Bolthole Index

Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Derry Borough, Pennsylvania

Derry Borough, Pennsylvania has its own zoning ordinance and requires both a zoning permit and a Uniform Construction Code building permit for new homes12. The borough, not Westmoreland County, issues both. Septic is a separate track: on-lot sewage permits come from a local sewage agency under state rules, and the borough's sewer authority comes first where public sewer is available34. Living in a parked RV is prohibited5.

At a glance

Zoning
Yes. Borough of Derry zoning ordinance (Chapter 425)2
Building permit
Required; the borough uses the state Uniform Construction Code61
Zoning permit
Required for new construction, including driveways, sheds and garages71
Septic
Sewer connection first where public sewer is available; otherwise on-lot permit from the local sewage agency43
RV living
Prohibited in a parked or stored RV5
Mobile homes
Only in a residential district or a conforming mobile home park8
Owner-builder
No statewide contractor license for most construction work9
Certificate of occupancy
Required before a new building is occupied10

Who to call

Building permits

Derry Borough Office (zoning, UCC permits and code enforcement)

Zoning permits and Uniform Construction Code building permits inside the borough; applications are submitted at the borough office

724-694-2030

114 East Second Avenue, Derry, PA 15627

Septic permits

Pennsylvania DEP Bureau of Water Quality Management (Westmoreland County)

State contact for public sewage and on-lot septic questions in Westmoreland County; the permit itself comes from the local sewage agency

724-925-5500

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 24, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Does Derry, PA have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, tiny homes and setbacks?

Derry Borough has its own zoning ordinance, Chapter 425 of the borough code, adopted by Borough Council in 20082. Westmoreland County has no zoning of its own, so every zoning question inside Derry goes to the borough11.

Dimensional rules depend on the district. In the R-SH Single-Household Residential Zone, buildings and other structures may cover at most 45 percent of the lot12. In the R-MH Multiple-Household Residential Zone, a remodeled conversion apartment unit needs at least 800 square feet of habitable area13. Check the zoning map for your parcel's district before you assume any of these apply.

We could not confirm Derry's rules on tiny homes, accessory dwelling units or short-term rentals. Ask the Derry Borough Zoning Officer through the borough office1.

Do you need a building permit in Derry, and who issues it?

Yes. Derry Borough requires a zoning permit and a Uniform Construction Code (UCC) permit for all new construction, including new homes, additions, utility structures and pools1. The borough has adopted the state UCC as its municipal building code6.

The borough contracts with a third-party agency, Building Inspection Underwriters, to review and inspect UCC permits, and the borough asks applicants to allow 7-14 days for processing1. Applications go to the Derry Borough office, not to Westmoreland County, which does not issue building permits14.

Zoning permits also cover garages, carports, sheds, certain retaining walls, pools and fences1, and the borough's zoning chapter lists driveways as work needing a zoning permit7. A certificate of occupancy is required before a new or altered building is used10.

Who do you call about building permits in Derry Borough?

The Derry Borough office at 114 East Second Avenue takes both zoning and UCC applications, and its phone is 724-694-20301. The borough's own zoning page lists a Zoning Officer and a third-party UCC official, and tells applicants to contact the Zoning Officer when unsure whether a project needs a permit1.

The borough's published zoning application fee is $55, and a zoning hearing board appeal costs $4501. UCC fees are calculated by the UCC official from the size of the project1. The zoning page was the only permit-fee source we could confirm, so ask the borough office for the current full fee list.

How do septic permits work in Derry Borough?

Inside Derry, public sewer comes first. For a proposed building that the borough sewerage system can serve, the sewer authority's connection permit must be obtained before the building permit, and no building permit issues until then4.

If you contend a lot cannot be served by the sewer, you must notify the sewer authority in writing before a building permit issues, and also file with the borough's Code Enforcement Officer and/or the Department of Environmental Protection to dispose of sewage another way15.

For on-lot septic systems, Pennsylvania requires a permit from the local agency before installation, construction, occupancy or use3. We could not confirm which local agency administers on-lot permits inside Derry, so ask the Pennsylvania DEP Bureau of Water Quality Management at 724-925-550016. Private well permit rules inside the borough are also unconfirmed.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Derry?

Not in an RV. The borough's supplementary regulations state that a parked or stored mobile home, camping or recreational equipment may never be occupied for living, sleeping or housekeeping5.

Mobile homes may be used as living quarters only as permitted in a residential district or in a conforming mobile home park, which must hold at least 2 homes on at least 1 acre8.

We could not confirm any Derry rule that specifically addresses tiny homes or temporary camping on private land. Because the RV ban applies to parked or stored equipment, do not assume a tiny home on wheels is treated differently; ask the Zoning Officer before buying1.

What are the steps to build a home in Derry Borough?

  1. Confirm your parcel's zoning district on the borough zoning map and read Chapter 4252.
  2. If public sewer can serve the lot, get the sewer authority's connection permit first; if not, notify the authority in writing and file with the Code Enforcement Officer and/or DEP415.
  3. Submit a zoning application and a UCC application at the Derry Borough office1.
  4. Allow 7-14 days for processing1.
  5. Build with inspections by the borough's third-party UCC agency1.
  6. Get an occupancy permit from the Zoning Officer before anyone moves in10.

Pennsylvania sets no statewide contractor license for most construction work, so an owner can generally act as their own builder, though the UCC permit and inspections still apply9.

What stays with Westmoreland County, and what should you check before buying in Derry?

Westmoreland County has no zoning or building-permit office, so the county's role here is limited17. County staff review subdivisions only for municipalities without their own subdivision ordinance18. We could not confirm whether Derry has its own subdivision ordinance, so ask the borough before splitting a lot.

A driveway onto a state highway needs a PennDOT permit19. Floodplain rules may also apply; the borough posts a floodplain ordinance on its website.

For land outside the borough limits, see the Westmoreland County page, because borough rules do not apply to unincorporated township land. County-level figures: the effective property tax rate is 1.3 percent20.

Watch-outs

  • Westmoreland County's address for building permits is the municipality, not the county: confirm the permit office for the exact parcel, since some neighboring townships have no zoning at all21.
  • We could not confirm who issues on-lot septic permits inside Derry, whether the borough has a subdivision ordinance, or its rules on tiny homes, accessory dwellings and short-term rentals; call the borough office at 724-694-20301.
  • A zoning permit and a UCC permit are separate approvals, and both are required for new construction1.

Sources

  1. Derry Borough Office (zoning, UCC permits and code enforcement) (derryborough.org)
  2. Chapter 425: Zoning - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  3. 25 Pa. Code § 72.22. Permit issuance (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  4. Chapter 340: Sewers and Sewage Disposal - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  5. Article VI: Supplementary Regulations - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  6. Chapter 170: Construction Codes, Uniform - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  7. Article II: Administration - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  8. Article VI: Supplementary Regulations - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  9. Contractor Licensing (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Article II: Administration - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  11. Westmoreland County Planning FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  12. Article V: District Regulations - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  13. Article V: District Regulations - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  14. Westmoreland County FAQ - Who handles building permits (2026 county census)
  15. Chapter 340: Sewers and Sewage Disposal - Borough of Derry, PA (Borough of Derry), quoted and re-checked
  16. Pennsylvania DEP Bureau of Water Quality Management (Westmoreland County) (westmorelandcountypa.gov)
  17. Subdivision, Development & Zoning (2026 county census)
  18. Subdivision, Development & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  19. Apply for a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (Pennsylvania statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Westmoreland County Planning FAQs, quoted and re-checked

Written October 24, 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 Borough of Derry

Borough of Derry’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Proposed buildings inside Derry borough that can be served by the Borough sewerage system.

    • A sewer connection permit and every other applicable governmental approval must be obtained first.
    • No building permit will issue until that requirement is met.
    “For proposed buildings which can be served by the sewerage system, a sewer connection permit from the Authority, as well as any required permit or approval from any other applicable governmental entity, shall be obtained prior to receiving a building permit, and no building permit will be issued until this requirement is met.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction regulated inside Derry borough.

    • The incorporated UCC is amended from time to time.
    “The Uniform Construction Code, contained in 34 Pa. Code, Chapters 401-405, as amended from time to time, is hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference as the Municipal Building Code of this Borough.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Buildings or dwelling units subject to the Borough occupancy-license chapter inside Derry borough.

    • Inspections are for compliance with applicable Borough ordinances, including sewage and water ordinances.
    • The chapter authorizes inspections to issue an occupancy license and investigate reported violations.
    “The Borough Code Enforcement shall have the right to inspect any building or dwelling unit for the purpose of making certain that the building or dwelling unit complies with all applicable Borough ordinances, including the BOCA Codes and Ordinances related to sewage and water.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    New construction, alteration, remodeling, or a change of use authorized under a Derry borough zoning permit.

    • The proposed use must conform with the zoning chapter and other effective applicable ordinances.
    • The Zoning Officer processes a written request within one week of receipt and payment of the Council-set fee.
    • A refusal must include written reasons.
    “Upon completion of the authorized new construction, alteration, remodeling or change of use under the provisions of a zoning permit, the building or land shall not be occupied until an occupancy permit has been issued by the Zoning Officer.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Derry borough limits.

    • Chapter 425 was adopted by Borough Council on December 8, 2008, with amendments noted where applicable.
    “[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Derry 12-8-2008 by Ord. No. 725. Amendments noted where applicable.]”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Parked or stored camping or recreational equipment, including travel trailers and motorized homes, inside Derry borough.

    • The provision concerns parked or stored equipment.
    “At no time shall a parked or stored mobile home, camping or recreational equipment be occupied or used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile homes used as living quarters inside Derry borough.

    • A mobile home may be used for living quarters only as permitted in a residential district or in a conforming mobile-home park.
    • A mobile-home park must have at least two homes and be at least one acre.

    minimum mobile-home park area: >= 1 acre · minimum mobile homes per park: >= 2 homes

    “No mobile home of any type may hereafter be used for living quarters, except as permitted in a residential district, or in a mobile home park in conformance with the following requirements:”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Proposed buildings inside Derry borough asserted not to be serviceable by the Borough sewerage system.

    • The owner or developer must notify the Authority in writing before a building permit issues.
    • The owner or developer must also file with the Borough Code Enforcement Officer and/or DEP to otherwise dispose of sanitary sewage.
    “In the event any owner or developer of land contends that the premises cannot be served by the sewerage system, the owner or developer shall notify the Authority in writing to this effect prior to any building permit being issued and shall also file with the Borough's Code Enforcement Officer and/or the Department of Environmental Protection to otherwise dispose of the sanitary sewage.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Proposed buildings inside Derry borough that can be served by the Borough sewerage system.

    • The Authority sewer-connection permit is required before a building permit.
    • Other applicable governmental approval may also be required.
    “For proposed buildings which can be served by the sewerage system, a sewer connection permit from the Authority, as well as any required permit or approval from any other applicable governmental entity, shall be obtained prior to receiving a building permit, and no building permit will be issued until this requirement is met.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways constructed or developed inside Derry borough.

    • The ordinance says a zoning permit is required in many cases and lists driveways among the work requiring one.
    • Land-improvement or development activities may not commence before the requisite zoning permit is secured.
    “Work that would require a zoning permit includes, but is not limited to, pools (in-ground and above), porches, decks, additions, fences, sheds, driveways, garages and carports, curbs, sidewalks, signs and trailers.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning-permit applications inside Derry borough.

    • Applicant may be a landowner, person with ownership interest, or tenant with owner permission.
    • Applications must be written on the Zoning Officer's form, include Council-set fees and required plans and compliance information.
    “Applications for a zoning permit shall be submitted in writing on a form prescribed by the Zoning Officer along with payment of the required fees set by the Borough Council. Applications shall be submitted with plans prepared in accordance with the Zoning Officer's requirements, and shall contain all of the information, in a complete state, that is necessary to determine compliance with this and all other pertinent ordinances and laws.”

Rules another office applies inside Borough of Derry

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

  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Each remodeled unit in a conversion apartment in the R-MH Multiple-Household Residential Zone inside Derry borough.

    • The existing single-household dwelling must have existed at the ordinance effective date.
    • Each unit also needs one bathroom, three habitable rooms including at least one bedroom, separate private sanitary facilities, and cooking and dining facilities.

    minimum habitable area per remodeled conversion-apartment unit: >= 800 square feet

    “Conversion apartments. Any single-household dwelling existing at the effective date of this chapter may be converted into a multi-household dwelling, providing that the remodeled unit provides separate living units, each having a minimum of not less than 800 square feet of habitable area, one bathroom and three habitable rooms (at least one of which shall be a bedroom), separate and private sanitary facilities and cooking and dining facilities for each dwelling unit and:”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in the R-SH Single-Household Residential Zone inside Derry borough.

    • The maximum includes all structures.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 45 percent (includes all structures)

    “Lot coverage: 45% maximum (includes all structures).”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Borough of Derry or Westmoreland County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residential construction inside Derry borough.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Derry borough.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Derry borough.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Derry borough.
  • Who permits septic — On-lot sewage disposal inside Derry borough.
6 more unanswered
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • 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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Borough of Derry publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Westmoreland County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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