Bolthole Index

Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Delaware County, Pennsylvania

35Index Score / 100
#66 of 67 in Pennsylvania

Delaware County, Pennsylvania building permits for covered work come from the UCC authority serving the parcel's municipality, not the county Planning Department12. Zoning requirements vary by municipality and district; municipal officials provide the current rules3. Delaware County Health Department issues permits for individual and small-community on-lot sewage systems and private wells45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered UCC work; apply through the authority serving the municipality1
Zoning
Varies by municipality and district; confirm with the township, borough or city3
Septic
County Health Department permit, inspection and enforcement under Act 537467
Private wells
County Health Department permit and written approval required5
Certificate of occupancy
Required before a UCC-regulated residential building may be used or occupied8
Subdivision review
County ordinance governs municipalities without their own ordinance; municipal approval is also required9
RV or tiny-home living
No countywide answer confirmed; ask the parcel's municipality10
Owner-builder
State contractor licensing is generally not required for uncompensated work on your own primary residence; permits still apply111

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Delaware County Planning Department

Advisory Act 247 subdivision/land-development review and Act 537 sewage planning-module (Component 4B) review for Delaware County; does not issue building permits, zoning approvals or septic permits

610-891-5200

planning_department@co.delaware.pa.us

2 W. Baltimore Avenue, Suite 202, Media, PA 19063

Septic permits

Delaware County Health Department, Environmental Health

Permits, inspections and enforcement for individual and small-community on-lot sewage systems, and permits for private wells, geothermal wells and monitoring wells

(484) 276-2100

environmental@co.delaware.pa.us

1400 N Providence Road Suite 212, Media, PA 19063

Also useful

Delaware County Government (general information line)

General county information and routing to the correct municipal building, zoning or septic office

610-891-4000

askdelco@co.delaware.pa.us

201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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Do you need a building permit in Delaware County, Pennsylvania?

An owner or authorized representative must obtain a UCC building permit before covered construction in Delaware County begins; the applicable municipal building-code official, certified third-party agency or state authority administers the permit for its jurisdiction1. The Delaware County Planning Department directs building-permit questions to municipal code enforcement officials2. An emergency repair or equipment replacement may begin first only if the application reaches the building code official within 3 business days1. Permitted work is inspected at stages including foundation, systems, framing or masonry, wallboard and final inspection12. A UCC-regulated residence cannot be occupied without a certificate of occupancy13. Pennsylvania’s statewide UCC applies to covered construction in Delaware County14. Qualifying farm buildings without habitable, processing or public-occupancy space are excluded from the state Construction Code Act; municipal zoning remains a separate question153.

Who issues Delaware County building permits, and how do you reach the county?

Start with the code enforcement office for the parcel's township, borough or city; depending on the jurisdiction, a municipal official, certified third-party agency or state authority administers UCC permits1. The Delaware County Planning Department handles county subdivision and land-development review and the county portion of sewage planning modules, rather than building permits162. Reach the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or 2 W. Baltimore Avenue, Suite 202, Media, PA 190632. If the municipality is unknown, call Delaware County's general information line at 610-891-400017. County planning, subdivision, land-development, sewage and well fee information is published, but exact charges are not established for every permit type18. For septic and well permits, call the Delaware County Health Department's environmental health staff at (484) 276-21007.

Does Delaware County have zoning?

Zoning requirements in Delaware County vary by municipality and district; ask the parcel's township, borough or city about allowed uses and development conditions3. The county's interactive zoning map includes all 49 municipalities, but overlays must be enabled and municipal officials have the current information1920. Where the county subdivision and land-development ordinance applies because a municipality lacks its own ordinance, lot area must meet the municipal zoning district's minimum, and building setbacks follow municipal yard requirements and constraints such as floodplains, slopes and easements2122. County review does not replace municipal approval; county review applications may be submitted online, by mailed PDF or in person1623.

How do septic permits work in Delaware County?

Delaware County Health Department is the permitting authority, whichever township or borough the parcel is in, and it is the local authority for individual and small-community on-lot sewage systems, including permits, inspections and enforcement under Act 5374247. A permit is required for a new system and for repairs or modifications to an existing system; repairs that can be done without digging equipment, such as exposed lateral-end extensions or exposed tank lids, avoid that permit requirement25. Major new permits require soil testing, and no system or portion may be covered before final inspection2524. The Planning Department separately processes the county planning-agency portion of sewage-facility planning modules2. Site feasibility deserves early attention because only 3.6% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field26.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Delaware County?

We could not confirm a countywide rule for residential RV use, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Delaware County; ask the parcel’s municipal zoning office about the proposed use because local requirements vary by district3. A federally labeled manufactured home installed to its approved design receives limited UCC treatment, but site work, utility connections, additions, repairs, relocation and some occupancy changes can still trigger the code; local zoning and septic approval remain separate27. A composting or incinerating toilet does not eliminate sewage planning because a new residence still needs an approved way to handle washwater or excess liquid28.

Building a home in Delaware County: the steps, in order

  1. Identify the parcel's township, borough or city and confirm its zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and overlays with municipal officials32922.
  2. If the project divides land or is land development, determine the applicable local ordinance and complete county Act 247 review plus municipal approval16.
  3. Contact Delaware County Health Department early for on-lot sewage soil testing, permitting and inspection requirements6.
  4. For a private well, obtain the county Health Department's construction permit and written approval to use the well5.
  5. Apply to the authority serving the municipality for the UCC building permit before covered work begins1.
  6. Keep work accessible for required inspections, provide written proof of passed inspections for completed public electric or gas connections, and obtain the certificate of occupancy before moving in303132.
  7. If access is to a Commonwealth highway, obtain a PennDOT highway occupancy permit before driveway access is permitted33.

What should you check before buying land in Delaware County?

Confirm the municipality, zoning district and every overlay directly with municipal officials before treating the county's interactive map as current29. For land relying on septic, investigate soils before closing because only 3.6% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field26. A private well needs a Delaware County Health Department construction permit followed by written use approval supported by completion and water-quality information5. For floodplain construction subject to the cited UCC documentation requirement, a registered design professional must prepare and seal the documents; development in a Special Flood Hazard Area also requires a municipal floodplain development permit or equivalent3435. If subdivision or land development is contemplated, budget separately for municipal and county review fees36. Confirm whether the driveway meets a local road or a Commonwealth highway because state-highway access requires a PennDOT permit37. Delaware County's median property-tax bill is about $6,001 a year at an effective rate of about 2%3839.

Watch-outs

  • Do not rely on the county zoning map alone: its documents can become outdated, and municipal officials have the current district and overlay information29.
  • A Delaware County well-construction permit is required even though Pennsylvania separately exempts a homeowner drilling on owned or leased land from the commercial driller licensing requirement540.
  • Pennsylvania generally does not license an owner doing uncompensated work on the owner's own primary residence as a contractor, but that does not waive UCC permits, inspections or municipal requirements111.

Sources

  1. Apply for a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  2. Delaware County Planning Department (delcopa.gov)
  3. delcopa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  4. Sewage and Water, quoted and re-checked
  5. Sewage and Water, quoted and re-checked
  6. Permits for On-Lot Sewage Disposal Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. Delaware County Health Department, Environmental Health (delcopa.gov)
  8. pa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  9. Development Review, quoted and re-checked
  10. Delaware County Planning Department - Development Review (2026 county census)
  11. Contractor Licensing (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. pa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  13. pa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  14. Uniform Construction Code, quoted and re-checked
  15. Pennsylvania Construction Code Act — Chapter 1 (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Development Review, quoted and re-checked
  17. Delaware County Government (general information line) (delcopa.gov)
  18. Development Review, quoted and re-checked
  19. delcopa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  20. delcopa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  21. Delaware County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance of 2016, quoted and re-checked
  22. Delaware County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance of 2016, quoted and re-checked
  23. Development Review, quoted and re-checked
  24. Sewage and Water, quoted and re-checked
  25. Sewage and Water, quoted and re-checked
  26. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, Chapter 403 (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. 25 Pa. Code § 73.65. Recycling toilet, incinerating toilet or composting toilet (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. delcopa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  30. Uniform Construction Code Chapter 403, quoted and re-checked
  31. Uniform Construction Code Chapter 403, quoted and re-checked
  32. Uniform Construction Code Chapter 403, quoted and re-checked
  33. Uniform Construction Code Chapter 403, quoted and re-checked
  34. Apply for a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  35. PennsylvaniA Floodplain Development Guide (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  36. Fee Schedule and Submission Procedures for Subdivision and Land Development Reviews, quoted and re-checked
  37. pa.gov, quoted and re-checked
  38. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  40. Apply for a Water Well Drillers License and Rig Permit (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Delaware County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleDelaware CountyPhiladelphia CountyChester CountyMontgomery CountyBucks CountyBerks CountyLancaster County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningNoYesNoNoNoNoNo
Septic permitsSEOPA DEPCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Dept. of HealthSEOMunicipal Sewage Enforcement Officer

County locator

Delaware County in Pennsylvania

35
County map
Delaware County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score

How Delaware County scores

Seclusion9100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency4999% ev.
Admin Boringness6090% ev.
Durability81100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost33100% 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 →

$374kTypical home
2%Property tax
$29,314Land / acre
47"Annual rain
1.3% of yrsSevere drought
3.6 / yr (+3.4)Mid-century 100°F days
12.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.49" (+9.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.43×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,523Home insurance / yr
0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.47%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,566,226People within 30 min
18,802,538People within 2 hr
1,706,362Radius comparison (15 mi)
3,137.5People / sq mi
0.8%Federal land
90.4%Land at 15% slope or less
3.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
3,398 acWorkable land screen
13.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
55°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Delaware 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: Chester Township · Borough of Rose Valley · Borough of Rutledge

Answers from the rulebook for Delaware County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Delaware County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    The aggregate zoning situation across Delaware County's municipalities and townships.

    • Zoning maps and district regulations are maintained by individual municipalities.
    • Municipal officials are identified as having the most current zoning information for residents.
    • The county provides an interactive zoning application with data from all 49 municipalities and a dashboard linking to municipal zoning ordinances.
    • County planning review is advisory and does not replace municipal zoning administration.
    “Most municipalities have zoning maps and district regulations on their individual websites or can provide copies to the public. Municipal officials will have the most current zoning information for their residents.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Zoning across Delaware County's incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas, aggregated from the county's municipal zoning information.
      “Most municipalities have zoning maps and district regulations on their individual websites or can provide copies to the public. Municipal officials will have the most current zoning information for their residents. However, The Delaware County Data & Mapping Innovation Office provides the Delaware County Municipal Zoning application, an interactive map that provides zoning data from all 49 of its municipalities.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of municipal zoning; this does not mean Delaware County administers every local zoning ordinance.
      “Most municipalities have zoning maps and district regulations on their individual websites or can provide copies to the public. Municipal officials will have the most current zoning information for their residents. However, The Delaware County Data & Mapping Innovation Office provides the Delaware County Municipal Zoning application, an interactive map that provides zoning data from all 49 of its municipalities.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Publicly available municipal zoning-district information for Delaware County.

    • The county zoning application is informational and municipal officials have the most current zoning information.
    • Overlay zoning districts must be enabled in the map layers.
    • Documents may become outdated; the county recommends checking with municipal officials.
    “However, The Delaware County Data & Mapping Innovation Office provides the Delaware County Municipal Zoning application, an interactive map that provides zoning data from all 49 of its municipalities. It should be noted, overlay zoning districts must be turned on under the layers section to be viewed on the map.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Publication of municipal zoning data for Delaware County's 49 municipalities.
      “overlay zoning districts must be turned on under the layers section”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in subdivisions and land developments subject to the County SALDO in Delaware County municipalities without a municipal SALDO.

    • The County SALDO applies only in cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, or townships that have no subdivision and land development ordinance in effect, and remains effective only until the municipality puts such an ordinance into effect and files a certified copy with the Delaware County Planning Commission.
    • No lot below the minimum lot area required by the applicable municipal zoning ordinance is permitted, including for a community on-lot sewage disposal system.
    • The SALDO does not itself state a countywide numeric minimum lot area in the cited provision.
    • In general, lot depth should not be less than one times, or more than three times, lot width.

    general lot depth to width ratio: 1 to 3 ratio (Stated as a general standard rather than a minimum lot-area measurement.)

    “Applicable zoning district, including overlay districts, lot area and yard requirements, and the percentage of the lot(s) allowed to be covered by impervious surfaces and buildings.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-development plans in Delaware County municipalities to which the County SALDO applies because the municipality has no SALDO in effect.

    • The County SALDO applies only in cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, or townships that have no subdivision and land development ordinance in effect, and remains effective only until the municipality puts such an ordinance into effect and files a certified copy with the Delaware County Planning Commission.
    • The municipal governing body has jurisdiction over subdivision and land development within the municipality.
    • The SALDO defines building-envelope setbacks by the minimum yard and setback requirements of the municipal zoning ordinance, including setbacks from regulated floodplain areas, steep slopes, very steep slopes, and easements.
    • For a subdivision or land development fronting an undersized existing street right-of-way, any required setback is measured from the established right-of-way line.
    “BUILDING SETBACK LINE – For the purpose of determining the minimum width of a lot, building setback line shall mean the line parallel to the edge of the right-of-way, and at a distance therefrom at least equal to the depth of the front yard required for the zoning district in which the lot is located.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Individual and small-community on-lot sewage systems and well construction in Delaware County.

    • The Delaware County Health Department acts in accordance with Pennsylvania Act 537.
    • The source covers individual and small-community on-lot sewage disposal systems and well construction.
    • The county also processes Component 4B county planning-agency review for Act 537 planning modules.
    “The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is responsible for inspections, investigations, permit issuance, and enforcement in accordance with Pennsylvania Act 537. Accordingly, DCHD will process and issue permits for the installation of individual and small community on-lot sewage disposal systems and well construction.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Individual and small-community on-lot sewage disposal systems in Delaware County.

    • The Delaware County Health Department processes and issues permits under Pennsylvania Act 537.
    • A permit is required for new systems, repairs, and modifications to existing systems.
    • A permit is not required when the repair can be completed without digging equipment, including exposed lateral end extensions and exposed tank lids.
    • New major permits require soil testing; replacement absorption areas generally follow new-construction requirements and fees and require soil testing.
    • The permit is authorization to proceed and does not guarantee final approval or satisfactory system functioning.

    permit validity: 3 years from issuance (As specified by state regulations; interim state or county changes and site conditions may affect the permit)

    “A permit is required for new systems, repairs or modifications to existing systems. Permits are not required if the item to be repaired can be done without the use of digging equipment. This includes exposed lateral end extensions and exposed tank lids.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New on-lot sewage systems, repairs, or modifications to existing systems in Delaware County.
      “A permit is required for new systems, repairs or modifications to existing systems. Permits are not required if the item to be repaired can be done without the use of digging equipment.”
    • Required — Installation of retaining tanks or individual and community on-lot sewage systems in the applicable Delaware County local-agency service area.
      “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

    County Health Department inspection and enforcement of on-lot sewage disposal systems.

    • DCHD is responsible for inspections, investigations, permit issuance, and enforcement under Act 537.
    “No system or portion may be covered before final inspection”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private water wells, geothermal wells and boreholes, and monitoring wells in Delaware County.

    • DCHD processes and issues permits for well construction.
    • The county's well approval procedure requires written approval to use a well and supporting completion and water-quality information.
    “DCHD will process and issue permits for [...] well construction.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-development proposals in Delaware County subject to Act 247 review and applicable municipal approval.

    • The county Planning Commission review is advisory or mandated under Act 247 as applicable.
    • Plans must be approved and signed by the municipal Council or Board of Supervisors/Commissioners before county stamping and recording.
    • Applications require plans and the appropriate fee under the county fee schedule and submission procedures.
    • Recording requires additional county assessment and Recorder of Deeds steps.
    “For a plan to be recorded, it must have been reviewed by the Delaware County Planning Commission (DCPC) and approved and signed by the municipal Council or the Board of Supervisors/Commissioners.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development review under Delaware County's SALDO and Act 247 process.
      “the governing subdivision and land development document for 21 of the County’s 49 municipalities.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County Planning Commission subdivision and land-development review fees.

    • The schedule applies to sketch, preliminary, final, and tentative PRD plans.
    • County and municipal fees are separate.
    • Governmental applications receive waivers; private nonprofit organizations do not receive that exemption.
    • Fees are subject to modification, amendment, or rescission by Delaware County Council.

    residential subdivision or land development general fee: 150 USD per plan (plus $10 per lot or unit) · nonresidential subdivision general fee: 200 USD per plan (plus $50 per lot) · nonresidential land development general fee: 200 USD per plan (plus $25 per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area or portion thereof)

    “Subdivision or $150 per plan $10 per lot or unit”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County planning, subdivision, land-development, sewage-module, sewage, and well-related fees identified on official Delaware County pages.
      “Fees for Sewage, Wells, Subdivisions, and Contractors”
    • Published (with conditions) — Delaware County Planning Commission Act 247 subdivision and land-development review fees.
      “The application can then be submitted to the Planning Department along with 3 sets of plans (physical application/plan sets not required for online submissions) and the appropriate fee payment in accordance with the Fee Schedule and Submission Procedures for Subdivision and Land Development Reviews.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County Act 247 subdivision and land-development review and Act 537 sewage-module review.

    • Act 247 applications require original signatures of the developer/applicant and/or designated municipal official.
    • Applicants may submit online, by mail, or in person.
    • The application requires three sets of plans for physical submissions; physical plan sets are not required for online submissions.
    • Applications are reviewed under the Meeting/Act 247 Review Application Schedule.
    • The county processes Component 4B Act 537 planning-module review.
    “The Delaware County Planning Commission's application for mandated Act 247 Review must be completed and contain the original signatures of the developer/applicant and/or designated municipal official. Applicants have the option to submit online, mail-in (PDF), or in-person via application buttons below.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Delaware County Act 247 subdivision and land-development review.
      “Applicants have the option to submit online, mail-in (PDF), or in-person”
    • Published (with conditions) — County Act 247 subdivision and land-development review process.
      “Applicants have the option to submit online, mail-in (PDF), or in-person via application buttons below.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Zoning is enforced at the municipal level; the county Planning Commission only provides advisory subdivision/land-development review, and the county directs zoning questions to municipalities.

    Delaware County Planning Department - Development Review ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Pennsylvania rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential buildings and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems in Pennsylvania municipalities enforcing the Uniform Construction Code or under third-party agency enforcement.

    • The permit must be obtained before covered construction begins.
    • Emergency repairs or equipment replacement may proceed before application only if the permit application is submitted within 3 business days.
    • The regulation incorporates the exceptions in § 403.1(b), including specified UCC scope exclusions and exemptions.
    • No permit is required for listed limited work, including fences no more than 6 feet high; retaining walls no more than 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; certain water tanks up to 5,000 gallons with a height-to-diameter or width ratio no greater than 2 to 1; certain sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep; specified playground equipment; certain window awnings; uncovered decks no more than 30 inches above grade; communications wiring; ordinary repairs; and public-service-agency equipment.
    • The listed exemptions apply only if the work does not violate a law or ordinance.
    • Ordinary repair does not include cutting load-bearing walls or structural beams, changing required means of egress, or adding or relocating listed piping, wiring, or mechanical systems.

    emergency permit application deadline: 3 business days (after emergency repair or equipment replacement) · fence height exemption: <= 6 feet · retaining wall exemption height: <= 4 feet (unless supporting a surcharge) · water tank capacity exemption: <= 5000 gallons (height-to-diameter or width ratio no greater than 2 to 1) · sidewalk or driveway height exemption: <= 30 inches (not over a basement or story below) · prefabricated pool depth exemption: < 24 inches · uncovered deck height exemption: <= 30 inches

    “An owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a residential building [...] shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under § 403.62a (relating to permit application).”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction and building work in Delaware County subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, with permits administered by the applicable municipal building-code official, third-party agency, or state authority according to jurisdiction.
      “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).”
    • Required — Construction and building work in Delaware County subject to the Pennsylvania UCC.
      “The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
    • Required — Commercial buildings, structures, facilities, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems in Pennsylvania jurisdictions enforcing the Uniform Construction Code.
      “An owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a commercial building, structure and facility [...] shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under § 403.42a (relating to permit application).”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

    A property owner performing construction work on the owner's own primary residence in Pennsylvania without compensation, and most construction work for which Pennsylvania does not impose a statewide contractor licensure or certification requirement.

    • Pennsylvania has no statewide licensure or certification requirement for most construction contractors or their employees.
    • For home-improvement regulation, the statutory exclusion applies to work performed without compensation by the owner of the owner's private residence or residential rental property.
    • The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act excludes construction of a new home from the definition of home improvement.
    • Municipalities may impose their own contractor licensure or certification requirements.
    “The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors (or their employees).”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction throughout Pennsylvania under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.

    • The UCC is administered and enforced locally by municipalities that opt in, using municipal employees or certified third-party agencies.
    • In municipalities that opt out, the Department of Labor and Industry is responsible for commercial code enforcement, while certified third-party agencies hired by property owners or contractors enforce residential UCC requirements.
    • The Department has sole jurisdiction for elevators and state-owned buildings wherever located.
    • The 2021 accessibility updates are permanently enjoined; structures must still comply with the 2018 accessibility requirements, and the injunction does not affect enforcement of non-accessibility UCC requirements.
    • The revised regulations adopting the 2018 I-Code series became effective February 14, 2022. Contract-based transition rules allow certain projects with contracts signed before that date to use the UCC in effect at the time of contract if application was made by August 14, 2022 or earlier.
    • The 2021 I-Code accessibility provisions became effective December 25, 2021, with a contract-based transition period allowing applications by June 25, 2022 or earlier.
    • Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code triennial update was published November 8, 2025 and became effective January 1, 2026.

    2018 I-Code regulations effective date: 2022-02-14 (For contracts signed before this date, application and permit issuance under the UCC in effect at the time of contract were allowed if application was made by 2022-08-14.) · 2021 I-Code accessibility provisions effective date: 2021-12-25 (For contracts signed before this date, application and permit issuance under the UCC in effect at the time of contract were allowed if application was made by 2022-06-25.) · 2025 triennial UCC update effective date: 2026-01-01

    “Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction in Delaware County subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code.
      “regulates the codes and standards of building projects in the Commonwealth.”
    • Adopted — Building construction governed by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, including Delaware County municipalities.
      “Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction for which a Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code permit was issued.

    • The permit holder must keep construction accessible and notify the construction code official when work is ready.
    • Required inspection areas are foundations; plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems; frame and masonry; and wallboard.
    • The official may conduct additional inspections for UCC or municipal-ordinance compliance.
    • A final inspection and final inspection report are required.
    • Third-party agencies under contract must submit the final inspection report to the property owner, builder, and designated lender.
    “A construction code official shall inspect all construction for which a permit was issued. The permit holder shall insure that the construction is accessible for inspection.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction for which a Pennsylvania UCC building permit was issued in Delaware County.
      “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.”
    • Required — Construction for which a Pennsylvania UCC permit was issued in Delaware County.
      “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.”
    • Required — Construction for which a Pennsylvania UCC permit was 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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Residential buildings in Delaware County subject to the Pennsylvania UCC.
      “must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
    • Required — Residential buildings subject to the Pennsylvania UCC in Delaware County.
      “A residential building may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
    • Required — Residential buildings 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Completed construction subject to the Pennsylvania UCC and connection to public electric or gas utility service.

    • A building code official may authorize a temporary connection during construction.
    • Completed public electric or gas connection requires written proof to the utility company that the building passed inspections.
    • The source does not establish a countywide public-water or public-sewer connection mandate.
    “A building code official may authorize the temporary connection of a building or system under construction to a utility source of energy, fuel or power. Connection to a public electric or gas utility for the completed construction may not occur unless the permit holder provides written proof to the utility company that the building or structure passed inspections under this chapter.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Completed construction in Delaware County seeking public electric or gas utility connection under the UCC.
      “Connection to a public electric or gas utility for the completed construction may not occur unless the permit holder provides written proof to the utility company that the building or structure passed inspections under this chapter.”
    • Conditional — Completed construction seeking connection to a public electric or gas utility.
      “Connection to a public electric or gas utility for the completed construction may not occur unless the permit holder provides written proof to the utility company that the building or structure passed inspections under this chapter.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Qualifying agricultural buildings under Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act and Uniform Construction Code.

    • The exemption applies to an agricultural building as defined by the Act: a structure used to store farm implements, hay, feed, grain, or other agricultural or horticultural products; house poultry, livestock, or other farm animals; serve as a milk house; or grow mushrooms, agricultural, or horticultural products.
    • The definition includes a qualifying carriage house owned and used by members of a recognized religious sect for housing horses and storing buggies.
    • The definition includes a structure less than 1,000 square feet used to process maple sap.
    • The structure must not include habitable space.
    • The structure must not contain spaces where agricultural products are processed, treated, or packaged.
    • The structure is not a place of occupancy by the general public.
    • Other municipal land-use, zoning, fire, electrical, health, or environmental requirements may still apply; the cited exclusion is from the Construction Code Act.

    maple sap processing structure area: < 1000 square feet (Must otherwise meet the statutory agricultural-building definition.)

    “(b) Exclusions.--This act shall not apply to any of the following: [...] (4) Any agricultural building.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings covered by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code Act.
      ““Agricultural building.” A structure utilized to store farm implements, hay, feed, grain or other agricultural or horticultural products or to house poultry, livestock or other farm animals, a milk house and a structure used to grow mushrooms. The term includes a carriage house owned and used by members of a recognized religious sect for the purposes of housing horses and storing buggies. The term shall not include habitable space or spaces in which agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged and shall not be construed to mean a place of occupancy by the general public. [...] (4) any agricultural building;”
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Properties in Delaware County requiring access to a highway under Pennsylvania Department of Transportation jurisdiction.
      “A building code official may not issue a permit for any property requiring access to a highway under the Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction unless the permit contains notice that a highway occupancy permit is required under section 420 of the State Highway Law (36 P. S. § 670-420) before driveway access to a Commonwealth highway is permitted.”
    • Required — Construction requiring access to a highway under Pennsylvania Department of Transportation jurisdiction.
      “A building code official may not issue a permit for any property requiring access to a highway under the Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction unless the permit contains notice that a highway occupancy permit is required under section 420 of the State Highway Law (36 P. S. § 670-420) before driveway access to a Commonwealth highway is permitted.”
    • Required — Construction or alteration of a driveway or road on Pennsylvania state highway land, and access connecting to a PennDOT drainage facility.
      “You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development activities within a Special Flood Hazard Area in Pennsylvania municipalities.

    • Municipalities must evaluate whether a project is within the SFHA and identify the type of work.
    • Municipalities must review permit applications and issue or deny permits for SFHA development.
    • Municipalities must conduct periodic inspections for compliance with proposed plans and the floodplain ordinance.
    • After completion, municipalities review required certificates and issue a certificate of occupancy when the development complies with the local floodplain ordinance.
    • Additional zoning permit requirements may apply when proposed land use changes.
    “A floodplain development permit (or its equivalent) must be issued by the municipality before development activities occur within the SFHA.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — UCC construction occurring in a flood plain.
      “When construction will occur in a flood plain, documentation required in Section 1612.5 of the 2018 International Building Code shall be prepared and sealed by a registered design professional.”
    • Limited — Construction in a floodplain subject to the 2018 International Building Code documentation requirement.
      “When construction will occur in a flood plain, documentation required in Section 1612.5 of the 2018 International Building Code shall be prepared and sealed by a registered design professional.”
    • Limited — Activities subject to Pennsylvania Chapter 106 Floodplain Management permitting and authorizations.
      “The site restoration permit is only for the removal of a highway obstruction or obstruction owned or maintained by the Commonwealth”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term lodging rentals of rooms, apartments, or houses for fewer than 30 days to the same person in Pennsylvania.

    • The Pennsylvania hotel occupancy tax rate is 6 percent.
    • Allegheny and Philadelphia counties have an additional 1 percent local hotel tax collected by the Department of Revenue.
    • Some counties impose an additional tax collected by the county treasurer.
    • If the taxpayer does not exclusively use a third-party booking site, or the broker does not collect and remit the hotel occupancy tax, the taxpayer must register with the Department of Revenue for a Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License.
    • If a taxpayer exclusively uses a third-party booking site and the broker confirms collection and remittance, the homeowner should not register for a Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License.

    lodging duration threshold: < 30 days (To the same person.) · Pennsylvania hotel occupancy tax rate: 6 percent

    “anyone who rents out their property to provide lodging for less than 30 days to the same person must collect and remit”
  • 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 Delaware County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

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 Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Is Delaware County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Delaware County scores 35/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: little seclusion — roughly 1,566,226 people within a 30-minute drive and higher long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in Delaware County, Pennsylvania?

Delaware County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) / local agency under PA DEP Act 537. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Delaware County, Pennsylvania?

Land in Delaware County runs about $29,314 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Delaware County?

Delaware County gets about 47" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.3% of years.

How remote is Delaware County?

A representative private-land location has about 1,566,226 people within a 30-minute drive and 18,802,538 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.

How Delaware compares in Pennsylvania

Compare side-by-side →See all 67 Pennsylvania counties ranked →