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| [ GENERAL ] |
| Q: |
What is your mailing address? |
| A: |
1840 Municipal Drive
Lancaster, PA 17601 |
| Q: |
What is your fax #? |
| A: |
Municipal Building: 560-4183 / Police: 569-9298 / Recreation 393-4221 |
Q: |
What hours are you open? |
| A: |
Normal business hours are Monday thru Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Code Compliance hours are Monday thru Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Q: |
What night is Trick or Treat night? |
| A: |
Always the 31st unless the 31st falls on a Saturday or Sunday. In that case, it is Friday before Halloween. |
Q: |
Is each one of the Commissioners responsible for a certain area of the Township? |
| A: |
No, the Commissioners do not have specific areas, but all are responsible for the entire Township.
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| [POLICE] |
Q: |
I often see things in my neighborhood that "just don't look right" but knowing how busy the police are I figure that they don't want to be called about every little thing. Should I call? |
| A: |
Like they say in one of the commercials "you can call me now or you can call me later". Actually, the sooner the police are able to respond to an incident or concern the better the chance of resolving it. Chances are that if it is enough to catch your attention it should be checked by the police.
Your police department is a 24-hour a day 7-day a week operation and they are trained to deal with people and situations outside of the ordinary as well as everyday contacts. If it turns out to be nothing, no one will be happier than the police officer. |
| Q: |
What is telephone number for the police? |
| A: |
For emergencies: 911.
Non-emergency Dispatch: 664-1180
Administration: 569-6401
Fax: 569-9298 |
| Q: |
If I have a request for police service but it isn't an emergency what phone number do I call? |
| A: |
Non-Emergency police calls should be directed to Lancaster County Wide Communications at (717) 664-1180. If you need to speak directly to a specific employee of the police department you can call the administrative phone number at (717) 569-6401. If they are not immediately available you will be directed to the employee's voicemail.
Emergency calls should be made using 911. |
| Q: |
Will a curfew pass entitle my son/daughter to drive during the 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM restriction placed on a junior operator's license? |
| A: |
No. Curfew in Manheim Township and East Petersburg is from 10:00 PM until 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays the curfew is 12:00 AM until 0600 AM.
A curfew pass only authorizes a youth under the age of 18 to go from his or her place of employment directly to their home during the restricted hours. The Township does not have the authority to extend any of the driving restrictions established by the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code prohibits Junior Operators from driving between the hours of 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. |
| Q: |
Are Scooters Permitted in the Township? |
| A: |
Recent reports in the media have discussed the legality of operating motor scooters on the road. The Manheim Township Police Department has also recently received numerous complaints and questions about the use of these motor scooters.
 The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (PennDOT) definition of a "motor scooter" includes small motorcycles, mini-bikes, mini-cycles, motorized scooters, and the recently popular "pocket bikes" and "pocket rockets." It is illegal to operate a motor scooter on Pennsylvania roadways and public sidewalks.
Under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, motor scooters are classified as motor vehicles. To be legally operated on the road, a motor scooter is required to be registered, inspected, and insured. However, many scooters do not have the equipment requirements needed to pass inspection. Unlike a conventional motor vehicle, motor scooters expose the operator to the risk of an immediate and unprotected impact with other vehicles and pedestrians, without the benefit of safety equipment such as fenders, turn signals, lights, or tires suitable for highway use. Many of the motor scooters are also not certified to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which are equipment standards that are required for all new vehicles manufactured for roadway use.
There are two basic types of scooters on the market today (non-motorized or foot-powered and motorized). It is legal to ride non-motorized and foot-powered scooters on public sidewalks unless prohibited by a local ordinance, however gas or electric-powered motorized scooters can only be driven on private property after first obtaining permission from the property owner.
Motor scooters may also not be operated on the roadway and public sidewalks by unlicensed drivers. Motor scooters are commonly purchased for use by children and teenagers, most of whom do not possess a valid driver's license.
Although all motor scooters, regardless of horsepower, are regulated by the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, a few of these scooters are manufactured for highway use. These motor scooters have a certification label on them that certifies that they meet federal equipment standards. These scooters also are imprinted with a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). These motor scooters conform to federal and state vehicle equipment requirements and standards, and when properly registered, inspected, and insured, may be operated on the highway by a licensed driver.
If you have any questions concerning motor scooters or would like to report a violation, please contact the Manheim Township Police Department at 717-569-6401. |
| Q: |
My neighbor's bushes are too high; grass is too high, who do I call to get something done? |
| A: |
Call the non-emergency police dispatch number, (717) 664-1180, and report the complaint. Manheim Township has an ordinance that addresses this kind of an issue and the Police Department has the responsibility to enforce it. If high bushes etc. are a traffic obstruction there may be State Laws that apply. |
| Q: |
My neighbor's house has garbage all around it, who do I call? |
| A: |
Call the non-emergency police dispatch number, (717) 664-1180, and report the complaint. There may be State or Township laws violated. The Police Department has the responsibility to check it and make a determination. |
| Q: |
How do I get a copy of a police report? |
| A: |
Dissemination of a police report is very limited and is controlled by State and Federal law. Under certain circumstances limited information may be released.
In the case of an accident report, release is primarily controlled by Sections 3751 and 6114 of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and is limited to only those persons directly involved in the accident; owners of the vehicles involved; and attorneys and insurance companies representing any of the parties involved.
The release of other police investigative reports is even more tightly controlled, primarily by Chapter 91 of the Crimes Code (Criminal History Record Information Act), which generally prohibits the release of copies or information from police investigative reports to persons other than those in the criminal justice system.
Limited information may be available to some individuals in specific cases, but a subpoena or a Court Order will be required to obtain information dependant upon the specific circumstances involved.
In all cases there is a fee required. This allows for the Township to recoup costs incurred in retrieval and copying of the information requested while keeping the cost to other taxpayers down.
For information on specific requests call the Manheim Township Police Administrative number, (717) 569-6401. Once connected press 435 for accident report information and 434 for other report information.
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[CODE COMPLIANCE, PLANNING& ZONING] |
| Q: |
Do I need a permit for a fence? How high can it be? |
| A: |
No, a permit is not required. Home owners and contractors should contact the Planning & Zoning Department at (717) 569-6406, option 7 for specific fence regulations. |
| Q: |
What does not require a permit for a single family home? |
| A: |
Permits are not required for work such as:
painting
vinyl or aluminum siding
roof shingle replacement
kitchen cabinet replacement
window replacement in existing openings
storage sheds or gazebos that are less then 400 square feet in area (Site plan must be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Department for their approval), and uncovered decks and patios that do not have a walking surface over 30 inches above finished grade at any point. (Site plan must be submitted to the Planning & Zoning Department for their approval). |
| Q: |
Do I need a permit to operate a business from my home? |
| A: |
The Township Zoning ordinance provides criteria for individuals wishing to operate a home occupation. A permit is required for all home occupations. Individuals wishing to operate a home occupation may contact the Planning and Zoning Department for ordinance requirements. |
| Q: |
Does my neighbor have a permit to do the construction work he's doing at his home? |
| A: |
1) Ask your neighbors if they have a permit issued by the Township. If a permit is issued, it should be posted in the front window so it is visible from the street.
2) Call the Code Compliance Department and give your name and phone number, and address where the work is being performed. Failure to leave your name and phone number may hinder us from obtaining information necessary to effectively follow-up on the complaint. |
| Q: |
Why do I need 10 acres to burn anything? |
| A: |
The burning of refuse, leaves, and trimmings is prohibited by the Township Fire Code Ordinance. These activities are considered a potential fire hazard and a nuisance because of the odor that is transmitted to adjacent property owners.
The only exception being that open burning is permitted on agricultural properties having 10 or more acres with the condition that agricultural waste and by products are burned. Rubbish may not be burned.
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| [ Public Works / Parks] |
| Q: |
Where do I pick a recycling bin? |
| A: |
Green recycling bins are available at the Municipal Office, 1840 Municipal Drive. New residents can pick up a recycle bin free of charge. Replacement or additional bins may be purchased for $4.00 each. |
| Q: |
What do I do if my recycling is not picked up? |
| A: |
Your trash hauler is required to pickup your recycling. Please contact them if you are having any trouble with pickup. |
| Q: |
Where can I dispose of vehicle batteries or hazardous materials like paint, gas or turpentine? |
| A: |
These items can be disposed of at the Lancaster Country Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) located on Harrisburg Pike - 397-9968. |
| Q: |
What do I do if my recycling bin is lost, stolen or damaged? |
| A: |
Please refer to article on "How to Handle Lost, Stolen or Damaged Recycle Bins." |
| Q: |
Who do I call to report a street light that is not working? |
| A: |
Please notify PP&L at 1-800-342-5775. |
| Q: |
Who do I call to request a sign (stop, speed limit, etc.) to be installed on my street? |
| A: |
Please notify the Manheim Township Police Department at 569-6401. |
| Q: |
If I am planning to dig on my property must I notify anyone? |
| A: |
You must notify PA One Call at 1-800-242-1776 before any digging begins. |
| Q: |
Who do I call to report a pothole? |
| A: |
If the pothole is located on a Township street please notify the Township Office at 569-6406 ext. 129. If the pothole is located on a State Highway please notify PADOT at 299-7621.
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| [ Recreation ] |
| Q: |
What is Stauffer Mansion's telephone number? |
| A: |
717-290-7180 |
| [ Tax ] |
| Q: |
Regarding the EMS tax, is it correct that the employer must deduct the tax and the employee files for a refund at the end of the year? If so, how does the employee apply for the refund? |
| A: |
Employers in Manheim Township are required to withhold the $52 EMS tax for the current tax year. Refunds for duplicate payments can be requested immediately. Refunds based on income below the $12,000 exemption must wait until the end of the year to be requested. Forms are available at www.hab-inc.com (they still say OPT but they can be used) and at the Municipal Office.
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| Q: |
Where can I find Lancaster County Tax Forms? |
| A: |
Please contact the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau. The forms can be downloaded from their web site at http://lctcb.org. They are located at 299 Hess Blvd, Suite 2, Lancaster, PA 17601 or you can telephone them at (717) 569-4521. |
