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Building Setbacks & Zoning

Building Setbacks & Zoning in Scranton, PA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Scranton or are thinking about moving there, building setbacks & zoning are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Scranton has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building setbacks & zoning, and some of them might surprise you.

Setback Rules

Building setbacks in Scranton are set by the Scranton Zoning Ordinance (referenced in the City Code on eCode360 portal SC1148, adopted as a separate document) and vary by zoning district. The City's principal residential districts (R-1A lowest density through R-3 highest density) each have their own front, side and rear yard requirements. Setback variances are heard by the Scranton Zoning Hearing Board under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (53 P.S. §10101 et seq.).

Key details: Code Portal: City of Scranton Code (eCode360 SC1148). Zoning Ordinance: Scranton Zoning Ordinance (separate document). Residential Districts: R-1A through R-3 (plus CBD, NC, MU, I). Variance Board: Scranton Zoning Hearing Board. Variance Standard: Unnecessary hardship (MPC §910.2).

Building within a required yard or otherwise violating the Zoning Ordinance bulk schedule is a zoning violation enforceable by LIPS. The Building Code Official can issue stop-work orders, deny a Certificate of Occupancy, and refer cases to the Magisterial District Court for fines (typically up to $1,000 per violation plus costs in PA cities). Each day of continuing violation may be charged separately under the MPC enforcement framework at 53 P.S. §10617.2. Removal or modification of an unlawful structure may be ordered as part of the enforcement remedy.

Structure Height Limits

Building height in Scranton is regulated by the Scranton Zoning Ordinance (separately adopted, referenced in the City Code on eCode360 portal SC1148) and is set district-by-district in the bulk schedule for each zoning district. Lower-density R-1A and R-1 residential districts impose stricter height caps than the higher-density R-3 and Central Business District. The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (34 Pa. Code §§401-405) adopts the IBC and adds height/area limits based on construction type.

Key details: Local Code: Scranton Zoning Ordinance. Height Source: District bulk schedules. PA UCC: 34 Pa. Code §§401-405 (IBC height/area). Variance: Scranton Zoning Hearing Board (MPC §910.2). Penalty Framework: MPC 53 P.S. §10617.2.

Building above the height limit set by the Scranton Zoning Ordinance is a zoning violation; LIPS will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy until the structure is brought into compliance. The Zoning Office can issue notices of violation and refer cases to the Magisterial District Court for fines under the MPC enforcement framework at 53 P.S. §10617.2, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense. PA UCC / IBC height limits are enforceable separately with stop-work orders.

Lot Coverage Limits

Lot coverage in Scranton is regulated by the Scranton Zoning Ordinance (referenced in the City Code on eCode360 portal SC1148) and is set district-by-district in the bulk schedule of each zoning district. Higher-density R-3 and the Central Business District allow much higher building coverage than the lower-density R-1A and R-1 districts. Impervious-surface and stormwater impacts on larger projects are reviewed under the City's stormwater ordinance and PA DEP NPDES Phase II MS4 requirements (25 Pa. Code Chapter 102).

Key details: Local Code: Scranton Zoning Ordinance. Coverage Source: District bulk schedules. High-Density Districts: R-3 / CBD - higher coverage allowed. Stormwater (E&S): 25 Pa. Code Ch. 102 + local SWM ordinance. Watershed Plan: Lackawanna River Act 167 SWM Plan.

Exceeding the lot-coverage maximum in the Scranton Zoning Ordinance is a zoning violation; LIPS will not issue a Certificate of Occupancy until the parcel is brought into compliance. The Zoning Office can issue notices of violation and refer cases to the Magisterial District Court for fines (typically up to $1,000 per violation plus costs in PA cities) under the MPC enforcement framework at 53 P.S. §10617.2. Failure to comply with the City's stormwater ordinance or the underlying 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 erosion-control requirements is separately enforceable by the Lackawanna County Conservation District and PA DEP.

The Bottom Line

Scranton's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Scranton is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Scranton's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.