WHERE CAN I GET RECYCLING BINS?
You can get recycling bins at the North Huntingdon Townhouse during normal business hours, 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday. Recycling is picked up on your normal garbage day. There is a recycling information page on the website.
WHO IS OUR NEW STATE REPRESENTATIVE?
Our new state representative is George Dunbar. His office is located at 12591 Route 30, North Huntingdon, 724-863-1585.
WHEN ARE THE YARD WASTE PICK UP DATES?
The 2011 yard waste pick up dates are during the weeks of: March 22, April 19, May 24, October 25, November 8 and December 13. Leaves and yard debris must be placed in biodegradable paper bags and placed at the curb by 6AM on your normal garbage pick up day.
WHEN IS THE HARD TO RECYCLE COLLECTION IN NORTH HUNTINGDON?
Westmoreland Cleanways will host the Hard to Recycle Collection on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Norwin Hills Shopping Center from 8:30am - 12noon. For more information, call Westmoreland Cleanways at 724-836-4129 or visit their website www.westmorelandcleanways.org
CAN I GET MY OWN GARBAGE HAULER?
No, it is mandatory to use the hauler that is under agreement with the Township.
CAN I TRANSPORT GARBAGE TO ANOTHER LOCATION OR RESIDENCE?
No, State law prohibits transportation of garbage to other locations.
WHAT DO I DO WITH GRASS CLIPPINGS?
Solid waste can be placed with garbage at the curb.
HOW DO I DISPOSE OF BULK ITEMS?
Bulk stickers are discontinued starting in 2012. Residents can dispose of one bulk item per week at the curb. Contact Waste Management for mulitiple bulk item disposal.
IF I WILL BE AWAY FROM MY HOME FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, CAN I DISCONTINUE GARBAGE SERVICE?
If you are away from your home for 2 or more months, you can discontinue service with a 15 day notice and a return start up date.
HOW DO I DISPOSE OF YARD WASTE?
Yard waste will be collected during 6 occasions during the year and must be in biodegradable paper bags.
WHEN WILL MY ROAD BE PLOWED?
Main arteries have plowing priority, housing developments are next. The Township is divided into districts assigned to drivers who are familiar with the specific conditions in that district and they may treat hills, intersections, and problem areas first.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY MAILBOX IS HIT BY A SNOWPLOW?
Contact the Township Administration Office at 724-863-3806.
HOW DO I GET A STOP SIGN INSTALLED?
Stop signs can only be installed when meeting specific criteria established by PennDOT. A study can be requested by contacting the Township Police Department for Township roads and PennDOT for State roads. Note: Requests for stop signs to slow traffic do not meet stop sign criteria.
CAN I GET THE SPEED LIMIT REDUCED ON A ROADWAY?
Speed is determined based on a variety of factors including volumes and design. A speed study can be performed to reevaluate speed limits.
WHO REGULATES THE TRAFFIC SIGNALS?
The Township owns and maintains the signals. PennDOT regulates and approves any changes.
WHEN WILL MY ROAD BE RESURFACED?
Public Works and Engineering review the Township roads to recommend roads for resurfacing each year. See Public Works web page.
MY ROAD IS ON THE LIST, WHEN WILL IT BE PAVED?
The Township awards a road resurfacing contract each year with a schedule developed at that time.
DO I NEED A PERMIT TO PAVE OR REPAVE MY DRIVEWAY?
No permit is required to pave or repave a driveway.
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO MAINTAIN DRIVEWAY PIPES/CULVERTS?
Typically, it is the homeowner's responsibility.
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO MAINTAIN DRAINAGE DITCHES?
Generally, it is the homeowner association's or private property owner's responsibility to maintain drainage ditches unless specifically designated as a public or municipal drainage easement.
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO MAINTAIN PIPES/CULVERTS UNDERNEATH ROADWAYS?
The owner of the road maintains pipes/culverts underneath roadways. PennDOT maintains State roads and the Township maintains Township roads. Note: Developer's maintain roads that have not yet been accepted by the Township.
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO CLEAR DEBRIS AND/OR EROSION ALONG STREAM CHANNELS?
Typically the adjacent homeowner would be responsible. In some cases the Township may conduct maintenance if public safety is a concern or the problem prevents the public drainage system to function properly.
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO MAINTAIN STREET CATCH BASINS?
The owner of the road maintains the catch basin. PennDOT maintains State roads and the Township maintains Township roads.
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO MAINTAIN STORMWATER DETENTION FACILITIES?
The Township maintains the operational aspect assuring that they function properly. The Township does not provide landscaping or beautification activities. Commercial facilities are privately maintained.
WHO HANDLES STORMWATER COMPLAINTS OR CONCERNS?
Generally Public Works or in certain cases Engineering.
HOW CAN IT BE DETERMINED IF THERE IS SEWER AND/OR WATER AVAILABLE ON A PARTICULAR PROPERTY?
The Township Engineer or Planning Director can assist in determining sewer and water availability.
WHEN CAN I RENT A PAVILION?
Between normal business office hours of 7:30am - 4:00pm, Mon-Fri. Rentals begin Mid-February. The first 2 days are rented to residents of the Township only, then open to the general public. Full payment must be made at the time of reservation to secure a pavilion payable only by cash or check.
WHAT ARE THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS?
Anyone who lives in the 15642 zip code or resides in the Norwin School District is considered a resident on most occasions. Few exceptions (i.e., pavilion rental, some special events & programs). Those living outside of this zip code are considered to be a non-resident.
WHAT ARE THE PARK HOURS?
North Huntingdon Township Parks will be open from 8:00AM until sundown. Indian Lake Park shall be opened from 5:00AM until 10:00PM daily.
CAN I RENT THE FIELDS?
Yes-Fields are available to the general public under a daily, seasonal or tournament fee schedule beginning in February. Fields must be secured in advance with the administration office during normal business hours.
CAN I PARTICIPATE IN YOUR PROGRAMS IF I AM NOT A RESIDENT?
Yes. Anyone can participate in our programs, but different fees apply. In most cases there will be a nominal non-resident fee.
WHERE CAN I GET A PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAM GUIDE?
Program guides are mailed twice a year to our residents. They are also included in the local paper, The Norwin Star. Residents or non-residents may pick up program guides at the Townhouse. Program guides may also be downloaded from our website.
ARE DOGS PERMITTED IN THE PARK?
Pets are permitted in all parks with the exception of Indian Lake Park under the following conditions: Township Ordinance No. 938 Article 1 Section 13:
Pet owners must clean up after their pet and dispose of it in provided waste receptacles. All domestic animals must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length, and under control at all times. Domestic animals are not permitted within 25 feet of pavilions, playgrounds, athletic playing fields or in attendance at Township sponsored special events. Owners are required to clean up after their domestic animals immediately.
CAN WE HAVE ALCOHOL WITH OUR PAVILION RENTAL?
NO - Alcohol is prohibited in all of our township parks.
DO I NEED A PERMIT TO FISH?
Yes. A current Pennsylvania fishing license, signed in ink and displayed (attach to a hat or outer garment), is required of persons age 16 and over to fish or angle for any species of fish. A license is also needed to take fish bait or bait fish. Casting and/or retrieving whether by rod, reel and line, or by handline, for oneself or another person, requires a current license unless specifically exempted by law.
All Pennsylvania fish & game commission laws apply to our lakes.
WHAT ARE THE BALLFIELD USEAGE POLICIES?
Because your definition of "playable" may never be the same as ours, you are expected to respect the decision of the Parks & Recreation Department. Most fields are often faced with very short periods of time to get all fields in playing condition. Our decision is based on safety first.
The Department of Parks and Recreation will determine the field of play throughout the day. Rain Outs are decided by 3:00 p.m. The Department of Parks & Recreation will determine if games are rained out. A rain out applies to all games throughout the evening. Only with authorized permission from the Department of Parks & Recreation will light maintenance be permitted. With education, training, product information and the proper equipment we will continue to improve the facilities. DO NOT BROOM, SWEEP, OR DIG any field without checking with us first.
Fields are used on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you want to reserve a field for play, it is recommended that you secure a permit. You may phone the Department of Parks & Recreation at 724-863-3806 for available fields, times and pricing throughout the season.
DO THE POLICE HAVE ANY JURISDICTION IN CHILD CUSTODY CASES?
NO - unless directed by the court to intercede.
DO THE NORTH HUNTINGDON POLICE SERVE PFA'S ISSUED BY THE COURTS?
Only Emergency PFA's are served by North Huntingdon Police or if designated to do so by the Courts. North Huntingdon Police does enforce all PFA's.
DO NORTH HUNTINGDON POLICE SETTLE ANY LANDLORD/TENENT DISPUTES?
This is a civil action to be handled at the District Justice office not by the Police.
WHEN CAN I BURN? (RESIDENTIAL ONLY)
Wednesday through Saturday in a barrell except holidays.
Time - 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Saturdays you can open burn with a permit issued by the North Huntingdon Police Department.
WHERE DO I GET A PERMIT TO BURN?
The Police Department issues permits at no charge.
WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THE BURNING ORDINANCE?
The Police Department will issue a copy of the complete Burning Ordinance at no charge.
WHEN DOES THE SHERIFFS DEPARTMENT ISSUE AND RENEW GUN PERMITS AT THE TOWNHOUSE?
Every third Monday of the month from noon until 6PM.
I AM A TOWNSHIP RESIDENT OR WORK FOR A TOWNSHIP BUSINESS AND NEED FINGERPRINTED. WHERE CAN I GO TO GET FINGERPRINTED?
The Police Department will do fingerprinting at the police station at no charge for a Township resident or Township business employee if its work related.
WHEN IS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OPEN TO GET REPORTS?
The Police Department is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
CAN I SUBDIVIDE MY PROPERTY?
Yes. An application must be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Office. The Planning Commission recommends to the Board of Commissioners the approval or denial of the plan.
IS THERE A SPECIFIC ORDINANCE THAT REGULATES DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH HUNTINGDON?
Yes. Ordinance #1011 is the North Huntingdon Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) adopted August 16, 2000.
WHAT BUILDING CODE(S) DOES NORTH HUNTINGDON ENFORCE?
The Township enforces the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A BUILDING PERMIT?
Pennsylvania State Law requires a residential permit to be issued within 15 business days and a commercial permit to be issued within 30 business days.
WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY FOR MY BUILDING PERMIT?
Payment is due at the time the permit is issued. Funds will not be accepted when the application is submitted.
HOW MANY SETS OF PLANS DO I NEED TO SUBMIT WITH MY BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION?
Residential building permits require 2 sets drawn to scale. Commercial plans also require 2 sets drawn to scale in addition to 1 set submitted in electronic format.
CAN I WORK OUT OF MY HOME?
Yes. Home occupations are permitted but require an occupancy permit. Contact the Zoning Officer to ensure all requirements are satisfied.
AM I ALLOWED TO BUILD A GARAGE OR ACCESSORY STRUCTURE?
Yes. Permitted accessory structures are allowed up to 624 square feet in floor area and 14 feet in height measured from the floor to the ridge of the roof. These structures cannot infringe on the side yard setback and must be located a minimum of 10 feet from the rear property line. No accessory structures can be built in the front yard of any residential property.
ARE CARPORTS PERMITTED?
Yes. Carports are considered an accessory structure similar to a detached garage.
ARE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR SIGNS?
Yes. Sign regulations are stipulated in Section 823 of the Zoning Ordinance. Please contact the Planning & Zoning Office for details.
AM I ALLOWED TO PARK AND STORE MY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OR BOAT ON MY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY?
Yes, but they must be parked in the driveway. These vehicles cannot be parked on the street or in the public right-of-way as stated in Section 804 of the Zoning Ordinance.
WHAT ARE THE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR MY PROPERTY?
Setbacks are dependent on the zoning district. Contact the Planning & Zoning Office to determine current zoning.
CAN I CONSTRUCT A SECOND HOUSE OR DWELLING UNIT ON MY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY?
No, only 1 principle structure is allowed per lot. However, certain zoning districts allow duplexes and other multi-family buildings.
CAN I FENCE MY PROPERTY?
Yes. Fences may be located directly on the property line however; the Township recommends the fence be situated inside the property line to allow enough room for maintenance without infringing on the neighboring property. Front yard (between street and face of dwelling) fences cannot exceed 4 feet in height. Rear and side yard fences cannot exceed 6 feet 6 inches in height. Corner lots are considered to have 2 front yards.
DO I NEED A PERMIT TO PUT IN A SWIMMING POOL?
Yes. Inground swimming pools require fencing with an interior self latching gate. Above ground pools require fencing when the pool is less than 48" above ground level and must have a ladder that can make the pool unaccessable to children.
HOW WIDE CAN MY DRIVEWAY BE?
According to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) Section 511.7, a driveway entering a public street cannot be wider than 25 feet. Only 1 driveway is allowed per residential lot.
