Bolthole Index

Clinton County, Pennsylvania

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

73Index Score / 100
#25 of 67 in Pennsylvania

Building permits in Clinton County, Pennsylvania are required under the statewide Uniform Construction Code, but the county does not issue them; apply through the municipality or its third-party agency12. Clinton County issues zoning permits in six townships, while other municipalities use their own zoning officers3. On-lot septic permits come from the applicable local agency4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required under Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code; apply through the municipality or its third-party agency12
Zoning
County-administered in Colebrook, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes and West Keating Townships; locally administered elsewhere3
Septic permit
Required from the applicable local agency, generally the municipality or joint service area45
RV living
No countywide answer confirmed; ask the zoning officer for the parcel's municipality6
Tiny home
No tiny-home-specific countywide rule confirmed; zoning and dwelling standards depend on the municipality and district6
Owner-builder
No general permit or inspection exemption confirmed; owners or authorized agents must obtain required UCC permits7
Private well
No statewide construction or siting standard; local municipal standards may apply8
County-zoned lot size
District-specific, from 1 acre in several districts to 10 acres in Woodland Conservation9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Clinton County Planning, Zoning, Engineering, Grants

County zoning permits in the six county-zoned townships and guidance on where to obtain a building permit

570-893-4080

[email protected]

2 Piper Way, Suite 244, Lock Haven, PA 17745

Online permits →

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 Clinton County, Pennsylvania?

Yes. An owner or authorized agent must obtain the required Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving or demolishing a residential building, changing its occupancy, or doing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work7. Clinton County does not issue that building permit; the county directs applicants to the municipality where the property lies or to its third-party agency2. Permitted work must remain accessible for required inspections, including foundation, systems, framing, wallboard and final inspections10. A residential building subject to the code cannot be occupied until the building code official issues a certificate of occupancy after a compliant final inspection11. Some limited projects are exempt under the UCC, so describe the exact work to the local building code official before assuming a permit is unnecessary7.

Who issues permits in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, and how do you reach them?

Start with the municipality containing the parcel for a building permit because Clinton County directs all building-permit questions to the local municipality2. For zoning, contact Clinton County Planning, Zoning, Engineering, Grants at 570-893-4080 or [email protected] if the land is in Colebrook, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes or West Keating Township2. The office is at 2 Piper Way, Suite 244, Lock Haven, PA 177452. Clinton County approves zoning permits in those six townships, including the former East Keating Township within Noyes Township2. In every other Clinton County municipality, the designated city, borough or township zoning officer administers the applicable local ordinance36. Septic permitting is also local, so ask the municipality to identify its Sewage Enforcement Officer or joint service area5.

Does Clinton County, Pennsylvania have zoning?

Clinton County administers its zoning ordinance only in Colebrook, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes and West Keating Townships; other municipalities have their own zoning officers and ordinances3. Within the county-zoned area, zoning districts include Rural Center, Residential, Agricultural, Industrial, Woodland Conservation, Rural Forest and Countryside12. Lot size, setbacks, height and coverage depend on the district131415. For example, minimum lots are 1 acre in the Rural Center, Rural Forest and Agricultural districts, 5 acres in Countryside, and 10 acres in Woodland Conservation; Residential lots have different standards depending on water and sewer service9. Front setbacks are 20 feet in Rural Center, 25 feet in Residential, 35 feet in Rural Forest and Agricultural, and 30 feet in Woodland Conservation and Countryside13.

How do septic permits work in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?

The applicable local agency issues permits for individual and community on-lot systems and retaining tanks in Clinton County, with large-volume systems treated as an exception4. The local agency may be a municipality, a group of municipalities acting jointly, or a health department, so ask the parcel's municipality for its Sewage Enforcement Officer before ordering a design5. Only 10.3% of Clinton County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, making early site testing especially valuable16. A system generally may not be covered until the original permit issuer or authorized representative approves covering it17. Pennsylvania has a conditional permit exemption for certain owner-occupied or immediate-family homes on contiguous tracts of at least 10 acres, but notification, ownership, siting and local-ordinance conditions still apply18. Composting or incinerating toilets do not eliminate the need to handle washwater or excess liquid through an approved disposal method for a new residence19.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?

We could not confirm one countywide rule for living in an RV or for occupying a tiny home in Clinton County, so ask the zoning officer for the parcel's municipality before buying or moving a unit onto the land6. In the county-zoned townships, a general single-family dwelling standard requires at least 600 square feet of gross floor area in the absence of a more restrictive code20. A mobile home placed on an individual lot in the county-zoned area is allowed only in a district permitting single-family residences and must meet the district's lot size and setbacks21. That mobile-home rule separately requires at least 650 square feet of habitable floor area, an adequate foundation or stand, anchoring, perimeter enclosure and floodplain compliance where applicable21. Those dwelling and mobile-home provisions do not themselves establish that an RV may be used as a residence or that every tiny home fits either classification6.

How do you build a home in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?

  1. Identify the parcel's municipality and zoning district, then confirm whether the county Planning office or a municipal zoning officer handles the zoning permit3.
  1. Confirm lot size, setbacks, floodplain status and the proposed dwelling type with that zoning office before finalizing a site plan1322.
  1. Ask the municipality which building code official or certified third-party agency accepts the UCC application223.
  1. Contact the municipality's Sewage Enforcement Officer for site testing and an on-lot permit before septic construction4.
  1. Obtain a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit if the driveway will be built or changed on state highway land or connect to a PennDOT drainage facility24.
  1. Keep permitted work open for inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the residence1011.

What should you check before buying land in Clinton County, Pennsylvania?

Confirm jurisdiction first because county zoning applies in only six townships and municipal ordinances govern elsewhere3. Arrange septic site testing before treating vacant land as buildable because only 10.3% of county soils lack severe conventional-drain-field limitations16. Check slope and clearing costs as well: 43.5% of the county is at 15% slope or less, and 90.5% is wooded2526. Ask the municipality about floodplain permits because development in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires municipal approval before work begins22. If creating a new parcel, confirm whether the county subdivision ordinance applies; county-reviewed minor subdivisions have 5 lots or fewer without new utilities, streets or rights-of-way, while larger or infrastructure-related proposals receive full Planning Commission review27. Pennsylvania has no statewide construction or siting standard for private wells, but municipalities may impose their own standards8.

Watch-outs

  • The zoning table can be easy to misread: county-zoned front setbacks range from 20 to 35 feet by district, while other figures in the table describe different dimensional standards13.
  • A qualifying agricultural building may be excluded from the state Construction Code Act, but the exemption is not a blanket release from zoning, land-use, fire, electrical, health or environmental rules28.
  • A driveway onto state highway land or a connection to a PennDOT drainage facility needs a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit24.

Sources

  1. Clinton County - Zoning & Building Permit Information (2026 county census)
  2. Clinton County Planning, Zoning, Engineering, Grants (clintoncountypa.gov)
  3. Ordinances & Maps | Clinton County, PA, 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. Ordinances & Maps | Clinton County, PA, quoted and re-checked
  7. PART XIV, quoted and re-checked
  8. Private Water Wells, quoted and re-checked
  9. Clinton County Zoning Ordinance 2016, quoted and re-checked
  10. PART XIV, quoted and re-checked
  11. PART XIV, quoted and re-checked
  12. Clinton County Zoning Ordinance 2016, quoted and re-checked
  13. Clinton County Zoning Ordinance 2016, quoted and re-checked
  14. Clinton County Zoning Ordinance 2016, quoted and re-checked
  15. Clinton County Zoning Ordinance 2016, quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  17. Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. 25 Pa. Code § 72.22. Permit issuance (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. 25 Pa. Code § 73.65. Recycling toilet, incinerating toilet or composting toilet (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Clinton County Zoning Ordinance 2016, quoted and re-checked
  21. Clinton County Zoning Ordinance 2016, quoted and re-checked
  22. PennsylvaniA Floodplain Development Guide (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Uniform Construction Code (UCC) (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Apply for a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Subdivisions and Land Development, quoted and re-checked
  28. Pennsylvania Construction Code Act — Chapter 1 (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

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

Clinton County in Pennsylvania

73
County map
Clinton County highlighted among the Pennsylvania counties · colored by Index score

How Clinton County scores

Seclusion56100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency59100% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability81100% ev.
Property Autonomy68100% ev.
Carry Cost67100% 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 →

$204kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$8,278Land / acre
43.3"Annual rain
1.5% of yrsSevere drought
1.3 / yr (+1.3)Mid-century 100°F days
10.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.73" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.58×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$815Home insurance / yr
0.2% / yrInsurance growth
0.51%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
558,955People within 2 hr
44,506Radius comparison (15 mi)
42.4People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
43.5%Land at 15% slope or less
10.3%Septic soil without severe limits
51,793 acWorkable land screen
90.5%Wooded land
69.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
48.5°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Clinton County

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

Clinton County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Clinton County Zoning Ordinance administered by the Clinton County Planning Department within the specified county-covered municipalities, not countywide across every municipality.

    • The county ordinance covers Colebrook Township, Gallagher Township, Grugan Township, Logan Township, Noyes Township (including former East Keating Township), and West Keating Township.
    • The source states that zoning permits for other municipalities are handled by their designated city, township, or borough zoning officer.
    • Zoning permits require compliance with the applicable ordinance and the county page lists application information, parcel information, project cost, completion date, and conservation-district approval for earthmoving over 5,000 square feet.
    “The Planning Department approves Zoning Permits covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance for the following municipalities: Colebrook Township Gallagher Township Grugan Township Logan Township Noyes Township (includes former E. Keating Twp.) West Keating Township”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Local zoning across Clinton County municipalities, aggregated at the county level; individual municipal authorities administer their own ordinances except where the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance applies.

    • The county page states that all 28 municipal land-use ordinances and maps are posted.
    • The county zoning ordinance applies to six listed municipalities; other municipalities have their own designated zoning officers and ordinances.
    • Specific dimensional requirements, uses, exceptions, and fees must be determined from the applicable municipal or county ordinance.
    “All 28 municipal land use ordinances and maps are posted here. Click on the plus sign beside your municipality to view the content. Amendments, if any, appear at the end of each ordinance. If you don't see a SALDO, contact the municipality.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    The Clinton County Zoning Ordinance applies in Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating Townships.

    • The ordinance applies only in the seven listed municipalities; this claim does not establish zoning publication or administration for other Clinton County municipalities.
    • The official zoning maps of the seven townships are made part of the ordinance.
    • The ordinance states that it takes effect immediately upon enactment.

    zoning districts: RC Rural Center; R Residential; A Agricultural; I Industrial; WC Woodland Conservation; RF Rural Forest; CS Countryside

    “For the purposes of implementing the objectives of this Ordinance, the covered townships of Clinton County, including Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating, are hereby divided into the following zoning districts: RC Rural Center District R Residential District A Agricultural District I Industrial District WC Woodland Conservation District RF Rural Forest District CS Countryside District”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwelling units, including attached and detached units, in the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance: Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating Townships.

    • Applies in the county-zoning municipalities identified in the ordinance.
    • The requirement applies in the absence of more restrictive codes.
    • Single-family attached dwellings in RC and R Districts require Special Exception approval.
    • Applicable PA Uniform Construction Code requirements also apply.

    minimum gross floor area: >= 600 square feet (In the absence of more restrictive codes.)

    “In the absence of more restrictive codes, every single-family dwelling unit (whether attached or detached, including townhouse units, apartment units, mobile homes or manufactured housing) shall contain a minimum of 600 square feet of gross floor area.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in the seven municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance, with standards varying by county zoning district.

    • The dimensional table directs readers to Part 4 and Part 5 for additional district- and use-specific standards.
    • R District lots are 1 acre with on-lot septic and water, or 20,000 square feet with public sewer and/or water.
    • WC District lots are 10 acres; CS District lots are 5 acres; RC, RF, and A District lots are 1 acre.
    • The more restrictive provision applies where Part 6 conflicts with the applicable zoning district.

    RC minimum lot area: 1 acre · R minimum lot area with on-lot septic and water: 1 acre · R minimum lot area with public sewer and/or water: 20,000 sq ft · RF minimum lot area: 1 acre · A minimum lot area: 1 acre · WC minimum lot area: 10 acres · CS minimum lot area: 5 acres

    “RC 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft (SF) 100 ft 20 ft 10/10 ft 20/10 ft 35/25 ft 20% [...] RF 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/8 ft 25/8 ft 35/25 ft 35% [...] A 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/10 ft 25/10 ft 35/25 ft 35% WC 10 acres (SF) 150 ft 30 ft 25/20 ft 30/20 ft 35/25 ft 20% CS 5 acres (SF) 150 ft 30 ft 25/20 ft 30/20 ft 35/25 ft 20%”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Front, side, and rear yard setbacks in the RC, R, RF, A, WC, and CS zoning districts within the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance.

    • Values vary by zoning district and by principal versus accessory structure.
    • Front setbacks are measured from the edge of the street right-of-way.
    • The appendix states that Part 4 and Part 5 may impose additional dimensional standards.
    • Agricultural livestock or poultry buildings have a separate 100-foot property-line and 25-foot public-street-right-of-way setback, subject to 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.

    RC front yard setback: 20 feet · RC side yard setback principal/accessory: 10/10 feet · RC rear yard setback principal/accessory: 20/10 feet · R front yard setback: 25 feet · R side yard setback principal/accessory: 15/10 feet · R rear yard setback principal/accessory: 20/10 feet · RF front yard setback: 35 feet · A front yard setback: 35 feet · WC front yard setback: 30 feet · CS front yard setback: 30 feet

    “RC 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft (SF) 100 ft 20 ft 10/10 ft 20/10 ft 35/25 ft 20% [...] RF 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/8 ft 25/8 ft 35/25 ft 35% [...] Measured from edge of street right-of-way.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Maximum building coverage in the RC, R, RF, A, WC, and CS zoning districts within the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance.

    • Maximum building coverage varies by zoning district.
    • The appendix directs users to Part 4 and Part 5 for additional standards.

    RC maximum building coverage: 20 percent · R maximum building coverage: 35 percent · RF maximum building coverage: 35 percent · A maximum building coverage: 35 percent · WC maximum building coverage: 20 percent · CS maximum building coverage: 20 percent

    “RC 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft (SF) 100 ft 20 ft 10/10 ft 20/10 ft 35/25 ft 20% [...] RF 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/8 ft 25/8 ft 35/25 ft 35% [...] A 1 acre (SF) 150 ft 35 ft 15/10 ft 25/10 ft 35/25 ft 35% [...] WC 10 acres (SF) 150 ft 30 ft 25/20 ft 30/20 ft 35/25 ft 20% [...] CS 5 acres (SF) 150 ft 30 ft 25/20 ft 30/20 ft 35/25 ft 20%”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Principal and accessory structure height in the RC, R, RF, A, WC, and CS zoning districts within the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance.

    • Maximum height varies by zoning district and by principal versus accessory structure.
    • Agricultural structures, silos, and water towers are exempt from ordinary height regulations when necessary for their intended purpose, with additional setback requirements near residential districts or residential uses.
    • FAA rules apply; structures 75 feet or more above ground level require documented FAA review and/or approval as applicable.

    RC maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet · R maximum height principal/accessory: 35/20 feet · RF maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet · A maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet · WC maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet · CS maximum height principal/accessory: 35/25 feet

    “Agricultural structures, silos, and water towers are not subject to height regulations provided that such appurtenances are erected only to such height as is necessary to accomplish their intended purpose, and in the case of structures being proposed for location adjacent to a Residential District or residential use, are set back a distance equal to their height from all property lines.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Individual mobile homes, including manufactured housing only to the extent it falls within the ordinance's mobile-home definition, in Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating Townships, in zoning districts permitting single-family residences.

    • The county ordinance applies only in the townships identified in the ordinance; municipalities outside that coverage are not resolved by this claim.
    • The ordinance defines a mobile home as a transportable, single-family dwelling intended for permanent occupancy, contained in one unit or two units designed to be joined into one integral unit, arriving complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly, and constructed so it may be used without a permanent foundation.
    • Every lot must have at least the district's minimum lot area and the unit must meet applicable minimum setback lines.
    • The unit must be placed on either a permanent foundation or a properly graded, placed, and compacted stand or pad adequate to support anticipated loads during all seasons.
    • The unit must be anchored before occupancy with an anchoring system designed to resist wind velocity of at least 90 miles per hour.
    • The unit must have a continuous wall around its entire perimeter, using a permanent concrete or masonry wall or qualifying prefabricated skirting; bales of hay and plywood are not allowed.
    • Locked door or panel access must be provided to crawl space created by the wall.
    • A dwelling unit must contain at least 650 square feet of habitable floor area.
    • A unit placed in a floodplain must comply with all provisions of the appropriate municipal floodplain ordinance.
    • The Zoning Officer may require additional information necessary to protect county residents' health, safety, and welfare.
    • The ordinance cover states it was adopted by the Clinton County Commissioners on August 25, 2016; no separate effective date was stated in the reviewed material.

    minimum wind resistance: >= 90 miles per hour · minimum habitable floor area: >= 650 square feet (for every unit used as a dwelling unit) · minimum lot area: district minimum

    “A mobile home shall be permitted on an individual lot in any District permitting single-family residences.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Individual mobile-home placement in the districts governed by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance, including districts permitting single-family residences; the ordinance excerpt does not establish that every manufactured home is classified as a mobile home.
      “A mobile home shall be permitted on an individual lot in any District permitting single-family residences. When reviewing permit applications for such mobile houses, the Zoning Officer shall utilize the following criteria and may require additional information to be submitted where it is necessary in order to adequately protect the health, safety, and welfare of County residents.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    On-lot or onsite septic-system permitting and enforcement within Clinton County municipalities.

    • The actual administering entity may be an individual municipality, a combination of municipalities acting jointly, a county department of health, or a joint county department of health.
    • The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection provides technical oversight and financial assistance to local agencies.
    “The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) defines "Local Agency" as "a municipality, or any combination thereof acting cooperatively or jointly under the laws of the Commonwealth, county, county department of health or joint county department of health." Local Agencies are responsible for carrying out on-lot or onsite ("septic system") sewage treatment system permitting and enforcement activities.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Individual and community on-lot sewage systems, retaining tanks, and other on-lot systems in Clinton County.

    • Local agencies issue permits for retaining tanks and individual and community on-lot sewage systems.
    • Large-volume on-lot systems are an exception to the ordinary local-agency responsibility and may require DEP permitting.
    • New land development planning generally requires a DEP Sewage Facilities Planning Module Application Mailer, except projects qualifying for Component 1.
    • Local municipal coordination is required; completed planning modules must not be submitted directly to DEP without municipal coordination.
    “local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Individual and community on-lot sewage systems, retaining tanks, and related on-lot systems in Clinton County, administered by the applicable local agency.
      “local agencies are responsible for issuing permits for retaining tanks or for individual and community on-lot sewage systems”
    • Required — On-lot or onsite septic-system permits in Clinton County municipalities.
      “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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection of on-lot sewage system installations in Clinton County by the applicable local permitting agency.

    • The cited DEP guide describes final inspection as part of the local on-lot permitting program.
    • Additional operation or maintenance inspections are not uniform: the guide states that sewage-management programs vary by municipality.
    • The guide states that some municipalities use periodic pumping ordinances while others use more active inspection functions.
    “No part of an individual or community onlot sewage system may be covered until a final inspection is conducted”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural uses in the municipalities covered by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance.

    • Existing agricultural programs are permitted and encouraged as an interim use only until the property owner sells or transfers the property for development conforming to district regulations.
    • Agricultural uses initiated after the ordinance's effective date remain subject to safeguards and regulations.
    • Commercial animal husbandry is limited to the A, WC, and CS Districts.
    • Livestock or poultry buildings must meet specified setbacks, subject to 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.
    • Agricultural operations involving manure must comply with applicable Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requirements.
    • CAO and CAFO uses are limited to the A District and require Special Exception approval before issuance of a zoning permit.
    • This claim is not a blanket exemption from all construction or environmental requirements.

    livestock or poultry building setback from property lines: >= 100 feet (Except as may be provided otherwise in 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.) · livestock or poultry building setback from public street right-of-way: >= 25 feet (Except as may be provided otherwise in 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.) · outdoor feedlot, agricultural compost, manure, or similar unenclosed storage setback from non-owner dwelling: >= 100 feet (Except as may be provided otherwise in 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.) · outdoor feedlot, agricultural compost, manure, or similar unenclosed storage setback from stream, water body, or designated wetland: >= 50 feet (Except as may be provided otherwise in 25 Pa. Code § 91.36.)

    “All agricultural uses initiated after the effective date of this Ordinance shall however be subject to the following safeguards and regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions and land development in the fourteen municipalities listed on the Clinton County subdivision page.

    • County Planning Department/Commission review is final for the listed municipalities.
    • Subdivisions cannot be smaller than one acre unless sold to a contiguous neighbor or relative.
    • In some zoning districts, subdivisions cannot be smaller than ten acres.
    • Plans involving rights of way, roads, new utilities, land developments, or more than five lots are reviewed by the full Planning Commission.
    • A subdivision is not official until deeds and plats are entered at the Register and Recorder's Office within 90 days of plan approval.

    minor subdivision threshold: <= 5 lots or less (No addition of new utilities, streets, or rights of way.) · major subdivision threshold: >= 6 lots or more (Also applies to smaller numbers if new utilities, streets, or rights of way are planned or intended.) · minimum subdivision size: >= 1 acre (Unless sold to a contiguous neighbor or relative; some zoning districts require at least 10 acres.) · deed and plat recording deadline: <= 90 days (Measured from approval date on the plans.)

    “Minor Subdivisions consist of five lots or less, with no addition of new utilities, streets, or rights of way. Major Subdivisions consist of six lots or more, or any smaller number of lots if new utilities, streets, or rights of way are currently planned or intended as a future use.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Activities in or near streams, adjacent floodways, or wetlands in Clinton County that may alter stream dimensions, add material to a floodway, alter a floodway, or impact wetlands.

    • The page states that permits are required in most cases, not necessarily every activity.
    • Typical permitted activities include earth disturbance near streams, adding fill, structures near streams, dredging, stream-bank stabilization, highway-bridge replacement, driveway-culvert installation or replacement, and fish-habitat structures.
    • Any activity with potential to impact wetlands, temporarily or permanently, requires a permit.
    “In most cases, a permit is required before starting any activity which has the potential to [...] alter the floodway.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Activities in designated flood-prone areas within the seven municipalities governed by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance: Colebrook, East Keating, Gallagher, Grugan, Logan, Noyes, and West Keating Townships.
      “Floodplain management is the responsibility of each of the seven municipalities governed by this Zoning Ordinance”

Pennsylvania rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Residential buildings and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.

    • The requirement applies to an owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a residential building, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace a regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system.
    • Emergency repairs or equipment replacement may occur without first applying for a permit if the permit application is submitted to the building code official within 3 business days.
    • A permit is not required for the exceptions listed in § 403.1(b), or for the listed residential exceptions, when the work does not violate a law or ordinance.
    • Residential exceptions include fences no more than 6 feet high; retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting a surcharge; grade-supported water tanks of no more than 5,000 gallons with a height-to-diameter-or-width ratio no greater than 2 to 1; sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below; prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; playground equipment accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling; exterior-wall-supported window awnings projecting no more than 54 inches and requiring no additional support; uncovered decks with the floor no more than 30 inches above grade; and installation or rearrangement of communications wiring.
    • Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, but cutting away load-bearing walls or structural supports, altering required means of egress, or adding or relocating listed plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems are not ordinary repairs.
    • Installation, alteration, or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, metering, or related equipment owned and controlled by public service agencies by established right does not require a permit.
    • Permit applications are submitted to the building code official with construction documents and other required approvals; flood-hazard-area projects require specified flood information, and applications generally require a site plan showing new construction, existing structures, and distances from lot lines.
    • A building code official generally must grant or deny the application within 15 business days, subject to the regulation's stated conditions and exceptions.
    • The residential permit subchapter applies to municipalities electing to enforce the Uniform Construction Code and to third-party agencies; municipalities not enforcing the code require residential applicants to obtain a certified third-party agency for plan review and inspections.

    emergency permit application deadline: 3 business days (after emergency repair or equipment replacement) · fence height exemption threshold: <= 6 feet · retaining wall exemption threshold: <= 4 feet (unless supporting a surcharge) · water tank exemption capacity: <= 5000 gallons (height-to-diameter-or-width ratio must not exceed 2 to 1) · sidewalk or driveway exemption height: <= 30 inches above adjacent grade (not over a basement or story below) · prefabricated swimming pool exemption depth: < 24 inches · window awning exemption projection: <= 54 inches (must be supported by an exterior wall and require no additional support) · uncovered deck exemption height: <= 30 inches above grade · permit decision deadline: 15 business days (subject to the regulation's stated conditions)

    “An owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a residential building or erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace an electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code shall first apply to the building code official and obtain the required permit under § 403.62a (relating to permit application).”
  • 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
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction in Clinton County for which a Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code permit has been issued.

    • The permit holder must ensure that construction is accessible for inspection and notify the construction code official when work is ready.
    • Required inspection areas include foundation; plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems; frame and masonry; wallboard; and final inspection.
    • A third-party agency under contract with a permit holder 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. An inspection does not bar prosecution or other legal action for violation of the Uniform Construction Code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Residential buildings in Clinton County subject to Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code requirements.

    • A residential building may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.
    • The certificate is issued after receipt of a final inspection report indicating compliance with the Uniform Construction Code and ordinance, generally within five business days.
    • A certificate may be issued for a portion of a residential building if that portion independently meets the Uniform Construction Code.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued for safely occupiable portions before completion of all permitted work, for a period set by the building code official.
    • The certificate may be suspended or revoked for error, incorrect applicant information, or violation of the Uniform Construction Code.

    certificate issuance deadline: 5 business days (10 business days in a city of the first class)

    “A residential building may not be used or occupied without a certificate of occupancy issued by a building code official.”
  • 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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, substantial modification, and operation of public water systems, including applicable community and noncommunity systems that use wells.
      “no person may construct or substantially modify a public water system (PWS) without first obtaining (or amending) a construction permit from DEP.”
    • Limited — Private homeowner water wells and water-well drilling in Pennsylvania, including Clinton County.
      “Water well drilling companies must get a license and permits to drill a well in Pennsylvania.”
    • Limited — Private homeowner water wells in Clinton County, subject to potentially applicable municipal standards.
      “In Pennsylvania, there are no statewide construction or siting standards for private water wells. Some municipalities, however, do have standards.”
    • Not required — Private homeowner water wells drilled by the homeowner on the homeowner's own or leased land in Pennsylvania, including Clinton County.
      “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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Building or changing a driveway, road, drainage facility, or utility facility on state highway land in Pennsylvania, including Clinton County.

    • A permit is also required if the project connects to a PennDOT drainage facility.
    • Paving may be maintenance only in some cases; PennDOT says to contact it to determine whether that exception applies.
    • Permit costs vary and applicants should consult the district permit manager or regulations.
    • Permits are usually given within 30 days when all needed information is supplied and the application follows PennDOT regulations; PennDOT has 60 days to review each application.

    usual permit timing: 30 days (when all needed information is supplied and the application follows PennDOT regulations) · statutory review period: 60 days

    “You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or alteration of a driveway or road on Pennsylvania state highway land, and access connecting to a PennDOT drainage facility.
      “You need a permit when you're building or changing a driveway, road, drainage or utility facility on the state highway land.”
  • 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.”
  • 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 — An owner-builder seeking exemption from Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code permitting or inspection requirements for construction in Clinton County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Clinton County, including municipalities outside the County Zoning Ordinance area.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory-dwelling occupancy in Clinton County, including municipalities outside the County Zoning Ordinance area.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer utility-connection requirements for property and development in Clinton County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Clinton 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 Clinton County, Pennsylvania

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

Clinton 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.

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

Clinton County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (Act 537 local agency). 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 Clinton County, Pennsylvania?

Land in Clinton County runs about $8,278 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clinton County?

Clinton County gets about 43.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.5% of years.

How remote is Clinton County?

A typical private-land location has about 44,506 people within 15 miles and 5,783,514 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Clinton compares in Pennsylvania

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