <= 90 days (Measured from approval date on the plans.)
“Minor Subdivisions consist of five lots or less, with no addition of new utilities, streets, or rights of way. Major Subdivisions consist of six lots or more, or any smaller number of lots if new utilities, streets, or rights of way are currently planned or intended as a future use.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Activities in or near streams, adjacent floodways, or wetlands in Clinton County that may alter stream dimensions, add material to a floodway, alter a floodway, or impact wetlands.
The page states that permits are required in most cases, not necessarily every activity.
Typical permitted activities include earth disturbance near streams, adding fill, structures near streams, dredging, stream-bank stabilization, highway-bridge replacement, driveway-culvert installation or replacement, and fish-habitat structures.
Any activity with potential to impact wetlands, temporarily or permanently, requires a permit.
“In most cases, a permit is required before starting any activity which has the potential to [...] alter the floodway.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Activities in designated flood-prone areas within the seven municipalities governed by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance: Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating Townships.
“Floodplain management is the responsibility of each of the seven municipalities governed by this Zoning Ordinance”
Pennsylvania rules that apply here
Building permitRequired
Residential buildings and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
The requirement applies to an owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a residential building, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace a regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system.
Emergency repairs or equipment replacement may occur without first applying for a permit if the permit application is submitted to the building code official within 3 business days.
A permit is not required for the exceptions listed in § 403.1(b), or for the listed residential exceptions, when the work does not violate a law or ordinance.
Residential exceptions include fences no more than 6 feet high; retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; grade-supported water tanks of no more than 5,000 gallons with a height-to-diameter-or-width ratio no greater than 2 to 1; sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; exterior-wall-supported window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support; uncovered decks with the floor no more than 30 inches above grade; and installation or rearrangement of communications wiring.
Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, but cutting away load-bearing walls or structural supports, altering required means of egress, or adding or relocating listed plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems are not ordinary repairs.
Installation, alteration, or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, metering, or related equipment owned and controlled by public service agencies by established right does not require a permit.
Permit applications are submitted to the building code official with construction documents and other required approvals; flood-hazard-area projects require specified flood information, and applications generally require a site plan showing new construction, existing structures, and distances from lot lines.
A building code official generally must grant or deny the application within 15 business days, subject to the regulation's stated conditions and exceptions.
The residential permit subchapter applies to municipalities electing to enforce the Uniform Construction Code and to third-party agencies; municipalities not enforcing the code require residential applicants to obtain a certified third-party agency for plan review and inspections.
emergency permit application deadline: 3 business days (after emergency repair or equipment replacement) · fence height exemption threshold: <= 6 feet · retaining wall exemption threshold: <= 4 feet (unless supporting a surcharge) · water tank exemption capacity: <= 5000 gallons (height-to-diameter-or-width ratio must not exceed 2 to 1) · sidewalk or driveway exemption height: <= 30 inches above adjacent grade (not over a basement or story below) · prefabricated swimming pool exemption depth: < 24 inches · window awning exemption projection: <= 54 inches (must be supported by an exterior wall and require no additional support) · uncovered deck exemption height: <= 30 inches above grade · permit decision deadline: 15 business days (subject to the regulation's stated conditions)
“An owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a residential building or erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace an electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under § 403.62a (relating to permit application).”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Residential buildings and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems in Pennsylvania municipalities enforcing the Uniform Construction Code or under third-party agency enforcement.
“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).”
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 Uniform Construction Code requirements for a recreational cabin in Clinton County.
The exemption is limited to structures meeting the statutory definition of a recreational cabin under Section 103 of Act 92.
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 insurer stating that the structure meets the recreational-cabin definition.
Upon sale, the sales agreement and deed must state that the structure is exempt from UCC requirements, 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.
This is not a general exemption from obtaining permits for owner-built residential construction.
“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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction in Pennsylvania, including Clinton County, subject to the statewide Uniform Construction Code and the applicable local or third-party enforcement arrangement.
“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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction in Clinton County for which a Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code permit has been issued.
“A construction code official shall inspect all construction for which a permit was issued. The permit holder shall insure that the construction is accessible for inspection. An inspection does not bar prosecution or other legal action for violation of the Uniform Construction Code.”
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 — Residential buildings in Clinton County subject to Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code requirements.
“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.”
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
Construction or drilling of a private water well in Pennsylvania when performed by a water well drilling company, including in Clinton County.
Water well drilling companies must obtain a state license and rig permit to drill a well.
The licensing and rig-permit requirement does not apply to farmers or homeowners who drill their own water wells on their own or leased land.
Pennsylvania has construction standards for public water-supply wells but not for private water wells.
The state source does not establish a general private-well construction permit requirement for homeowner-drilled wells.
Some municipalities may impose their own private-well standards or approvals.
license year: June 1 to May 31 · water well driller license fee: 60 USD per year · rig permit fee: 20 USD each
“Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction, substantial modification, and operation of public water systems, including applicable community and noncommunity systems that use wells.
“no person may construct or substantially modify a public water system (PWS) without first obtaining (or amending) a construction permit from DEP.”
Limited — Private homeowner water wells and water-well drilling in Pennsylvania, including Clinton County.
“Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
Limited — Private homeowner water wells in Clinton County, subject to potentially applicable municipal standards.
“In Pennsylvania, there are no statewide construction or siting standards for private water wells. Some municipalities, however, do have standards.”
Not required — Private homeowner water wells drilled by the homeowner on the homeowner's own or leased land in Pennsylvania, including Clinton County.
“Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania. The license year runs from June 1 to May 31. This does not apply to farmers or homeowners who drill their own water wells on their own or leased land.”
Limited — 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 get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
Driveway accessRequired
Construction or alteration of a driveway connected to Pennsylvania state highway land, including a driveway connecting to a PennDOT drainage facility.
The requirement applies to building or changing a driveway on state highway land.
A permit is also required if the driveway connects to a PennDOT drainage facility.
Paving may be considered maintenance only in some cases; PennDOT advises applicants to contact it to determine whether that exception applies.
Permits are usually given within 30 days when the needed information is provided and the application follows PennDOT regulations.
PennDOT has 60 days to review each application and aims to finish reviews within 30 days.
A minimum-use driveway is expected to be used by no more than 25 vehicles per day, or 50 average daily traffic.
minimum-use driveway traffic: <= 25 vehicles per day (Equivalent to 50 average daily traffic.)
“You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Building or changing a driveway, road, drainage facility, or utility facility on state highway land in Pennsylvania, including Clinton County.
“You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
Required — Construction or alteration of a driveway or road on Pennsylvania state highway land, and access connecting to a PennDOT drainage facility.
“You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
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 feesVariable (with conditions)
UCC administration and enforcement fees charged by Pennsylvania municipalities or certified third-party agencies, including agencies serving Clinton County municipalities.
The municipality or certified third-party agency may establish fees for UCC administration and enforcement, including plan review, inspections, and other UCC-related activities.
The building code official or third-party agency must make its fee schedule available to the public.
A permit may be withheld until required fees are paid.
The actual residential permit fee therefore depends on the enforcing municipality or third-party agency and its current published schedule.
fee schedule authority: Municipality or third-party agency
“A municipality or third-party agency that enforces the Uniform Construction Code may establish fees for its administration and enforcement”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Variable (with conditions) — Uniform Construction Code enforcement fees for residential construction in Clinton County, where fees may be charged by the responsible municipality or certified third-party agency.
“Fees charged by municipalities or their third party agencies are not regulated by statute or regulation.”
Variable (with conditions) — Residential UCC building-permit fees for projects in Clinton County, where the applicable municipality or certified third-party agency administers residential UCC services.
“Fees charged for code enforcement services. (Fees charged by municipalities or their third party agencies are not regulated by statute or regulation.)”
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 processPublished (with conditions)
Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code building permits for construction and building work subject to the UCC.
A UCC building permit must be obtained before starting work.
Inspections are required in several listed cases, including commercial or residential building changes, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, swimming pools or hot tubs, and specified manufactured or industrialized housing work.
A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.
Emergency repairs or equipment replacements may proceed without a permit if an application is submitted to the building code official within three business days.
“The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
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 Clinton 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.
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer utility-connection requirements for property and development in Clinton County.
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Clinton County, Pennsylvania
Is Clinton County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Clinton County scores 73/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?
Clinton County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (Act 537 local agency). 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 Clinton County, Pennsylvania?
Land in Clinton County runs about $8,278 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Clinton County?
Clinton County gets about 43.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.5% of years.
How remote is Clinton County?
A typical private-land location has about 44,506 people within 15 miles and 5,783,514 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
