Frequently Asked Questions

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 analogous 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.

Clearfield County is a predominantly rural area and commercial mapping entities update their databases at different rates and at different times.  Your address may show up in their systems right away or it may take a very long time.  We have no control over this.  Our emergency services utilize our own computer aided dispatching system.  Once we assign an address to you it is immediately incorporated into this dispatching system and is visible to emergency service dispatchers.  

The frontage interval addressing system used by Clearfield County (10.56ft) is one of the most common intervals used but this is not standard across the nation.  Each jurisdiction may choose its own address numbering system.  Commercial mapping entities try to guess at where the address should be using a geocoder and many times the address is close but not exactly correct. Over time these companies may update and refine their data but we do not have any control over that.  Again, we maintain our own computer aided dispatching system for emergency services.  Once an address is created in our system it is visible in the correct location for our dispatchers.      

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.

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.

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 signs.