Building permits, zoning and land rules in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
67Index Score / 100 #39 of 67 in Pennsylvania
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania has no countywide zoning, but building permits are required under the statewide Uniform Construction Code, and the parcel's township or borough is the first stop123. Zoning exists only in municipalities that adopted it, six of them by the county's count4. Septic permitting also runs through the township or borough and its Sewage Enforcement Officer5.
At a glance
Building permit
Required under Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code; start with the parcel's township or borough26
Zoning
No countywide zoning; only some boroughs and townships zone, so ask the parcel's municipality14
Septic
Handled through the township or borough and its Sewage Enforcement Officer5
RV living
No private-land occupancy rule confirmed; ask the township or borough7
Tiny homes
No countywide occupancy or minimum-size answer confirmed; municipal rules and the UCC may apply78
Owner-builder exemption
No general exemption from building permits; only a qualifying recreational cabin is excluded from the UCC910
Agricultural buildings
Qualifying nonhabitable agricultural buildings are excluded from the state Construction Code Act11
Private wells
Homeowners drilling on their own or leased land are exempt from the state driller-license requirement12
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Do you need a building permit in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code requires the owner or an authorized representative to obtain a UCC building permit before regulated construction or building work begins in Susquehanna County2. The statewide code applies to builders throughout Pennsylvania, and inspections are required for specified residential, commercial, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, pool and hot-tub work813. A certificate of occupancy is required before a UCC-regulated building or facility may be used14. A qualifying agricultural building used for farm storage, livestock, poultry or another defined agricultural purpose is excluded from the Construction Code Act only if it has no habitable space and meets the other statutory conditions; municipal land-use and other rules may still apply11. Owners building their own home get no general exemption: Pennsylvania's home-improvement contractor law excludes new-home construction, but that does not waive the UCC building permit10. A qualifying recreational cabin under Act 92 of 2004 may be excluded from the UCC if the owner files the UCC-13 affidavit or proof of insurance with the municipality and never uses it as a residence9.
Who issues building permits in Susquehanna County, and how do you reach them?
Susquehanna County does not provide one countywide building-permit counter; the county's official guidance directs applicants to the parcel's township or borough for the building permit3. In a municipality that administers the UCC locally, enforcement may use municipal staff or a certified third-party agency; in an opt-out municipality, the owner or contractor hires a state-certified third-party agency for residential enforcement15. Start by identifying the township or borough from the parcel record and ask that municipal office for its current building-code official, application, fee schedule and inspection contact. For subdivision or land-development questions, Susquehanna County Planning and Development reviews plans and supports county land-use work at the County Courthouse, 31 Lake Ave (PO Box 218), Montrose, PA 18801, telephone (570) 278-59506.
Does Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania have zoning?
Susquehanna County has no countywide zoning ordinance: the Board of Commissioners adopted a subdivision and land development ordinance but chose not to adopt a county-wide zoning ordinance1. Zoning is left to the local municipalities, and the county's plan identifies six that have adopted zoning ordinances: Forest City Borough, Herrick Township, Hop Bottom Borough, Montrose Borough, New Milford Borough and Susquehanna Depot Borough16. Oakland Borough's county-maintained profile lists "Zoning: No"17. The county notes its list is copied from municipal submissions, so confirm with the township or borough before relying on it4.
Outside the zoned municipalities, the county subdivision ordinance still matters when a lot line changes. Where no zoning ordinance applies, Table VI-1 sets a minimum lot of 43,560 square feet for a single-family home with on-site sewage and on-site water18. Residential building lines must sit at least 75 feet from the normal high-water line of any stream, lake or water body in county-reviewed plans19. Rules on RVs, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, lot coverage and height are not established countywide, so ask the municipality20. The county Planning Commission is advisory only on municipal matters6.
How do septic permits work in Susquehanna County?
On-lot sewage planning in Susquehanna County starts with the township or borough, which hires a Sewage Enforcement Officer to administer state and local sewage-facilities rules5. The county tells applicants to arrange the sewer-planning module, site investigation and perc test through that municipality3. Pennsylvania generally requires a local-agency permit before installing or constructing an on-lot system or occupying a building served by one21. A narrow exemption may apply to an owner or immediate-family residence on a contiguous tract of at least 10 acres, but ownership-date, notification, local-ordinance and siting conditions apply21. Only 0.3% of county soils rate free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the perc test and system feasibility an early purchase contingency22. The completed system generally may not be covered until the issuing body approves covering it23.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Susquehanna County?
We could not confirm a countywide rule allowing long-term RV occupancy, temporary private-land camping, tiny-home occupancy or a minimum dwelling size in Susquehanna County. Ask the parcel's township or borough for a written answer on occupancy, zoning, setbacks and utility requirements before placing or buying a unit1620. Pennsylvania's state-park camping limits apply to state park campgrounds and do not establish permission to live in an RV on private land24. A tiny home used as a dwelling still faces the statewide UCC permit process for regulated building work and needs a certificate of occupancy before use214. Composting or incinerating toilets do not eliminate wastewater review for a new residence because washwater or excess liquid still needs an approved disposal method under the same permit, subject to the stated exception25.
How do you build a home in Susquehanna County, step by step?
Identify the parcel's township or borough and ask that office whether it has a zoning ordinance and which building-code and driveway rules apply316.
If the project changes a lot line or qualifies as land development, contact Susquehanna County Planning before work; county approval is required before building or development begins under that review process266.
Arrange sewer planning, the site investigation and perc testing through the municipality and its Sewage Enforcement Officer5.
Obtain the UCC building permit from the proper local administrator or certified third-party agency before regulated work starts215.
Obtain a municipal floodplain development permit before work in a Special Flood Hazard Area27.
Ask the municipality about local-road access; work on state highway land or a PennDOT drainage connection requires PennDOT approval2829.
Complete required inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the home1314.
What should you check before buying land in Susquehanna County?
Confirm municipal jurisdiction first because the township or borough supplies the building-permit contact, sewage officer and local-road driveway process3. Make septic feasibility a contract contingency: only 0.3% of county soils rate free of severe conventional drain-field limitations22. Check slopes and clearing costs as well, because 61% of county land is at a slope of 15% or less and 76.6% is wooded3031. For private water, the state does not regulate homeowner wells32, and commercial well drillers need state licensing and rig permits, while a homeowner drilling on owned or leased land is exempt from that licensing requirement12. Review flood mapping with the municipality because development in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a local permit27. Confirm road ownership before planning access, since state-highway work requires PennDOT approval while local-road permits are municipal2829. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, and the median annual bill is about $2,3733334.
Watch-outs
A county subdivision approval does not replace the township or borough's building, sewage, zoning or driveway approvals263.
Owner-builders still need a UCC building permit; the only owner-side exclusion found is for a qualifying recreational cabin that may never serve as a residence9.
Do not assume an agricultural-building exemption covers a dwelling: the state exemption requires a qualifying agricultural use and excludes habitable space11.
Zoning is local in Susquehanna County, so a parcel in an unzoned township can still face subdivision review, septic limits and building-code rules; confirm each with the municipality163.
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.
Susquehanna County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score
How Susquehanna County scores
Seclusion37100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.
Admin Boringness5890% ev.
Durability74100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost73100% 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 →
$244kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$5,274Land / acre
45.8"Annual rain
0% of yrsSevere drought
0.4 / yr (+0.4)Mid-century 100°F days
9.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.66" (+7.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.53×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,133Home insurance / yr
0.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.36%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
68,582People within 30 min
3,474,850People within 2 hr
46,978Radius comparison (15 mi)
46.3People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
61%Land at 15% slope or less
0.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Susquehanna 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: Apolacon Township · Ararat Township · Auburn Township · Brooklyn Township · Choconut Township · Clifford Township · Dimock Township · Borough of Forest City · Forest Lake Township · Franklin Township · Borough of Friendsville · Gibson Township · Borough of Great Bend · Great Bend Township · Borough of Hallstead · Harford Township · Harmony Township · Herrick Township · Borough of Hop Bottom · Jackson Township · Jessup Township · Borough of Lanesboro · Lathrop Township · Lenox Township · Liberty Township · Borough of Little Meadows · Middletown Township · Borough of Montrose · Borough of New Milford · New Milford Township · Borough of Oakland · Oakland Township · Rush Township · Silver Lake Township · Springville Township · Borough of Susquehanna Depot · Borough of Thompson · Thompson Township · Borough of Union Dale
Answers from the rulebook for Susquehanna County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Susquehanna County rules
County-wide zoningAbsent
Susquehanna County countywide zoning; the county's own comprehensive plan states that the Board of Commissioners did not adopt a county-wide zoning ordinance.
The county adopted a subdivision and land development ordinance, which is distinct from a countywide zoning ordinance.
Local municipal zoning ordinances may apply in the municipalities that adopted them.
“In the case of Susquehanna County, the Board of Commissioners has chosen to adopt a subdivision and land development ordinance, but to refrain from adopting a county-wide zoning ordinance.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Absent — Countywide zoning administered by Susquehanna County.
“the Board of Commissioners has chosen to adopt a subdivision and land development ordinance, but to refrain from adopting a county-wide zoning ordinance.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Municipal zoning across Susquehanna County, aggregated at county level; the county is not asserted to administer each municipal ordinance.
The 2018 county comprehensive plan identifies six municipalities with zoning ordinances: Forest City Borough, Hop Bottom Borough, Herrick Township, Montrose Borough, New Milford Borough, and Susquehanna Depot Borough.
The county's 2021 annual report repeats that these six municipalities have established zoning ordinances.
Municipal zoning details, including operative ordinance documents and amendments, must be confirmed with the relevant municipality or its official ordinance record.
The county ordinance index warns that its listing consists of copies supplied by municipalities and directs users to contact the township or borough for a complete list.
“Six municipalities have established zoning ordinances in order to further regulate development: Forest City Borough Hop Bottom Borough Herrick Township Montrose Borough New Milford Borough Susquehanna Depot Borough”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Zoning within Susquehanna County, aggregated across its municipalities.
“Zoning in the County is the purview of the local municipalities [...] Six local municipalities in the County have adopted zoning ordinances”
Varies (with conditions) — Zoning adopted and administered by boroughs and townships within Susquehanna County; this is a county aggregate and does not mean the county administers municipal zoning ordinances.
“Zoning: No
Planning Ordinance: No
Comprehensive Plan: No
Flood Plain Management Ordinance: Yes
Hazard Mitigation Plan: Yes
COG Member: Yes
COG Sewage Committee: Yes
Updated 1/13/2026 PP”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential subdivisions and land developments subject to the Susquehanna County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance where no applicable zoning ordinance governs lot size.
The ordinance page identifies Ordinance #2005-1 as effective January 26, 2011 and amended July 12, 2023.
Where an applicable zoning ordinance exists, that zoning ordinance governs lot sizes, minimum average width, residential density, and building setbacks.
Where no zoning ordinance applies, Table VI-1 applies.
For shared sewage disposal or shared water supply, the same unit density as on-site facilities must be maintained; two single-family dwellings on one lot with shared sewage disposal require twice the minimum lot size for one dwelling.
The cited residential standards exclude mobile home parks and campgrounds/recreational vehicle parks where campers or travelers are licensees; those uses are governed by the ordinance's separate provisions.
single-family minimum lot size with on-site sewage and on-site water: 43560 square feet · two-family minimum lot size with on-site sewage and on-site water: 65340 square feet · single-family minimum lot size with on-site sewage and community water: 43560 square feet · two-family minimum lot size with on-site sewage and community water: 65340 square feet · single-family minimum lot size with community sewage and on-site water: 10890 square feet · two-family minimum lot size with community sewage and on-site water: 16335 square feet · single-family minimum lot size with community sewage and community water: 7000 square feet · two-family minimum lot size with community sewage and community water: 10500 square feet · minimum project parcel size for townhouses: 1 acre (Community water and community sewage disposal required.) · maximum average density for townhouses: 6 units/acre (Community water and community sewage disposal required.) · minimum project parcel size for garden apartments: 1 acre (Community water and community sewage disposal required.) · maximum average density for garden apartments: 8 units/acre (Community water and community sewage disposal required.) · minimum project parcel size for apartment buildings: 1 acre (Community water and community sewage disposal required.) · maximum average density for apartment buildings: 10 units/acre (Community water and community sewage disposal required.) · minimum parcel size for mobile home parks: 4 acres (Community water and community sewage disposal required.) · minimum individual site size for mobile home parks: 5000 square feet (Community water and community sewage disposal required.) · maximum mobile-home-park density: 6 units/acre (Community water and community sewage disposal required.)
“In cases where no zoning ordinance applies the requirements in Table VI-1 shall apply. [...] On-site sewage and on-site water 43,560 65,340”
SetbacksSpecified
Residential buildings in County subdivision or land-development review near a stream, lake, or water body.
The setback also must conform to local floodplain-management regulations.
residential waterfront setback: >= 75 feet (Measured from the normal high-water line of any stream, lake, or water body.)
“Residential building setback lines shall be established no less than seventy-five (75) feet from the normal high water line of any stream, lake, or water body and shall conform to local floodplain management regulations.”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Sewer planning and permitting for proposed development in Susquehanna County.
The County page directs applicants to contact their Township or Borough for sewer planning, a site investigation, and perc testing.
A Sewage Enforcement Officer is hired by the Township or Borough to administer state and local sewage-facilities regulations.
“Contact your Township or Borough officials to arrange for your sewer planning (sewer planning module, site investigation and perc test). The municipality and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources are responsible for sewer planning and permitting.”
Septic permitRequired
Sewer planning and permitting for development using on-lot or community sewage disposal.
The municipality and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources are responsible for sewer planning and permitting.
On-lot sewage systems must comply with PA DEP standards and the local municipal Sewage Facilities Ordinance.
Community sewage systems require applicable approvals and permits before final plan submission.
“Contact your Township or Borough officials to arrange for your sewer planning (sewer planning module, site investigation and perc test). The municipality and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources are responsible for sewer planning and permitting.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Community water and sewage connections for subdivisions and land developments.
If an existing public or private community water supply exists within 1,000 feet of a proposed development, connection is required if the existing system owner agrees.
If an existing public or regional sewage system is within 1,000 feet, connection must follow the local sewage facilities plan, system owner, PA PUC, and PA DEP requirements.
Utility approvals and service agreements must be submitted as specified in the ordinance.
connection distance: <= 1000 feet (applies where an existing public or private community water supply or qualifying sewage system is accessible and the owner agrees where required)
“If a community water system is proposed and an existing public or private community water supply exists within one-thousand (1,000) feet of the proposed development, said development shall connect to such system in accord with the requirements of the system owner, the PA PUC and the PA DEP; provided, the owner of the existing system agrees to such connection.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and land development in Susquehanna County.
A subdivision is generally any change in an existing lot line for any purpose.
County Planning Commission approval is required before beginning to build or develop under the County FAQ.
“The design standards and requirements outlined in this Article will be applied by the Commission in evaluating plans for all proposed subdivisions and land developments.”
Driveway accessLimited
Driveways proposed on subdivision or land-development plans in Susquehanna County.
PennDOT regulates state-road permits; the local municipality regulates local-road permits.
The finding is limited to subdivision or land-development plan requirements.
“One (1) copy of a highway occupancy or driveway permit issued by the appropriate regulating agency - Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for state roads or the local municipality for local roads.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Subdivision or land-development proposals in areas subject to hazards, including flood hazards.
Hazardous areas may not be subdivided unless hazard elimination is documented or the applicant ensures the area remains uninhabited.
The County ordinance references established floodplain lines and local floodplain-management regulations.
“Hazardous Areas - those areas which are subject to hazards to life, health, or property as may arise from fire, flood, disease, noise, falling aircraft, mine subsidence, or considered to be uninhabitable for other reasons may not be subdivided unless the elimination of such hazards can be documented or the applicant can ensure that the area is to remain uninhabited.”
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Subdivision and land-development plan review and related local permits in Susquehanna County.
Townships and boroughs collect fees for perc tests and permits.
The County levies a small charge to cover plan review.
The source does not state the current dollar amount.
“Surveyors and attorneys will charge you for their services. Townships and Boroughs collect fees for perc tests and permits. The County levies a small charge to cover the cost of plan review.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County subdivision and land-development plan review process.
Applicants must submit a complete plan; incomplete plans are returned.
The FAQ estimates a 4-to-6-month process and says the County has 90 days to review a plan.
Construction or development may start only after a County Planning Commission approval letter.
County plan-review period: <= 90 days (FAQ states the County has 90 days to review the plan.)
“Submit a complete plan to the Susquehanna County Planning Office. Incomplete plans will be returned.”
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).”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction or building work in Pennsylvania, including Susquehanna County.
“The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) regulates the codes and standards of building projects in the Commonwealth. 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 — Commercial buildings, structures, facilities, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems in Pennsylvania jurisdictions enforcing the Uniform Construction Code.
“An owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a commercial building, structure and facility [...] shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under § 403.42a (relating to permit application).”
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
An owner seeking exclusion of a recreational cabin from Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code construction requirements, including in Susquehanna County.
The structure must qualify as a recreational cabin under Act 92 of 2004.
The owner must equip the cabin with at least one smoke detector, one fire extinguisher, and one carbon monoxide detector in both the kitchen and any sleeping areas.
The owner must file with the municipality either the Department of Labor and Industry UCC-13 affidavit attesting that the structure meets the recreational-cabin definition or written proof of insurance stating that the structure meets that definition.
Upon sale, the sales agreement and deed must state that the structure is exempt from UCC requirements, may not conform to the UCC, and is not subject to municipal construction regulations; failure to provide the notice voids the sale at the purchaser's option.
The UCC-13 affidavit requires the owner to attest that the cabin will be used for recreational activities only, will not be used as a domicile or residence for any period, will not be used commercially or as a place of employment, will not exceed two stories excluding any basement, will not be a mailing address, and will not be listed as anyone's residence on specified records.
The UCC-13 form states that submission of the form does not satisfy all requirements of the Act. No fee or inspection obligation is stated in the cited official materials.
“Act 92 of 2004 provides that recreational cabins may be excluded from the requirements of the Uniform Construction Code.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Available — An owner constructing a new home in Pennsylvania, including Susquehanna County, insofar as Pennsylvania's Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act contractor-registration requirements are concerned.
“"Home improvement." [...] (2) The term does not include: (i) The construction of a new home.”
Available — A property owner performing construction work on the owner's own primary residence in Pennsylvania without compensation, and most construction work for which Pennsylvania does not impose a statewide contractor licensure or certification requirement.
“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors (or their employees).”
Building code adoptedAdopted
Building construction throughout Pennsylvania under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.
The UCC is administered and enforced locally by municipalities that opt in, using municipal employees or certified third-party agencies.
In municipalities that opt out, the Department of Labor and Industry is responsible for commercial code enforcement, while certified third-party agencies hired by property owners or contractors enforce residential UCC requirements.
The Department has sole jurisdiction for elevators and state-owned buildings wherever located.
The 2021 accessibility updates are permanently enjoined; structures must still comply with the 2018 accessibility requirements, and the injunction does not affect enforcement of non-accessibility UCC requirements.
The revised regulations adopting the 2018 I-Code series became effective February 14, 2022. Contract-based transition rules allow certain projects with contracts signed before that date to use the UCC in effect at the time of contract if application was made by August 14, 2022 or earlier.
The 2021 I-Code accessibility provisions became effective December 25, 2021, with a contract-based transition period allowing applications by June 25, 2022 or earlier.
Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code triennial update was published November 8, 2025 and became effective January 1, 2026.
2018 I-Code regulations effective date: 2022-02-14 (For contracts signed before this date, application and permit issuance under the UCC in effect at the time of contract were allowed if application was made by 2022-08-14.) · 2021 I-Code accessibility provisions effective date: 2021-12-25 (For contracts signed before this date, application and permit issuance under the UCC in effect at the time of contract were allowed if application was made by 2022-06-25.) · 2025 triennial UCC update effective date: 2026-01-01
“Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Builders in Pennsylvania, including Susquehanna 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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction and changes to commercial or residential buildings and listed building systems in Susquehanna 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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Buildings and facilities subject to the Pennsylvania UCC in Susquehanna County.
“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.”
Septic inspectionLimited
Individual and community sewage-disposal systems before concealment or covering after construction.
The system may not be covered until approval to cover is given by the original permit issuer or authorized representative.
If 72 hours have elapsed after notification of construction completion, excluding Sundays and holidays, the applicant may cover the system unless permission has been refused.
post-completion waiting period: 72 hours (Sundays and holidays excluded.)
“shall be covered from view until approval to cover the same has been given by the body which issued the original permit”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Composting, incinerating, recycling, and similar water-conservation toilets used for residential or establishment sanitation statewide.
For a new residence or establishment, an onlot sewage system or other approved disposal method must treat washwater or excess liquid, and both facilities must be under one permit, except for the retaining-tank exception.
For an existing residence or facility with no alteration of the onlot system, no permit is required for installation.
A composting or incinerating toilet on a qualifying retaining-tank lot is treated as and permitted as a privy.
The device must meet manufacturer specifications and be operated and maintained to prevent pollution or health hazards.
Liquid discharges are prohibited unless sent to a compliant onlot sewage system or another method approved under the chapter or by DEP.
Recycling, incinerating, and composting toilets must bear the NSF Standard No. 41 seal.
“an onlot sewage system or other approved method of sewage disposal shall be provided for treatment of washwater or excess liquid from the unit”
Well permitLimited
Water-well drilling statewide, distinguishing commercial water-well drillers from farmers and homeowners drilling their own wells on owned or leased land.
Water-well drilling companies must obtain a license and permits.
The licensing requirement does not apply to farmers or homeowners who drill their own water wells on their own or leased land.
The state has construction standards for public water-supply wells but not private water wells.
Drillers must submit the well's construction details to the state and the well owner.
“Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Not required — Private homeowner water wells, including farmers or homeowners drilling their own water wells on their own or leased land, in Susquehanna County and statewide Pennsylvania.
“Does the state of Pennsylvania regulate private homeowner wells? No. The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does not regulate private wells.”
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;”
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 Susquehanna County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Minimum dwelling size
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Is Susquehanna County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Susquehanna County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: 63 operating mines and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 68,582 people within a 30-minute drive.
Do you need a building permit in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania?
Susquehanna 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 Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania?
Land in Susquehanna County runs about $5,274 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Susquehanna County?
Susquehanna County gets about 45.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0% of years.
How remote is Susquehanna County?
A representative private-land location has about 68,582 people within a 30-minute drive and 3,474,850 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.
