Some counties welcome barndominiums, but metro and suburban areas may restrict them.
The PA UCC began statewide enforcement in 2004. Philadelphia and Allegheny County adopt custom codes. Municipalities may opt out and defer to third-party inspectors.
Primary Code
PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
Code Version
2018 IBC / 2018 IRC with PA amendments
Adoption Level
Statewide
Statewide Enforcement
Yes
The PA UCC exempts certain residential accessory structures (carports, detached garages, sheds, greenhouses) up to 1,000 sq ft from permit requirements. Municipalities that opted out of UCC enforcement use third-party agencies for plan review and inspections.
Residential
Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Not Required
Size threshold: structures under 1000 sq ft may be exempt.
Agricultural buildings are specifically exempt from the PA Uniform Construction Code. This is one of the strongest ag exemptions in the country.
Certain residential accessory structures (carports, detached garages, sheds, greenhouses) up to 1,000 sq ft may be exempt from permit requirements under the PA UCC.
Heavy snow loads in the Poconos and northern PA. Moderate wind. Low seismic risk.
Wind Load
95–130 mph
moderate zone
Snow Load
20–60 psf
Seismic
A–B
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
IECC
Version
2018 IECC
Energy code enforced statewide as part of UCC.
License Type
No state license required (Philadelphia requires licenses)
PA does not require a state contractor license. Philadelphia and some municipalities require local licensing.
Front
25–40 ft
Side
10–20 ft
Rear
15–30 ft
Varies by municipality.
Frost depth 36-42 inches. Full basements standard in most of PA. Rocky soils in central mountains.
Standard UCC permitting.
Agricultural buildings exempt from UCC. Strong ag exemption.
Growing interest in rural PA. Agricultural exemption does NOT apply to residential use. Full UCC compliance required for living space.
Standard UCC permits.
Full UCC or Philadelphia/Allegheny County code compliance.
HOAs common in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh suburbs. Central PA and rural areas have more unrestricted land.
Flood zones along the Susquehanna, Delaware, and Ohio rivers and their tributaries.
Key counties with specific permit information for Pennsylvania.
City of Philadelphia has its own building code. Full enforcement.
Typical fees: $500 – $5,000
Custom building code. Full enforcement.
Typical fees: $400 – $4,000
Ag-heavy county. Agricultural exemptions well-established.
Typical fees: $300 – $2,500
Ag Exemption AvailableRural central PA. Practical enforcement.
Typical fees: $250 – $2,000
Ag Exemption AvailableRural northern PA. Streamlined process.
Typical fees: $200 – $1,500
Ag Exemption AvailableVerify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
