Wilkes-Barre Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Wilkes-Barre Zoning Overview
Wilkes-Barre is the county seat of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, located in the Wyoming Valley along the Susquehanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania. With a population of approximately 44,328, Wilkes-Barre is the principal city of the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area. The city has a deep history in anthracite coal mining, which shaped its development from the 18th through mid-20th centuries. Wilkes-Barre has also been significantly impacted by flooding, most notably the devastating 1972 flood caused by Hurricane Agnes, which led to major flood control infrastructure along the Susquehanna River.
The city's zoning is managed by the Office of Community Development. Wilkes-Barre's land use features a compact downtown on the river's east bank, dense residential neighborhoods with a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and rowhouses, commercial corridors, and former industrial sites. The city is home to King's College and Wilkes University, which are important institutional anchors in the downtown area.
Key Zoning Districts
Wilkes-Barre's zoning code includes residential districts R-1 (Low Density, 5,000 sq ft minimum lots), R-2 (Medium Density, 3,500 sq ft minimum lots), and R-3 (Multi-Family). The small lot sizes reflect the city's dense, walkable urban fabric. The CBD (Central Business District) covers the downtown core. Commercial districts include C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and C-2 (General Commercial). The I (Industrial) district accommodates manufacturing and warehousing.
ADU Regulations
Wilkes-Barre 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 Office of Community Development to discuss available options under the city's zoning ordinance.
Development Process
The Office of Community 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. Flood zone regulations are particularly important in Wilkes-Barre given the city's history of flooding along the Susquehanna River. All construction must comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Wilkes-Barre and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Wilkes-Barre at (570) 208-4100 before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Wilkes-Barre
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 — Luzerne 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
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- 3,500 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 Wilkes-Barre
- 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 Wilkes-Barre are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Wilkes-Barre permit fees →