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York County, PA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Set by
Borough/township, not county
York Twp principal (residential)
35 feet
Higher-density/commercial
Up to 45 feet
Accessory structures
15 feet
Height bonus
1 ft per extra setback foot

Summary

Maximum building height is set by your borough or township zoning ordinance, not York County. In York Township, principal residential buildings are capped at 35 feet and accessory structures at 15 feet.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of York County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Principal Buildings - thirty-five (35) feet. The height may be increased by one (1) foot for each additional foot that all front, side and rear setbacks are increased, but may not be increased by more than ten (10) feet. Accessory Buildings/Structures - fifteen (15) feet.

Full Breakdown

Building height limits are a municipal zoning function in Pennsylvania under the Municipalities Planning Code, which authorizes ordinances to regulate the size, height, and bulk of structures. York County sets no height limit. York Township is representative: principal buildings in most residential districts are limited to 35 feet, rising to 45 feet in higher-density and commercial districts, while accessory buildings and structures are capped at 15 feet. York Township allows the limit to increase one foot for each extra foot that all setbacks are enlarged, up to a 10-foot bonus for principal buildings. Height is measured per each ordinance's definition. Check your municipality's district table for the exact cap that applies to you.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the height limit is a zoning violation enforced by the municipal Zoning Officer via an enforcement notice, with fines up to $500 per day under 53 P.S. §10617.2.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can I build in York County, PA?
It depends on your municipality and zoning district. York Township caps most homes at 35 feet and accessory structures at 15 feet. The county sets no height limit.
Can I exceed the height limit?
In York Township, you can gain up to 10 extra feet for a principal building by increasing all setbacks by one foot for each foot of added height. Rules vary by municipality.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in York County

All York County rules

Compare York County to another location·View the Pennsylvania building setbacks & zoning overview

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