GENERAL INFORMATION
ALARM SYSTEMS: Alarm system permits are
required for installation of all alarm systems and yearly thereafter.
The initial permit costs $25.00 and each year thereafter is $10.00.
False alarms are billed by the West Chester Police Department at the
following rate: First false alarm per calendar year - Warning;
Second false alarm, $25.00; Third false alarm, $50.00; Fourth false
alarm, $75.00; Fifth false alarm and any subsequent false alarm
$100.00.
BUILDING PERMITS: Building permits are
required to construct, enlarge, alter or demolish a structure or
change the occupancy of a building or structure requiring greater
strength, exit-way or sanitary provisions or change to another use or
install or alter any equipment for which provision is made or the
installation of which is regulated by the State Wide Building Code
(IBC) adopted by the
Township.
Prior to building or making any changes in a
structure or building or in the use of a structure or building you
should check with the Zoning Officer to ensure that the proposed
change is permitted by the zoning ordinance. Building permits are
required for (but not limited to): sheds, garages, pole buildings,
houses, barns, porches, decks, dormers, swimming pools. Please see our
Forms Page for more info:
click here
CURFEW: It is unlawful for a minor (or
individual under the age of 18) to be or to remain in or upon a public
place at any time between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except
that on Fridays and Saturdays nights and on all nights between June
15th and September 15th, of every year, the hours shall be from 12:00
midnight and 6:00 a.m.
The above provisions do not apply to any minor
accompanied by his/her parents; or when the minor is engaged in
employment or is in transit to or from his place of employment, or
when the minor is returning home, by direct route from and within 30
minutes of the termination of a school or other activity which he or
she attended or participated in or when the minor is seeking or
providing aid in an emergency situation concerning imminent danger to
life or property or both.
FIREARMS: It is unlawful to fire or
discharge any firearm within East Bradford Township except under the
following conditions:
A. The use of firearms is permitted when hunting
in conformity with the game laws and other applicable laws,
regulations and ordinances of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and
the township, provided that any person hunting upon the land of
another shall have the written permission of the owner or lessee of
the property and shall have the written permission on his/ her
person.
B. The use of firearms is permitted on target
ranges, indoors or outdoors, under the supervision of the owner or
occupant at the land or his or her duly appointed representative.
The definition of Firearms includes: air guns, air
pistols, spring guns or pistols, shotguns, rifles, automatic pistols
and/or any handgun of any caliber.
SOLICITORS’ PERMITS: Are
required for anyone soliciting door to door in the township. If a
solicitor comes to your door, request to see the Township Solicitors
Permit issued to them with their photo attached. Some non-profit
organizations are not required to have a permit but still must
register with the Township. If you have a concern about a solicitor,
please do not hesitate to contact the West Chester Police Department
at (610) 696-2700
OPEN BURNING: All outdoor burning, in open
fires, brush, grass or wood (leaves may not be burned) shall be
performed only in compliance with the following conditions :
A. The burning shall be located at least fifty
(50) feet from any and all boundary lines, buildings, structures of
any kind, public roads, curbs, sidewalks, utility poles, trees,
shrubs and other combustible materials.
B. The burning shall be performed only between
the hours of sunrise and sunset.
C. A responsible adult, eighteen (18) years of
age or older, shall be in attendance during the entire duration of
the burning.
It is illegal for any person to intentionally,
maliciously or negligently burn, or cause, permit or authorize to be
burned, garbage, leaves, paper, rubbish, plastics, rubber, oil-based
materials, noncombustible materials or any material which when burned
emits noxious, offensive or harmful smoke, odor or fumes.
Fires during drought - it shall be illegal for any
person to light or attempt to light or to cause, permit or authorize
another to light or attempt to light or otherwise kindle any outdoor
fire when a ban on such fires has been publicly announced in a time of
drought.
Extinguishment of dangerous fires - any fire on
public or private property may be extinguished by the local fire
company either with or without the consent of the landowner or person
in charge, if in the opinion of an official (fire, police, township)
they feel such fire constitutes a danger to persons or property.
We recommend that you contact the West Chester
Police Department when you are going to burn giving your name and
address, so that they are aware that you are doing a controlled burn.
ANIMAL CONTROL: Pennsylvania State Act 437,
provides: It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to
fail to keep at all times such dog either confined within the premises
of the owner, or firmly secured by means of a collar so that it cannot
stray beyond the premises, or under reasonable control of same person,
or when engaged in lawful hunting or field training accompanied by an
owner or handler. The Township has a contract with the Chester County
S.P.C.A. to enforce this state law. In addition, on or before January
15th of each year the owner of any dog six months old or older is
required to purchase a license for such dog, at the county treasurer’s
office. Applications for dog license are available in the Township
Building.
MINI-BIKES, SNOWMOBILES, ETC.: It shall be
unlawful for any person to operate a motorcycle, mini-bike,
trail-bike, motorbike, snowmobile, or similar type motor vehicle on
the sidewalks, footpaths, parks, or other real property within East
Bradford Township belonging to any person or persons, corporation,
East Bradford Township or other type of entity, other then that owned
by the operator of the type of vehicle hereinbefore described, or the
parents thereof or the person standing in loco parentis thereto,
unless said operator has obtained prior written permission to do so
from the owner of said real property.
TOWNSHIP ROADS: There are a total of 72.17
miles of roads in the Township; 52.40 miles are Township roads and
19.77 miles are State highways. Township roads are maintained by the
Township Road Crew who are responsible for resurfacing, patching,
signs, storm water drainage and snow removal. Questions about Township
roads should be directed to the Township Office (610) 436-5108.
Questions regarding State highways should be directed to the PA
Department of Transportation Chester County Maintenance Office
484-340-3200.
