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Code Enforcement - Fire & Life Safety Inspections

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1. Who will conduct the fire inspection?

Code Enforcement Agency will conduct the inspection of your facility. They may be assisted by members of the Hempfield Township Code Enforcement Office. The contact information for Code Enforcement Agency is:
Code Enforcement Agency
1633 State Route 51
Jefferson Hills, PA 15205
Phone: 412-455-3400

2. When will the fire inspector show up?

The fire inspector will not announce when he/she is coming, and the frequency of inspection is based on the type of facility. Some facilities are inspected once a year with some being inspected every three years.

3. What types of buildings are required to be inspected?

All commercial properties in Hempfield Township will be inspected on an annual or tri-annual basis. The frequency of the facilities inspection will be determined by its occupancy classification found in the 2009 International Building Code.

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Leaf Collection & Recycling

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1. Are leaf bags available?

No. They can be purchased at local hardware stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot.

2. What does Hempfield Township recycle?

We recycle the following:

• Aluminum cans
• Box Board (cereal, cracker boxes etc)
• Brown paper grocery bags
• Cardboard (cut down to 36 inch pieces)
• Glass jars and bottles
• Junk mail and envelopes
• Magazines
• Newspaper and Newspaper inserts
• Office and school paper (color paper also)
• Phone Books
• Plastic bottles (with necks only)
• Plastic milk jugs
• Tin and steel cans (rinsed)

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Are dogs permitted in the parks?

Dogs are welcome in Hempfield Township Parks but must be kept on a leash at all times. This is for your dog’s safety as well as the safety of others. Wildlife inhabits our green-spaces and to keep your pet safe from entanglements with said wildlife, it is in your pet’s best interest to remain on a leash that is in control of a responsible and capable adult. Also, for the enjoyment of our parks by others, please clean up after your dog. Waste bags and receptacles are located in several areas.

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Refuse & Recycling

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1. What is my actual amount due, and for what duration of time is it for?

The amount due is located in the Remittance Section of your bill, and should be for the quarterly billed amount of $36.66 ($12.22 per month).

2. How do I know when my payment is due?

Even though the invoice states Due Upon Receipt, the payment for services must be made within 2 weeks of receiving the bill.

3. Do you have online bill pay?

Currently, Advanced Disposal does not have online bill pay, but is working to get it up and running. You can check the website for updates.

4. What if I haven’t received an invoice yet?

If you have not received an invoice, call 1-800-437-1759 to request an invoice be sent to you.

5. If I didn’t receive an invoice, and called to request one be sent to me, will this result in a late payment? Will my services be terminated?

No. Your services will remain active, and no late fees will be attached to your account.

6. What if I am currently not set up on the tag system, but would rather use the tags/stickers than have regular service?

You will have to show proof that you are at least 62 years of age by stopping by the Municipal Building in Hempfield, and providing a legal form of identification (such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.). Once your age is verified, you can either pick up stickers at the Municipal Building, or contact Advanced Disposal at the Somerset office to have stickers mailed to you.

7. If I’m currently on the sticker/tag system, how much are the new stickers through Advanced Disposal, and how many do I get?

It is $15 per sheet of tags, and you get 6 tags to a sheet.

8. If I’m on the sticker/tag system, do I need to put one on my recycling can?

No. Your recycling can may be put on your scheduled pick-up day without a tag.

9. How many bags/cans can I have out each week?

If you set up for the monthly service, you have unlimited bag pick up, and are allowed 1 bulk item a week (i.e. television, couch, table, boxes, etc.).

10. Did our pick up day change?

No. All areas will have the same pick up day as before, unless you were notified of a day change.

11. Why is it necessary for me to put my garbage out by at least 5 a.m.?

Although your pick up day did not change, it is possible that the time of day for your pick up did. In order to not have your garbage missed, it is necessary that you put it out early, preferably the night before.

12. What if I don’t want Advanced Disposal to pick up my garbage? Or if we don’t generate that much garbage for pick up?

It is required by ordinance in the Township for you to be set up with a residential garbage hauler, and Advanced Disposal is the only hauler that can service the Hempfield Township area. The only exception for any account cancellation would be if it was a vacant location.

13. Where can I get a recyclable container?

Recyclable containers are available at the Hempfield Municipal Building.

14. Can I still use my old recyclable container?

Yes you can.

15. Who do we contact if we have other questions, or need more information on our account?

Please direct all of your calls to Advanced Disposal at 1-800-437-1759.

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Roads

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1. Who do I call to have a dead deer removed from a road?

For state maintained roads contact PennDot at 724-832-5387. For township maintained roads contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 724-238-5639.

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Stormwater Program

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1. What is an MS4?

MS4 is an acronym for a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. An MS4 is defined as a collection and conveyance system or a group of collection and conveyance systems owned, operated and maintained by a state, city, township, borough or other public entity that is dedicated solely for the handling of stormwater runoff and discharging it into tributaries, streams, rivers, or other natural or man-made receiving waters within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The MS4 system may include such structures designated for the collection, storage and conveyance of stormwater runoff as:

• Catch basins
• Conveyance channels
• Detention ponds
• Infiltration basins
• Rain gardens
• Roadside swales and cross drains
• Storm pipes
• Trench drains

2. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is water from rainfall, snowmelt, and/or ice melt that flows over ground or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots and rooftops) and does not percolate into the ground. Stormwater runoff may flow directly into natural tributaries, streams, rivers, lakes or other waterways within the Township or it is intercepted and collected by the Township’s municipal separate storm sewer system where it is then discharged at discrete locations (outfalls) into streams, rivers, lakes and other natural waterways.

3. What is non-stormwater discharge?

Non-stormwater discharge is discharge into the City’s MS4 system or natural waterways that is not due directly to a rainfall or snowmelt runoff event. Non-stormwater discharge includes groundwater exfiltration, mine pool discharge, discharges from potable water sources such as fire hydrants or waterline blow-off valves, sanitary sewer discharges either from publically-owned treatment works collection systems or on-lot septic systems. Many non-stormwater discharges are prohibited under the Township’s illicit discharge and connection ordinance.

4. Why can stormwater runoff be a problem in the Township?

As stormwater runoff flows over lawns, roadways, parking lots, or land disturbed by construction activities, it accumulates chemicals, oils and grease, debris and litter, heat or other pollutants that contaminate and adversely affect the water quality of our natural waterways. Also, as more impervious cover is constructed or as natural vegetation is cleared and the underlying soil is compacted, more stormwater runoff is generated.

Stormwater runoff pollution can lead to deterioration of the quality of our natural waterways which are used for fishing, swimming, boating, as well as sources of our potable water supply. Increases in stormwater volume can lead to accelerated stream bank erosion and more frequent stream channel flooding which can result in damage to and loss of property as well as premature failure of roadway culverts and bridges.

5. What is Hempfield Township doing about stormwater runoff?

As part of its MS4 permit program, the Township has implemented several actions or measures to ensure the proper handling and discharge of stormwater through its MS4 system. Such measures include:

• Provide and distribute educational materials concerning stormwater runoff through various outlets to residents, businesses, contractors and developers within the Township.
• Through its Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination program, the Township has developed a Township-wide MS4 outfall map showing all natural waterways and roadways within the Township as well as all outfall locations of its MS4 system into the natural receiving waters. This map will serve as a tool for the Township to identify outfalls that are discharging pollutants as determined by visually screening each outfall during dry-weather periods. Any indications of non-stormwater discharge will prompt the Township to find and identify the source of these pollutants and take actions to eliminate the source(s).
• The Township has adopted an ordinance to prohibit illicit discharges and connections of non-stormwater into its MS4 system and enable the Township the authority to fine individuals caught illegally dumping pollutants into its MS4 system.
• The Township has adopted an ordinance for the regulation of stormwater management of land disturbance activities and the handling of post-construction stormwater runoff. The Township also provides educational material to developers and contractors who come to the Township office for building permit applications. The Township also utilizes the technical support services of the Westmoreland Conservation District to review land disturbance plans to ensure that these plans are sufficient in addressing construction site stormwater and post-construction stormwater and to conduct site inspections to ensure that the sites are being constructed in accordance with the approved plans.
• The Township is continuously maintaining and tracking its MS4 system through cleaning, repairing and improving the system to ensure that it is functioning correctly. The Township is also monitoring all other municipal operations such as fleet vehicle maintenance, municipal property maintenance, as well as salt and anti-skid material stockpiling to minimize any detrimental impacts that these operations may have on the MS4 system.

6. What can residents of Hempfield Township do to improve stormwater quality in the Township?

It takes everyone to provide continual improvement to the waterways within Hempfield Township. We would hope that every person realizes that what is dumped into the Township’s MS4 system, ultimately ends up in the streams, rivers and lakes that we all care about. The following are several things each of us can do to help keep our waterways clean.

• Do not dump any chemicals, oils or other automotive fluids, grease, or yard debris into storm inlets, catch basins, roadside ditches or directly into stream channels. This can lead to endangerment of the health of fish and other aquatic life, decrease in recreational opportunities and impairment of drinking water.
• Have your car or truck serviced regularly and eliminate any leaks in your vehicle.
• Do not litter or illegally dump. Always dispose of any trash in its proper location and recycle whenever possible. Car batteries can be turned it at most automotive parts stores. Used motor oil and worn tires can be turned into most service shops.
• Follow the instructions when applying fertilizers and pesticides to your lawn or garden and never apply these products immediately before a rain storm.
• Notify the Township’s Code Enforcement Office at 724-834-7232 if you see any pollutants or non-stormwater discharge in the Township’s MS4 system or natural waterways.

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Taxes

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1. Does Hempfield Township have a wage tax?

Yes. Hempfield Township has a 1% Earned Income Tax payable quarterly to Berkheimer Associates. For more information or to obtain forms, contact Berkheimer Associates at 1-866-701-7206.

2. Does Hempfield Township have an occupation privilege tax?

The Occupation Privilege tax has been replaced by the Local Services Tax. The local services tax is $52 a year per person. For more information, contact Keystone Municipal Collection at 1-866-539-1100.

3. Does Hempfield Township have a per capita tax?

Yes, Hempfield Township yearly imposes on each resident over the age of 18 a Per Capita Tax of $10 (plus an additional $5 imposed by the Hempfield Area School District). For more information, contact Keystone Municipal Collection at 1-866-539-1100.

4. What do I do if more than one of my employers deducts the local services tax?

Local Services Tax is payable only once each calendar year. If more than one employer deducts from your wages, make copies of your pay stubs showing the deduction and submit them to Keystone Municipal Collection. You will be refunded the duplicate payment. For more information, contact Keystone Municipal Collection at 1-866-539-1100.

5. How do I get a tax certification letter to apply for the Pennsylvania Senior Citizen Property Tax Rebate?

Contact the Hempfield Township Tax Collector at 724-837-8437 to obtain a certification letter.

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Voting

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1. When is election day?

Primary elections are normally held on the third Tuesday in May of each year. General elections are normally held on the next Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each year.

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Zoning, Codes, Permits, & Contracting

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1. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes. Zoning Permit

2. Do I need a permit for a pre-built/delivered shed?

Yes.

3. Is a permit required to replace shingles on a roof?

No.

4. Can a fence be placed on the property line?

Yes, a fence can be placed directly on the property line if desired.

5. How big of a shed can be built without having a tax increase?

Please contact the Westmoreland Tax Assessment office for questions regarding taxing. They can be reached at (724) 830-3425. 

6. Is a permit required to pave or concrete an existing driveway?

No it is not.

7. Is a dye test required for the sale of a home?

Yes.

For on-lot (septic) systems, contact our Sewage Enforcement Officer during business hours.

For public sewage, please call the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC) at 724-755-5800.

8. How long is my permit valid?

You have six (6) months to start your project.

9. Where do I find permit applications?

All permits and applications can be found by using the search feature on this site.

10. Is a Certificate of Occupancy required for the sale of a home?

No.

11. Who performs building inspections?

Residential Inspections are performed by Hempfield Township building inspectors.

Commercial Inspections are performed by Code Enforcement Associates (CEA).

12. Do I need a survey with my application?

A survey is preferred but in many cases a plot drawing may be accepted.

13. Who do I call for a landlord/tenant issue?

PA Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline, 1-800-441-2555

14. What do I need to submit with my permit application?

1. Completed application
2. Plot drawing or survey with location of new structure and the setbacks to the property lines
3. Contractor’s Certificate of Worker’s Compensation Insurance
4. Complete construction plans if the structure is 1,000 square feet or larger or attached to an existing home

15. How long will it take to process my permit application?

Zoning permits – up to 15 business days

Building permits – up to 30 business days

16. How much does a permit cost?

Please see our fee schedule.

17. How can I pay for my permit?

Hempfield Township accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. Credit cards will incur a 2.95% or $2.50 minimum processing fee. We do not accept Discover or American Express cards.

18. Is a subdivision required to give a son/daughter a piece of your property to build a house?

Yes it is required.

19. Are contractors allowed to start working at 7 a.m.?

Yes, contractors are permitted to work from dawn to dusk year round.

20. What are the zoning setbacks for a pool or a shed?

These are quick guidelines, for clarification please refer to our regulations or contact us.

You can find your Zoning District here.

21. What is my property zoned?

Please see the zoning map on our website: Zoning Map

22. Do I need a permit?

Permits are required for buildings, sheds, fences, pools, additions, etc. If you are unsure please call our department for information before you build or install.

23. Is a building permit required for an above-ground pool?

Yes, a zoning and electric permit is required.

24. Is a permit required to install new windows or siding?

No, a permit is not required.