Code Enforcement
The Hempfield Township Code Enforcement Department enforces
the local ordinances adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
Code Enforcement
Office
Contact the Code Enforcement Department at
724-834-7232, extension 240, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.
Zoning/Planning & Code Enforcement Officer
Len Dellera
724-834-7232, ext 129
ldellera@hempfieldtwp.org
Planning & Code Enforcement Officer
Ralph Stoup
724-834-7232, ext 136
rstoup@hempfieldtwp.org
Code Enforcement Officer
Scott Herrod
724-834-7232, ext 130
sherrod@hempfieldtwp.org
Code Enforcement Officer
Scott Kantoris
724-834-7232, ext 128
skantoris@hempfieldtwp.org
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?
Hempfield Township's Building Code's Website
Building
Code Website
Please click the link above to visit the website.
This site provides information regarding Pennsylvania's
statewide building code called the Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Hempfield Township enforcement of the building codes (UCC) began in October
2009.
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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