Building permits, zoning and land rules in Greene County, Pennsylvania
77Index Score / 100 #13 of 67 in Pennsylvania
Building work covered by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code in Greene County, Pennsylvania requires a building permit through the municipality or a certified third-party agency12. Zoning depends on the township or borough, while Greene County reviews subdivisions and land developments where its ordinance applies34. On-lot septic permits come from the applicable local agency and its Sewage Enforcement Officer5.
At a glance
Building permit
Generally required under Pennsylvania's UCC; administration is municipal or through a certified third-party agency12
Zoning
Varies by township or borough; only some Greene County municipalities have zoning regulations6
Septic
The responsible local agency issues on-lot sewage permits, generally through a municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer5
RV living
No uniform countywide rule confirmed; ask the parcel's township or borough3
Tiny home
No uniform countywide occupancy or minimum-size rule confirmed; check municipal zoning and UCC review37
Owner building a home
Owners may do uncompensated work on their own residence without a state contractor license, but UCC permits still apply89
Agricultural building
Qualifying nonhabitable agricultural buildings are excluded from the state Construction Code Act10
Private well
Commercial drillers need state licensing and permits; the state licensing rule exempts an owner drilling on owned or leased land11
Greene County Planning Commission resources, mapping, and review of land developments and subdivisions under the county subdivision and land development ordinance
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Do you need a building permit in Greene County, Pennsylvania?
Yes for work covered by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code: the property owner must obtain a building permit before starting work1. Municipalities administer the UCC locally or use certified third-party agencies, with state jurisdiction in specified circumstances2. A residential building subject to the UCC cannot be occupied until a building code official issues a certificate of occupancy12. A qualifying agricultural building used for covered farm purposes and containing no habitable space is excluded from the state Construction Code Act, although zoning approval, electrical rules, and septic requirements may still apply10. An owner may perform uncompensated work on the owner's own residence without a state contractor license, but that does not waive the UCC building permit or inspections131.
Who issues building permits in Greene County, and how do you reach them?
Start with the township or borough containing the parcel: UCC administration is municipal or through certified third-party agencies, with the Department of Labor and Industry retaining jurisdiction in specified circumstances2. In Washington Township, the Township issues zoning permits and McMillen Engineering issues building permits; the application requires a plot plan, scaled drawings, an on-lot sewage permit and potable-water evidence1415. Septic permits remain with the applicable local agency's Sewage Enforcement Officer, including Washington Township's separate sewage contact516. Contact Greene County Planning for subdivision and land-development review; its published review-fee schedule is dated 1996, so confirm current charges1718. County assessment notification is another obligation: where the proposed improvement needs no municipal building permit, the ordinance requires owner notification for covered improvements exceeding $4,000, excluding painting and normal repairs; the threshold is subject to annual review and CPI adjustment19. Ask the Assessment Office about notification before substantial work and the separate county improvement certification form fee, capped at $51920.
Does Greene County have zoning?
Greene County's townships and boroughs differ: Some municipalities had zoning regulations as of January 20256. Waynesburg has its own borough zoning ordinance; on-lot septic permitting remains with the applicable local agency and SEO215. Washington Township has its own zoning ordinance, and the Jefferson-Morgan planning area has a multi-municipal zoning ordinance; ask County Planning which participating municipality covers the parcel222317. We could not confirm a separate countywide zoning ordinance; ask County Planning about county review and the township or borough about parcel zoning317.
For residential subdivisions and land developments governed by Greene County's SALDO, minimum lot area is 20,000 square feet without public water or sewer, 15,000 with public water alone, and 7,500 with both; sewage rules may require more land24. Where no municipal ordinance establishes a front building line, the SALDO requires 25 feet from the street right-of-way for covered residential uses, excluding mobile-home parks; a conflicting municipal setback ordinance controls25. Washington Township's principal-building yards vary by district: A-1 and R-1 require 10 feet front, 5 side and 10 rear, with supplemental yard and watercourse rules also applying26.
How do septic permits work in Greene County?
The applicable local agency handles on-lot septic permits and enforcement in Greene County through a Sewage Enforcement Officer; there is no single countywide septic office identified for every municipality527. Washington Township publishes its own sewage officer, but land elsewhere needs the correct township, borough, or joint-agency contact165. Pennsylvania generally requires a septic permit before installation, construction, occupancy, or use of a building served by an on-lot system28. A narrow exemption may apply to an owner or immediate-family residence on a contiguous tract of at least 10 acres, but ownership, notice, local-ordinance, and siting conditions still control28. Greene County soils make early testing especially valuable: only 0.2% are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field29. A composting or incinerating toilet still requires an approved method for washwater or excess liquid30.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Greene County?
We could not confirm a uniform Greene County rule for private-land RV living, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or minimum dwelling size; ask the parcel's township or borough, because local zoning varies31. Ask that municipality whether the proposed unit is treated as a dwelling, recreational vehicle, manufactured home, or accessory structure, and ask its UCC administrator what construction and occupancy approvals apply327. A manufactured home follows separate state rules: site preparation, utility connections, additions, repairs, relocation, or a change of occupancy can bring UCC requirements into play, while local siting and zoning remain separate questions33. Before buying for either use, get the township or borough's answer in writing and confirm an approvable sewage plan with its SEO34.
What steps come before building a home in Greene County?
Identify the parcel's township or borough and its zoning and UCC building-permit contacts32.
Confirm the use, lot dimensions and setbacks; ask County Planning whether a lot split or land development needs county SALDO review2425417.
Arrange site testing and the on-lot sewage permit with the applicable local SEO534.
In Washington Township, obtain subdivision approval if needed, then submit the zoning application, plot plan and scaled drawings, sewage permit and potable-water evidence14.
Washington Township's checklist requires driveway approval through PennDOT for State Route access or the Township Secretary for Township Route access; it directs applicants disturbing over 1 acre, building within 50 feet of a stream, affecting wetlands or building in a floodplain to the Greene County Soil Conservation District14.
Obtain the required building permit before covered work, address county assessment notification, complete inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before residential occupancy11912.
What should you check before buying land in Greene County?
Put septic feasibility near the top of the due-diligence list: only 0.2% of Greene County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field29. Terrain can compound the site-work question, because 38.4% of county land has a slope of 15% or less and 73.5% is wooded3536. Confirm municipal zoning, subdivision history, mapped flood hazard, and legal road access before closing31373839. For water, Pennsylvania requires commercial water-well drillers to hold state licensing and permits, while the licensing requirement does not apply to a homeowner or farmer drilling a well on owned or leased land; Greene County-specific private-well permitting was not confirmed, so ask the municipality and proposed driller what approvals apply11. As price context rather than a parcel appraisal, the county's typical home value is about $157,805, USDA farmland value is about $5,257 per acre, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.3%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,89340414243.
Watch-outs
Do not treat Washington Township's zoning districts, setbacks, building-permit process, or contacts as countywide; Greene County municipalities differ in zoning and UCC administration444515.
A large tract is not automatically exempt from a septic permit; Pennsylvania's exemption has ownership, family-use, notice, local-ordinance, and siting conditions28.
A public electric or gas utility cannot connect completed construction subject to the UCC without written proof that required inspections passed46.
Written October 11, 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.
Greene County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score
How Greene County scores
Seclusion61100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.
Admin Boringness6090% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% 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 →
$158kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$5,257Land / acre
44.3"Annual rain
1.8% of yrsSevere drought
2 / yr (+2)Mid-century 100°F days
9.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.51" (+8.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.71×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,050Home insurance / yr
0.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.99%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
7,749People within 30 min
3,073,550People within 2 hr
70,468Radius comparison (15 mi)
59.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
38.4%Land at 15% slope or less
0.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Greene 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: Aleppo Township · Borough of Carmichaels · Center Township · Borough of Clarksville · Cumberland Township · Dunkard Township · Franklin Township · Freeport Township · Gilmore Township · Gray Township · Greene Township · Borough of Greensboro · Jackson Township · Borough of Jefferson · Jefferson Township · Monongahela Township · Morgan Township · Morris Township · Perry Township · Borough of Rices Landing · Richhill Township · Springhill Township · Washington Township · Wayne Township · Whiteley Township
Answers from the rulebook for Greene County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Greene County rules
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
The aggregate of municipal zoning regulation across Greene County's twenty-six municipalities; the countywide claim summarizes municipal rules and does not mean Greene County administers each municipal zoning ordinance.
The county-hosted 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan states that some municipalities have zoning regulations, some have subdivision/land use ordinances, some have both, and some have neither.
The same source reports that eight municipalities currently have zoning regulations in place as of the Greene County Planning Commission's January 2025 information.
municipalities with zoning regulations: 8 municipalities (Reported in the Greene County Planning Commission January 2025 information cited by the county-hosted plan.) · municipalities in Greene County: 26 municipalities
“Of the twenty-six municipalities in Greene County, some have subdivision/land use ordinances, some have zoning regulations – some have both and some have neither. There are currently eight municipalities that have zoning regulations in place and six municipalities that have a subdivision/land use ordinance (Greene County Planning Commission, January 2025).”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of municipal zoning across Greene County.
“Of the twenty-six municipalities in Greene County, some have subdivision/land use ordinances, some have zoning regulations – some have both and some have neither.”
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of zoning regulation across Greene County's municipalities; the actual zoning authorities are the individual municipalities, not Greene County.
“Of the twenty-six municipalities in Greene County, some have subdivision/land use ordinances, some have zoning regulations – some have both and some have neither. There are currently eight municipalities that have zoning regulations in place and six municipalities that have a subdivision/land use ordinance (Greene County Planning Commission, January 2025).”
Zoning districtsPartial
The countywide zoning-district picture aggregated across Greene County municipalities; it is not a county-administered zoning ordinance.
Greene County has twenty-six municipalities.
The official 2025 county plan states that some municipalities have zoning regulations, some have subdivision/land use ordinances, some have both, and some have neither.
The plan reports eight municipalities with zoning regulations in place and six with subdivision/land use ordinances.
District names, maps, and dimensional controls must be checked in the applicable municipal ordinance; this county-level source does not identify all eight municipalities or their district schedules.
“Of the twenty-six municipalities in Greene County, some have subdivision/land use ordinances, some have zoning regulations – some have both and some have neither.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Partial — Countywide aggregate of municipal zoning districts in Greene County; the county does not administer each local zoning ordinance.
“There are currently eight municipalities that have zoning regulations in place”
Partial — The Jefferson-Morgan multi-municipal planning area identified in Greene County's official comprehensive-plan implementation document.
“In addition, four municipalities have joined together to enact the Jefferson-Morgan Multi-Municipal Zoning Ordinance to implement the Jefferson-Morgan comprehensive plan.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential lots in subdivisions and land developments governed by the Greene County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance
Nonresidential uses have no minimum lot area or lot width unless regulated by a local zoning ordinance.
For residential uses, requirements vary according to availability of public water and public sewerage facilities.
Mobile home park lots are regulated separately by Article IX.
Flag lots are excepted from the stated frontage requirements where authorized.
Minimum areas may be increased when Pennsylvania DEP sewage-disposal regulations or other regulations warrant an increase.
Local zoning ordinances may impose additional or different requirements where the SALDO so provides.
minimum lot area without public water or public sewerage: >= 20000 square feet (except where a flag lot is authorized) · minimum lot frontage without public water or public sewerage: >= 100 feet (except where a flag lot is authorized) · minimum lot area with public water but without public sanitary sewage disposal: >= 15000 square feet (except where a flag lot is authorized) · minimum lot frontage with public water but without public sanitary sewage disposal: >= 75 feet (except where a flag lot is authorized) · minimum lot area with public water and public sewerage: >= 7500 square feet (except where a flag lot is authorized) · minimum lot frontage with public water and public sewerage: >= 60 feet (except where a flag lot is authorized) · minimum lot area per two-family dwelling unit: >= 5000 square feet (where local zoning ordinances do not prohibit the use) · minimum lot area per multifamily dwelling unit: >= 2000 square feet (where local zoning ordinances do not prohibit the use) · maximum townhouse dwelling units per structure: <= 10 dwelling units (townhouse structures) · minimum area per townhouse dwelling unit: >= 3000 square feet (common open space may be used as provided in the ordinance)
“each lot shall have a minimum area of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Residential lots and nonresidential lots in subdivisions and land developments governed by the Greene County SALDO.
“Where neither public water supply nor public sewerage facilities are provided, each lot shall have a minimum area of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet”
SetbacksSpecified
Residential uses in subdivisions and land developments governed by the Greene County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance when the municipality has no ordinance establishing a definite front-yard setback or building line.
The standard applies only when the municipality does not have an ordinance establishing a definite front-yard setback or building line.
Mobile Home Parks are excluded and regulated by Article IX of the Greene County SALDO.
If the county SALDO conflicts with a municipal setback ordinance, the municipal ordinance applies.
For arterial, collector, minor, marginal-access, and cul-de-sac streets, the minimum building line is 25 feet measured from the right-of-way of an existing or proposed street.
Corner lots must also provide a 25-foot rear building line along the property line opposite the front yard.
minimum building line on arterial streets: 25 feet (measured from the right-of-way of any existing or proposed street) · minimum building line on collector streets: 25 feet (measured from the right-of-way of any existing or proposed street) · minimum building line on minor, marginal access, or cul-de-sac streets: 25 feet (measured from the right-of-way of any existing or proposed street) · corner-lot rear building line: 25 feet (along the property line opposite the front yard)
“In the event that a Municipality does not have an Ordinance establishing a definite front yard setback or building line, then the following standards shall prevail for all residential uses, except Mobile Home Parks which are regulated by Article IX of this Ordinance.”
Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)
On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement throughout Greene County, subject to the applicable municipality or joint local agency.
Act 537 local agencies may be municipalities, combinations of municipalities, county departments of health, or joint county departments of health.
Local agencies issue permits for retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot systems, except large-volume on-lot systems.
Local agencies employ Sewage Enforcement Officers.
“Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities. With certain exceptions (i.e. large volume on-lot systems), local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems which renovate sewage effluent in a soil absorption area or spray field.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Local (with conditions) — On-lot or onsite septic-system permitting and enforcement in Greene County
“Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
Septic permitRequired
Retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot sewage systems in Greene County.
Large-volume on-lot systems are an exception to the local-agency permitting statement.
The responsible local agency may be an individual municipality or joint local agency.
“With certain exceptions (i.e. large volume on-lot systems), local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems which renovate sewage effluent in a soil absorption area or spray field.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Greene County Planning Commission subdivision, land-development, lot-split, and modification review fees
The published schedule states an effective date of January 1, 1996.
The fees apply to the county planning review categories listed in the schedule, not necessarily municipal building-permit or zoning-permit fees.
The schedule includes residential, industrial, commercial, agricultural, and mobile-home-park subdivisions.
preliminary subdivision and land-development review: 25 USD · minor subdivision final review flat fee including first lot: 100 USD · minor subdivision fee per additional lot: 30 USD · major subdivision final review flat fee including first lot: 100 USD · major subdivision fee per additional lot: 30 USD · residential final land-development fee including first housing unit: 150 USD · residential final land-development fee per additional unit: 30 USD · commercial final land-development flat fee: 150 USD · commercial land-development fee per 100 square feet of building area: per 1 USD (100 square feet of building area) · residential, industrial, commercial, and agricultural lot-split flat fee: 30 USD · modification fee per instance: 25 USD
“ATTACHMENT B: GREENE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION FEE SCHEDULE Effective January 1, 1996”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Variable (with conditions) — Greene County subdivision and land-development application filing and review fees.
“Application filing fees shall be established, from time to time, by Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners.”
Published (with conditions) — Greene County Planning Commission review fees for subdivisions, land developments, lot splits, and SALDO modifications.
“Commercial Fee – Flat Fee $150.00 Plus Fee per 100 square feet of building area $ 1.00”
Published (with conditions) — County improvement certification forms required for parcels in municipalities that opt out of the Uniform Construction Code or do not require permits for the proposed improvement.
“the County may charge and collect a fee up to $5 for the disbursement and collection of the county improvement certification form.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Subdivision and land-development applications within Greene County, Pennsylvania, where the municipality either has or does not have its own subdivision and land-development ordinance.
If the municipality has its own Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, the plan is submitted to the County Planning Commission for review and recommendations or comments; the ordinance states that this review period is thirty (30) days.
If the municipality does not have its own subdivision and land-development ordinance, the plan is subject to the Greene County Ordinance and must receive County Planning Commission approval before recording.
County approval is in addition to, and does not supersede, local approval required by the applicable municipality.
The County Planning Commission's ninety (90)-day approval process applies to applications that are accepted as complete and properly filed under the County Ordinance; the official filing date begins the ninety (90)-day period, and the applicant may agree in writing to an extension.
For preliminary applications, the County Planning Commission must receive the County Planning Director's report and the local municipality's report, or forty-five (45) days must pass from transmittal to the municipal secretary, before acting.
A decision letter is mailed within fifteen (15) days after the decision.
Single-family or two-family dwellings on a lot of record and specified other land developments are excluded from the County Ordinance's land-development provisions.
The ordinance states that it became effective immediately upon adoption; no adoption date is stated in the published text.
municipal review period where municipality has its own subdivision ordinance: 30 days (review for recommendations or comments under Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code Section 502) · county application review period where County Ordinance applies: 90 days (begins when the application is accepted as complete and properly filed; written extension permitted) · decision-letter mailing period: 15 days (after the County Planning Commission decision) · municipal report waiting period before County action: 45 days (unless the local municipality's report is received earlier)
“Plans of subdivisions and land developments located within the municipalities not having their own ordinance for subdivision and land development are subject to the County Ordinance and shall be approved prior to the recording of such plans. Such Commission approval is in addition to and does not supersede local approval as required by ordinance, resolution, or regulation of the applicable municipality.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Parcel-improvement notification to the Greene County Assessment Office
“every municipality, third party agency (TPA) or the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) responsible for the issuance of building permits”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Zoning is handled at the municipal/township level (townships have their own Zoning & Code Enforcement Officers); the county administers only a county-wide Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, not county-wide zoning.
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 or building work in Greene County, including residential construction subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code.
“The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
Required — Construction and building work subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, including covered residential and commercial construction in Greene County.
“The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work. Inspections are also necessary in several cases, including construction or changes to commercial or residential buildings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, and the installation of swimming pools or hot tubs. Additionally, manufactured and industrialized housing projects require inspections for site preparation, foundation construction, repairs, and changes in occupancy. A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used. However, emergency repairs or equipment replacements can be made without a permit as long as an application is submitted to the building code official within three business days.”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction in Greene County subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code.
“Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
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 Greene County subject to the 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.”
Septic inspectionLimited
Individual and community sewage-disposal systems before concealment or covering after construction.
The system may not be covered until approval to cover is given by the original permit issuer or authorized representative.
If 72 hours have elapsed after notification of construction completion, excluding Sundays and holidays, the applicant may cover the system unless permission has been refused.
post-completion waiting period: 72 hours (Sundays and holidays excluded.)
“shall be covered from view until approval to cover the same has been given by the body which issued the original permit”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Composting, incinerating, recycling, and similar water-conservation toilets used for residential or establishment sanitation statewide.
For a new residence or establishment, an onlot sewage system or other approved disposal method must treat washwater or excess liquid, and both facilities must be under one permit, except for the retaining-tank exception.
For an existing residence or facility with no alteration of the onlot system, no permit is required for installation.
A composting or incinerating toilet on a qualifying retaining-tank lot is treated as and permitted as a privy.
The device must meet manufacturer specifications and be operated and maintained to prevent pollution or health hazards.
Liquid discharges are prohibited unless sent to a compliant onlot sewage system or another method approved under the chapter or by DEP.
Recycling, incinerating, and composting toilets must bear the NSF Standard No. 41 seal.
“an onlot sewage system or other approved method of sewage disposal shall be provided for treatment of washwater or excess liquid from the unit”
Well permitLimited
Water-well drilling statewide, distinguishing commercial water-well drillers from farmers and homeowners drilling their own wells on owned or leased land.
Water-well drilling companies must obtain a license and permits.
The licensing requirement does not apply to farmers or homeowners who drill their own water wells on their own or leased land.
The state has construction standards for public water-supply wells but not private water wells.
Drillers must submit the well's construction details to the state and the well owner.
“Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Completed construction and systems under construction in Greene County subject to the UCC.
Temporary utility connection may be authorized during construction.
Completed public electric or gas connection requires written proof that the building or structure passed required inspections.
“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;”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and land development within Pennsylvania municipalities that enact or apply a subdivision and land development ordinance under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
The governing body of each municipality may regulate subdivisions and land development by ordinance.
Subdivision and land-development plats must be submitted for approval to the governing body or a designated planning agency.
Where a municipality has enacted an ordinance under Article V, subdivision or land development may not proceed except in accordance with that ordinance.
A county subdivision and land-development ordinance may apply where the municipality has no subdivision and land-development ordinance in effect; a municipality may also adopt the county ordinance by reference.
The cited statute does not establish one statewide numeric subdivision standard; local ordinances and applicable county review determine the requirements.
“Section 501. Grant of Power.--The governing body of each municipality may regulate subdivisions and land development within the municipality by enacting a subdivision and land development ordinance. The ordinance shall require that all subdivision and land development plats of land situated within the municipality shall be submitted for approval to the governing body or, in lieu thereof, to a planning agency designated in the ordinance for this purpose, in which case any planning agency action shall be considered as action of the governing body.”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Activities subject to Pennsylvania Chapter 106 Floodplain Management permitting and authorizations.
“The site restoration permit is only for the removal of a highway obstruction or obstruction owned or maintained by the Commonwealth”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term lodging rentals of rooms, apartments, or houses for fewer than 30 days to the same person in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania hotel occupancy tax rate is 6 percent.
Allegheny and Philadelphia counties have an additional 1 percent local hotel tax collected by the Department of Revenue.
Some counties impose an additional tax collected by the county treasurer.
If the taxpayer does not exclusively use a third-party booking site, or the broker does not collect and remit the hotel occupancy tax, the taxpayer must register with the Department of Revenue for a Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License.
If a taxpayer exclusively uses a third-party booking site and the broker confirms collection and remittance, the homeowner should not register for a Sales, Use and Hotel Occupancy Tax License.
lodging duration threshold: < 30 days (To the same person.) · Pennsylvania hotel occupancy tax rate: 6 percent
“anyone who rents out their property to provide lodging for less than 30 days to the same person must collect and remit”
Campground & park staysLimited
RV use and occupancy at Pennsylvania state park campgrounds.
Use must occur at a state park campground and comply with campsite rules.
Campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Campers may camp up to 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year.
Campers must vacate and remove all equipment for 48 hours between reservations.
A maximum of two sleeping units is permitted per campsite, of which only one may be wheeled.
Campsite occupancy is limited to one family unit or one non-family unit limited to five persons per site.
The page does not establish statewide permission for long-term or residential RV occupancy outside state park campgrounds.
maximum stay, Memorial Day to Labor Day: 14 consecutive nights · maximum stay, remainder of year: 21 consecutive nights · equipment-removal interval between reservations: 48 hours · maximum sleeping units per campsite: 2 units (Only one may be wheeled.) · maximum non-family occupancy: 5 persons per site (One family unit is permitted instead.)
“maximum of two sleeping units are permitted per campsite, of which only one may be wheeled.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Temporary camping at Pennsylvania state park campgrounds.
“Campers may camp for up to 21 consecutive nights”
county zoning authorityLimited
County zoning authority over land in Pennsylvania municipalities that lack an effective municipal zoning ordinance.
County zoning power is limited to land in municipalities wholly or partly within the county that have no zoning ordinance in effect when the county zoning ordinance is introduced and until the municipal zoning ordinance becomes effective.
A zoning ordinance enacted by a municipality other than the county repeals the county zoning ordinance pro tanto within that municipality.
The statute defines a county under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code as a county of the second through eighth class.
“The powers of the governing bodies of counties to enact, amend and repeal zoning ordinances shall be limited to land in those municipalities, wholly or partly within the county, which have no zoning ordinance in effect at the time a zoning ordinance is introduced before the governing body of the county and until the municipality's zoning ordinance is in effect. The enactment of a zoning ordinance by any municipality, other than the county, whose land is subject to county zoning shall act as a repeal protanto of the county zoning ordinance within the municipality adopting such ordinance.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Pennsylvania counties adopting and enforcing zoning ordinances on unincorporated land.
“Section 602. County Powers.--The powers of the governing bodies of counties to enact, amend and repeal zoning ordinances shall be limited to land in those municipalities, wholly or partly within the county, which have no zoning ordinance in effect at the time a zoning ordinance is introduced before the governing body of the county and until the municipality's zoning ordinance is in effect.”
county building authorityLimited
Pennsylvania county authority over building-code administration and enforcement for residential construction in unincorporated areas.
The general Pennsylvania Construction Code Act assigns administration and enforcement to municipalities, not counties.
A county of the second class may retain authority only if it has adopted a plumbing code and accompanying rules and regulations under the Local Health Administration Law.
The retained authority is limited to promulgating and enforcing that plumbing code and making changes that meet the minimum requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.
The official Department of Labor and Industry page states that residential UCC requirements in opt-out municipalities are enforced by certified third-party agencies hired by property owners or contractors.
“A county of the second class that has adopted a plumbing code and accompanying rules and regulations pursuant to the act of August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304, No.315), known as the Local Health Administration Law, shall retain the authority to promulgate and enforce such plumbing code and to make such changes as it deems necessary, provided that such changes meet the minimum requirements as defined in the Uniform Construction Code.”
Inside cities and towns in Greene County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land use and development in Washington Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania.
The ordinance is identified as amended in 1996, 2000, and 2007.
The ordinance became effective, as amended, on March 17, 2007.
The ordinance does not repeal or impair other laws or ordinances except those specifically or implicitly repealed by it.
Greene County SALDO provisions concerning varying design standards are not considered in conflict with the Washington Township ordinance.
“Zoning Ordinance of Washington Township — defining and regulating the location, height, bulk, erection, construction, alteration, razing, removal and size of structures:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Land and structures within Washington Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania.
“This Ordinance shall be known as the Washington Township Zoning Ordinance, May 1991 as amended 1996, as amended 2000, and as amended 2007.”
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Washington Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania.
The ordinance states that the zoning map accompanies the ordinance and shows district boundaries.
The listed districts apply specifically within Washington Township.
The cited ordinance states that the zoning map was adopted March 12, 2007.
district: A-1 Rural Agricultural District · district: R-1 Suburban Residential District · district: C-1 Commercial District · district: I-1 Industrial District · zoning map adoption date: March 12, 2007
“For the purposes of promoting the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the township, the Township is hereby divided into the following types of districts: A-1 Rural Agricultural District R-1 Suburban Residential District C-1 Commercial District I-1 Industrial District SECTION 302 ZONING MAP Said districts are bounded as shown on the map entitled "Washington Township Zoning Map", adopted March 12, 2007 and accompanies, and which, with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby made a part of this Ordinance.”
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Minimum front, side, and rear yards for structures in Washington Township zoning districts A-1, R-1, C-1, and I-1.
The quoted schedule is part of Washington Township's zoning ordinance and applies by zoning district.
The ordinance separately states that certain lot dimensions depend on public water and public sewage availability and that flag lots may be authorized by the applicable subdivision and land development ordinance.
Other zoning provisions, subdivision and land development requirements, sewage requirements, floodplain rules, and building-code requirements may also apply.
A-1 front yard: 10 ft · A-1 side yard: 5 ft · A-1 rear yard: 10 ft · R-1 front yard: 10 ft · R-1 side yard: 5 ft · R-1 rear yard: 10 ft · C-1 front yard: 5 ft · C-1 side yard: 5 ft · C-1 rear yard: 5 ft · I-1 front yard: 20 ft · I-1 side yard: 5 ft · I-1 rear yard: 5 ft
District specific (with conditions) — Principal buildings in Washington Township zoning districts A-1, R-1, C-1, and I-1
“A-1 10 5 10 R-1 10 5 10 C-1 5 5 5 I-1 20 5 5”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Residential and commercial building-permit applications in Washington Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania.
If the property is being subdivided or split, the applicant must first follow the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance requirements and obtain the required lot-split or subdivision approval.
The applicant must obtain and complete a zoning-permit application with a plot plan and scaled drawings for review and approval by the Township Zoning Official.
The applicant must obtain an on-lot sewage permit and provide evidence of potable water.
A road-occupancy or encroachment permit is required for a driveway; State Route access is handled by PennDOT and Township Route access by the Township Secretary.
For disturbance over one acre, construction within fifty feet of a stream, wetland impacts, or building in a flood plain, the applicant must first contact the Greene County Soil Conservation District for guidance and required permits.
Plans are reviewed for approval in seven to ten days; after approval, the applicant is notified of required inspections and fees.
Zoning permits are issued by the Township and building permits are issued by McMillen Engineering.
After all permits are issued and before construction starts, the applicant is directed to contact the Greene County Tax Abatement Coordinator regarding eligibility.
plan approval period: 7 to 10 days · stream construction setback triggering Soil Conservation District contact: <= 50 feet (any construction, including driveways, within fifty feet of a stream) · dirt-disturbance threshold triggering Soil Conservation District contact: > 1 acre
“All Plans will be reviewed for approval. (ALLOW 7 TO 10 DAYS FOR APPROVAL). Upon Plan Approval you will be notified of the required inspections and fees. Zoning Permits are issued by the Township. Building Permits are issued by McMillen Engineering.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Residential and commercial building permits in Washington Township, Greene County.
“Zoning Permits are issued by the Township. Building Permits are issued by McMillen Engineering.”
Set by your town or city, not the county
In Pennsylvania, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Greene 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 Greene County, Pennsylvania
Is Greene County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Greene County scores 77/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and mixed durability signals.
Do you need a building permit in Greene County, Pennsylvania?
Greene County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO), 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 Greene County, Pennsylvania?
Land in Greene County runs about $5,257 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Greene County?
Greene County gets about 44.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.8% of years.
How remote is Greene County?
A representative private-land location has about 7,749 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,073,550 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.
