Building permits, zoning and land rules in Perry County, Pennsylvania
73Index Score / 100 #24 of 67 in Pennsylvania
Covered building work in Perry County, Pennsylvania requires a UCC building permit, administered locally or through a certified third-party agency12. Perry County has no countywide zoning ordinance; zoning approval depends on the parcel's township or borough34. Septic permits stay with the municipality's Sewage Enforcement Officer under Pennsylvania's local-agency system56.
At a glance
Building permit
Required under Pennsylvania's UCC; administered locally or through a certified third-party agency7
Zoning
No countywide ordinance; township and borough zoning varies34
Septic permits
A municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer under PA DEP's Act 537 program, not a county office5
Owner-builder exemption
Owners may do their own work without a general state contractor license, but no general exemption from UCC permits or inspections was confirmed89
RV living
No countywide answer confirmed; Rye Township treats RVs as temporary accommodations and limits periodic camp visits10
Well permit
Drilling companies need state licensing and rig permits; farmers and homeowners drilling their own wells are exempt11
Agricultural building exemption
A qualifying agricultural building is excluded from the UCC, but zoning, subdivision, sewage and floodplain rules may still apply12
Septic soil difficulty
Only 3% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field13
Building, zoning, and driveway permit applications for Rye Township; the township contracts Building Inspection Underwriters (BIU) of New Bloomfield for UCC building-permit inspections. One example of how Perry County's municipalities each run their own permitting; confirm the equivalent office for your specific township or borough.
Sewage permits for new construction, remodeling, repairs, and replacements in Rye Township, as the township's contracted Sewage Enforcement Officer under PA DEP Act 537. Each Perry County municipality retains its own SEO, sometimes the same firm; confirm the SEO for your specific township.
General county government contact and the county's directory of Perry County municipalities; the county courthouse itself does not run a building, zoning, or septic department, since those are municipal in Perry County
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Do you need a building permit in Perry County, Pennsylvania?
Yes. Covered construction in Perry County requires a UCC building permit before work starts2. The parcel's township or borough administers the building permit locally or through a certified third-party agency1. In Rye Township, building and zoning permits generally cover work that changes outside dimensions or adds a structure; listed routine replacements such as roof shingles, siding, storm doors, and windows do not need those permits there14. A qualifying agricultural building is excluded from the UCC, but zoning approval, subdivision review, septic permits, and floodplain rules may still apply15. Pennsylvania does not generally license construction contractors, but the reviewed rules do not establish a general owner-builder exemption from UCC building permits or inspections8. Permitted construction must be inspected, and a residential building cannot be occupied until a building code official issues a certificate of occupancy1617.
Who issues building permits in Perry County, Pennsylvania?
Start with the township or borough where the parcel lies because UCC building-permit administration and zoning approval vary by municipality in Perry County14. Perry County's municipality directory is available through the courthouse at 2 East Main Street, New Bloomfield, PA 17068, 717-582-213118. As a worked example, Rye Township's office at 1775 New Valley Road, Marysville, PA 17053, 717-957-2348, provides zoning and driveway permit applications and directs applicants to Building Inspection Underwriters for UCC building permits and inspections19. Septic permitting does not move to the building inspector or zoning officer: Rye Township's septic permits go through Frederick Seibert Associates, the municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer, at (717) 275-204820. Rye Township and Carroll Township each publish their own fee schedules, illustrating why applicants should not assume one countywide price2122.
Does Perry County have zoning?
Perry County has no countywide zoning ordinance; zoning decisions remain with municipal officials3. Municipal zoning is mixed: Rye Township has zoning, while Buffalo Township has not adopted a zoning ordinance2324. A parcel without municipal zoning is not unrestricted because subdivision and land-development standards can still apply25. For residential subdivision lots governed by the Perry County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, municipal zoning standards control where they exist; otherwise, the county ordinance supplies conditional lot-area, width, and setback standards2627. The reviewed material does not establish a countywide minimum dwelling floor area, lot-coverage cap, or building-height limit; ask the township or borough serving the parcel. Rye Township's zoning districts and overlays are a local example, not rules for the rest of Perry County28.
How do septic permits work in Perry County?
On-lot septic permitting and enforcement in Perry County stay with the applicable municipal local agency, with Pennsylvania DEP providing oversight6. A septic permit is generally required before installing an on-lot system or occupying a building served by one29. The local agency conducts site-suitability review, soil probes, and percolation testing during the application process30. Only 3% of Perry County soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so arrange that testing early13. In Rye Township, Frederick Seibert Associates serves as the Sewage Enforcement Officer, and septic permits may be required for new construction or remodeling that adds bedrooms or bathrooms and are required for repairs and replacements3132. A new system cannot be covered until the permit issuer gives final written approval33. Composting or incinerating toilets do not eliminate wastewater duties for a new residence34.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Perry County?
We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV living, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Perry County. The practical answer depends on the parcel's township or borough because municipal zoning varies across Perry County35. Rye Township defines an RV as temporary living accommodation and says periodic camp visits should not exceed 90 consecutive days, but that rule is not countywide10. Ask the municipality whether the proposed unit is treated as a dwelling, RV, manufactured home, or temporary use, and ask its Sewage Enforcement Officer about septic approval6. For a new manufactured home, the installer must provide the required federal form to the local code official to receive a certificate of occupancy36. Manufactured-home rules do not settle local zoning approval, placement, or septic permitting46.
What are the steps to build a home in Perry County?
Identify the parcel's township or borough and ask which building code official, zoning officer, Sewage Enforcement Officer, and road authority serve it14.
Confirm municipal zoning approval and the applicable subdivision standards, including lot size and setbacks, before designing the home2627.
Apply to the municipal local agency for the septic permit and required site and soil testing2930.
Obtain the correct driveway permit; work on state highway land requires PennDOT approval37.
Check the flood map and obtain the municipality's floodplain development permit or equivalent if the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area38.
Apply for the UCC building permit before work begins2.
Complete the required building inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the home1617.
What should you check before buying land in Perry County?
Confirm the specific township or borough first because zoning varies across Perry County's municipalities even though the county has no countywide zoning ordinance34. Soils deserve a hard look: only 3% of Perry County land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, and 69.1% is wooded, so septic siting and clearing costs matter1339. About 51% of the county is at 15% slope or less, making parcel-level grading review worthwhile40. Ask which subdivision and land-development ordinance applies because a municipality without zoning can still have lot and setback standards2627. Confirm whether road access involves state highway land because that work requires PennDOT approval37. Ask about well drilling too: drilling companies need state licenses and rig permits, while farmers and homeowners drilling their own wells on owned or leased land are exempt from those state requirements11.
Watch-outs
Rye Township is a worked example, not a countywide rule; building-permit administration and municipal zoning vary by municipality14.
We could not confirm a countywide RV or tiny-home occupancy rule; Rye Township's limit does not answer the question elsewhere in Perry County10.
A municipality without zoning is not unrestricted: subdivision, septic, floodplain, and driveway requirements may still apply2563837.
Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Perry County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score
How Perry County scores
Seclusion42100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency66100% ev.
Admin Boringness63100% ev.
Durability77100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost63100% ev.
Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$299kTypical home
1.2%Property tax
$8,722Land / acre
44.5"Annual rain
0% of yrsSevere drought
2.9 / yr (+2.7)Mid-century 100°F days
11.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2" (+7.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.54×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$949Home insurance / yr
0.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.35%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
3,280,072People within 2 hr
100,377Radius comparison (15 mi)
83.6People / sq mi
1.1%Federal land
51%Land at 15% slope or less
3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Perry 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: Borough of Blain · Borough of Bloomfield · Buffalo Township · Carroll Township · Centre Township · Greenwood Township · Howe Township · Jackson Township · Juniata Township · Borough of Landisburg · Borough of Liverpool · Liverpool Township · Borough of Marysville · Miller Township · Borough of Millerstown · Borough of New Buffalo · Borough of Newport · Northeast Madison Township · Oliver Township · Penn Township · Rye Township · Saville Township · Southwest Madison Township · Spring Township · Toboyne Township · Tuscarora Township · Tyrone Township · Watts Township · Wheatfield Township
Answers from the rulebook for Perry County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Perry County rules
County-wide zoningAbsent (with conditions)
Countywide zoning in Perry County, Pennsylvania.
The source expressly states that zoning decisions remain with municipal officials rather than a countywide ordinance.
Municipal zoning ordinances may apply in 18 municipalities; the source identifies 12 other municipalities without zoning land-use management tools.
Other applicable subdivision and land-development ordinances and local ordinances may still apply.
“decision to zone remains in the hands of municipal officials.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Zoning regulation across Perry County municipalities; this is an aggregate countywide claim and does not mean Perry County administers each municipal ordinance.
Municipal zoning rules differ by borough or township.
Blain Borough has not adopted a zoning ordinance governing land use within its borough limits.
Jackson Township has not adopted a zoning ordinance governing land use within its township limits and has no zoning hearing board.
Bloomfield Borough has a revised 1980 zoning ordinance amended in 2006.
Marysville Borough has a 1971 zoning ordinance amended in 1995 and 2006.
Rye Township has a 2003 zoning ordinance, with the latest revision enacted February 28, 2011.
Where a municipality has not adopted an S&LDO, the Perry County S&LDO applies; this is distinct from zoning regulation.
“Zoning Ordinance: Blain Borough Council has not adopted a zoning ordinance to govern land use within the Borough limits. [...] Zoning Ordinance: Revised 1980, (Amended 2006)”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning across Perry County's municipalities; the conclusion aggregates municipal zoning ordinances and does not mean Perry County administers each ordinance.
“Zoning Ordinance: The Buffalo Township Board of Supervisors has not adopted a zoning ordinance to govern land use within the Township limits. [...] Zoning Ordinance: 1996 (Amended 2006)”
Varies (with conditions) — Municipal zoning across Perry County, aggregated at the county level; individual zoning ordinances are administered and enforced by the respective borough or township.
“18 zoned municipalities, there are still another 12 without any such land use management tools in place.”
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate municipal zoning status across Perry County; individual zoning ordinances are administered by the respective municipalities.
“While there are 18 zoned municipalities, there are still another 12 without any such land use management tools in place.”
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Perry County municipalities; the actual rule-maker is the individual borough or township, not Perry County as an administrator of each local zoning ordinance.
“Zoning Ordinance: Landisburg Borough Council has not adopted a zoning ordinance. [...] Zoning Ordinance: 2003, – (Latest revision enacted February 28, 2011)”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential subdivision lots in Perry County municipalities governed by the Perry County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
The standards apply where a municipal zoning ordinance does not establish the applicable lot-width or lot-area requirement.
Lots without public sewer or public water require 100 feet of width at the front building setback line and 1 acre of net lot area.
Lots with private sewer and public water require 100 feet of width and 1 acre of net lot area.
Lots with public sewer and private water require 85 feet of width and 10,000 square feet of net lot area.
Lots with both public sewer and public water use dwelling-type-specific standards in Table 5.1.
Municipal zoning requirements control where applicable.
lot width without public sewer or public water: >= 100 feet (Measured at the front building setback line) · net lot area without public sewer or public water: >= 1 acre · lot width with private sewer and public water: >= 100 feet (Measured at the front building setback line) · net lot area with private sewer and public water: >= 1 acre · lot width with public sewer and private water: >= 85 feet (Measured at the front building setback line) · net lot area with public sewer and private water: >= 10000 square feet · single-family detached dwelling with public sewer and public water: >= 7500 square feet (Minimum net lot area per dwelling unit) · single-family semi-detached dwelling with public sewer and public water: >= 5000 square feet (Minimum net lot area per dwelling unit) · single-family attached dwelling with public sewer and public water: >= 2400 square feet (Minimum net lot area per dwelling unit) · two-family detached dwelling with public sewer and public water: >= 7500 square feet (Minimum net lot area per dwelling unit) · two-family semi-detached dwelling with public sewer and public water: >= 3000 square feet (Minimum net lot area per dwelling unit) · multi-family dwelling with public sewer and public water: >= 2400 square feet (Minimum net lot area per dwelling unit)
“Lots not serviced by either public sewer or public water supply are required to be one hundred (100) feet wide at the front building setback line and a minimum of one (1) acre of net lot area. Lots serviced by private sewer and public water supply are required to be one hundred (100) feet wide at the front building setback line and a minimum of one (1) acre of net lot area. Lots serviced by public sewer and private water supply are required to be eighty five (85) feet wide at the front building setback line and a minimum of ten thousand (10,000) square feet of net lot area.”
SetbacksSpecified
Subdivision and land-development lots in Perry County municipalities governed by the Perry County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance when no applicable municipal zoning ordinance supplies the setback standard.
Building setback lines must conform to the applicable municipal zoning ordinance where one exists.
Where no such ordinance exists, front setbacks depend on street type and right-of-way conditions.
For streets not meeting the ordinance's right-of-way widths, the minimum setback is 60 feet from the centerline for collector streets and 50 feet for minor streets; arterial-highway setbacks are as required by the Commission.
Side setbacks are at least 15 feet from side lot lines and rear setbacks are at least 25 feet from the rear lot line.
In a recreational vehicle park or campground, side and rear setbacks are at least 10 feet from each RV or campground lot line and at least 25 feet from the park or campground property line on sides and rear not adjacent to a dedicated public street right-of-way.
side setback: >= 15 feet (Ordinary lots where no applicable municipal zoning ordinance controls) · rear setback: >= 25 feet (Ordinary lots where no applicable municipal zoning ordinance controls) · RV/campground lot side and rear setback: >= 10 feet (From each RV or campground lot line) · RV/campground property-line setback: >= 25 feet (Sides and rear not adjacent to a dedicated public street right-of-way)
“Building setback lines must conform to the applicable municipal zoning ordinance. Where no such ordinance exists, the minimum setback from the right-of-way line is as follows: [...] Building setback lines shall not be less than fifteen (15) feet from the side lot lines and twenty-five (25) feet from the rear lot line.”
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 or building work in Perry County subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code.
“The UCC states that before beginning any construction or building work, the property owner or an authorized representative must obtain a UCC building permit”
Required — Construction and building work in Perry County, including residential and commercial 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 — Commercial buildings, structures, facilities, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems in Pennsylvania jurisdictions enforcing the Uniform Construction Code.
“An owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a commercial building, structure and facility [...] shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under § 403.42a (relating to permit application).”
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
An owner constructing a qualifying recreational cabin in Perry County.
The cabin must have at least one smoke detector, one fire extinguisher, and one carbon monoxide detector in both the kitchen and sleeping quarters.
The owner must file either Department form UCC-13 or valid proof of insurance with the municipality.
The UCC-13 attestation states the cabin will be used only for recreation; not as a domicile or residence; not for commercial purposes; no more than two stories excluding basement; not as a place of employment; not as a mailing address; and not listed as anyone's residence on specified records.
The affidavit must be notarized.
The exclusion is for qualifying recreational cabins and is not a general owner-builder exemption for ordinary residential construction.
Upon transfer, the sales agreement and deed must disclose that the cabin is exempt, may not conform to the UCC, and is not subject to municipal regulation.
maximum height: <= 2 stories (Basement excluded from story count)
“(11) A recreational cabin if the following conditions are met:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Available — A property owner performing construction work on the owner's own primary residence in Pennsylvania without compensation, and most construction work for which Pennsylvania does not impose a statewide contractor licensure or certification requirement.
“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors (or their employees).”
Building code adoptedAdopted
Building construction throughout Pennsylvania under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
The UCC is administered and enforced locally by municipalities that opt in, using municipal employees or certified third-party agencies.
In municipalities that opt out, the Department of Labor and Industry is responsible for commercial code enforcement, while certified third-party agencies hired by property owners or contractors enforce residential UCC requirements.
The Department has sole jurisdiction for elevators and state-owned buildings wherever located.
The 2021 accessibility updates are permanently enjoined; structures must still comply with the 2018 accessibility requirements, and the injunction does not affect enforcement of non-accessibility UCC requirements.
The revised regulations adopting the 2018 I-Code series became effective February 14, 2022. Contract-based transition rules allow certain projects with contracts signed before that date to use the UCC in effect at the time of contract if application was made by August 14, 2022 or earlier.
The 2021 I-Code accessibility provisions became effective December 25, 2021, with a contract-based transition period allowing applications by June 25, 2022 or earlier.
Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code triennial update was published November 8, 2025 and became effective January 1, 2026.
2018 I-Code regulations effective date: 2022-02-14 (For contracts signed before this date, application and permit issuance under the UCC in effect at the time of contract were allowed if application was made by 2022-08-14.) · 2021 I-Code accessibility provisions effective date: 2021-12-25 (For contracts signed before this date, application and permit issuance under the UCC in effect at the time of contract were allowed if application was made by 2022-06-25.) · 2025 triennial UCC update effective date: 2026-01-01
“Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction and building work in Perry County subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code, with administration and enforcement handled through the applicable municipality or other authorized enforcement authority.
“Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction and building work in Pennsylvania, including Perry County, subject to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and local enforcement arrangements.
“Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
InspectionsRequired
Construction for which a Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code permit was issued, including covered residential construction in Perry County.
A construction code official must inspect construction for which a permit was issued.
The permit holder or authorized agent must notify the construction code official when work is ready and provide access.
A final inspection and final inspection report are required.
UCC enforcement may be performed by a municipality, certified third-party agency, or the Department of Labor and Industry depending on the municipality's enforcement status.
final inspection: true · inspection areas: foundation; plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems; frame and masonry; wallboard
“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
Limited — UCC-regulated construction and building work in Perry 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 — Residential construction for which a Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code permit was issued.
“A construction code official shall inspect all construction for which a permit was issued. The permit holder shall insure that the construction is accessible for inspection.”
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
Required — Use or occupancy of a building, structure, facility, or residential building subject to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code in Perry County.
“A residential building may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
Required — Use of a building or facility in Perry County subject to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
“A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
Required — Use or occupancy of a residential building governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
“A residential building may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
Zoning districtsPartial
Pennsylvania zoning requirements and district information; the official state source directs applicants to the local township, borough, or city.
Local registrations, permits, and zoning requirements must be addressed with the township, borough, or city where the activity will occur.
The source does not publish a statewide zoning-district map or a single statewide zoning-district schedule.
This claim does not identify or aggregate individual municipal zoning districts.
“Local registrations, permits, zoning requirements and related questions should be directed to the township, borough, or city where you will be operating.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured housing assembled and shipped by the manufacturer and bearing the required federal-construction-and-safety label, including changes in occupancy, resale, relocation, additions, repairs, utility connections, and grading addressed by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code.
For new labeled manufactured housing installed in conformity with the manufacturer's approved design, the UCC does not apply except as provided in the regulation.
Construction activities or processes, including utility connections and grading, that are not addressed by the manufacturer's approved design must comply with the UCC.
The UCC applies to alterations or repairs outside the federal manufactured-home standards and manufacturer installation instructions after assembly and shipment.
The UCC applies to additions after delivery to the site.
The UCC applies to construction, alteration, repair, or change of occupancy if the manufactured housing is resold to a subsequent purchaser.
The UCC applies to construction, alteration, repair, or change of occupancy if the original purchaser relocates the manufactured housing.
Pennsylvania building-permit guidance states that manufactured housing projects require inspections for site preparation, foundation construction, repairs, and changes in occupancy.
This state construction-code rule does not resolve local zoning, land-use siting, or utility/septic approval requirements.
“Construction, alteration, repair or change of occupancy if the original purchaser relocates the manufactured housing.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Manufactured-home construction, installation, alteration, repair, resale, relocation, and changes of occupancy in Pennsylvania, including Perry County
“A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
Allowed (with conditions) — Installation and occupancy of manufactured homes in Pennsylvania, including Perry County, subject to applicable state, federal, municipal, and installation requirements.
“After finishing the installation of a new manufactured home, the HUD licensed installer must provide a completed HUD Form 309 to the purchaser, the retailer, maintain a copy for themselves, and a copy to the local code official in order to receive the certificate of occupancy.”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Statewide regulation and administration of on-lot sewage facilities and septic systems in Pennsylvania.
On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement are largely administered by local agencies, including individual municipalities, groups of municipalities, county departments of health, and joint county departments of health.
Local agencies issue permits for retaining tanks and individual or community on-lot sewage systems that renovate sewage effluent in a soil absorption area or spray field.
Large volume on-lot systems are an exception to the local-agency permitting responsibility identified on the DEP page.
DEP provides technical oversight and financial assistance to local agencies.
Delegated joint local agencies may receive additional DEP authority to review and approve or disapprove new land-development sewage-planning proposals, and depending on the delegation may process both on-lot and public sewerage proposals.
“Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities. With certain exceptions (i.e. large volume on-lot systems), local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems which renovate sewage effluent in a soil absorption area or spray field. [...] In some cases, Joint Local Agencies may obtain additional authority and responsibility from DEP by requesting Act 537 planning approval delegation.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Mixed (with conditions) — On-lot or onsite sewage systems in Perry County under Pennsylvania Act 537.
“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.”
Local — On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement applicable in Perry County, including individual municipalities and groups of municipalities acting as local or joint local agencies.
“Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
Mixed — On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement in Perry County under Pennsylvania Act 537.
“Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
Septic permitRequired
Installation, construction, occupancy, or use of a building served by an individual or community on-lot sewage system in Perry County.
A permit must be obtained from the local agency before installation, awarding a construction contract, construction, or installing, constructing, occupying, or using a building served by the system.
A permit is also required for specified alterations or connections to an existing system involving treatment or retention tanks, absorption areas, spray fields, or soil within or under those areas.
Multiple chemical or portable toilets for temporary construction, recreation, or temporary facilities are covered by one permit.
A permit is not required for a recycling, incinerating, composting, or other water-conservation toilet when the existing on-lot system is not altered.
A limited exemption applies to certain owner-occupied residential structures on contiguous tracts of at least 10 acres, subject to the ownership and local-ordinance conditions in 25 Pa. Code § 72.22(e)-(g).
A replacement dwelling may be exempt when the local agency determines the replacement has the same or lesser size and anticipated use and the prior dwelling was used within one year, unless an active malfunction investigation is underway.
Large-volume on-lot systems are excluded from local permitting and require Department permits.
Local agencies may not issue permits when the required official-plan and implementation conditions are not met.
large-volume on-lot threshold: > 10000 gallons per day (Such systems require Department permits.) · owner-occupied permit-exemption tract size: >= 10 acres (Only if the statutory ownership, residential-use, and local-ordinance conditions are met.)
“No person may install, award a contract for construction or construct an individual or community onlot sewage system, or install, construct, occupy or use a building to be served by that system without first obtaining a permit from the local agency, except as provided in subsections (c)—(e).”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Installation, construction, occupancy, or use of a building served by an individual or community onlot sewage system statewide.
“without first obtaining a permit from the local agency, except as provided in subsections (c)—(e).”
Septic inspectionRequired
Applications for individual or community on-lot sewage systems in Perry County.
The local agency must conduct inspections and tests necessary to carry out the Act.
Site suitability review, soil probe testing, and soil percolation testing must be completed within twenty working days of receiving a permit application, unless a later date is requested or agreed in writing.
The applicant must obtain a one-call system serial number before soil testing and give notice three to ten working days before excavation.
The applicant must prepare the site after at least forty-eight hours' notice.
The rule establishes application-related testing, not a countywide recurring pumping or inspection interval.
site review and soil testing deadline: 20 working days (Later date may be requested or agreed in writing.) · one-call notice before excavation: 3-10 working days · site-preparation notice: >= 48 hours
“Within twenty working days of the local agency's receipt of a permit application or by such later date as the applicant may request in writing or by such later date as the sewage enforcement officer and applicant may agree, which is confirmed in writing by the sewage enforcement officer, site suitability review, soil probe testing and soil percolation testing shall be completed by the local agency and the results provided to the applicant in writing.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Individual and community on-lot sewage systems installed in Perry County under Pennsylvania's Act 537 permitting framework.
“No part of an individual or community onlot sewage system may be covered until a final inspection is conducted and final written approval is given by the local agency. The sewage system shall be inspected, approved and covered before the structure is occupied by a person.”
Limited — Individual and community sewage-disposal systems before concealment or covering after construction.
“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”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Recycling, incinerating, and composting toilets used as off-grid sanitation in Perry County.
“When the installation of a recycling toilet, incinerating toilet or composting toilet is proposed for a new residence or establishment, an onlot sewage system or other approved method of sewage disposal shall be provided for treatment of washwater or excess liquid from the unit, except as provided in subsection (e). Both sewage disposal facilities shall be included under one permit.”
Well permitLimited
Water wells in Perry County, distinguishing private homeowner or farmer wells from public water-supply wells.
Water-well drilling companies must obtain a license and permits.
The licensing and permit requirement does not apply to farmers or homeowners who drill their own wells on their own or leased land.
Pennsylvania has construction standards for public water-supply wells but not private water wells.
Private-well protection and maintenance are the homeowner's responsibility.
Separate public-water-system permits may apply when a well is part of a public water system.
“Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania. The license year runs from June 1 to May 31. This does not apply to farmers or homeowners who drill their own water wells on their own or leased land.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Not required — Private homeowner water wells in Perry County under Pennsylvania statewide regulation.
“Does the state of Pennsylvania regulate private homeowner wells? No. The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does not regulate private wells.”
Limited — Water-well drilling in Perry County, Pennsylvania.
“Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania. The license year runs from June 1 to May 31. This does not apply to farmers or homeowners who drill their own water wells on their own or leased land.”
Limited — Water-well drilling statewide, distinguishing commercial water-well drillers from farmers and homeowners drilling their own wells on owned or leased land.
“Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
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.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings in Perry County subject to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
“(b) EXCLUSIONS.— This act shall not apply to: [...] (4) any agricultural building;”
Available — Agricultural buildings subject to the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Act.
“This act shall apply to the construction, alteration, repair and occupancy of all buildings in this Commonwealth. [...] This act shall not apply to: [...] (4) any agricultural building;”
Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings covered by Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code Act.
““Agricultural building.” A structure utilized to store farm implements, hay, feed, grain or other agricultural or horticultural products or to house poultry, livestock or other farm animals, a milk house and a structure used to grow mushrooms. The term includes a carriage house owned and used by members of a recognized religious sect for the purposes of housing horses and storing buggies. The term shall not include habitable space or spaces in which agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged and shall not be construed to mean a place of occupancy by the general public. [...] (4) any agricultural building;”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development within Pennsylvania municipalities, including municipalities in Perry County.
“The governing body of each municipality may regulate subdivisions and land development within the municipality by enacting a subdivision and land development ordinance.”
Driveway accessRequired
Construction or alteration of a driveway connected to Pennsylvania state highway land, including a driveway connecting to a PennDOT drainage facility.
The requirement applies to building or changing a driveway on state highway land.
A permit is also required if the driveway connects to a PennDOT drainage facility.
Paving may be considered maintenance only in some cases; PennDOT advises applicants to contact it to determine whether that exception applies.
Permits are usually given within 30 days when the needed information is provided and the application follows PennDOT regulations.
PennDOT has 60 days to review each application and aims to finish reviews within 30 days.
A minimum-use driveway is expected to be used by no more than 25 vehicles per day, or 50 average daily traffic.
minimum-use driveway traffic: <= 25 vehicles per day (Equivalent to 50 average daily traffic.)
“You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Driveways, roads, drainage facilities, or utility facilities located on or connected to Pennsylvania state highway land, including applicable locations in Perry County.
“You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
Required — Construction or alteration of a driveway or road on Pennsylvania state highway land, and access connecting to a PennDOT drainage facility.
“You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
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
Limited — Development within Special Flood Hazard Areas in Pennsylvania, including Perry County where applicable.
“Yes! Development can take place with the Special Flood Hazard Area if it complies with local floodplain ordinances that meet criteria set by the National Flood Insurance Program.”
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”
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit fees for driveways, local roads, and related facilities in Pennsylvania state highway rights-of-way.
The fee depends on the permit type and applicable regulation.
Applicants must contact the district permit manager or consult Pennsylvania Code Title 67, Chapter 441.4 for driveway fees or Chapter 459.4 for utility fees.
“Permit costs vary. Please contact the district permit manager or consult our regulations. View the Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 441.4 or driveway fees or Chapter 459.4 for utility fees.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Variable (with conditions) — PennDOT highway occupancy permits, including driveway permits, for work involving state highway land or a PennDOT drainage facility.
“Permit costs vary. Please contact the district permit manager or consult our regulations. View the Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 441.4 or driveway fees or Chapter 459.4 for utility fees.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code building permits for construction and building work subject to the UCC.
A UCC building permit must be obtained before starting work.
Inspections are required in several listed cases, including commercial or residential building changes, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, swimming pools or hot tubs, and specified manufactured or industrialized housing work.
A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.
Emergency repairs or equipment replacements may proceed without a permit if an application is submitted to the building code official within three business days.
“The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Partial — Local registrations, permits, and zoning inquiries for businesses and development in Pennsylvania.
“Local registrations, permits, zoning requirements and related questions should be directed to the township, borough, or city where you will be operating.”
Campground & park staysLimited
RV use and occupancy at Pennsylvania state park campgrounds.
Use must occur at a state park campground and comply with campsite rules.
Campers may stay up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Campers may camp up to 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year.
Campers must vacate and remove all equipment for 48 hours between reservations.
A maximum of two sleeping units is permitted per campsite, of which only one may be wheeled.
Campsite occupancy is limited to one family unit or one non-family unit limited to five persons per site.
The page does not establish statewide permission for long-term or residential RV occupancy outside state park campgrounds.
maximum stay, Memorial Day to Labor Day: 14 consecutive nights · maximum stay, remainder of year: 21 consecutive nights · equipment-removal interval between reservations: 48 hours · maximum sleeping units per campsite: 2 units (Only one may be wheeled.) · maximum non-family occupancy: 5 persons per site (One family unit is permitted instead.)
“maximum of two sleeping units are permitted per campsite, of which only one may be wheeled.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Temporary camping at Pennsylvania state park campgrounds.
“Campers may camp for up to 21 consecutive nights”
county zoning authorityLimited
County zoning authority over land in Pennsylvania municipalities that lack an effective municipal zoning ordinance.
County zoning power is limited to land in municipalities wholly or partly within the county that have no zoning ordinance in effect when the county zoning ordinance is introduced and until the municipal zoning ordinance becomes effective.
A zoning ordinance enacted by a municipality other than the county repeals the county zoning ordinance pro tanto within that municipality.
The statute defines a county under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code as a county of the second through eighth class.
“The powers of the governing bodies of counties to enact, amend and repeal zoning ordinances shall be limited to land in those municipalities, wholly or partly within the county, which have no zoning ordinance in effect at the time a zoning ordinance is introduced before the governing body of the county and until the municipality's zoning ordinance is in effect. The enactment of a zoning ordinance by any municipality, other than the county, whose land is subject to county zoning shall act as a repeal protanto of the county zoning ordinance within the municipality adopting such ordinance.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Pennsylvania counties adopting and enforcing zoning ordinances on unincorporated land.
“Section 602. County Powers.--The powers of the governing bodies of counties to enact, amend and repeal zoning ordinances shall be limited to land in those municipalities, wholly or partly within the county, which have no zoning ordinance in effect at the time a zoning ordinance is introduced before the governing body of the county and until the municipality's zoning ordinance is in effect.”
county building authorityLimited
Pennsylvania county authority over building-code administration and enforcement for residential construction in unincorporated areas.
The general Pennsylvania Construction Code Act assigns administration and enforcement to municipalities, not counties.
A county of the second class may retain authority only if it has adopted a plumbing code and accompanying rules and regulations under the Local Health Administration Law.
The retained authority is limited to promulgating and enforcing that plumbing code and making changes that meet the minimum requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.
The official Department of Labor and Industry page states that residential UCC requirements in opt-out municipalities are enforced by certified third-party agencies hired by property owners or contractors.
“A county of the second class that has adopted a plumbing code and accompanying rules and regulations pursuant to the act of August 24, 1951 (P.L.1304, No.315), known as the Local Health Administration Law, shall retain the authority to promulgate and enforce such plumbing code and to make such changes as it deems necessary, provided that such changes meet the minimum requirements as defined in the Uniform Construction Code.”
Inside cities and towns in Perry County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Property and construction activity within Rye Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania.
Any activity requiring a building permit also requires a Rye Township zoning permit.
The zoning permit is used to confirm compliance with Rye Township Zoning Ordinance 11-01, as amended.
In-home businesses also require a zoning permit.
Applications may take several weeks depending on completeness, project type, and the part-time Zoning Officer's schedule.
Variances, special exceptions, and appeals are handled by the Zoning Hearing Board; the page states that an $850.00 fee must accompany the application.
“Rye Township has a zoning ordinance that restricts usage of properties throughout the Township. Any activity that requires a Building Permit will also require a Zoning Permit, which assures that the proposed project is in compliance with the Township Zoning Ordinance 11-01, as amended.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Absent — Land use within Buffalo Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania.
“Zoning Ordinance: The Buffalo Township Board of Supervisors has not adopted a zoning ordinance to govern land use within the Township limits.”
Zoning districtsPublished
Rye Township zoning districts shown on the official township zoning map in Perry County.
The map is labeled as adopted February 28, 2011 and amended.
The map includes a floodplain overlay, Appalachian Trail buffer, municipal boundaries, parcel boundaries, and other mapped constraints.
The map is specific to Rye Township and does not establish zoning districts for all Perry County municipalities.
published zoning district: AG · published zoning district: C · published zoning district: CF · published zoning district: IML · published zoning district: IA · published zoning district: R-1 · published zoning district: R-2 · published zoning district: RV
Recreational-vehicle and camping occupancy regulated by Rye Township’s Chapter 360 zoning ordinance.
The ordinance defines recreational vehicles as temporary living accommodations for recreational, camping, and travel use.
A recreational-vehicle park or campground consists of lots rented for temporary living quarters and constitutes a land development.
Camps are for seasonal or periodic use; periodic visits should not exceed 90 consecutive days.
Camp installations, where permitted, must meet the minimum lot area for the applicable district.
Sanitary facilities are subject to all applicable Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection rules and regulations.
Electrical service is subject to local ordinances and Public Utility Commission regulations.
A camp cannot be converted to a permanent dwelling unit unless it conforms to acceptable building, housing, electrical, and plumbing codes and all applicable ordinance and district regulations.
The ordinance’s recreational-vehicle provisions do not establish a countywide rule and do not resolve every possible permanent-placement scenario outside Rye Township.
maximum periodic camp visit: <= 90 consecutive days (The ordinance states that periodic visits should not exceed 90 consecutive days.)
“RECREATIONAL VEHICLE — A vehicular-type portable structure without permanent foundation, which can be towed, hauled or driven and primarily designed as temporary living accommodation for recreational, camping and travel use and including but not limited to travel trailers, truck campers, camping trailers and self-propelled motor homes.”
Who permits septicLocal
On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement for Rye Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania.
DEP states that local agencies are responsible for on-lot sewage permitting and enforcement.
The Southcentral regional table lists Rye Township in Perry County with no joint local agency name, indicating individual municipal service rather than a listed multi-municipal or joint agency.
“Sewage Permits are available from Frederick Seibert Associates,(FSA) by Leonard Sizer, the Sewage Enforcement Officer.”
Septic permitRequired
Sewage systems in Rye Township, Perry County, including new construction, remodeling, repairs, and replacements.
Permits may be required for new construction and remodeling, especially when bedrooms or bathrooms are added.
Permits are required for all repairs and replacements.
No permit is required for cleaning or pumping a tank.
The township requests a copy of the pumping or cleaning receipt for compliance with the Township’s 537 Plan and DEP regulations.
“Sewage Permits may be required for both new construction projects and remodeling projects, especially those that include addition of new bedrooms or bathrooms. Sewage Permits are required for all repairs and replacements. No permit is required for cleaning or pumping your tank. However, we request you provide the Township with a copy of the receipt in compliance with the Township’s 537 Plan and DEP regulations. Thank you!”
Driveway accessRequired
Driveway access to Township and State roads in Rye Township.
Logging companies creating new accesses off Township roads require temporary-use driveway permits.
Newly installed driveways must be paved within one year of installation.
Applications are available from the Township office and should be submitted sufficiently before construction.
paving deadline for newly installed driveways: 1 year
“A Driveway Permit is required to access Township and State roads. [...] Newly installed driveways must be paved within one year of installation.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction or development within Rye Township, including development in identified floodplain areas.
A Zoning Permit must be obtained from the Zoning Officer pursuant to the Floodplain Administrator's direction and approval by the Rye Township Board of Supervisors.
Applications for floodplain-area zoning permits must identify other required permits, describe the proposed work and estimated cost, and show the proposed construction and existing structures on a site plan.
Floodplain-area applications must be submitted to the County Conservation District for review and comment before issuance of a Zoning Permit.
Within any Identified Floodplain Area, new construction or substantial improvements are prohibited unless a variance is obtained; additional floodplain standards then apply.
Work must begin within 180 days after issuance of the Building permit and must be completed within twelve months unless a written extension is granted.
The ordinance states that a Building permit is contingent upon issuance of zoning permit or approval.
minimum variance elevation for residential structures where applicable: >= 2 vertical feet above base flood elevation (applies where permitted by variance under the ordinance) · hydrologic/hydraulic analysis threshold where base flood elevation data are unavailable: 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is lesser (applies to subdivision and development proposals in identified floodplain areas)
“A Zoning Permit shall be required before any construction or development is undertaken within any area of the Township of Rye.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Carroll Township permits and applications.
The page also publishes stormwater-management application fees and subdivision/land-development filing fees.
The page states that subdivision and land-development fees must be paid before recording with the Perry County Register and Recorder.
“Single-unit | $ 50.00 Multi-unit | $100.00 [...] Residential | $ 85.00 Commercial | $125.00 Industrial | $235.00 Agricultural | $ 55.00 [...] The applicant shall pay all fees to Carroll Township prior to the recording of any sub-division or land development with the Perry County Register and Recorder.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Published (with conditions) — Permit and related application fees established by Rye Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania.
“BE AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by this Board of Supervisors of Rye Township, Perry County, Pennsylvania, that pursuant to the grant of powers set forth in the Second Class Township Code, the Board does hereby establish the following Schedule of Fees for the Township of Rye, Perry County, Pennsylvania, effective February 1, 2025 and each calendar year thereafter until amended by resolution.”
Published (with conditions) — Rye Township permits and related township services.
“effective February 1, 2025 and each calendar year thereafter until amended by resolution. [...] Applications for appeals and variances – $850.00 [...] Structures up to 145 square feet – $85.00 [...] Structures 1000 square feet and over – $200.00 [...] No permit will be issued until all fees are paid in full.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Construction and development permit process in Rye Township, Perry County.
Building and zoning permits are generally required for construction changing outside dimensions or adding a structure, including new homes, decks, additions, garages, sheds, pole buildings, carports, signs, solar panels, certain retaining walls and fences, in-home businesses, and chickens.
Roof-shingle, siding, storm-door, and window replacement are identified as routine maintenance that does not require a permit.
Projects greater than 1,000 square feet require BIU permits and inspections under the statewide UCC.
For new homes, zoning, sewage, and driveway permits are required before a building permit will be issued.
BIU will not issue a building or construction permit until a zoning permit is issued and local zoning compliance is assured.
building permit threshold identified by Rye Township: > 1000 square feet (The page also identifies certain listed projects, including pools and load-bearing changes, as requiring permits.)
“As a general rule, building and zoning permits are required for any construction which changes the outside dimensions of an existing structure”
Set by your town or city, not the county
In Pennsylvania, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Perry 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
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements for property in Perry County, Pennsylvania.
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 Perry County, Pennsylvania
Is Perry County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Perry County scores 73/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: a durable current and mid-century hazard profile and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 100,377 people within 15 miles.
Do you need a building permit in Perry County, Pennsylvania?
Perry 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 Perry County, Pennsylvania?
Land in Perry County runs about $8,722 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Perry County?
Perry County gets about 44.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0% of years.
How remote is Perry County?
A typical private-land location has about 100,377 people within 15 miles and 12,251,160 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
