According to Pennsylvania law, rainwater is considered „diffuse surface water.“ It is perfectly legal to trap rainwater in PA, and the state even promotes it to control storm runoff. For example, it would be legal to use water from a stream on your property to wash clothes. It would not be legal to block the electricity as it would affect your neighbors downstream. Pennsylvania has very strict rules for sewage and waste disposal. Many counties require you to connect to the municipal sewer system when it is available, making it illegal to go off the system altogether. Although the state allows other sewage systems, you will likely need to install a septic tank. Any work on the underground part of an outbuilding or toilet is required by law to be inspected and approved by the SEO. DCNR`s Bureau of Forestry requires that outhouses and secret structures have roofing and cladding materials similar to those of the cabin and resistant to vermin. Outbuildings are generally considered off-grid modifications for the discharge of human waste. Few States distinguish between the two legal and illegal extremes; Most have adopted a hybrid approach, which is more relaxed or not. In general, if the area is very urban, has a large population or is concerned about water consumption, their laws regarding the installation of outbuildings will be stricter. The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: Accessible No more than one floor above or below the usual workplace of a person for whose use sanitary facilities are intended, except in buildings where there is a sufficient number of elevators and the use of which is permitted to all employees at all times. This term means in the building or premises where the person is employed.
Chemical cabinetA type of cabinet in which the contents are exposed to chemicals. Disposal of industrial wastewaterSanitary installations and installations in enterprises. ToiletsSanitary facilities for defecation, located in an outbuilding, away from any building. Relaxation roomA room, separate and separate from the work rooms, which can be used either as a relaxation room or as a dressing room, or both. Shower roomfacilities for washing the body under a jet of water. SinkA container or device used for general cleaning purposes or for sewage disposal. WashroomAny room with solid walls extending from floor to ceiling and containing one or more water cabinets or one or more water cabinets and other toiletries. A tank larger than the width or depth in which two or more people can wash at the same time. UrinnalsSanitary device installed for urination purposes.
SinkA basin or bowl used for personal cleanliness. BathroomA room equipped with drinkers, bowls, shower rooms and other facilities to maintain personal cleanliness. Water cabinetSanitary facilities for defecation, equipped with a funnel or trap and a device for rinsing the bowl with water, located in a compartment. Wardrobe compartmentA dwelling in a washroom that surrounds a single water cabinet. To form housing, it is necessary to have a swing door with an internal lock. The problem for the Amish began when some neighbors complained to the county about the school`s opening. They told officers they were concerned about the safety of their well water because the Amish were cleaning the outhouses and hand-dumping garbage on Mr. Schwartzentruber`s fields.
The county sided with its neighbors and ordered the Amish to follow the county`s regulations. You must have the addictions cleaned by licensed persons who follow approved treatment and disposal procedures. Outdoor toilets are called pit toilets after Pennsylvania. They are almost always illegal. However, many counties have an exception that allows pit insiders in homes that do not have pressurized water. Alabama: Allowed if a Graywater approved method is also provided. Alaska: Outbuildings are allowed, but strict rules apply. Arizona: Legal with a permit.
Some changes may apply. Arkansas: Legal with NSF approval. California: Legal with local or state approval. Some changes may apply. Colorado: Legal with NSF approval. Connecticut: Legal with local or state approval. Some changes may apply. Delaware: No regulation. Florida: Legal with NSF approval. Georgia: Legal with NSF approval.
Hawaii: Legal with NFS approval and on a case-by-case basis. Some changes may apply. Idaho: Allowed if an approved greywater method is also provided and connected to the sewer system. Illinois: Legal with NSF approval. Indiana: Extremely restrictive, allowed only if there is no sanitary sewer. Iowa: Legal with a permit. Some changes may apply. Kansas: Ambiguous between composting toilets and pits. Kentucky: Legal with a license.
Some changes may apply. Louisiana: No regulation. Maine: Legal with a permit. Some changes may apply. Maryland: Legal with a permit. Some changes may apply. Massachusetts: Legal with many changes, keep contacting your state or mayor. Michigan: Each county establishes its own law. Some changes may apply. Minnesota: Legal with few regulations. Some changes may apply.
Mississippi: Legal with local or state approval. Missouri: Extremely restrictive, allowed only if there is no sanitary sewer. Montana: Legal with many changes. Nebraska: Legal with a permit. Nevada: Legal with a permit. New Hampshire: Allowed only if there is no sanitary sewer. New Jersey: Legal with many changes or regulations. New Mexico: Legal with a permit. New York: Legal with few regulations.
North Carolina: Allowed only if there is no sanitary sewer. Some changes may apply. North Dakota: Legal with few regulations. Ohio: Legal with few regulations. Oklahoma: No regulation. Oregon: Legal with a permit. Some changes may apply. Pennsylvania: Legal with NSF approval. Rhode Island: Legal, but must ensure proper disposal of liquid waste and solids. South Carolina: Legal, but only when used with a septic tank. South Dakota: Allowed only if there is no sanitary sewer.
Tennessee: Legal with NSF approval. Texas: Legal with NSF approval. Utah: Legal with many modifications. Vermont: Legal with few regulations. Virginia: Generally prohibited without extenuating circumstances. Some changes may apply. Washington: Legal, but must have a connection to a sewer system. West Virginia: Legal with NSF approval. Wisconsin: relaxation of regulations.
Wyoming: Some outbuildings require a permit if they are self-contained. Some changes may apply. Off-grid living is legal in Pennsylvania. However, if you don`t have a religious exception or your home is classified as a recreation cabin, it`s surprisingly difficult to get off the grid completely.