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FAQs PDF Print E-mail
Tuesday, 17 March 2009 17:40
ENGINEERING
Who do I contact when a streetlight is not working properly?
Call the Township Office at 766-0756. Upper Allen Township owns and maintains all streetlights in the Township except the streetlights in Winding Hills Development and Allenview Development. The street lights in these two developments are owned and maintained by the homeowners association of each development. When you see a street light that is always on, always off or going on and off please call the Township. The best way to identify the light that is not working is by the address of the house closest to the light (i.e. 12345 Gettysburg Pike). We will contact PPL and have them repair the light.

Who do I contact when a traffic signal light is out or not operating properly?
Call the Township at 766-0756. Upper Allen Township owns and maintains all traffic signals in Upper Allen Township. If you see that a light is out in one of the signal heads please call the Township. The best way to indentify the light that is out is by the intersecting street names (i.e. Gettysburg Pike and South Market Street), the direction of travel and the street name (i.e. south bound on South Market Street). We will contact our contractor to repair the signal light.

PUBLIC WORKS
When is curbside brush pickup scheduled?
Curbside brush pickup is scheduled six times a year, usually the first full week of the following months: April, May, June, August, September and October. Check our website and newsletters for exact dates, or call the office at 766-0756. Because the Township offers brush and stump pickup, there is no site where residents can dump these items.

What are the Township’s guidelines for brush pickup?
Brush pickup is for disposal of normal yard maintenance trimmings—not yard waste such as raked up debris containing stones, dirt and small sticks!!

Here are the guidelines that must be adhered to:
  • If it appears the brush did not come from the residence where it is located, it will not be taken.
  • The pile cannot be higher than 4 feet—spread the pile out over a wider distance rather than piling it up high.
  • Only brush that is 6 inches in diameter or less will be accepted.
  • Whole trees that have been cut down will only be accepted if the trunks are 6 inches or smaller. Vines and yard waste will not be accepted.
  • Stumps will be taken, as long as they can be handled by two men, but stumps must be removed from the trunk. All roots must be removed regardless of size.
  • Building materials and/or old fence posts will not be accepted.
  • Brush should not be bundled or tied together with string, rope or wire.
  • Branches must be removed from arborvitae trunks and be 6 inches or less in diameter.
Does the Township have a site where brush or stumps can be dumped?
No.

Does the Township have a place to get rid of sod/dirt, old concrete, building products etc.? No. Residents may contact Cumberland County Solid Waste at 240-6489 for guidelines on disposal of these items.

When does leaf pickup start and how long does it last?
We start the third week in October and usually go through the first week in December, weather permitting. If we are unable to continue with pickup due to an early snow we may schedule a spring pickup. If in doubt, call the office at 766-0756. Signs will be posted, with days of pickup, in various locations throughout the Township. Every effort will be made to maintain the schedule as posted and cover the complete Township in a week’s time. If we do not get to your area on the date posted, we will be back the next day to complete the area.

Here are a few things to remember about leaf pickup:
  • Please do not mix brush or sticks and leaves as our vacuum machine will not pick up brush. Pieces of wood in the piles will damage the vacuum fan blade.
  • We will take annual flowers and grass clippings along with the leaves.
  • Leaves must be “at the curb” by 7 AM. We will not reach back into your yard to rake leaves out. Spread the pile out, along the curb, if it is very large.
  • If cars are parked on top of leaf piles, they will not be picked up.
If leaves are not picked up on my posted day when will the next pickup be?
We will be back the next day and finish the posted area before we move on with the schedule. I saw the leaf crew in my area today but the sign says we are scheduled for tomorrow.

Will you be back?
Yes, we will be back on the posted day. If you see us before it means we are ahead of schedule.

Why doesn’t the Township plow all the streets in the Township?
Some streets are not dedicated to the Township and remain private. Some of the new development streets are not yet dedicated and are still the responsibility of the contractor. Some streets belong to Penn DOT and are not the responsibility of the Township. The Township is under contract with Penn DOT to provide winter maintenance (salting and plowing only) on some sections of the following State highways: 1. South York street (between Gettysburg Pike & W Winding Hill Rd) 2. East Winding Hill Rd (from Park & Ride to Arcona Rd) 3. West Winding Hill Rd (from South Market to Fisher Rd) 4. West Lisburn Rd (from Gettysburg Pike to S. Market St) 5. Grantham Rd (from Lisburn Rd to Cul-de-Sac)

Why is my driveway always plowed in or my sidewalk always gets covered after I have shoveled it?
There is very little space between the curb and the sidewalk. If there is a considerable amount of snow it will roll off our blade and onto the sidewalk. Snow in your driveway is inevitable. We can plow snow but cannot remove it!

You can limit the snow that gets pushed into your sidewalk or driveway if you follow these simple procedures:
1. Do not shovel your sidewalk or driveway until the street has been plowed full width.
2. When you do shovel, pile the snow to the left of the driveway as you are looking in at it from the street.
3. Do not park your vehicle, in the street, on the left side of the driveway as you are looking in at it from the street. As we swing out to miss the vehicle all the snow dumps off the blade into your driveway.

Why do I get more snow on my corner than across the street?
Drivers are assigned the same areas year after year. We have designed routes that allow us to get a particular area plowed in as little time as possible and with as little maneuvering as possible. Depending on how we start a street there will always be more snow on one corner or the other. If we change our route it will take us longer to plow your area.

Why does my street always look like it was not plowed?
All streets that the Township is responsible for are plowed full length and width. We run all plows on the road surface and most times they are scraped very clean. However, often times people shovel or snow blow the snow from their driveway into the street. Aside from making it look like the street is not plowed, this is illegal! It also causes a huge safety problem and makes it very difficult to plow the next time.

If the snow does not melt and remains rough and frozen to the pavement, it is a safety hazard and we can not plow it off. Sometimes it creates more of a hazard to plow the street, in instances when freezing rain or sleet is in the forecast following a snowfall. Leaving the snow on the street gives vehicles traction that they wouldn’t have if they were just driving on ice.

My mailbox was knocked down by the snow plow or snow is piled up in front of it and the mailman will not deliver the mail. Who is going to fix it?
If we have a lot of snow it may be impossible to keep from piling the snow in front of mailboxes. In this instance it is advisable to have a temporary mailbox, or any type of container labeled for mail delivery, that can be placed at the edge of the pile of snow where the mailman can reach it. If your mailbox was damaged by the plow, from a direct hit, (this happens very seldom) we will assume responsibility and replace it or repair it. If it was damaged by snow off the blade often times it was not in very good shape to begin with. (Rusted or rotted post, plastic posts that get brittle in the cold and shatter or just a poor and weak installation) Report it to the Public Works Department by calling 697-8024 and we will make a determination. If it is your responsibility you may qualify for a small set reimbursement from the Township.

I have a storm water swale through or next to my property. Who is responsible for the maintenance?
The best thing to do is call the Township office at 766-0756. They can tell you if the swale is a dedicated “Right of Way” or an “Easement” and advise you who is responsible.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
When do I need a Zoning Permit?
A Zoning Permit is typically needed prior to establishing or expanding use, and before a building or structure is built or altered. A Zoning Permit is also required for construction of decks, fences, sheds and driveways. A plot plan is often required to verify compliance with Zoning Ordinance requirements (i.e. setbacks, impervious coverage).

When do I need a Construction Permit?
A Construction Permit is needed for any new building, structure or swimming pool, and for most remodeling projects. It is best to assume that a permit is required, and contact the Township Staff to clarify permit requirements. An application is necessary, and plan review is often required to determine compliance with Construction Code requirements.

Where can I get a Permit Application?
Applications are available at the Township Municipal Office from our Community Development department. You may also find the application on our website, located in the General Information tab, under the Forms category.

MUNICIPAL WASTE SERVICE
Where can I dispose of trash?
All Townships residents must use York Waste Disposal, Inc. for their routine weekly trash collection. Each household is allowed to put out six bags of trash per week as well as one bulk item per week. Residents must call 1-800-210-9675 to schedule pickup of items containing Freon, such as refrigerators, freezers and dehumidifiers. Items not collected by York Waste Disposal (ex: building materials) should be disposed of in a permitted solid waste disposal facility.
For waste disposal facilities in the region, as well as county wide trash and recycling information, please visit the Cumberland County website. Commercial businesses use private haulers of their choice for their weekly trash collection.

What can I put in my recycling bin?
York Waste will accept the following recyclables, which should be co-mingled in one bin: 
  • Aluminum food and beverage containers
  • Glass food and beverage containers – brown, clear, or green
  • Bi-Metal, Steel and Aerosol cans
  • PET plastic containers with the symbol #1 – *narrow neck containers only
  • HDPE plastic containers with the symbol #2 – *narrow neck containers such as milk and water bottles, detergent, shampoo, bleach bottles, etc. without caps
  • Plastics with symbols #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 – *narrow and screw top containers
  • Newsprint
  • Cardboard – flattened in 2’ x 2’ bundles (may be placed in recycling bin along with other recycling)
  • Residential mixed paper (Junk Mail, magazines, glossies, telephone books, printer/copier paper)
  • Cereal Boxes
Non-Acceptable items include:
  • Window or Auto glass, drinking glasses, mirrors, light bulbs, ceramic, porcelain, microwave trays, glass cookware/bake ware
  • Unnumbered plastic items
  • Plastic Bags
  • Salad/Deli containers, Plastic food tubs
  • Household items such as cooking pots, toasters, etc.
  • Batteries
  • Cardboard/Paper with wax coating or liners
  • Scrap metal, siding
What can I do with used motor oil?
Upper Allen Township offers waste oil disposal as well as oil filter disposal. The oil tank is located between the Township building and the Public Works garage, along with a drum for used oil filters. Only used oil filters may be placed in the drum, and only waste oil may be placed in the tank – DO NOT mix any other substance with the oil or the service could be discontinued.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
Where can I find the forms to file my local taxes in Upper Allen Township?
West Shore Tax Bureau is Upper Allen Township's income tax collector. You may call the Bureau at 761-4900 to request tax forms or you may download tax forms from the Bureau's web site: www.westab.org

Where do I obtain a voter registration application?
Voter registration forms can be obtained at the Township Building. You may send or take completed forms to the Cumberland County Board of Elections for issuance of your voter registration card. After your Voter Registration Mail Application has been processed, you will receive a Certificate of Registration which indicates your Precinct and Polling Place.

Where do I vote?
The Township is located in the 88th Legislative District and the 31st Senatorial District for state elections and in the 19th Congressional District. The Township has ten precincts, each voting at a different location as follows: Precinct #1 – Daybreak Church, 321 Gettysburg Pike Precinct #2 – Grantham Brethren in Christ Church, 421 Grantham Road Precinct #3 – Shepherdstown United Methodist Church, 1934 S. York Street Precinct #4 – St. Peter Lutheran Church, 130 Nittany Drive Precinct #5 – Bowmansdale Church of God, 107 E. Lisburn Road Precinct #6 – Crossroads Community Church, 1425 S. Market Street Precinct #7 – Messiah Home for the Aged, 100 Mt. Allen Drive Precinct #8 – Upper Allen Township Municipal Building, 100 Gettysburg Pike Precinct #9 – Immanuel Alliance Church, 800 S. Market Street Precinct #10 – Temple Beth Shalom, 913 Allendale Road A precinct map can be viewed on our website, located in the General Information tab, under the Maps category.

How do I obtain a burn permit?
Burning of any type requires a permit issued by the Upper Allen Township code official. Permits are available at the Township office and if approved, are good for one full week. All burning is subject to the regulations listed under Section 307 of the International Fire Code (pdf) as adopted. The burning of the following items is prohibited:
  • Animal or human waste
  • Wet garbage or food waste
  • Roof shingles
  • Tires or any rubber product
  • Plastics
  • Paints, varnishes or other petroleum based products
  • Painted or stained siding
  • Hazardous chemicals or materials
  • Other demolition waste
  • Wet or dry leaves
  • Cardboard, magazines, slick paper
  • Or any other material that may be collected under the Townships waste recycling program or regular trash collection contract.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 January 2010 12:30 )
 
Upper Allen Township
100 Gettysburg Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone 717-766-0756
Fax 717-796-9833
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Monday - Friday
 
Township Manager
Lou Fazekas
e-mail: lfazekas@upperallentwp.org

2010 Office Closed Dates:
 January 1 - New Year's Day
February 15  - President's Day
April 2 - Good Friday
May 31 - Memorial Day
July 5 - Independence Day Observed
September 6 - Labor Day
November 11 - Veterans Day
November 25 - Thanksgiving
November 26 - Black Friday
December 24 - Christmas Eve
December 31 - New Year's Eve


Links to current Agendas
Board of Commissioners 1
Board of Commissioners 2
Planning Commission
Sewer Advisory Board
Park and Recreation Board
Zoning Hearing Board

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