Bolthole Index

Lebanon County, Pennsylvania

Heidelberg Township, Pennsylvania building permits, zoning and septic rules

Heidelberg Township, Pennsylvania requires a UCC building permit before covered home construction and has its own zoning ordinance.12 In Lebanon County, the township routes building applications through its office to Commonwealth Code Inspections, while Lebanon County Planning Department handles on-lot sewage.34 RVs cannot be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping on residential lots or in locations not approved for that use.5

At a glance

Building permits
Required for covered construction; applications return to the Township Office16
Zoning
Township zoning applies; confirm the parcel’s district with the Zoning Officer2
Septic permits
Lebanon County Planning Department; septic approval precedes zoning approval for septic-dependent construction47
RV living
Prohibited on residential lots and in locations not approved for that use5
Minimum dwelling size
750 square feet of livable floor area in Agricultural (A) and Low Density Residential (RLD) districts89
Agricultural District lots
Single-family detached homes: minimum 2 acres and 125-foot width, subject to space for required site improvements10
Owner-builder
State contractor licensing exclusions do not establish an exemption from building permits or codes1112

Who to call

Building permits

Heidelberg Township UCC Building Code Official — Commonwealth Code Inspections, Inc

UCC building-code review and inspections; return applications and supporting information to the Township Office.

1-800-732-0043

Zoning

Heidelberg Township Zoning Officer

Township zoning applications, parcel districts and proposed land uses.

(717) 898-3402 ext. 116

[email protected]

Planning & zoning

Heidelberg Township Office

Application intake, subdivision questions, utilities and routing floodplain questions.

717-949-3885

Roads & driveways

Heidelberg Township Highway Department

Township-road access questions.

717-949-3885

[email protected]

Septic permits

Lebanon County Planning Department — On-Lot Sewage Enforcement

Septic applications, testing, system design review and inspections inside Heidelberg Township.

717-228-4444

Room 206, Municipal Building, 400 South Eighth Street, Lebanon, PA 17042

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Do you need a building permit in Heidelberg Township, PA?

A new home in Heidelberg Township needs a Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code building permit before covered construction starts.1 The state rule also covers regulated alterations and building systems, while listed ordinary repairs and limited work can be exempt if the work does not violate another law or ordinance.12 Ask the township’s UCC Building Code Official to classify a shed, deck or renovation before starting.3

Pennsylvania’s exclusion for qualifying agricultural buildings requires a qualifying farm use and excludes habitable space; other municipal land-use requirements may still apply.13 Pennsylvania’s contractor-licensing exclusions for unpaid owner work do not establish a Heidelberg Township building-code exemption.1112

Who handles Heidelberg Township building permits and zoning approval?

Heidelberg Township lists Commonwealth Code Inspections, Inc as its UCC Building Code Official, reachable at 1-800-732-0043.3 Building permit applications and supporting information should be returned to the Township Office, which can be reached at 717-949-3885.14 Heidelberg Township’s Zoning Officer is a separate contact, at (717) 898-3402 ext. 116 or [email protected].15

Use the township contacts for building and zoning questions; on-lot sewage remains with Lebanon County Planning Department.3154 We could not confirm current township building or zoning fees; request the applicable schedule from the Township Office before submitting the application.14

Does Heidelberg Township have zoning, lot-size rules and setbacks?

Heidelberg Township has local zoning, and the zoning ordinance includes floodplain, historic, airport-hazard, wellhead-protection and resource-extraction overlays.216 Confirm both the base district and applicable overlays with the township Zoning Officer.15

For a single-family detached dwelling in the Agricultural District (A), the minimum lot area is 2 acres and the minimum width is 125 feet; the lot must also accommodate the dwelling, driveway, approved sewage system, groundwater recharge area and well isolation distance.10 Agricultural District dwelling setbacks are 50 feet front and rear, 20 feet on each side and 40 feet total for both sides.17 Maximum lot coverage for that use is 20%.18 These Agricultural District dimensions should not be applied to a parcel in another district.1017

How do septic permits work inside Heidelberg Township?

Lebanon County Planning Department handles on-lot sewage for Heidelberg Township, and a sewage permit is required to install, replace, repair or alter a system.419 For septic-dependent dwellings or structures, the township Zoning Officer cannot issue a zoning permit until the applicant produces a valid septic permit approving the proposed system.7

The county procedure lists $500 for a new sewage permit and $400 for a major repair permit; supplemental review or inspection charges can also apply.1920 New or major repair applications require soil evaluation, percolation testing and system design as specified, and no part of the system may be covered without the Sewage Enforcement Officer’s written authorization.1921 Heidelberg Township’s sewage-management program requires tank pumping at least every 3 years, or sooner when inspection reveals excessive solids or scum; exemptions need written county approval.22

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Heidelberg Township?

Heidelberg Township prohibits living, sleeping or housekeeping in major recreational equipment on residential lots or in locations not approved for that use.5 The rule includes travel trailers, motorized dwellings and tent trailers, so storing an RV on a residential lot does not authorize using the RV as accommodation while building.5

We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule; ask the township Zoning Officer about the proposed dwelling and its district.15 Dwelling units in the Agricultural District (A) and Low Density Residential District (RLD) require at least 750 square feet of livable floor area.89 Manufactured/mobile-home occupancy is addressed through district and mobile-home-park rules, with placement remaining subject to zoning and building requirements.23

Building a home in Heidelberg Township: what comes first?

  1. Confirm the parcel’s zoning district, overlays and proposed use with the township Zoning Officer.1615
  2. Resolve subdivision approval if needed: Heidelberg Township bars building permits for subdivision or land-development land until the final plat is approved or recorded and required improvements are completed or guaranteed.24
  3. Obtain the septic permit before zoning approval when the structure needs an on-lot sewage system.7
  4. Obtain the road occupancy permit from Heidelberg Township or PennDOT, whichever has road authority.25
  5. Return building applications and supporting materials to the Township Office and obtain the required UCC building permit before covered work begins.61
  6. Keep work accessible for required inspections and obtain the residential certificate of occupancy before using or occupying the building.2627

What should you check before buying land in Heidelberg Township?

For new subdivision or land-development lots in Heidelberg Township, public sewer or water availability on-site or within 1,000 feet can trigger requirements to include sewer lines or extend public water service; a well is required where public or community water is unavailable or impractical.28 We could not confirm a separate township private-well permit requirement; ask the Township Office about the parcel’s water supply and local approvals.14

Pennsylvania requires municipal floodplain development approval before development in a Special Flood Hazard Area; ask the township to identify the applicable floodplain requirements before committing to a site plan.29 Heidelberg Township also requires road occupancy approval for buildings erected or moved onto lots.25 For land outside Heidelberg Township, consult the Lebanon County guide and confirm the municipality’s sewage jurisdiction with Lebanon County Planning Department.30

Watch-outs

  • A composting toilet in a new Pennsylvania residence still needs an approved method for treating washwater or excess liquid, generally under the same permit; ask Lebanon County Sewage Enforcement about the proposed system.314
  • Meeting Heidelberg Township’s Agricultural District minimum lot area does not establish room for the sewage system, recharge area and well isolation distance.10
  • We could not confirm camping-specific or accessory-dwelling rules in Heidelberg Township; ask the township Zoning Officer before planning either use.15

Sources

  1. Apply for a Uniform Construction Code Building Permit (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Departments – Heidelberg Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Heidelberg Township UCC Building Code Official — Commonwealth Code Inspections, Inc (heidelbergtownship.com)
  4. Sewage Management Program Summary Sheet (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Heidelberg Township Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance No. 114-2009 (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Departments – Heidelberg Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Heidelberg Township Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance No. 114-2009 (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. heidelbergtownship.com (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  9. heidelbergtownship.com (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. heidelbergtownship.com (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  11. Contractor Licensing (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Part XIV, Uniform Construction Code, Chapter 403 Administration (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Pennsylvania Construction Code Act — Chapter 1 (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Heidelberg Township Office (heidelbergtownship.com)
  15. Heidelberg Township Zoning Officer (heidelbergtownship.com)
  16. Heidelberg Township Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance No. 114-2009 (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. heidelbergtownship.com (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  18. heidelbergtownship.com (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. On-Lot Sewage Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  20. Building Code Administration, quoted and re-checked
  21. Lebanon County Planning Department, quoted and re-checked
  22. Sewage Management Program Summary Sheet (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  23. Heidelberg Township Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance No. 114-2009 (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  24. Heidelberg Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  25. Heidelberg Township Zoning Ordinance, Ordinance No. 114-2009 (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  26. Part XIV, Uniform Construction Code, Chapter 403 Administration (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Part XIV, Uniform Construction Code, Chapter 403 Administration (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Heidelberg Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Heidelberg Township), quoted and re-checked
  29. PennsylvaniA Floodplain Development Guide (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Lebanon County Planning Department, quoted and re-checked
  31. 25 Pa. Code § 73.65. Recycling toilet, incinerating toilet or composting toilet (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Heidelberg Township

Heidelberg Township’s own rules

  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Heidelberg Township.

    • The township page identifies a zoning officer, zoning hearing board, zoning ordinance, and zoning map.
    “Zoning Ordinance 114-2009 (Adopted 09-08-2009, Last Amended 06-23-2020)”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Heidelberg Township.

    • The ordinance also contains special overlay districts, including floodplain, historic, airport hazard, wellhead protection, and resource extraction overlays.
    “Establishment of Zoning Districts and Map [...] Conservation Recreation District (CR) [...] Agricultural District (A) [...] Agricultural Transitional District (AT) [...] Low Density Residential District (RLD) [...] Special Purpose Residential District (RSP) [...] Village Residential District (VR) [...] Village Center District (VC) [...] Highway Commercial District (HC) [...] Industrial District (I)”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwelling units in the Agricultural District (A).

    minimum livable floor area: >= 750 square feet

    “The minimum livable floor area of any dwelling unit hereafter erected, altered or designed shall be seven hundred and fifty (750) square feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Dwelling units in the Low Density Residential District (RLD).
      “The minimum livable floor area of any dwelling unit hereafter erected, altered or designed shall be seven hundred and fifty (750) square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Single-family detached dwellings in the Agricultural District (A).

    • The minimum lot area must also accommodate the dwelling, driveway, approved on-lot sewage system, required groundwater recharge area, and on-lot well isolation distance.

    minimum lot area: >= 2 acres (The starred minimum is the minimum area needed for required improvements and may be affected by groundwater recharge requirements) · minimum lot width: >= 125 feet

    “Single Family Detached Dwelling * see below 2 acres 125’ 20% 50’ 20’ 40’ 50’”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Single-family detached dwellings in the Agricultural District (A).

    front setback: >= 50 feet · side setback each: >= 20 feet · total side setbacks: >= 40 feet · rear setback: >= 50 feet

    “Single Family Detached Dwelling * see below 2 acres 125’ 20% 50’ 20’ 40’ 50’”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Single-family detached dwellings in the Agricultural District (A).

    maximum lot coverage: <= 20 percent

    “Single Family Detached Dwelling * see below 2 acres 125’ 20% 50’ 20’ 40’ 50’”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in the Agricultural District (A).

    • Farm structures are excepted; a special exception may authorize greater height.

    maximum height: <= 35 feet (farm structures and special exception)

    “No building, with the exception of farm structures, shall exceed two and one-half (2½) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height, unless authorized as a special exception.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings in the Low Density Residential District (RLD).
      “No building shall exceed two (2) and one-half (2-1/2) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height unless authorized as a special exception.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Living, sleeping, or housekeeping in major recreational equipment, including travel trailers, motorized dwellings, and tent trailers, on residential lots or unapproved locations inside Heidelberg Township.

    • Equipment may be parked or stored in a rear yard, carport, or enclosed building; residential loading/unloading parking may be no less than 15 feet from a road right-of-way for no more than 24 hours.

    loading/unloading duration: <= 24 hours (residential premises and at least 15 feet from road right-of-way)

    “No such equipment shall be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes when parked or stored on a residential lot, or in any location not approved for such use.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured/mobile-home occupancy in the Special Purpose Residential District and mobile-home parks inside Heidelberg Township.

    • Mobile-home parks are subject to district regulations, including a minimum park area and maximum density; individual manufactured-home placement outside an approved use remains subject to zoning and building requirements.

    mobile home park minimum area: >= 10 acres · mobile home park maximum density: <= 5 units per acre

    “Mobile home parks subject to the following regulations: 1. A mobile home park shall contain a minimum of ten (10) acres. 2. Maximum density in a mobile home park or subdivision shall be five (5) units per acre.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-lot sewage management inside Heidelberg Township; the administering body is Lebanon County Planning Department.

    • The township-hosted program sheet states that the county administers the program for participating municipalities.
    “SEWAGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM As administered by the Lebanon County Planning Department”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of dwelling units or other structures requiring septic systems inside Heidelberg Township.

    • The township zoning officer will not issue a zoning permit until a valid septic tank permit showing approval by the township Sewage Enforcement Officer is produced.
    “Further, the Zoning Officer shall issue no zoning permits for the construction of dwelling units or other structures requiring septic systems until the applicant has produced a valid septic tank permit showing approval of the proposed system by the Township’s Sewage Enforcement Officer.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic tanks and treatment tanks inside Heidelberg Township under the county-administered sewage management program.

    • Pumping is required at least once every three years or sooner when an inspection program finds solids or scum exceeding one-third of liquid depth; exemptions require written LCPD approval.

    pumping interval: <= 3 years (or whenever an inspection program reveals excess solids or scum)

    “Within these regulations [Pennsylvania Code, Title 25, Chapter 71.73 (b)(2)(i)], it is required that property owners with septic systems have their septic tanks/treatment tanks pumped at least once every three (3) years or whenever an inspection program reveals that the treatment tanks are filled with solids in excess of 1/3 of the liquid depth of the tank or with scum in excess of 1/3 of the liquid depth of the tank.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New subdivision or land-development lots inside Heidelberg Township.

    • When public sewers are on-site or within 1,000 feet, sewer lines must be included and installation approved by the responsible municipal authority; when public water is on-site or within 1,000 feet, public water lines must be extended as necessary; if public or community water is unavailable or impractical, each lot must have a well.

    public sewer availability threshold: <= 1000 feet (lines required on the plan) · public water availability threshold: <= 1000 feet (lines extended as necessary)

    “When a subdivision or land development has public sewers available on-site or within one thousand (1,000) feet of the site, sewer lines shall be included on the subdivision or land development plan [...] When a subdivision or land development has public water on-site or within one thousand (1,000) feet of the site, public water lines shall be extended as necessary to service the lots and uses on the subdivision and land development plan”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land development inside Heidelberg Township.

    • No lot may be sold or transferred and no building permit may be issued for land in a subdivision or land development until the final plat is approved or recorded and required site improvements are completed or guaranteed.
    “No lot in a subdivision may be sold or transferred; no permit to erect or alter any building upon land in a subdivision or land development may be issued; and no building may be erected in a subdivision or land development, unless and until a final subdivision or land development plat has been approved or recorded”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Buildings erected or moved on lots inside Heidelberg Township.

    • A road occupancy permit must be obtained from PennDOT or Heidelberg Township, whichever has authority; private streets must satisfy township road-occupancy requirements; emergency vehicles must be able to access the building.
    “Every building hereafter erected or moved shall be: A. On a lot that adjoins a public street, and the applicant for the permit to erect such building shall first obtain a road occupancy permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation or Heidelberg Township, whichever has the authority to grant such a permit”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building, zoning, and subdivision permit processes inside Heidelberg Township.

    • Building permit applications and supporting information must be returned to the Township Office; zoning permits for septic-dependent structures require a valid septic tank permit first; subdivision applications are reviewed under the township SALDO.
    “Building Permit Application* *All permit applications and supporting information should be returned to the Township Office.”

Rules another office applies inside Heidelberg Township

Heidelberg Township does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and building work inside Heidelberg Township.

    • 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 states that before beginning any construction or building work, the property owner or an authorized representative must obtain a UCC building permit”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building construction inside Heidelberg Township under Pennsylvania's statewide Uniform Construction Code.

    • Heidelberg Township identifies a UCC Building Code Official; local enforcement may be by the township or a certified third-party agency.
    “Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the Uniform Construction Code (UCC), has to be followed by builders in the state.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction inside Heidelberg Township.

    • Required inspections include foundation, plumbing/mechanical/electrical systems, frame and masonry, wallboard, and final inspection.
    “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. [...] A construction code official shall conduct a final inspection of the completed construction work and file a final inspection report that indicates compliance with the Uniform Construction Code.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Heidelberg Township or Lebanon County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from building-code requirements inside Heidelberg Township.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping inside Heidelberg Township.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Heidelberg Township.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Heidelberg Township.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems inside Heidelberg Township.
5 more unanswered
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Heidelberg Township publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Lebanon County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Lebanon County: county rules, score and offices