![]() Wetlands: If you want to build on wetlands, you’ll need a special permit and to meet more stringent requirements.Sometimes the easement is owned by the government and requires the landowner to use the land in a specific way, such as for farming. Easements: The property may have water, sewer, driveway, or other easements.Deed covenants: Some land has covenants that restrict how you are able to use it.You’ll need to check subsurface land deeds. This could prevent you from doing things like drilling a well. Don’t own the land underneath your property: Someone else might own the land under your property for its oil, gas, coal, or mineral rights.This can really complicate your attempts to go off grid, especially if you want to get out of the shared agreement or use an alternative system instead. It is common in these areas for neighbors to have some shared utilities, such as a shared septic system or well. Shared Utilities: A lot of affordable land in Pennsylvania is located in small rural communities.Here are just some of the issues you might encounter. ![]() Legal Issues When Buying Off-Grid Property in Pennsylvaniaīuying land in Pennsylvania for an off-grid property can be much more complicated than it seems. You can read more about PA zoning laws here. So, be sure to check with the county about any development plans. In the absence of zoning laws, you also could end up with a subdivision built next to your dream property. While this does mean you have more freedom to use your land how you want, it also means that your neighbors can also do what they want. For example, Westmoreland County still does not have a zoning ordinance. There is still a lot of land in Pennsylvania which does not have any zoning laws. There are also many areas zoned as Conservation which have lots of restrictions designed to protect the environment. In more populous areas, you can expect many zoning regulations which restrict farming, home types and sizes, and what businesses you can do from your home. Local zoning laws are what ultimately determine how you can use your property in Pennsylvania. You’ll probably have an easier time of going off-grid in these counties: York, Lancaster, Dauphin and Lebanon Counties are mostly rural but still have a lot of restrictions when it comes to off-grid living. To find your local Building Code Official, go to the DLI website, choose the “Local Enforcement” tab and then select the “Municipal Elections and Contact Information” link. If you do not get a permit for follow codes, you can get fines of up to $1,000 per day per violation. ![]() Many PA counties use third-party companies to do inspections and ensure codes are met. The code is called the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and standards are based on the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and International Building Code (IBC). Building Codes in PAĪll construction work in PA that requires a permit will need to follow the State’s building code. The permit only costs $1 but is still an annoying permit that you have to deal with. Even rural areas often require a permit for mundane things which typically don’t require permits in other rural areas of the USA.įor example, Ross Township in Monroe County requires residents to fill out a moving permit when they move in or out of the township. In Pennsylvania, you will need a permit for virtually all aspects of your off-grid home and property. ![]() You might also come across restrictions in zoning laws, easements, or natural resource rights. Sewage laws and regulations are particularly tough in Pennsylvania. However, unless you have a religious exemption or your home is classified as a recreational cabin, it is surprisingly difficult to go completely off-grid. Off-grid living is legal in Pennsylvania. Is Living Off-Grid Legal in Pennsylvania? ![]()
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