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Code Enforcement

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1. Is an U&O required for single family residential resale?

No. One half of a twin, a row home, and townhomes are considered to be single family residential.

2. Where can I get a Business License?

The Borough of Lansdale does not license, however if opening a new business, relocating to new location, or changing of business requires a zoning permit application.

3. How do I obtain a contractor’s license?

The Borough of Lansdale does not license, however contractors’ should be licensed by state and provide a copy of certificate of insurance with permit application.

4. Where can I get a state license?

Registration information is available online here

5. Can I download an application from the website?

Yes, you can obtain an application by clicking on code enforcement / building permit forms.

6. Is a license required for rental units?

An annual license is required for apartment and boarding room rentals. Single Family rentals are not required to be licensed at this time.

7. How long does it take for a permit to be processed?

Permits that do not require a hearing can take up to 12 days from receipt of all pertinent information.

8. Do I need a permit to replace siding?

No.

9. Do I need a permit to replace a window?

No, unless you are changing the size of the window (opening) then yes.

10. Do I need a permit if I’m only changing the existing sign?

Yes.

11. Do I need a permit if I’m only repairing an existing fence?

Yes, it is obtained by submitting a building permit application.

12. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes, it is obtained by submitting a building permit application.

13. Do I need a permit for a shed?

Yes, (even for a prefabricated shed), it is obtained by submitting an accessory structure permit application.

14. What are the setbacks for buildings?

Setbacks are based per zoning district. To obtain regulations for zoning districts please refer to the link for the Borough Code Book.

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Construction Projects

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1. Why is curb, sidewalk and driveway maintenance important?

Homes remain the single largest investment families make.  Attractive neighborhoods, where streets and sidewalks are maintained, contribute to the preservation and enhancement of property values.  Well maintained public use areas prevent accidents and reduce legal liabilities.  Additionally, gravel and debris can obstruct sewer lines and damage equipment. 

Update to Curb Policy:  based on recent Borough Council action, curbs identified for replacement will be replaced and paid for by the Borough ONLY as part of road reconstruction projects.  

2. How do I find a contractor to complete the work?

When selecting a contractor, it is important to check references.  A good question to ask is if the contractor has previously performed work in Lansdale Borough.  If so, the work can be examined by the property owner to view the quality of their work.  

Property owners may also wish to consult each other.  In previous projects, residents have been able to obtain better pricing by hiring a contractor to do all the work on their street.  

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office publishes a list of PA licensed contractors.  Access to the list can be found online at http://hicsearch.attorneygeneral.gov/.  

3. Do I need a permit?

Yes.  Permits allow the Borough to keep track of work being completed within the Borough and may be obtained by a property owner or contractor.  They also assure that work completed by private contractors is up to Borough standards.  

The fee for this permit is $55 and can be found online at www.lansdale.org.  Included in the permit fee is the cost of all inspections; the permit process requires the applicant to perform certain safeguard checks such as PA One Call utility marking.  This is a free service that locates all underground utilities so contractors will avoid any gas, electric or other utilities being damaged.  

4. If I choose not to do the work or do nothing, what happens?

Borough Ordinances and Pennsylvania statue (53 P.S. §46801) dictate that property owners are responsible for replacement of all curb and sidewalks abutting property.  If curb and sidewalk work for which you are responsible is not completed in a timely manner, the Borough will hire an experienced contractor and have needed repairs completed on your behalf.  

5. How do I pay for work completed by the Borough?

If a Borough hired contractor completes your curb and sidewalk work, you will receive an invoice within thirty (30) days of work completion; this invoice may reflect legal fees and prevailing wage   rates incurred by the Borough.  Payment can be remitted within thirty (30) days of receipt of the invoice. A payment schedule may be available. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 215-368-1691 to inquire. If payment is not received by the Borough, a claim will be filed against you which may result in a lien against your property.  (See 53 P.S. §46801)

6. What should I expect during construction?

• Road closures and detours
• Roads may be rough to drive on for extended periods before they are paved
• Noise and dust during work hours Monday through Friday
• Potential lack of access directly in front of your home
• In certain yards, there may be some digging in the right of way
• During any underground construction project there is a chance of emergency shut off to utility service

7. What features are part of construction?

Each project is different, but the typical scope of work for road projects includes:

• Storm Sewer Installation
• Upgrades to Sanitary Sewers
• ADA Compliant Features
• Repaving of Roadway
• Curb Replacement/Repair

8. How do I know if my curb is my responsibility or the Borough's?

Contact Jason Van Dame at 215-361-8336 or email him at jvandame@lansdale.org.  

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Economic Development Incentive

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1. Can I read the ordinance?

Yes! You can read the entire EDI Ordinance.

2. What are the incentive levels?

View a table of the different incentive levels and the discounts associated with the ordinance.

3. What types of capital investment qualify?

New investments for facilities and equipment qualify. The EDI Ordinance defines facilities as commercial or industrial property such as a building, plant, or structure that is built, established, or installed in the Borough of Lansdale. The EDI Ordinance defines equipment as tangible property (other than land or buildings) of more or less durable nature including devices, computer hardware, machines, tools, and vehicles which is useful in carrying on the operations of a business excluding: computer hardware used exclusively for word processing; consumable materials used in manufacturing or research or development; inventory of the business; and, products of the business.

4. Do the incentives benefit businesses already in Lansdale?

Yes! Provided that new capital investment is made after the date of the ordinance and the required employment levels are maintained during the incentive period.

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Electric Department

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1. What is advanced metering?

The Borough’s advanced metering program involves the installation of highly accurate, state of the art metering technology for residential and commercial electric customers. Your meter has been replaced with a newer digital meter that allows for two way communication giving customers better access to tools and information that can help save money by better managing their energy use. Installation is done at no cost to the customer.

2. What happens when a new meter is installed?

Your new meter is installed by a Lansdale Electric Department staff member. A brief, approximately five minute, interruption of your power will occur...this may result in flashing clocks on electronic devices.

3. Will my service change with a new meter?

No, while you will not see a change in service immediately, the benefits of an advanced metering system include: improved access to your energy usage information; automatic power outage detection; and fewer estimated bills.

4. How do I read my meter?

Your new advanced electric meter has a digital display instead of dials. To read the meter, simply look at the screen which shows your Kilowatt Hour meter reading. The other displays show the meter communicating with our operating and billing systems over a secure network.

5. How does advanced billing work?

The Meter: New advanced meters, which can be read remotely, are installed.

Communications Network: The meter will transmit your energy usage information to the Borough via a secure communication network.

Our Billing System: Meter data is sent to the Borough’s billing system. Advanced metering technology will virtually eliminate estimated bills.

Your Utility Bill: Your monthly bill is generated using the information sent to our billing system.

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Footer FAQs

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1. How can I keep in touch with what's happening in Lansdale?

Learn how to receive up to date information affecting your neighborhood through emails, texts and other notification systems.
Keep in Touch

2. What requires a permit?

answer View Code Enforcement Permits

3. Where do I find Borough Council materials?

answer Visit the Agenda Center

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Parking

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1. Why do we have parking meters? Why can't people just park for free anywhere downtown?

Parking meters and kiosks (in lots) are designed to encourage the availability of short-term on-street parking.

2. Why are time limits set for metered parking?

In order to encourage the turnover in spaces available for short-term, on-street parking, limits are established.

3. What are the benefits of modernized kiosks in lots?

One of the major benefits of modernizing the system is the ability to use a credit or debit card. Also, the meters have wireless capabilities that enable them to notify the Borough when they need service.

4. How many kiosks have been purchased?

There are four kiosks, one at the following locations:
-Vine Street Lot (across from Lansdale Library)
-West Main Street Lot (in front of the Boys & Girls Club)
-Walnut Street Lot (next to Chantilly Floral)
-Ninth Street Lot (SEPTA Ninth Street Station)

5. How did the Borough pay for parking kiosk modernization?

The kiosks were purchased by the Borough's Parking Authority.

6. What is the current parking lot rate?

West Main Street Lot: $.50 per hour (25 spaces available)
Walnut Street Lot: $.50 per hour (50 spaces available)
Vine Street Lot: $.50 per 6 hours (100 spaces available)
Ninth Street Lot: $1.25 per hour ( spaces available)

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Septa Parking Garage

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1. Why is Septa building a parking garage?

This project will increase the parking capacity at Lansdale Station by 305 spaces. The project also includes improvements to the station's Main Street entrance. A pedestrian overpass will provide a
direct connection to the Madison Avenue Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project.

2. What is the schedule for construction of the parking garage project?

*Construction started in October 2015
*Pre-cast concrete deliveries are anticipated to start April 2016 and be completed August 2016
*SEPTA Parking Garage will be open for use Fall 2016
*SEPTA Lansdale Station construction complete early 2017
*Railroad Avenue improvements construction in 2017

3. How will pre-cast deliveries take place?

Deliveries will be made across Main Street between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm; there will be no evening hour deliveries. Each delivery truck will take approximately one minute to cross Main Street from Railroad Avenue, which will be used as the staging area for deliveries (10:30 am—3:30 pm daily.)

Flaggers will be present each day to stop eastbound traffic on Main Street prior to the intersection of Main and Madison Streets as well as at Broad Street and Railroad Avenue.

4. Will traffic be affected / streets closed for this project?

As with any construction project, there will be traffic adjustments made based on the need of the particular day. If there is need for road closures, detours will be posted.

5. Where will pre-cast materials remain until they are ready for use?

Railroad Avenue will be used as the staging area for pre-cast deliveries; up to seven trucks can be
parked along the street until they are guided across Main Street.

6. Where will construction updates be available?

Activity will be posted on the Borough website (www.lansdale.org) as well as on Septa’s site (www.septa.org). Advanced notice for any traffic control measures or construction related activity will be provided through social media whenever possible as well.

Any resident, business or visitor interested in receiving updates on Garage construction
projects can sign up to receive the Borough’s electronic newsletter which will include periodic
progress reports.
Click here to sign up to receive updates

7. How will Septa get materials across railroad tracks?

In order to facilitate large trucks and materials, Septa will be constructing a temporary roadway that will extend into Madison Parking Lot. In order to construct this road, the concrete curb and island directly across from the roadway will be demolished and rebuilt at the end of construction. During construction, this roadway will eliminate the driving lane parallel to the tracks.

8. Where should I park throughout construction?

Throughout the entire construction project, parking for commuters is available at other Septa Stations including Ninth Street Station (141 West Ninth Street, Lansdale, PA, 19446), Pennbrook Station (1114 Church Road, Lansdale, PA, 19446) and North Wales Station (601 Beaver Street, North Wales, PA, 19454).

For patrons of Main and Madison Street businesses, limited parking will be available in Madison Lot, but ample spots are available in the Susquehanna and Vine Street Lots.

9. What additional improvements will be made to Railroad Avenue?

Use of Railroad Avenue will be limited to Septa transit buses and emergency vehicles only; however, the trail and sidewalk adjacent to Railroad Avenue will be open for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. Construction improvements for the street include: bus shelters and loading areas, reconstruction of the street, drainage improvements as well as an ADA compliant path to the train station.

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Snowfall FAQ

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1. Which roads are plowed first?

Plow routes are determined based on a priority system established by the Borough. The priorities have been established largely based on traffic volumes.

2. Who is responsible for clearing alleys?

This is a source of great confusion and concern for residents. Alleyways belong to the abutting property owner and as such are the responsibility of property owners to clear. However, in major storms or when possible, the Borough assists homeowners in plowing alleys. This is a courtesy and is not mandated by Ordinance, Resolution or directive of Council.

3. Why don't I see a plow during a storm?

The Public Works Department is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the 48 miles of Borough owned streets and the PennDOT owned highways located within the Borough limits. Using 10 trucks and a crew of 10 employees along with contracted crews and equipment, it can take up to 8 hours to complete one route through the Borough. This route may need to be repeated any number of times based on the storm. Time is also needed to reload trucks and to switch crews so while you may not see a crew on your street, know that crews are out working.

4. Why do plows push snow back onton my shoveled sidewalk and driveway?

Throughout the winter months, Borough crews will be out clearing the roads during and after snowfalls. At the same time residents are clearing their driveways. Many times while this is going on, a snowplow truck will go by and fill in the end of a freshly cleared driveway with snow from the road, causing frustration and more clearing for residents. Please understand that the Borough’s first priority is the safety of the traveling public and clearing the roads of snow and ice and pushing it off of the road and shoulders, and sometimes into shoveled pathways, is a necessary wintertime evil.

So why does the Borough push the snow off the road onto the shoulder, only to come back and push the snow farther back on the shoulder? The truck usually makes one pass to open the road up so residents may get in and out. Then the truck comes back to widen the road and then the shoulders for future snow accumulation. Residents sometimes call and ask why we cannot pick up the blade when going by their driveway. This is not a practical solution and our drivers would never finish clearing the roads due to the multitude of driveways.

5. My street still has snow on it even after being plowed, why?

Plows push snow, they do not dig or “shovel” snow from streets. Depending on the amount of snow that falls, plows may not plow down to bare asphalt.

6. Why do plows leave snow on sidewalks, especially at the crosswalks?

The Borough is aware of the difficulty snow plowing can create for sidewalk clearance, particularly at corners. We work with plow drivers to reduce this situation the best we can. However, given the crowded nature of streets and the volume of snow we are dealing with, snow at sidewalk intersections can pile up similar to the situation facing the bottom of driveways. Property owners may need to use ice melt and metal shovels if the snow has become very packed down.

Property owners are always responsible for clearing snow and ice along their sidewalk frontage, crosswalk ramps, corners and bus stops with concrete pads within 24 hours after the snow stops.

7. Am I allowed to pass a snow plow?

While not illegal to pass a snow plow, it is extremely dangerous so we don’t advise it.

8. A plow was speeding past my house, who do I contact?

Please be aware that frequently the trucks are in a low gear and using high engine RPM to maintain the power necessary to push the snow; this creates the impression that they are speeding. Our drivers are required to follow all applicable laws and will be held responsible for violations. Please provide the time and location and, if possible, the vehicle number and call 215-361-8371.

9. Where do I park when a Snow Emergency is declared?

Snow emergency signage dictates which side of the street residents may not park on when an emergency is declared. Residents may park in their driveways (if available), alternate side of their street or another street not marked “No Parking.”

It is not the policy of the Borough to direct any resident or citizen where to park in an emergency (i.e. we do not require residents to park in alleys when a snow emergency is declared), we can only instruct where parking is not permitted.

10. What should be kept in mind when shoveling/plowing drive and walk ways?

Property owners and snow removal contractors should be aware that shoveling or plowing snow from private property onto or across public roads or sidewalks is illegal because it can present a serious traffic hazard to motorists.  Per Ordinance 1172, it is unlawful to deposit any snow from your sidewalk or driveway into the roadway.

11. Why is there a difference in plowing from storm to storm?

One of the biggest factors that determine the Borough’s performance is the type of storm and range of temperatures. Additionally, plowing 6-8 inches is vastly different than a blizzard of 18-24 inches as the volume of snow changes, but the space to move it to does not change.

During the winter each storm poses unique problems to snowplow operators. Storms with low temperatures can be difficult because de-icing agents become less effective at the lower temperatures. Storms with high winds also are a challenge because the snow quickly blows back onto the roadway after the plows pass. ?

12. A fire hydrant is blocked with snow, what do I do?

Adopt a fire hydrant! Do a good deed for your community - clear snow away from fire hydrants. This provides quick access for firefighters and water maintenance workers in case of an emergency. More on Adopt a Fire Hydrant

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Solar Power

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1. How does it work?

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels are made of thin slivers of silicon coated in plastic and

sandwiched between layers of glass.  When sunlight hits the panel, direct current (DC) electricity is produced.  This DC current then passes through an inverter which converts it into conventional 240 volts AC to be used by your household appliances or fed back into the grid.  

2. Do I stay connected to the electricity grid?

Solar power is available in grid connected and off grid (stand alone) systems.  In urban areas, households and other buildings can remain connected to the electricity grid and don’t require any battery storage.  On a cloudy day, at night or if you use more power than you generate, you automatlically draw power from the grid.  If your system produces more electricity than you need, the surplus is fed into the grid for others to consume.  

3. Is my housesuitable for solar panels?

A solar panel system can be installed to most single and double story houses.  All you need is roof space with a generally northerly aspect and full sun throughout the year.  

Some buildings also require a frame to attach the panels at the most appropriate angle to capture sunlight.  Once the system is established it usually requires little or no maintenance other than the occasional check and clearing of panels.

4. Do I need a permit to install solar panels?

Yes, you will need a permit for solar panel installation.  You can find a copy of the permit here. 

5. How may solar panels would I need to run my house?

This depends on a number of factors including your energy usage, the amount of appropriate roof space available, how much you want to spend and what proportion of your

electricity you wish to generate.  

Most households find that 1-2 kW system is appropriate and a solar company will be able to confirm your needs.  Installing solar power is a great incentive to reduce your

energy consumption, which will therefore require a smaller system.

6. Why can't all my energy needs be met with rooftop solar panels?

The technology does not provide all of the characteristics necessary for a consistent electricity supply.  Primary limitations on complete residential solar supply include the ability to provide energy at all times; output can fall rapidly during cloudy weather and no electricity is provided during evening hours.

Employing a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy such as solar can minimize the environmental impact of electricity use while maintaining reliability.  

7. How much can I save with solar panels?

An average 1 kW system can save up to $215 from your annual energy bill and more if you are able to export back to the grid, but this is merely an average and not a guaranteed savings.

8. What are the advantages of solar energy?

The energy source is free with minimal greehouse gases produced in making solar equipment.  

Solar units can be placed on buildings leaving land free for other uses or for added green space and require little maintenance.  

Solar technology assists those in remote locations that do not have grid access.  

9. Other options?

If solar panels are not a viable option in your current physical situation or financial circumstance, there are a range of other measures which can be implemented

immediately.  These include installation of insulation, energy efficient lighting, adopting a “turn off when not in use” policy and energy efficient appliances.  

10. What is the maximum system size AC or DC allowed?

Residential - 25 kW
Commercial - 525 kW

They cannot exceed 110% of annual kWh for both.  

11. Are batteries allowed or required for installation?

Batteries are allowed.

12. Is there a fee for submission of the interconnection agreement?

There is not a separate fee for the interconnection agreement.  

13. Are customers required to have general liability on their homeowners insurance?

Liability insurance is recommended.

14. Is a meter replacement required for solar panels?

Lansdale Electric will check and if the meter needs to be upgraded, it will be done so at no cost to the customer.  

15. Is a production meter required?

We utilize bidirectional meters. 

16. What is the Borough's buy back rate?

Buy back is at our cost around $0.07/kWh

17. Are placards required? What are the requirements?

Yes, details can be found at https://ecode360.com/34360728

18. Are there any special requirements for installation?

A Lansdale Borough Solar Permit is required.  This includes both building and electrical components.  Click here to view the permit.