Obtaining a new Address
To obtain an address for a new building site when construction is eminent you will need to do three things.
- Mark the approximate location of the corners of the structure using stakes, ribbon, spray paint or anything else that will be easily visible to GIS staff.
- Mark the location of intersection of the driveway and the nearest named road. This is the driveway entrance.
- Notify the Clearfield County GIS Department that steps 1 and 2 have been completed so we can visit the site and collect the location points using our GPS unit for incorporation into the 911 addressing system.
We generally notify you of your new address number the day after we visit your site. We usually go out in the field once a week, weather permitting, but with the high price of fuel, we will wait until we have enough requests to justify a trip.
911 Addressing
The Clearfield County GIS Department, with assistance from Clearfield County EMA and area municipalities, is responsible for the creation and maintenance ofthe 911 address database used to dispatch emergency responders through the county’s computer aided dispatching system. Every addressable structure in Clearfield County has been assigned a city style address (building number, street name, street type) and whenever a new home, camp, business, or other addressable building is built, a new number should be assigned to the new site – no matter how close it is to an existing address number. Feel free to contact the Clearfield County GIS Department to determine if a new address number will be needed. The GIS Department does not establish policies and standards but it does play a key role in corrdinating efforts and providing information.
Common Questions:
Q: Why are there such large gaps between my address number and my neighbors’ numbers?
A: Most of the rural areas throughout Clearfield County have been addressed using the frontage interval system. This system reserves addresses along roadways at a specific, consistent gap between numbers. The interval between address numbers is generally 10.56 feet (5.28 feet on each side). This means that each mile along the road yields 1000 addresses; 100 addresses every tenth of a mile.
This situation is analagous to the recent re-numbering of interstate exits. Initially, they were sequential. Now they reflect nearest mile-markers. The new address numbers can also give travelers an idea of distances traversed along a road.
Q: Can I keep my address number if I move?
A: Address numbers are assigned to each structure site. Whenever a new home, camp, business, or other addressable building is built, a new number should be assigned to the new site – no matter how close it is to an existing address number. Mobile homes need to be re-numbered if they are moved more than 10 feet. In any moving situation, residents can feel free to contact the Clearfield County GIS Department to determine if a new address number will be needed.
Q: Can I obtain an address for a plot of land that has no structure?
A: Since address numbers are assigned to each structure site, no vacant lots or parcels may receive an address. To receive an address, future building sites must be marked and construction must be imminent. Whenever a new building is constructed, GIS Department staff visits the site to ensure proper mapping and address assignment.
Q: When can a private lane be named? Does it have to be named? Who puts up the road sign?
A: Private lanes and drives can only be named if more than one addressable structure (home, business, etc.) exists along the lane. Names are required for private lanes and drives with more than one address. To reserve or register a name for a private lane, contact the GIS Department for more details. Inquire at your municipal office to determine responsibility for erecting a private lane name sign. Most municipalities require residents to purchase and/or install their own sign.