PERMITS
For the protection of the public welfare, as well as the individual, the Township utilizes the B.O.C.A. Basic Building Code. If you are planning a project, you should call the Township Office to see if a permit is required. The cost of a permit could avoid significant costs or hazardous situations that may result if code requirements are ignored. In addition, penalty provisions apply to all construction that proceeds without the proper permits and inspections. Applications for permits must be made on forms available at the Township building. Each application must be accompanied by plans drawn to scale to show the work to be performed.

Permits are required by the Township for, but not limited to the following: new construction, additions and structural alterations, in-ground and above ground pools, occupancy - moving in/out, storage sheds, regardless of size and location, signs, fences, patios, decks, repave or enlarge driveways, change of use, temporary uses and structures.

Permits are also required by the Township for repairs or alterations work costing in excess of $500.00, except where in the opinion of the Building Official, public health or welfare may be involved.

Permits are issued after a plan review has been completed. Please allow for up to 15 days processing time.

ALARM SYSTEM PERMITS
In 1996, Hanover Township adopted an Ordinance requiring the registration by property owners and tenants with the Township of alarm systems and/or automatic protection devices in their buildings or structures. This was adopted because of the substantial number of false alarms being reported to the Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Company and Colonial Regional Police Department . Many of these happen because systems are not properly maintained or because people do not know how to turn them off before entering the building. and

The fee for registering your alarm system and/or automatic protection device is $15.00, which only partially covers the costs incurred by the Township. After a system is registered, the Fire Company and Colonial Regional Police are informed. The application for registering your system is available at the Township office.

The Ordinance enables us to issue citations if three false alarms occur in a period of 60 days. The Township is assessed by the Colonial Regional Police according to the number of incidents reported, and the high incidents of false alarms has caused our rate to be more than necessary. With this Ordinance, the Township is attempting to cut down on some of these unnecessary and time-consuming incidents and bring the costs down for all Township residents.

TOWNSHIP CODES
Click here to access all Township codes.

ZONING HEARING BOARD
The purpose of the Zoning Hearing Board is to help assure fair and equitable application and administration of the Zoning Ordinance by hearing appeals of the Zoning Administrator's decisions and by granting relief from the literal enforcement of the ordinance in certain hardship situations. Since the board has no legislative power, it can neither make nor modify zoning policy. It is a quasi-judicial body, that is, its powers are to a great extent judicial in nature and is acknowledged as a first step in the judicial system. Appeals from its decisions may be taken to the County Court of Common Pleas. The Board schedules hearings on applications and appeals that come before it, takes evidence, and issues written decisions or findings of fact. Its hearings are public and formal with testimony being taken under oath and all proceedings recorded by a court stenographer.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BETHLEHEM AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY
The library is located at the Bethlehem Civic Center, 11 West Church Street.  All Township residents are eligible to obtain a free library card.

Bookmobile Schedule

     Every Monday
          3:00-4:00 P.M. - Community Center, Jacksonville Road
          4:15-5:45 P.M. - Stonewood Drive & Belaire Road
          6:45-8:15 P.M. - Lord Byron Drive & Stoke Park Road

     Every Thursday
          1:45-3:00 P.M. - Westgate Mall Parking Lot
          4:30-5:45 P.M. - Southland Drive & Grace Avenue

DOGS
It is unlawful for any person to permit any dog to run at large upon any public thoroughfare, upon any public ground, or to run at large on any private property other than that of the owner. It is further unlawful to permit any dog on Township park property. Owners are responsible for immediately removing and properly disposing of all dog excreta from any public property or any private property. For information on how to obtain a dog license please click here .

SNOW
During Snowstorms , cars must not be parked on Township streets. Snow plows cannot be operated safely and efficiently with cars parked in the street.

Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow within 36 hours after the end of a storm.

LEAF COLLECTION
Please do not park cars near piles as our equipment cannot get close enough to collect the leaves .

BURNING
Burning is not allowed in the Township by Township Ordinance and by Pennsylvania DEP order.

FIREARMS
It is a violation to fire any gun, rifle or pistol in the Township. Air rifles and shotguns with barrels longer than 15 inches are permitted to be fired, only in unpopulated areas. Hunters with allowed shotguns are required to keep well away from populated areas. Residents who observe unsafe firearm use should contact the Colonial Regional Police Department .

DUMPING
It is unlawful to dump any trash on Township streets, sidewalks, foot paths, vacant lots, yards, public parks, playgrounds, and around public buildings.

TREES - FENCES
Be aware that specific ordinances exist in regard to the planting or cutting down of trees and the erecting of fences on Township easements (generally in front of your property). If you have any questions, please call the Township Office .

NUMBERS ON MAILBOXES and HOUSES
The Fire Company and Police ask that you have clearly visible house numbers (no names) on your mailbox and house so that addresses may be located more easily in case of emergency.

TREES
If you are planning to remove, plant, trim or cut down any shade or street trees within the Township right-of-way or easement, you will need a permit from the Township. Be sure to contact the Township Office for more information.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE CO #1
Your volunteer fire company and ambulance corps stands ready to help the citizens and businesses of Hanover Township. Available services include: fire fighting, rescue operations, fire hazard inspections.

There are several ways that you can help us, help you. Volunteer your services in any capacity. For more information, contact Robert VanWhy at 610.868.1723.

Be generous in your contribution during the annual fund drive. The fire company rents its meeting room (with kitchen) at a reasonable rate. The room seats up to 150 people and is suitable for wedding receptions, family parties, and other special occasions. For further information, contact Phyllis Rheiner at 610-867-3832.

OPEN RECORDS
Hanover Township complies with the Pennsylvania Open Records and Right-to-Know Law regarding gaining access to public records. On December 17, 2002 the Board of Supervisors approved Policy #51, Open Records Policy.  Due to changes in state legislation this policy was revised and is now Policy #51-1, Policy Pursuant to Pennsylvania Open Records/Right-to-Know Law.

Policy #51-1contains the form, which is required to be completed when requesting access to records.  The form must be to submitted to the Deputy Open Records Officer, Lori A. Stranzl.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Open Records may be reached at the following:  Terry Mutchler, Executive Director, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA  17120-0225.  Telephone:  (717)346-9903; openrecords@state.pa.us

Website:  http://openrecords.state.pa.us

Denials to requests may be appealed in writing to the state.

This information is accurate through December 31, 2008 and is effective on January 1, 2009.

NEW RESIDENTS
All new residents are invited to come to the Municipal Office during normal business hours to obtain a new resident package of information; this includes various brochures, maps and news on the Township, as well as a New Resident Handbook.

We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  Welcome to Hanover Township!

BERKHEIMER TAX ADMINISTRATOR

The Township's collecting agent for Municipal Real Estate Taxes (including supplying duplicate bills and tax certifications), the Local Services Tax, Business Privledge/Mercantile Taxes, and Earned Income Taxes is  Berkheimer Tax Administrator.