Bolthole Index

Montour County, Pennsylvania

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

62Index Score / 100
#46 of 67 in Pennsylvania

Montour County, Pennsylvania requires a UCC building permit before covered residential construction begins, but building permits are issued locally rather than by one countywide building department.1 Zoning approval also varies by municipality: the Montour County Zoning Office serves Anthony, Liberty and Mayberry townships and Washingtonville Borough.2 Septic permits come from the local agency serving the parcel's municipality.3

At a glance

Building permit
Required for UCC-regulated residential construction; administered locally rather than by one county building department1
Zoning
County office publishes zoning maps and serves Anthony, Liberty and Mayberry townships and Washingtonville Borough; other municipalities administer their own zoning24
Septic permit
Required through the municipal or local-agency Sewage Enforcement Officer56
RV or tiny-home living
No countywide private-land rule confirmed; ask the zoning authority for the parcel's municipality7
Owner-builder exemption
Owners may do uncompensated work on their own residence, but UCC permits and inspections still apply819
Agricultural buildings
Qualifying nonhabitable agricultural buildings are excluded from the state Construction Code Act, but other local rules may apply10
Septic soils
Only 8.4% of county soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field11

Who to call

Building permits

Central Keystone Council of Governments Building Code Enforcement

Municipal UCC building-permit guidance and inspections for participating Montour County municipalities

Zoning

Montour County Zoning Office

Zoning permits for Anthony Township, Liberty Township, Mayberry Township and Washingtonville Borough

570.271.3021

435 East Front Street, Danville, PA 17821

Planning & zoning

Montour County Planning Commission

County subdivision and land-development ordinance administration and review of plans from municipalities with their own ordinances

570.271.3028

435 East Front Street, Danville, PA 17821

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

Yes. Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code applies in Montour County, and owners must obtain a UCC building permit before starting covered construction or building work121. Inspections apply to UCC-regulated construction and changes to residential buildings or their electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems9. Administration is local: municipalities or certified third-party agencies enforce the code rather than one Montour County building department1. Central Keystone Council of Governments states that zoning requirements must be satisfied before a building permit is issued13. A qualifying nonhabitable agricultural building is excluded from the state Construction Code Act, but zoning, fire, electrical, health and environmental requirements may still apply10.

Who issues Montour County building permits, and how do you reach them?

Montour County does not provide one countywide building-permit counter; UCC administration occurs through municipalities or certified third-party agencies1. Start by identifying the township or borough containing the parcel, then use Central Keystone Council of Governments' Montour County page to follow that municipality's zoning and building-permit path13. Zoning approval comes first, followed by the UCC permit and required inspections139. Emergency repairs or equipment replacements may begin before permitting only if an application reaches the building-code official within three business days1. Montour County publishes separate fee schedules for county zoning and planning services, but the reviewed material does not state the amounts14. An owner may perform uncompensated work on the owner's own residence, but that does not waive required permits or inspections819.

Does Montour County have zoning?

Zoning varies across Montour County's municipalities2. The Montour County Zoning Office issues permits and publishes zoning maps for Anthony Township, Liberty Township, Mayberry Township and Washingtonville Borough154. The county zoning ordinance has jurisdiction only in municipalities that have not enacted their own zoning.16 Other municipalities administer their own zoning, whether alone or through a joint council of governments, so identify the township or borough before relying on a map or dimensional rule2. Pennsylvania law limits county zoning authority to municipalities without their own effective zoning ordinance17. For the county-served municipalities, submit a zoning application with the correct fee and supporting documents18. The county subdivision ordinance specifies setbacks for covered subdivision and land-development projects, including 25-foot front and rear yards and 20-foot side yards for detached houses, but those figures do not necessarily govern every standalone zoning situation19. Under the county zoning ordinance, the front-yard setback for a structure is 50 feet from the road centerline or 25 feet from the edge of the road right-of-way, whichever is greater, and parking must sit 10 feet from the right-of-way edge.20 Septic permits stay with the local sewage agency, not the zoning office, in every municipality.3

How do septic permits work in Montour County?

On-lot septic permitting in Montour County is handled by the local agency serving the parcel's municipality, generally through a municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer under Pennsylvania's Act 537 program53. The local agency issues permits for individual and community on-lot systems and retaining tanks6. A permit normally must be obtained before installation, construction, occupancy or use, although Pennsylvania provides a narrow exemption for certain owner or immediate-family residences on a contiguous tract of at least 10 acres when ownership, notification and siting conditions are met21. Only 8.4% of Montour County soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency rather than assuming a standard system will fit11. A completed system generally cannot be covered until the original permit issuer approves it22.

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

We could not confirm a single Montour County rule allowing residential RV use, temporary camping on private land or tiny-home occupancy. The answer depends first on the zoning authority for the parcel: the county office for Anthony, Liberty and Mayberry townships and Washingtonville Borough, or the municipality's own office elsewhere715. Pennsylvania's state-park campground stay limits do not answer whether someone may occupy an RV on private property23. A manufactured home also does not bypass every review: utility connections, grading, later additions, repairs, resale or relocation can trigger UCC requirements, while local zoning still controls siting24. Ask the applicable zoning office about the proposed residential use and the local building-code administrator about the structure before buying the parcel257.

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

  1. Identify the parcel's township or borough because building, zoning and septic administration are local123.
  2. Check the applicable zoning map, then submit the zoning application with the correct fee and supporting documents to the responsible office418.
  3. Contact the municipality's local agency or Sewage Enforcement Officer for septic testing and the required on-lot permit6.
  4. Apply through the applicable UCC administrator before starting covered construction1.
  5. Complete required inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using a UCC-regulated building926.
  6. If the project divides or develops land, take the plan through county subdivision review and confirm which setbacks apply2719.
  7. For UCC-permitted construction in a flood hazard area, include the applicable flood-zone, floodway and design-elevation information with the permit materials28.

What should you check before buying land in Montour County?

Confirm the municipality and zoning district before making the offer, because zoning administration varies and the county office serves only Anthony, Liberty and Mayberry townships and Washingtonville Borough2. If subdivision or land-development approval is involved, the Montour County Planning Commission administers the county ordinance and reviews plans originating in municipalities with their own ordinances2729. A subdivision or land development must connect to an available public water system unless the developer shows that connection is not feasible30. Septic suitability deserves a contract contingency because only 8.4% of county soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field11. About 71.1% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, while 45.8% is wooded3132. Check road access too: a building code official may not issue a building permit for a property that needs access to a state highway unless the permit carries notice that a PennDOT highway occupancy permit is required before driveway access.33 We could not confirm a general private-well permit rule for Montour County, so ask the municipality serving the parcel before relying on a well plan.

Watch-outs

  • Do not take a Montour County mailing address as proof that the county zoning office serves the parcel; that office issues permits only for Anthony, Liberty and Mayberry townships and Washingtonville Borough15.
  • Only 8.4% of Montour County soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so verify septic feasibility before treating a lot as buildable11.
  • Owner-performed work does not waive Montour County's UCC permit or inspection requirements; private-land RV occupancy and countywide dimensional rules remain unconfirmed, so ask the parcel's zoning office and local building-code administrator before relying on them8197.

Sources

  1. Apply for a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  2. Montour County - Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  3. Act 537 Sewage Facilities, quoted and re-checked
  4. Montour County - Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  5. PA DEP Act 537 Sewage Facilities Program (2026 county census)
  6. Montour County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. Montour County Zoning Ordinance of 2015 (2026 county census)
  8. Contractor Licensing (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Apply for a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  10. Pennsylvania Construction Code Act — Chapter 1 (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 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
  12. Uniform Construction Code, quoted and re-checked
  13. Central Keystone Council of Governments Building Code Enforcement (ckcog.com)
  14. Montour County - Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  15. Montour County Zoning Office (montourcounty.gov)
  16. Montour County Zoning Ordinance of 2015, quoted and re-checked
  17. Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Montour County - Zoning Office, quoted and re-checked
  19. Montour County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Montour County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. 25 Pa. Code § 72.22. Permit issuance (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. RV and Tent Campsites (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, Chapter 403 (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Central Keystone COG - Montour County (2026 county census)
  26. Apply for a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  27. Montour County - Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  28. 34 Pa. Code Chapter 403, quoted and re-checked
  29. Montour County Planning Commission (montourcounty.gov)
  30. Montour County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  31. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  33. 34 Pa. Code Chapter 403, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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 5 of its 6 neighbors, Montour County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleMontour CountyNorthumberland CountyColumbia CountyUnion CountySnyder CountyLycoming CountySullivan County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesNoYesNoNoYesYes
Septic permitsMunicipal Sewage Enforcement OfficerMunicipalSEOMunicipalMunicipal Sewage Enforcement OfficerPA DEP Act 537 programMunicipal Sewage Enforcement Officer

County locator

Montour County in Pennsylvania

62
County map
Montour County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score

How Montour County scores

Seclusion30100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability86100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost63100% 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 →

$285kTypical home
1%Property tax
$8,863Land / acre
43.5"Annual rain
0.1% of yrsSevere drought
2.1 / yr (+2.1)Mid-century 100°F days
11.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.79" (+9.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.53×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$980Home insurance / yr
0.6% / yrInsurance growth
0.27%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
140,335People within 30 min
4,525,856People within 2 hr
141,012Radius comparison (15 mi)
137.1People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
71.1%Land at 15% slope or less
8.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
6,831 acWorkable land screen
45.8%Wooded land
55.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
50.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Montour 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: Anthony Township · Cooper Township · Borough of Danville · Derry Township · Liberty Township · Limestone Township · Mayberry Township · Valley Township · Borough of Washingtonville · West Hemlock Township

Answers from the rulebook for Montour County

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

Montour County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Montour County municipalities where no local zoning regulations have been enacted.

    • The county ordinance does not apply in municipalities where local zoning regulations have been enacted.
    • The County Zoning Office specifically issues zoning permits for Anthony Township, Liberty Township, Mayberry Township, and Washingtonville Borough.
    “This Ordinance shall have jurisdiction in all those municipalities in Montour County where no local zoning regulations have been enacted.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Zoning regulation throughout Montour County, aggregated across municipalities and county-administered zoning areas.

    • The Montour County Zoning Office issues zoning permits for Anthony Township, Liberty Township, Mayberry Township, and Washingtonville Borough.
    • The county meeting minutes state that the majority of Montour municipalities handle their own zoning or joined with other municipalities in a joint council of governments.
    • The county meeting minutes identify Anthony, Mayberry, and Liberty Townships and Washingtonville Borough as under County jurisdiction; other municipalities may have separate municipal or joint-council zoning administration.
    • Specific zoning districts, permitted uses, dimensional standards, and application requirements depend on the applicable municipal, joint-council, or county zoning ordinance.
    “Mr. Finn said the County should not be in the zoning business as the majority of municipalities in Montour handle their own zoning or joined with other municipalities in a joint council of governments, leaving only Anthony, Mayberry, and Liberty townships, and Washingtonville Borough under County jurisdiction.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Montour County's municipalities.
      “This department handles land development, land use & zoning regulations, permitting, and more.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Zoning administration across Montour County, aggregating county-administered zoning and municipalities with local zoning regulations.
      “Existing individual zoning regulations along with the County zoning regulations have resulted in varying types of districts, regulated uses and items”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning maps and the combined zoning ordinance maintained by the Montour County Zoning Office.

    • The official page links zoning maps for Anthony Township, Liberty Township, Mayberry Township, and Washingtonville Borough.
    • The page also links the full combined zoning ordinance.
    “The full text of the Montour County Zoning Ordinance can be accessed below.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County-maintained zoning maps for municipalities served by the Montour County Zoning Office.
      “Anthony Township Zoning Map (opens in a new window) Liberty Township Zoning Map (opens in a new window) Mayberry Township Zoning Map (opens in a new window) Washingtonville Borough Zoning Map (opens in a new window)”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building setbacks for land subject to the Montour County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

    • The table applies to subdivision and land-development regulation, not necessarily every standalone zoning situation.
    • The ordinance states the measurements are from the right-of-way and property line.
    • For lots on cul-de-sacs, the front-yard setback is measured using the average lot width.
    • For townhouse and multifamily attached units, the side-yard setback is zero for internal attached structures and applies only to end units.
    • No accessory structures are permitted in front yards.
    • The ordinance also states a maximum impervious coverage of 70 percent.

    single-family detached front setback: 25 feet · single-family detached side setback: 20 feet · single-family detached rear setback: 25 feet · single-family attached front setback: 25 feet · single-family attached side setback: 15 (end units) feet (0 feet for internal attached structures) · single-family attached rear setback: 30 feet · multifamily front setback: 25 feet · multifamily side setback: 20 feet (end units) · multifamily rear setback: 30 feet · commercial front setback: 25 feet · commercial side setback: 15 feet · commercial rear setback: 30 feet · industrial or warehouse front setback: 30 feet · industrial or warehouse side setback: 25 feet · industrial or warehouse rear setback: 40 feet · accessory structure side setback: 5 feet (No accessory structures in front yards) · accessory structure rear setback: 5 feet (No accessory structures in front yards) · maximum impervious coverage: 70 percent

    “3. Building Setbacks: (From Right-of-Way and Property Line) Land Use Front Yard Side Yard Rear Yard”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Structures, accessory structures, parking, and loading areas regulated under the Montour County Zoning Ordinance's district regulations.
      “Structures - 50 feet from road centerline or 25 feet from edge of road R/W, whichever is greater. Parking - 10 feet from edge of road R/W.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    On-lot sewage systems in Montour County.

    • Pennsylvania DEP provides technical oversight and financial assistance.
    • Local agencies may be individual municipalities, groups of municipalities, or county health departments.
    • The specific agency or SEO serving each Montour County municipality was not established by the opened official pages.
    “Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Subdivision and land-development sewage planning involving on-lot systems.

    • For subdivisions of ten lots or less proposing on-lot subsurface sewage disposal, a Planning Module Component I signed by the municipality's Sewage Enforcement Officer or approved Sewage Disposal Permits for each lot is required.
    • For more than ten lots, community sewage treatment, stream discharge, or municipal sewer extension, DEP approval of the proposed sewage-facilities-plan revision or supplement is required.

    subdivision lot threshold: <= 10 lots (For more than ten lots, different documentation is required.)

    “For subdivisions of ten (10) lots or less proposing on-lot sub-surface sewage disposal, a Planning Module Component I, which indicates that the soils of the site are generally suitable and is signed by the municipality's Sewage Enforcement Officer, or copies of approved Sewage Disposal Permits for each lot, shall be required.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Subdivision and land development utility connections.

    • Subdivisions and land developments shall connect to new or existing public water systems unless the developer shows that such connection is not feasible.
    • Sewage may be handled by public sewer, a complete private sewage system, or individual-lot sewage disposal subject to stated approvals.
    “Subdivisions and land developments shall be connected to new or existing public water systems unless the developer shows that such connection is not feasible.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land development in Montour County.

    • The County Planning Commission administers the County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and reviews plans originating from municipalities with their own ordinances.
    • Additional sewage, water, soils, floodplain, open-space, and plan-submission requirements may apply.
    “Administer the County's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and reviews plans originating from municipalities having their own ordinances.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development reviewed under the Montour County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
      “Administer the County's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and reviews plans originating from municipalities having their own ordinances.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    County zoning and planning services.

    • The county pages link to separate zoning and planning fee schedules; fee amounts were not extracted in this review.
    “The Montour County Zoning Office maintains a schedule of fees for the services rendered through the office. The fee schedule is accessible below.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County zoning and planning permit processes.

    • A zoning application must be submitted with correct fees and supporting documents.
    • Planning and zoning processes differ by municipality and by whether the matter is a zoning, subdivision, or land-development application.
    “In order to receive services from the Montour County Zoning Office, a Zoning Application must be received accompanied by the correct fees and supporting documents.”

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 Montour County subject to the Pennsylvania UCC.
      “The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
    • Required — Construction and building work in Montour County subject to Pennsylvania's 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) — Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code requirements applicable in Montour County.
      “Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code Triennial Update was approved by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission on October 16, 2025. This final-omitted rulemaking was published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on November 8, 2025. The effective date is January 1, 2026.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction throughout Pennsylvania, including Montour County.
      “Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
  • InspectionsRequired

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

    • The permit holder must keep construction accessible and notify the construction code official when work is ready.
    • Required inspection areas are foundations; plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems; frame and masonry; and wallboard.
    • The official may conduct additional inspections for UCC or municipal-ordinance compliance.
    • A final inspection and final inspection report are required.
    • Third-party agencies under contract must submit the final inspection report to the property owner, builder, and designated lender.
    “A construction code official shall inspect all construction for which a permit was issued. The permit holder shall insure that the construction is accessible for inspection.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — UCC-regulated construction and changes to commercial or residential buildings, and listed building systems, in Montour County.
      “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.”
    • Required — UCC-regulated construction and residential or commercial building changes in Montour County.
      “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.”
    • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • 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.

    driller license year: June 1-May 31 · annual driller license fee: 60 USD · rig permit fee: 20 USD

    “Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Driveway access to a Commonwealth highway in Montour County.
      “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — UCC-permitted construction in a flood hazard area under the National Flood Insurance Program in Montour County.
      “A permit applicant for a building or structure located in a flood hazard area under the National Flood Insurance Program shall submit the following information with the construction documents:”
    • 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 Montour County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Minimum lot size
  • 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 Montour County, Pennsylvania

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

Montour County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 140,335 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Montour County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (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 Montour County, Pennsylvania?

Land in Montour County runs about $8,863 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Montour County?

Montour County gets about 43.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.1% of years.

How remote is Montour County?

A representative private-land location has about 140,335 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,525,856 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 Montour compares in Pennsylvania

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