Code Enforcement

The Hempfield Township Code Enforcement Department enforces the local ordinances adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

• Ordinances and Proposed Ordinances
• Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
• Property Identification
• Parking Concerns
• Building/Zoning Permit
• Grass and Weeds Ordinance
• Logging/Timbering Permit Requirements
• Citations for Parking Violations
• Residential Burning Regulations
• Occupancy Permits Required for Businesses
• Peddler's License

Residents with concerns about any of the above issues should Contact the Code Enforcement Department at 724-834-7232, extension 240, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Uniform Construction Code (UCC)

In 2004 the State of Pennsylvania adopted a set of standards that regulates new construction and renovations to residential and commercial buildings in the State of Pennsylvania. These standards are collectively known as The Uniform Construction Code (U.C.C.).

In October of 2009 the Hempfield Board of Supervisors voted in favor of adopting and enforcing these building codes for the safety and welfare of the residents of Hempfield Township. In addition, by adopting these codes, Hempfield will have a local involvement in regulating construction in the Township which in turn will preserve property values.

Although Hempfield Township has been issuing building permits since 1968, any building permits applied for after July 2004 were required to adhere to the new codes. At that time residents that applied for permits at the Township for residential work were required to use state certified inspectors to assure code compliance, while businesses were using the Department of Labor and Industry in Harrisburg for inspections. Since “opting-in” to the U.C.C. in October, all permit fees will be retained locally, not sent to Harrisburg, and plan reviews and enforcement will also be handled locally through Hempfield Township.

For further information, please contact the Code Enforcement Department at 724-834-7232, extension 240.

Property Identification

All residential dwellings and commercial structures which now have or may subsequently receive identification as a street number shall visually display said designated street number accordingly.

Residential mailboxes shall have the assigned identification number affixed to both sides of the mailbox, post or framework. In addition, all residences shall have their assigned number affixed to the residence in the vicinity of a front porch light, if available. For multiple dwellings, only the main building number must be posted where observable from the nearest public right-of-way and all interior apartment unit doors must be numbered.

All numerals on mailboxes shall be reflective and shall be a minimum of 3” in height and ½” in width. All numerals displayed on the residential structures shall be a minimum of 4” in height and ½” in width.

For requirements for commercial facilities, please visit Section 47-5 of the Code Book on-line or contact the office.

Parking Concerns

Parking illegally in a designated fire lane is a violation of Township Ordinance 83-21A and carries a $15 fine if paid within five (5) working days of issuance. Thereafter, the fine is $30.00 plus court costs.

Fine can be paid by mail or directly to the Code Enforcement Department located in the Hempfield Township Municipal Building. Checks shall be made payable to the "Hempfield Township Supervisors".

Parking illegally in a handicapped parking spot is a violation of Township Ordinance 83-21D and will result in a fine of $25 if paid within five days; and a $50 fine for payment after the allotted days, plus court costs. Fine can be paid by mail or directly to the Code Enforcement Department located in the Hempfield Township Municipal Building. Checks shall be made payable to the "Hempfield Township Supervisors".

When Do I Need a Building or Zoning Permit?

The Hempfield Township Code Enforcement Department is responsible for the issuance of building/zoning permits for any type of construction such as:

• New Single-Family House
• New Commercial Building
• Alteration/Renovation to:
  • House or Commercial Building,
  • Swimming Pool, Fence, Deck, or Porch,
• Roof over Porch or Deck,
• Garage, Shed, Storage Building,
• Gazebo, Pavilion, or Car Port

(Note: This is only a partial list of permits required. Please contact the office for further information.)

Whatever your plans may be for construction, please take the time to contact the Code Enforcement Department at 724-834-7232, extension 240.

Grass and Weeds Ordinance

Township ordinance prohibits grass or weeds to exceed a height of 10 inches. In addition, the blowing of grass or depositing of grass onto any roadway is against Township regulations.

Logging/Timbering Permit Requirements

As per Section 87-73 (Logging/Timbering) of the Hempfield Township Code, any property that is two (2) acres or larger, and is going to be timbered or logged, must make application for a permit.

Citations for Parking Violations

The Hempfield Township Code Enforcement Office shall issue illegal parking citations or warnings to violators in:

• No parking zones
• Fire lanes
• Impeding snow removal or emergency services
• Illegally parked in handicapped spaces

Enforcement of illegal parking is being stepped up to include weekends and holidays throughout the year. Retail businesses (i.e. Westmoreland Mall, Hempfield Point Plaza, Hempfield Square, Hempfield Plaza, Greengate Centre, etc.) and the Hempfield Area School District have been concerned for a long time over the abuse of fire lane parking, and have had difficulty providing adequate parking for disabled individuals due to illegal parking in designated spaces.

Initial fines can be as high as $50. Citations must be paid within five (5) days of issuance to prevent penalties.

Handicapped individuals must visibly display their handicapped placard to prevent receiving a ticket for illegally parking in a handicapped space. Note: Handicapped placards are not acceptable for parking in fire lanes or other no parking areas. All fines can be paid by mail or directly to the Code Enforcement Department located at the Hempfield Township Municipal Building.

Residential Burning Regulations

All outdoor burning or fires in areas of RESIDENTIAL dwellings shall be:

• Limited to twigs and yard waste during the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on SATURDAYS, AS TOLERATED.
• Controlled in a safe manner and has an ATTENDED WATER SUPPLY OR EQUAL AT ALL TIMES.
• Occurring at least 50 feet from any structure and 30 feet from any property line.
• GARBAGE, NEWSPAPERS or PAPER PRODUCTS, RUBBER, TIRES, PAINT, ANIMAL WASTE, PLASTICS, DIAPERS, TOXIC MATERIALS, or any other SOLID WASTE is PROHIBITED from being burned AT ANY TIME. (Check the Township’s garbage and recycling guidelines and programs available through Westmoreland Cleanways for alternatives to disposing of these types of materials.)
• LEAVES are PROHIBITED from being burned AT ANY TIME.
• Burning of any type is prohibited on any paved portion of a street, alley, or public grounds.

Fines:

1st Offense: Warning issued; Fire to be extinguished

2nd Offense: Prosecution; Up to $1,000 fine

Occupancy Permits Required for Businesses

All businesses in Hempfield Township are required to have an Occupancy Permit prior to occupying a structure. More specifically, this applies to all new and existing businesses, name changes to businesses, ownership changes to businesses, etc. Any violation to Section 60-3B of the Hempfield Township Code can result in a fine up to $1,000 per day, plus court costs.

There is no cost for a Commercial Occupancy Permit.  Permits are not transferable.

Unannounced inspections will be conducted to determine compliance with Section 60-3B. The permit shall be posted in the lobby or an area visible upon entry to the establishment.

If your business does not have an Occupancy Permit, please contact the Code Enforcement Office to research whether a permit was ever issued or to obtain a new one.

Furthermore, every commercial property owner shall annually file with the Township the names and mailing addresses of all tenants who lease a commercial premises from them. 

Peddler's License

Anyone selling goods or services door-to-door must display a Peddler’s License from Hempfield Township. However, non-profit groups, such as local athletic teams, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, fire departments, etc. do not require such permits. Sunday sales and weekday sales after 5 p.m. by peddlers are strictly prohibited. To verify whether or not someone canvassing your neighborhood has received the proper permits or to report a complaint, please contact the Code Enforcement Department.

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