FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What Are The Township’s Office Hours?
2. What Holidays Are The Township Offices Closed?
3. What Are The Township’s Standing Committees?
4. When Does The Board of Commissioners Meet?
5. When Does The Planning Commission Meet?
6. When Does The Park & Rec Committee Meet?
7. When Does The Open Space Committee Meet?
8. When Does The Zone Hearing Board Meet?
9. When Does The Fire Committee Meet?
10. What Are The Rules For Participating In A Public Meeting?
11. How Do I Make A Comment To Any Township Board/Commission At A Meeting?
12. How Do I Get An Item On A Board or Committee Agenda?
13. What Are The Township's Governing Documents?
14. What Services Does The Township Provide?
15. What Services Does The Township Not Provide?
16. What School District Serves The Township?
17. Who Provides Refuse And Recycling Collection Services In The Township?
18. What Are The Recreation Leagues In The Area?
19. Where Can I Take Household Hazardous Waste Products Like Old Paint Cans, Oil, etc ?
20. Why Won't The Township Vacuum My Leaves Up At Curbside?
21. When Can I Burn For Yard Cleanup?
22. Can I Burn Refuse or Construction Debris?
23. Who Do I Call For Removal of Deer, or Other Animal, Carcasses On Roadways?
24. Who Can Answer Questions About Animal Control Issues?
25. What Are The Non-emergency Phone Numbers For The Fire Companies?
26. Who Do I Contact With A Question On My Sewer Bill?
27. Who Do I Contact With A Question On my Water Bill?
28. Where Can I Reserve Park Facilities?
29. Who Are The Electric Service Providers In The Township?
30. What Projects Require A Permit?
31. What Projects Do Not Require A Permit?
32. Where Can I Get A Permit Application?
33. What Does A Permit Cost?
34. Does The Township Require A Use and Occupancy Permit For The Sale Of A House?
35. Am I Required To Paint My House Number On The Curb In Front Of My House?
36. Where Can I Vote?
37. Where Is The District Court Located?
38. Who Are The Township's State and Federal Elected Officials?
39. Where Is The Nearest Library?
40. What Forms Are Available On The Township Website?
41. Why Can't I Complete Some Forms Online?
42. When Are Agendas For Upcoming Meetings Available On The Website?
43. Why Does It Take Over A Month For Minutes To Be Posted On The Website?
44. Occasionally, I Will See Colored Markings Along The Road. What Do These Markings Signify?
45. How Does The Township Determine When Streets Are Plowed?
46. Where Can I Get Bottled Water If I Have A TCE Contaminated Well?
47. Do I Need A Permit To Drill A Well?
48. What Do I Need To Do To Replace My Septic System?
49. Who Do I Contact If There Is A Problem With A Road In The Township?
What are the Township’s Office Hours?
8AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday
What Holidays are the Township Offices Closed?
New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Primary Election Day,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Veteran’s Day,
Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas
What are the Township’s Standing Committees?
Board of Commissioners—Five members, elected At-Large, to 4 year terms.
Planning Commission—Five members appointed by the Board of Commissioners to 4 year terms.
Reviews, and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, on all land development
applications and zoning requests.
Park & Recreation Commission—Five members appointed by the Board of Commissioners to 4 year
terms. Reviews, and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, on all park usage and
development matters, and on all recreation programming.
Open Space Committee—Five members appointed by the Board of Commissioners to 4 year terms.
Reviews, and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, on all land acquisition and land
conservation matters.
Zoning Hearing Board—Three members, and two alternates, appointed by the Board of Commissioners to 3 year terms. Hears appeals from the Township’s Zoning Ordinance.
Sewer & Water Committee—Five members appointed by the Board of Commissioners to 3 year
terms. Reviews, and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, on all water and sewer projects.
Fire Committee—Seven members appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Reviews, and makes
recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, on the governance, finance, and operations of the
Upper Pottsgrove Fire Company.
When Does the Board of Commissioners Meet?
Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on the First and Third Monday of the month (one meeting each in July and
August)
When Does the Planning Commission Meet?
Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the Second Monday of the month
When Does the Park & Rec Committee Meet?
Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on the Second Wednesday of the month
When Does the Open Space Committee Meet?
Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on the Second Tuesday of the month
When Does the Zone Hearing Board Meet?
On an “as-needed” basis.
When Does the Fire Committee Meet?
Beginning at 7:00 p.m. on the Third Thursday of the month
What are the Rules for Participating in a Public Meeting?
Public Comment is heard at Two (2) different points during the meeting:
1. BEFORE OLD BUSINESS
The public is permitted to make public comment on any matter not on the agenda. This comment
period is subject to the time constraint in (d) below. Public Comment is open to any legitimate item of
business which can be considered by that particular Township Board or Commission (e.g. Planning
Commission can discuss issues having to do with plan reviews, but cannot discuss why the Township
does not plow your street sooner. The Board of Commissioners, however, can consider nearly every
issue).
2. PRIOR TO A BOARD VOTE ON AN AGENDA ITEM.
Public Comment at this stage is limited to the item under discussion (e.g. it is not appropriate to initiate
a discussion on police services if the body is acting upon a sewer issue).
How Do I make a comment to any Township Board/Commission at a Meeting?
A. The Chair will announce that the Board/Commission will now hear public comment, either on a
specific issue or generally
B. You must then obtain recognition from the Chair prior to speaking
C. Once you have the floor, state your name and address for the record
D. You may then make your comment or ask your question. You will have three (3) minutes to make
your statement, unless the Chair has announced otherwise, so please come prepared!
How Do I Get An Item On A Board or Committee Agenda?
Most items on a Board Agenda arrive for Board consideration AFTER either a Committee or Township Manager’s Office review. The appropriate Committee, or Township Manager, will study, evaluate, present options, and make a recommendation on an issue or request for services for the Board to consider and act upon. Therefore, your first stop on a question of Township governance, action, or service provision should be either the Manager’s Office during business hours, or the first Public Comment period of a Board of Commissioners Meeting.
What are the Township’s Governing Documents?
The U.S. Constitution
The Pennsylvania Constitution
The First Class Township Code, promulgated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Legislature. The Code provides the statutory authority for all Township governance, action and services.
The Municipalities Planning Code (“MPC”), promulgated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Legislature. The MPC provides the Township with the statutory framework for two of its primary
functions, zoning and land development review.
The Township’s Codified Ordinances, which are adopted and enabled by the Board of Commissioners.
The Codified Ordinances detail the implementation of the Township’s corporate powers as promulgated in the
First Class Township Code and MPC.
Basic Township Information
- Founded— 1889
- Type— Township of the First Class
- Population (2005 est.)-- 4,390
- Square Miles-- 5.05
- Household Income-- $70,500
- Per Capita Income-- $25,607
- Assessed Value— $255,875,545
- Operating Budget— $2,306,284
- Capital Budget— $1,443,060
- Tax Rates:
- Earned Income—1.25% (1/2% to Pottsgrove School District; .25% to Open Space)
- Property Tax
- Township--2.8 mills (Bill issued in February each year)
- Montgomery County--2.695 mills (Bill issued in February each year)
- Pottsgrove School District--30.047 mills (Bill issued in July each year)
- Per Capita--$15.00
- Occupational Privilege--$52.00
- Zoning Ordinance? Yes
- Subdivision Ordinance? Yes
- Comprehensive Plan? Yes (Pottstown Metropolitan Comprehensive Plan in fall 2005)
- Park and Recreation Master Plan? Yes
- Open Space Master Plan? Yes (fall 2005)
- Codified Ordinance? Yes
What Services Does The Township Provide?
- Police/Public Safety
- Public Works (Snow Plowing, Road Maintenance, Sewer System Maintenance, Fleet
Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Park Maintenance)
- Fire Protection
- Code Enforcement (nuisance abatement)
- Building Inspection
- Land Development Review
- Financial Management
- Permit Issuance
- Tax Collection
- Intra-Governmental Relations
- Archival Recordkeeping
- Recreation Programming
- Capital Planning
What Services Does The Township Not Provide?
- Refuse and Recycling Collection
- Social Services (Montgomery County provides most Social Services)
- Ambulance
What School District serves the Township?
The Pottsgrove School District, (610) 327-2277
Who provides Refuse & Recycling Collection Services in the Township?
- Waste Management 610-367-1300
- Mascaro 800-334-3403
- ChesMont 610-584-5450
- Blosenski 610-942-2707
- Quality Disposal 610-286-5172
The Township does not endorse any one hauler. The list simply names licensed haulers that serve residents in the Township.
What are the Recreation Leagues in the Area?
P.A.L. 610-327-0527
Pottsgrove Baseball
Pottsgrove Rec 610-327-2565
Pottsgrove Soccer 610-326-6767
Pottstown Recreation 610-970-6607
Where can I take household hazardous waste products like old paint cans, oil, etc.?
Please save your household hazardous waste for collection days, held several times a year by
Montgomery County. More information is available at the Waste System Authority of Eastern
Montgomery County’s website: www.wsaemc.org
In 2007:
Site - Norristown Area High School
1900 Eagle Dr. - Norristown, PA—June 30
Site - Perkiomen Valley Middle School (East)
100 Kagey Road, Collegeville, PA 19426—August 11
Site - Lower Merion Transfer Station
1300 Woodbine Ave., Penn Valley, PA—October 27
For more information call 610.278.3618.
Why won't the Township vacuum my leaves up at curbside?
Due to the high expense for curbside leaf vacuuming, the Township does not offer this service.
Residents are encouraged to compost leaves or to place leaves in bags and/or cans for collection
according to the refuse hauler you selected.
When can I burn for yard clean up?
Residents may burn during daylight hours in March, April, May, October, November, and December
only. For more information, contact the Fire Marshal at 484-919-6745
Can I burn Refuse or Construction Debris?
No. Only yard waste (leaves, branches) may be burned. Nothing else can be legally burned
Who do I call for removal of deer, or other animal, carcasses on roadways?
Please call the Pennsylvania Game Commission, 610-926-1966.
Who can answer questions about animal control issues?
The Upper Pottsgrove Police Department, 610-326-8446
What are the Non-emergency Phone Numbers for the Fire Companies?
- Upper Pottsgrove Fire Company 610-326-7589
- Ringing Hill Fire Company 610-323-0474
- North End Fire Company 610-323-6565
- New Hanover Fire Company 610-323-0800
- Gilbertsville Fire Company 610-367-2290
- West End Stowe Fire Company 610-327-2240
- Goodwill Fire & Ambulance Company 610-970-0878
Who Do I Contact with a Question on My Sewer Bill?
The Pottstown Municipal Authority at 610-970-6530
Who Do I Contact with a Question on My Water Bill?
Superior Water (north of Maugers Mill Rd, west of SR 100) at 610-222-4171
The Pottstown Municipal Authority (south of Maugers Mill, east of SR 100) at 610-970-6530
Where Can I Reserve Park Facilities?
Please contact the Administrative Office at 610-323-8675 for Reservations.
- Heather Place Park Picnic Pavilion
- Hollenbach Fields (when available)
- Hillside Baseball Fields (when available)
Who are the Electric Service Providers in the Township?
Exelon/PECO (north of Maugers Mill Rd, west of SR 100) at 800-494-4000
MetEd (south of Maugers Mill, east of SR 100) at 800-543-3636
What Projects Require a Permit?
- New Home Construction
- Sheds or Garages in excess of 250 square feet
- Decks
- Structural repairs to a Home (e.g. new roof trusses)
- Additions to a house
- New driveways
- All electrical service work
- New Plumbing (pipes, not fixtures)
- New septic systems (permit from MontCo Health Dept.)
- Connections to the sewer system
- Connections to the water system
- Block Parties
- Solicitation (non-political)
- Pools
- Fences
- Ponds (from PADEP)
What Projects Do Not Require a Permit?
- Replacing roof shingles/sheathing
- Moving (into or out of the Township)
- Most non-structural home repairs
- Patios
- Invisible Fences
Where can I get a Permit Application?
At the Township Administration Office, 1409 Farmington Avenue or
On the Township’s Website, www.upperpottsgrovetownship.org
What does a Permit Cost?
Permit costs are project specific. Permit fees are based upon type of project, size of project, and the
number of outside agencies involved in approving a permit. The Township’s Building Inspector will
inform you of the cost of permits after reviewing your application.
Does the Township Require A Use and Occupancy Permit for the Sale of a House?
No. The Township requires a Use and Occupancy Permit only for new construction.
Am I required to paint my house number on the curb in front of my house?
Private vendors occasionally offer to paint house numbers on curbs for a fee. These vendors have no
connection with the Township and you are not required to comply. However, Township ordinance does require numbers on all buildings to be visible from the street.
Where can I vote?
The Township Administrative Building, 1409 Farmington Avenue, is the Township’s sole voting
location. See http://voterservices.montcopa.org/voterservices/site/default.asp for additional info.
Where is the District Court Located?
Magisterial Court 38-1-11
Hon. Thomas Palladino
1 Security Plaza, Suite 101
Pottstown, PA 19464-5499
610-326-9271
Who are the Township’s State and Federal Elected Officials?
Senator Arlen Specter
Senator Rick Santorum
US Rep. Charles Dent
PA Senator John Rafferty
PA Rep. Thomas Quigley
Where is the Nearest Library?
Pottstown Public Library
500 High Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-970-6552
What Forms are available on the Township Website?
The following forms are available from the Forms Page of the Township website:
Application for Pavilion Rental
Application for the Use of the Township Meeting Rooms
Building Permit Requirements
Building Permit Application
Driveway Permit Application
Electrical Permit Application
Plumbing Permit Application
Swimming Pool Permit Application.
Why Can't I Complete some Forms Online?
Most forms that require signatures or payments may be printed from the Forms Page first, then returned with signature to the Township.
When are Agendas for Upcoming Meetings Available on the Website?
Whenever possible, the agenda for an upcoming public meeting will be available by the end of the day on the morning preceding the meeting.
Why Does it take Over a Month for Minutes to be Posted on the Website?
The Township website features minutes from the meetings of the Board of Commissioners, the Planning Commission, the Parks and Recreation Board, the Open Space Committee and the Fire Department. These minutes are posted on the website shortly after they are formally approved or amended at the following month's meeting.
Occasionally, I will see colored markings along the road. What do these markings
signify?
The following markings are for underground utilities:
- RED--Electric
- ORANGE--Communications/Cable TV
- YELLOW--Gas-Oil
- BLUE--Water
- GREEN--Sewer
- WHITE--Proposed Excavation
- PURPLE--Reclaimed Water, Irrigation and Slurry Lines
- PINK--Temporary Survey Markings
How Does the Township Determine When Streets are Plowed?
Streets are plowed in order of importance. Maugers Mill Rd, Farmington Avenue, Hanover Street,
Moyer Road, Chestnut Grove Road, State Street, Moyer Road, and Evans Road are classified as
collector streets, and receive priority during snow events. Until such time as it is determined that these roads are cleared of snow and salted, no other roads are plowed.
Once these collector streets are plowed, the Township then begins plowing residential through streets. When these residential through streets have been cleared and salted, the Township then plows and salts cul-de-sacs, non-through streets, and lanes.
Where Can I get Bottled Water if I have a TCE Contaminated Well?
Please contact the Montgomery County Health Department at 610-278-5117.
Do I need a permit to drill a well?
Yes. The Montgomery County Health Department issues well permits. No other Township permit is
required. Please contact the MCHD at 610-278-5117.
What do I need to do to replace my septic system?
To obtain a permit for an on-lot sewage system, these steps must be followed in the order listed:
1. The lot owner, or an agent for the owner, applies for a permit through the Sewage Enforcement
Officer (“SEO”). The SEO for Upper Pottsgrove is the Montgomery County Health Department
(610-278-5117). If the lot is in a subdivision, the lot owner should first ensure that all other state,
county and local planning, zoning and land use requirements have been met by checking with
municipal officials.
2. The SEO measures slope and conducts soil profile examinations and percolation tests to determine if the site is suitable for an on-lot system. If suitable, the SEO determines which type of on-lot system will work best. (The types of systems are listed later in this document).
3. If the site is suitable, the SEO informs the lot owner or agent to proceed with the system design.
The system must be designed with certain factors in mind, including site conditions, isolation
distances, percolation test results and the number of bedrooms in the home. (The SEO is
specifically prohibited from designing the system.)
4. Once the lot owner or agent has the design and plot plan, they are submitted as part of the permit
application to the SEO. The SEO must approve or deny the permit within seven days of receiving
a complete application. If approved, the SEO issues the permit and the applicant may begin
installing the system and building the home. If denied, the SEO notifies the applicant and provides
the opportunity for an appeal hearing before the local agency.
5. The SEO may oversee any step of the installation, but must inspect the completed system before it
is covered.
For more detailed information, please visit the PA Department of Environmental Protection http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/water supply/cwp/view.asp?a=1260&Q=449298&watersupplyNav=|30160|#OLDS
Who do I contact if there is a problem with a Road in the Township?
For all problems with Commonwealth highways in the Township (SR 100, Gilbertsville Road, State
Street, & Charlotte St (SR 663), including potholes, obstructions, snow plowing, or any other issue,
please contact PennDOT.
For problems with all other streets, please contact Mr. Frank Quinter, Director of Public Works, at
fquinter@upperpottsgrovetownship.org, or at (610) 326-9938.
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