Off-grid site report

Cumberland County, PA

40.2353, -76.9135 · 404 ft elevation

Read this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Cumberland 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 rulesCumberland County, PA

Zoning & raw-land occupancy

Varies locallyNo county zoning ordinance exists; zoning authority rests with each of the 33 municipalities, 30 of which have adopted their own ordinances. The county Planning Department directs zoning questions to the relevant township or borough. source

Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs

Varies locallyPennsylvania's UCC (2018 IRC-based) sets a statewide baseline for conventional dwellings, but tiny homes, RVs, and accessory dwellings are governed by each municipality's own zoning and building rules. Not confirmed at the county level. source

Building permits & codes

RestrictedCumberland County has no county building department; the state UCC is enforced locally, with most Pennsylvania municipalities administering it themselves or through a certified third party. Check with your specific township's building permit officer. source

Septic & composting toilets

RestrictedSeptic systems, including composting toilets as alternate systems, are permitted and inspected by municipal Sewage Enforcement Officers under Pennsylvania's Sewage Facilities Act. Approval is case-by-case and varies by SEO. source

Greywater reuse

RestrictedNo Cumberland County-specific greywater ordinance was found; greywater appears to fall under the same state Sewage Facilities Act framework enforced by municipal Sewage Enforcement Officers.

Rainwater harvesting

Generally allowedNo county-specific rainwater ordinance was found; rainwater harvesting for non-potable use follows the general state baseline, and it should not serve as the sole potable supply for a permanent home. Not confirmed to differ locally.

Private wells & water rights

Varies locallyPennsylvania DEP does not regulate private wells at the state level, so requirements depend on whether your specific township has adopted its own well permit or inspection ordinance. Confirm directly with the municipality. source

Living disconnected from utilities

Varies locallyNo countywide rule addresses living off-grid, but some municipalities have mandatory public sewer connection requirements for properties within a set distance of a line. This must be checked township by township.

Open the full county page with sources →

Sun30-year normals

Peak-sun hours, annual average: 4.7 hrs/day
Worst month (sizes an off-grid array): 3.0 hrs/day
Yearly output per 1 kW of panels: 1,322 kWh

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Weather1991-2020

Precipitation: 44 in/yr
Heating degree days: 5,599 (cold)
Frost-free season: Apr 15 to Oct 20

How far help isstraight-line

Hospital Gettysburg Hospital ER Entrance: 33.0 mi
Fire station West Shore Bureau of Fire - Station 2-13: 1.5 mi
Hardware store Hornung's True Value: 2.4 mi
Grocery Karns Fresh Foods: 0.6 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 17012).

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.