Johnstown Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Johnstown Zoning Overview
Johnstown is a city in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, located in the Allegheny Mountains of western Pennsylvania at the confluence of the Stonycreek and Little Conemaugh rivers. With a population of approximately 18,411, Johnstown is best known for the devastating 1889 Johnstown Flood and two subsequent major floods in 1936 and 1977. The city's history is deeply tied to the steel industry, particularly the Cambria Iron Company and later Bethlehem Steel operations. While the steel industry has largely departed, Johnstown has worked to diversify its economy through healthcare, education, tourism, and technology.
The city's zoning is managed by the Planning and Zoning Department. Johnstown's land use is shaped by its narrow river valley geography, with dense residential neighborhoods built into steep hillsides, a compact downtown, and former industrial sites along the rivers. Flood mitigation infrastructure, including channelization projects, significantly influences development patterns.
Key Zoning Districts
Johnstown's zoning code includes residential districts R-1 (Low Density, 6,000 sq ft minimum lots) and R-2 (Medium Density, 5,000 sq ft minimum lots). Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial). The I (Industrial) district accommodates manufacturing and warehousing. Both residential districts maintain a 35-foot height limit. Flood zone restrictions apply to many properties given the city's river valley setting.
ADU Regulations
Johnstown 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 Planning and Zoning Department to discuss available options under the city's zoning ordinance.
Development Process
The Planning and Zoning Department processes development applications and building permits. The Zoning Hearing Board handles variances and special exceptions. The Planning Commission reviews subdivisions and land development plans. Due to Johnstown's significant flood history, properties in FEMA-designated flood zones face additional development requirements. All construction must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Johnstown and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Johnstown at (814) 533-2081 before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Johnstown
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 — Cambria 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
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 3 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- 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
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
ADU Rules in Johnstown
- 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 Johnstown are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Johnstown permit fees →