Off-grid site report

Cambria County, PA

40.6576, -78.7791 · 1,634 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Cambria County, PA, not legal advice and not a guarantee. Rules change, and the deciding facts on any specific parcel (setbacks, perc results, overlay districts, deed restrictions, road frontage) live at the county or town office, not in any database. Before you buy land or build, confirm the current rules directly with the local zoning and health offices - the sources on this page tell you exactly who to call.

The local rulesCambria County, PA

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyCambria County has no countywide zoning ordinance; the Cambria County Planning Commission only reviews subdivision/land development plans in municipalities that adopted an ordinance. You must check with your specific township or borough. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Varies locallyNo Cambria County-specific rule on tiny homes or RV occupancy was found; this is governed by local municipal zoning where it exists, with the state Uniform Construction Code baseline for permanent dwellings.

Building permits & codes

RestrictedThe Cambria County Building Codes Enforcement Agency, doing business as Laurel Municipal Inspection Agency, enforces the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code for participating municipalities only; non-participating townships may use a different official. source

Septic & composting toilets

RestrictedOn-lot septic is administered under the state's Act 537 Sewage Facilities Act by the Cambria County Sewage Enforcement Agency (CCSEA) on behalf of member municipalities. source

Greywater reuse

RestrictedNo county-specific greywater ordinance was found; greywater appears to fall under the same state Act 537 framework CCSEA administers for septic. source

Rainwater harvesting

Generally allowedNo Cambria County ordinance restricting rainwater harvesting for non-potable use was found; this appears to follow the general state baseline.

Private wells & water rights

Generally allowedPrivate well drilling is governed at the state level; no Cambria County-specific well permitting ordinance was found, though county planning documents mention wellhead protection as a policy goal, not a mandatory permit. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Varies locallyNo countywide ordinance requires utility hookups; whether a certificate of occupancy demands them depends on your specific township or borough's zoning/property maintenance code, sometimes enforced via LMIA.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 4.3 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 2.3 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,197 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 39 in/yr
Heating degree days: 6,911 (cold)
Frost-free season: May 18 to Sep 30

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital Conemaugh Miners Medical Center: 3.9 mi
Fire station Nicktown Volunteer Fire Station: 3.3 mi
Hardware store Krumenacker's Builders Supply: 3.3 mi
Grocery Giant Eagle: 0.3 mi

From OpenStreetMap. Road miles will be longer, often much longer in hill country.

Plan this spot

These open with this location's real numbers already filled in (ZIP 15714).

Size a solar system Heat loss & insulation Firewood per winter Rainwater harvest Garden size Panel tilt

Sources: US Census Bureau geocoder; NLR PVWatts v8 (solar); NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals (nearest station) or Open-Meteo (ZIP-centroid) for weather; Open-Elevation; OpenStreetMap contributors. Public data retrieved Aug 21, 2026; agencies update their layers on their own schedules. Planning data, not a survey or legal advice.