Harrisburg Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Harrisburg Zoning Overview
Harrisburg is the capital city of Pennsylvania, located along the Susquehanna River in Dauphin County. With a population of approximately 50,099, the city serves as the center of state government and a regional hub for south-central Pennsylvania. Harrisburg's economy is anchored by state government, healthcare (Penn State Health), and logistics due to its central location along major transportation corridors including Interstate 81 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
The city's zoning is managed by the Department of Building and Housing Development. Harrisburg's land use reflects its role as a state capital, with a dense downtown core of government buildings, a mix of rowhouse and detached residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and industrial areas. The city has invested in revitalization efforts including its riverfront park system and Midtown district.
Key Zoning Districts
Harrisburg's zoning code includes residential districts R-1 (Low Density, 5,000 sq ft minimum lots), R-2 (Medium Density, 4,000 sq ft minimum lots), and R-3 (Multi-Family). The relatively small minimum lot sizes reflect Harrisburg's dense urban grid of rowhouses and twin homes. The CBD (Central Business District) covers the downtown government and commercial core. Commercial districts C-1 and C-2 serve neighborhood and general commercial needs, and the I (Industrial) district accommodates manufacturing and warehousing.
ADU Regulations
Harrisburg does not currently have confirmed ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) provisions. Pennsylvania has no statewide ADU mandate. Property owners interested in adding a secondary dwelling unit should contact the Department of Building and Housing Development to discuss available options under the city's zoning ordinance.
Development Process
The Department of Building and Housing Development processes development applications and building permits. The Zoning Hearing Board handles variances and special exceptions. The Planning Commission reviews subdivisions and land development plans. Harrisburg has several historic districts that may require additional review by the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB). All construction must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Harrisburg and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Harrisburg at (717) 255-3059 or through the municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Harrisburg
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Dauphin County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 4,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 3 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Harrisburg
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Harrisburg are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Harrisburg permit fees →