Bolthole Index

Cameron County, Pennsylvania

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

70Index Score / 100
#29 of 67 in Pennsylvania

Cameron County, Pennsylvania requires residential building permits under the statewide Uniform Construction Code1. Jones Township's Building Code Department provides the Cameron County residential application and says construction cannot begin until the permit is issued2. County zoning applies outside Emporium Borough, while septic permits come from the applicable local agency34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required under Pennsylvania's UCC; Cameron County applications go through Jones Township12
Zoning
County ordinance applies except in Emporium Borough, which has its own ordinance3
Septic permit
Required for on-lot systems and issued by the applicable local agency45
RV or tiny home
Private-land occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask the parcel's zoning authority3
Agricultural building
Qualifying non-habitable agricultural buildings are excluded from the state construction code6
Private well
Commercial drillers need state credentials; an owner drilling on owned or leased land is exempt from licensing7

Who to call

Building permits

Jones Township Building Code Department

UCC building permits and inspections for Cameron County municipalities

814-929-5138

426 W. Theresia Road, St. Marys, PA 15857

Zoning

Cameron County Planning Commission / Zoning Office

County zoning questions and routing to the Planning Commission; the courthouse switchboard is the verified contact

814-486-2315

20 E. 5th St. Emporium, PA 15834

Planning & zoning

Cameron County Planning Commission

Subdivision and land-development oversight and application intake

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Yes. A residential building permit is required in Cameron County under Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code1. Jones Township publishes the Cameron County residential UCC application, which says the application covers construction, modification or a change of occupancy and that construction cannot begin until approval and permit issuance2. Pennsylvania also requires a UCC certificate of occupancy before a completed building or facility can be used8. A qualifying agricultural building used for farm storage, livestock or another statutory agricultural purpose is excluded from the construction code only when it has no habitable space and is not occupied by the general public6.

Who is the Cameron County building department?

Jones Township's Building Code Department provides Cameron County's building-permit applications and directs applicants to obtain sewage and zoning approvals before applying for a UCC permit2. Call the Jones Township office at 814-929-5138 for project-specific information2. The Cameron County application page directs building-permit submissions through Jones Township2. The Cameron County Planning Commission separately oversees subdivision and land-development transactions, and those applications must be prepared by a professional land surveyor and submitted to the Planning Director910. Pennsylvania requires inspections for listed building, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, pool and certain manufactured-housing work8.

Does Cameron County have zoning?

Yes. The Cameron County Zoning Ordinance applies across the county except in Emporium Borough, where the borough's own zoning ordinance controls3. That boundary matters because Pennsylvania directs owners to the township, borough or city responsible for local permits and zoning11. Cameron County's subdivision and land-development rules apply in every county municipality, with review involving the Planning Commission, Zoning Office, Conservation District and the governing body where the project lies9. We could not confirm parcel-specific setbacks, minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, building height or lot coverage. Ask the Cameron County Planning Commission / Zoning Office for land outside Emporium Borough, or Emporium Borough for land inside it312.

How do septic permits work in Cameron County?

Cameron County on-lot sewage permits are issued by the applicable local agency through a certified Sewage Enforcement Officer413. Local agencies issue permits for individual and community on-lot systems and retaining tanks5. Pennsylvania generally requires the permit before installation, contracting, construction, occupancy or use of a building served by an on-lot system14. A narrow exemption may apply to an owner or immediate-family residence on a contiguous tract of at least 10 acres, but ownership, local-ordinance, notice and siting conditions apply14. None of the mapped county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange an SEO site evaluation before fixing the house location or budget15.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Cameron County?

We could not confirm a Cameron County rule that permits or prohibits living in an RV on private land, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or a county minimum dwelling size. Ask the Cameron County Planning Commission / Zoning Office for parcels outside Emporium Borough, and ask Emporium Borough for parcels inside the borough312. Pennsylvania's limits for RV stays in state park campgrounds do not answer the private-land question because those limits apply only to state park campsites16. A labeled manufactured home installed to its approved design receives limited UCC treatment, but utility connections, grading, additions, repairs, resale or relocation can bring UCC requirements into play; zoning and septic approvals remain separate17.

Building a home in Cameron County: the steps in order

  1. Identify the municipality and confirm zoning with Cameron County, or with Emporium Borough if the parcel lies inside the borough3.
  1. Ask the municipality to identify its certified Sewage Enforcement Officer and obtain the on-lot sewage approval required for the site1314.
  1. Contact Jones Township's Building Code Department and submit the Cameron County UCC application after zoning and sewage approvals2.
  1. If the project divides or develops land, have a professional land surveyor prepare the application for the Cameron County Planning Director10.
  1. Obtain a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit if driveway or related work occupies state-highway land or connects to PennDOT drainage18.
  1. If the site is in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain municipal floodplain development approval before building19.

What should you check before buying land in Cameron County?

Start with buildable ground and septic feasibility: 96.7% of Cameron County is wooded, 50.4% has slopes of 15% or less, and 0% of mapped soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field202115. Confirm legal access and whether a driveway will touch state-highway land, because that work requires a PennDOT permit18. Check flood maps with the municipality, which must review development proposed in a Special Flood Hazard Area19. Cameron County has 11.1 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 106 miles from the county center, so verify contractors, emergency access and utility options before closing2223. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.7%, with a median annual bill of $1,4702425.

Watch-outs

  • Obtain sewage and zoning approvals before applying to Jones Township for a Cameron County UCC building permit2.
  • Cameron County's zoning ordinance does not apply in Emporium Borough, which has its own ordinance3.
  • Private-land RV living, tiny-home occupancy, setbacks and minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask the zoning authority for the parcel before buying or building123.

Sources

  1. PA Dept. of Labor & Industry - Uniform Construction Code (2026 county census)
  2. Jones Township Building Code Department (jonestownship.com)
  3. Cameron County Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  4. Municipal On Lot Sewage Service Areas, quoted and re-checked
  5. Municipal On-Lot Sewage Service Areas, quoted and re-checked
  6. Pennsylvania Construction Code Act — Chapter 1 (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Apply for a Water Well Drillers License and Rig Permit (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Apply for a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Cameron County Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  10. Cameron County Planning Commission, quoted and re-checked
  11. Local Registrations, Permits, Zoning (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Cameron County Planning Commission / Zoning Office (cameroncountypa.com)
  13. PA DEP - Act 537 Sewage Facilities Program (2026 county census)
  14. 25 Pa. Code § 72.22. Permit issuance (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  16. RV and Tent Campsites (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, Chapter 403 (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Apply for a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. PennsylvaniA Floodplain Development Guide (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Cameron County in Pennsylvania

70
County map
Cameron County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score

How Cameron County scores

Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency51100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability66100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% 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 →

$110kTypical home
1.7%Property tax
$2,594Land / acre
43.9"Annual rain
0.6% of yrsSevere drought
0.6 / yr (+0.6)Mid-century 100°F days
9.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.62" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.63×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$758Home insurance / yr
-0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.6%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,620Radius comparison (15 mi)
11.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
50.4%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Septic soil without severe limits
99 acWorkable land screen
96.7%Wooded land
70.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
47.5°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Cameron County

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

Cameron County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Cameron County Zoning Ordinance for Cameron County areas other than Emporium Borough.

    • The county page states that the Cameron County Zoning Ordinance does not apply to Emporium Borough, which has its own zoning ordinance.
    “the Cameron County Zoning Ordinance does not apply to the Emporium Borough which has its own zoning ordinance.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of zoning authorities across Cameron County municipalities and unincorporated areas.

    • The county zoning ordinance does not apply to Emporium Borough; Emporium Borough has its own zoning ordinance.
    • This is an aggregate conclusion and does not mean Cameron County administers every municipal zoning ordinance.
    “the Cameron County Zoning Ordinance does not apply to the Emporium Borough which has its own zoning ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of local zoning coverage in Cameron County municipalities.
      “Please note the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance is applicable to all Cameron County municipalities, however the Cameron County Zoning Ordinance does not apply to the Emporium Borough which has its own zoning ordinance.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-development transactions throughout Cameron County municipalities.

    • Applications must be prepared by a Professional Land Surveyor.
    • Applications are submitted to the Cameron County Planning Director and reviewed by the Cameron County Planning Commission, Zoning Office, Conservation District, and the governing body of the municipality where the project occurs.
    • The county page states the ordinance applies to all Cameron County municipalities.
    “The Cameron County Planning Commission is responsible for the oversight of subdivision and land development transactions to ensure they are carried out in compliance with the County's adopted "Cameron County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance 95-1" under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land development transactions in all Cameron County municipalities.
      “the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance is applicable to all Cameron County municipalities”
  • Permit processPartial

    Subdivision and land-development application process in Cameron County.

    • Applications must be prepared by a Professional Land Surveyor.
    • Applications are submitted to the Cameron County Planning Director.
    • Applications are reviewed by the Cameron County Planning Commission, Cameron County Zoning Office, Cameron County Conservation District, and the governing body of the municipality where the development occurs.
    “Subdivision and Land Development applications must be prepared by a Professional Land Surveyor and submitted to the Cameron County Planning Director.”

Pennsylvania rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction or building work in Pennsylvania, including Cameron County.

    • The property owner or authorized representative must obtain a UCC building permit before beginning construction or building work.
    • Emergency repairs or equipment replacements may proceed without a permit if an application is submitted to the building code official within three business days.
    • Local municipalities or certified third-party agencies may administer permits.
    “The UCC requires property owners to obtain a construction or building permit before starting any work.”
  • 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) — Building construction in Pennsylvania, including Cameron County, subject to local administration and UCC exceptions.
      “Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or changes to commercial or residential buildings and listed building systems in Pennsylvania, including Cameron County.

    • Inspections are necessary for construction or changes to commercial or residential buildings, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, and installation of swimming pools or hot tubs.
    • Manufactured and industrialized housing projects require inspections for site preparation, foundation construction, repairs, and changes in occupancy.
    • Local administration may be performed by municipalities or certified third-party agencies.
    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or changes to residential buildings and listed residential systems in Cameron County subject to the UCC.
      “Inspections are also necessary in several cases, including construction or changes to commercial or residential buildings”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use or occupancy of buildings or facilities in Cameron County subject to the UCC.

    • A certificate of occupancy must be issued before use.
    • Emergency repairs or equipment replacements may proceed without a permit if the application is submitted within three business days.
    • Specific temporary or partial occupancy procedures may apply.
    “A UCC certificate of occupancy must be issued before a building or facility can be used.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    On-lot sewage permitting and enforcement in Cameron County under Act 537.

    • Local agencies may be municipalities, combinations of municipalities, county departments of health, or joint county departments of health.
    • DEP provides technical oversight and financial assistance.
    • Large-volume on-lot systems are an exception to the general local permitting rule.
    “Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
  • Septic permitNot required

    Installation of an individual on-lot sewage system for a residential structure on qualifying land in Cameron County.

    • The residential structure must be occupied or intended to be occupied by the property owner or an immediate family member.
    • The structure must be on a contiguous tract of land of ten acres or more.
    • The property owner must have been the owner of record as of January 10, 1987.
    • A local agency or municipality may require a permit by ordinance, in which case the exemption does not apply.
    • The exempt system is not required to be approved by or meet DEP or local-agency siting, design, or installation standards, except for the statutory siting requirements, unless a local regulation or ordinance requires a permit or the qualifying person elects not to use the exemption.
    • A ten-acre parcel or lot subdivided from a parent tract after January 10, 1987 may also receive an exemption.
    • After one exemption is granted, remaining land or later-subdivided lots are not eligible for another ten-acre exemption and must meet DEP planning, permitting, siting, and construction standards.
    • Before installation, the owner must notify the local agency.
    • The septic tanks and absorption area must be at least 200 feet from the listed property lines, rights-of-way, floodplain, waters, wells, and similar features, and 10 feet from any utility right-of-way.
    • The local agency may charge up to $25 to verify the siting requirements.
    • The owner is responsible for malfunctions and must indemnify the Commonwealth, local agency, sewage enforcement officer, and municipality as provided by statute.

    minimum contiguous tract size: >= 10 acres (Local agency or municipal ordinance may require a permit.) · minimum setback from listed property lines and water-related features: >= 200 feet (Applies to permit-exempt systems.) · minimum setback from utility right-of-way: >= 10 feet (Applies to permit-exempt systems.) · maximum verification fee: <= 25 USD (Local agency fee to verify siting.)

    “no permit or plan revision shall be required”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Individual and community on-lot sewage systems and retaining tanks in Cameron County.
      “local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems”
    • 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 inspectionLimited

    Individual and community sewage-disposal systems before concealment or covering after construction.

    • The system may not be covered until approval to cover is given by the original permit issuer or authorized representative.
    • If 72 hours have elapsed after notification of construction completion, excluding Sundays and holidays, the applicant may cover the system unless permission has been refused.

    post-completion waiting period: 72 hours (Sundays and holidays excluded.)

    “shall be covered from view until approval to cover the same has been given by the body which issued the original permit”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Composting, incinerating, recycling, and similar water-conservation toilets used for residential or establishment sanitation statewide.

    • For a new residence or establishment, an onlot sewage system or other approved disposal method must treat washwater or excess liquid, and both facilities must be under one permit, except for the retaining-tank exception.
    • For an existing residence or facility with no alteration of the onlot system, no permit is required for installation.
    • A composting or incinerating toilet on a qualifying retaining-tank lot is treated as and permitted as a privy.
    • The device must meet manufacturer specifications and be operated and maintained to prevent pollution or health hazards.
    • Liquid discharges are prohibited unless sent to a compliant onlot sewage system or another method approved under the chapter or by DEP.
    • Recycling, incinerating, and composting toilets must bear the NSF Standard No. 41 seal.
    “an onlot sewage system or other approved method of sewage disposal shall be provided for treatment of washwater or excess liquid from the unit”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water-well drilling statewide, distinguishing commercial water-well drillers from farmers and homeowners drilling their own wells on owned or leased land.

    • Water-well drilling companies must obtain a license and permits.
    • The licensing requirement does not apply to farmers or homeowners who drill their own water wells on their own or leased land.
    • The state has construction standards for public water-supply wells but not private water wells.
    • Drillers must submit the well's construction details to the state and the well owner.

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

    “Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

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

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

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

    “(b) Exclusions.--This act shall not apply to any of the following: [...] (4) Any agricultural building.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Pole barns constructed on Pennsylvania agricultural fairgrounds and used for agricultural and public display purposes.
      “The act also exempts pole barns from all UCC requirements, except for electrical requirements”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or alteration of a driveway or road on Pennsylvania state highway land, and access connecting to a PennDOT drainage facility.

    • A permit is required when building or changing a driveway, road, drainage, or utility facility on state highway land.
    • A permit is also required when the work connects to a PennDOT drainage facility.
    • Permits are usually given within 30 days when the application contains all needed information and complies with PennDOT regulations.
    • The claim does not establish a universal permit requirement for driveways not involving state highway land or a PennDOT drainage facility.

    usual review or issuance time: 30 days (The source states “usually” and conditions this on complete information and compliance with PennDOT regulations.)

    “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.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry UCC building services, where the Department issues the permit.

    • Fee schedule effective November 8, 2025.
    • New-building standard fee is $414.49 plus $0.84 per square foot.
    • Expedited permit fee is $1,705.75 plus $0.84 per square foot and $206.60 per hour for inspections outside normal business hours.
    • Local Cameron County municipality or third-party agency fees were not established.

    fee effective date: 2025-11-08 · new building standard fee: 414.49 USD (plus $0.84 per square foot of floor area or each fraction of floor area)

    “Permit for new buildings and additions Standard fee | $414.49 Plus $0.84 per square foot of floor area or each fraction of floor area”
  • 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

    Pennsylvania counties adopting and enforcing zoning ordinances on unincorporated land.

    • The Municipalities Planning Code defines county for this authority as any county of the second class through eighth class.
    • 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 ordinance is introduced and until the municipality's zoning ordinance becomes effective.
    • A municipality's later zoning ordinance repeals the county zoning ordinance pro tanto within that municipality.
    “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.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from residential UCC permitting or inspection in Cameron County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Cameron County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Cameron County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Cameron County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in Cameron County.
7 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Short-term rentals

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 Cameron County, Pennsylvania

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

Cameron County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.

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

Cameron County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Local agency Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) under PA DEP Act 537. 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 Cameron County, Pennsylvania?

Land in Cameron County runs about $2,594 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cameron County?

Cameron County gets about 43.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 0.6% of years.

How remote is Cameron County?

A typical private-land location has about 6,620 people within 15 miles and 3,583,340 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Cameron County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Cameron compares in Pennsylvania

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