Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit the Chester County Solid Waste Authority's Household Hazardous Waste informational page.

Please fill out the form available at the link below:

Easttown Township believes that transparency and effective communication is essential to good governance and encourages residents and stakeholders to provide input regarding ways to improve its methods. If you have any suggestions regarding the layout or information provided on this site, please let us know! Email us at easttown@easttown.org or call us at 610-687-3000. Thank you! 

While Easttown Township does not have a catalogue of site maps or plot plans for every property within its jurisdiction, you may submit an Open Records request to access any site maps, plot plans, or lot drawings on file from previous permits or historical property records. Additionally, aerial views of each property along with district information, set back requirements, and land use information can be found using Easttown Township's interactive zoning map, MapLink. If you are seeking high levels of detail for your property, you may wish to hire a company to create a site map or perform a land survey.

All Building permits (including Re-roofing and Mechanical permits) have an application fee and a permit fee. Note: A permit is not valid until the required fees are collected.

As of December 2022, according to the Easttown Township fee schedule* the application fee is $75 for residential properties and $105 for non-residential or multi-family properties.

The permit fee for all building permits is calculated as 2% of the project cost.

Kindly note that additional fees apply for Certificates of Occupancy (CO). If a building project requires a CO, a fee will be added to the permit cost upon approval ($75 for residential projects and $105 for non-residential). Should a residential temporary or conditional CO be requested, another fee will be charged for the additional CO.

*The Easttown Township Fee Schedule is reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Supervisors. Please be sure to review the most current fee schedule prior to applying for your permit.

If you did not receive an automated payment request email within 24 hours of your permit approval notice, please call or email the Permit Clerk at 610-687-3000 or easttown@easttown.org. Please note that the automated payment request process for final permit fees due does not apply to zoning permits or drainage permits.

There is not a specific requirement to post the permit on-site, however, the permit holder must keep a copy of the permit and any released plans on the work site until the completion of the construction.

A zoning permit expires (becomes invalid) after one year from the date of issuance.

A building permit expires (becomes invalid) unless the authorized construction work begins within 180 days after the permit’s issuance or if the authorized construction work permit is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after the work has commenced. A permit holder may submit a written request for an extension of time to commence construction for just cause. The building code official may grant extensions of time to commence construction in writing. A permit may be valid for no more than 5 years from its issue date.

All work shall be performed in accordance with the approved construction documents. The permit holder shall submit a revised set of construction documents for approval for changes made during construction that are not in accordance with the approved construction documents.

In order to change, remove, or add a new contractor to your open permit, submit the following information in person or by email to easttown@easttown.org: 

1. Letter signed by the applicant and property owner referencing the permit number and informing the township of the addition/change/removal of contractors
2. Certificate of Insurance showing Easttown Township as the Certificate Holder for new contractor listing the following: 
   • General Liability Coverage
   • Worker's Compensation Coverage
     • If the contractor is not required to carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance, a notarized affidavit must be submitted
3. Copy of contractor’s PA Home Improvement Registration 
   • If the contract does not hold this registration, the contractor must register with the township directly

An electrical permit would be considered a type of building permit and can be applied for using the general building permit application (parts X and XI on page 3 are specific to electrical work). 

Note: Easttown Township does not provide the required electrical inspection services in order to authorize work to be installed in construction projects. The contractor of record shall supply their own electrical inspection through an authorized agency. For all work requiring an electrical permit, an approved third party electrical underwriter must be selected and all submitted electrical plans must contain an approval stamp from the chosen underwriter.

A third party electrical underwriter is an agency certified by the PA Department of Labor & Industry.  

Underwriters provide code services to ensure all electrical installations comply with applicable provisions of the National Electrical Code and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.

• American Inspection Agency, Inc. – 610-678-4336 | 342 Miller Road, Sinking Spring, PA 19608
• Bureau Veritas-Atlantic Inland Inspection, Inc. – 610-543-3925 | 790A Parkway Drive, Broomall, PA 19008
• Code Inspections, Inc. – 215-672-9400 | 603 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA 19044
• Commonwealth Code Inspections Service, Inc. – 717-664-2347 | 176 Doe Run Road, Manheim, PA 17545
• Middle Atlantic Inspections, Inc. – 215-322-2626 | 302 East Pennsylvania Boulevard, Feasterville, PA 19053
• Middle Department Inspections Agency, Inc. – 610-696-3900 | PO Box 2654, West Chester, PA 19380
• United Inspection Agency (Len Warren) – 215-542-9977 | 716 N. Bethlehem Pike, Suite 300, Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002

Emergency repairs or replacement of equipment may be made without first applying for a permit if a permit application is submitted to the building code official within three (3) business days of the repair or replacement.

A plumbing permit is considered a type of building permit and can be applied for using the general building permit application. The scope of work for this type of permit would be limited to work performed on interior plumbing. 

A Sanitary Sewer permit application is separate from the general building permit application and applies to work performed between the principal building and the sewer main. This includes, but may not be limited to, repairs to the sewer lateral as well as disconnection, reconnection, or new connection to the sewer main.

Costs for Sanitary Sewer permits will vary depending on the scope of work. Please refer to the most recent Easttown Township Fee Schedule for more details.

A building code official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy (CO) for a portion or portions of the building or structure before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit if the portion or portions may be occupied safely. The building code official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.

In order to request a temporary/conditional certificate of occupancy in Easttown Township, kindly submit the following:

1. Letter of instruction signed by the permit holder requesting a conditional CO referencing the open building permit number, property address, and date by which the project is expected to be completed.
2. $10,000 check deposit* to be held in escrow until project completion. 

*Please note projects related to an open subdivision plan may be subject to a different deposit amount. 

If a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required for your project, a final occupancy inspection must be conducted and all outstanding payments (permit fees and Township Consultant Fees) must be paid in full. Provided all fees are paid and final inspection has passed, the Building Code Official will issue a final certificate of occupancy within five (5) business days.*

*Per the Easttown Township fee schedule, a Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until all outstanding payments (permit fees and Township Consultant Fees) have been paid in full.

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• The submitted construction drawings shall include, but not limited to, the following:
  • Footing Layout Plan indicating location, size, and type.
  • Framing Plan indicating the size, spacing, and attachment method of all members.
  • Railing and star details indicating the size, spacing, and attachment method of all members.
• If installing electric power of 120 volts or greater, then submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application.
• If installing plumbing, then submit two (2) copies of the plumbing system showing the size of all drains, vents, traps and materials.
• If installing gas appliances, then submit two (2) copies of the mechanical system.

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• If the building is NOT a single-family dwelling, an inspection must be completed for asbestos and all hazardous materials shall be removed by a certified contractor. Certification of asbestos and all hazardous material removal shall be submitted with this Building Permit Application.
• Submit utility companies’ letters attesting that services are disconnected from the building. Please note that the sanitary sewer will be disconnected and inspected by Easttown Township after the permit is issued and before any demolition is started.
• Submit a letter outlining how the demolition is to take place and where the demolition materials will be disposed of.
• Submit a letter from a certified exterminator that the building is inspected and free from rodents.

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• The submitted floor plan shall include, but not limited to, the following:
  • Entire area of the basement.
  • Rooms labeled by use.
  • Existing features located, such as doors, windows, and stairs.
  • Cross section detail of walls to be constructed.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector locations.
  • Type, thickness, and R-factor of insulation.
  • Emergency escape and/or second means of egress.
  • For any structural work, plans shall be signed and sealed by an Architect or Engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application.
• Submit two (2) copies of the plumbing system showing the size of all drains, vents, traps and materials.  If an ejector sump with pump is to be used, then also submit the manufacture’s specifications.
• Submit two (2) copies of the mechanical system showing the heating and cooling system.  If using the existing heating and cooling equipment, then provide calculations to prove it is large enough to heat and cool the entire dwelling.  If adding a new system, then provide the location of the new equipment and duct work and provide calculations to prove it is large enough to heat and/or cool the finished area.

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• Submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application.
• Submit two (2) copies of the mechanical system diagram.
• Submit two (2) copies of the all equipment’s technical specifications.
• Submit a copy of well permit issued by the Chester County Health Department (CCHD).  If the well is to be drilled prior to this Application, then the Applicant must inform the Township in writing and submit the CCHD Permit.

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• The submitted construction drawings shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
  • Detail materials to be used.
  • Provide technical specifications of the system to be used.
  • For roof top installations, the construction drawings shall be signed and sealed by an Architect or Engineer licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to approve the existing roof for the added dead loads.

• Submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application. 

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• Submit two (2) copies of a diagram of the gas line to be installed, that includes location, size of gas line, and materials to be used.  If using SST gas pipe, then it must be installed per the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Submit two (2) copies of the electrical wiring diagram approved by one of the Approved Electrical Underwriters attached to this Application.

Any required Zoning Permits or Drainage Permits must be obtained prior to the start of work

• The submitted construction drawings shall include, but not limited to, the following:
  • Details of the pool, decking, and other structural elements related to the pool construction.
  • Details on the fence to enclose the pool, including height, gates, locks, alarms, and type of fence to be installed or for existing fences proof that it meets today’s standard for pool fencing.

• Items should be set out for collection by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day (no earlier than than 6:00 PM the night prior to collection).
• Empty containers must be removed before 8:00 PM the day of collection.

YES - On your Yard Waste Collection Day, all yard waste - including leaves and branches - should be placed curbside EITHER in biodegradable paper bags OR in open-ended trash containers to be emptied.  

Limbs/Branches may be placed for collection outside of a container IF they have been cut down and tied together with string, not exceeding 6 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter. 

The following items must be emptied, rinsed, dried, and combined into the recycling bin:

• CORRUGATED PAPER - e.g. cardboard, product packaging - cut into 2'x2' pieces
• MIXED PAPER - e.g. discarded mail, magazines, newspapers, school or office paper - clean and dry
• CLEAR AND COLORED GLASS CONTAINERS - e.g. bottles, jars, containers
• ALUMINUM, STEEL OR BIMETAL CONTAINERS - e.g. food or beverage cans, emptied/punctured aerosol cans
• PLASTICS - resin codes 1-7 only - with the lids on

• Garbage
• Plastic Bags
• Food Waste
• Food-Tainted Items
• Polystyrene Cups or Plates
• Motor Oil Bottles
• Hazardous Chemical Containers
• Plastic Toys
• Sporting Goods
• Electronics
• Batteries
• CDs/DVDs
• Foam Egg Cartons
• Light Bulbs
• Hangers
• Yard Waste
• Garden Tools
• Diapers

YES - Republic can take the following appliances curbside once all food items, trash and freon is removed:

• Microwave
• Garbage Disposal
• Toaster Oven
• Washers
• Dryers
• Dishwashers
• Stoves
• Ovens
• Hot Water Heater (emptied)
• Refrigerator
• Freezer
• Dehumidifier
• Air Conditioner

Contact Chester County Solid Waste Authority for additional disposal resources at 610-273-3771 or visit their website https://www.chestercountyswa.org/.

A container is considered contaminated when your recycling bin contains trash, the materials are soiled by foods/liquids, or items are placed in plastic bags.  For recyclable materials to have a second life, they must be clean and free from contaminants.

Follow these three simple rules to recycle right:

1. Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper & cardboard.
2. Keep food and liquid out of your recycling.
3. No loose plastic bags and no bagged recyclables.

YES - Republic's service includes one (1) bulk item per week.  The following items are able to be collected curbside:

• Door
• Bike
• Wheel Barrel
• Push Mower (fuel and oil removed)
• Basketball Pole (cut in half)
• Kitchen Table
• 4 Kitchen Chairs
• Entertainment Center (broken down)
• Headboard
• Sink
• Vanity
• Toilet
• Driving mower
• Snow blower (drained of all fluids)
• Mattress/Box Spring set (wrapped in plastic)
• Sofa
• Loveseat
• Chair
• Recliner
• Sectional

For additional info, please see /DocumentCenter/View/4301/Republic-Services-AcceptableUnacceptable-Materials.

The local Earned Income Tax (EIT) was enacted in 1965 under Act 511, the state law that gives municipalities and school districts the legal authority to levy a tax on individual gross earned income/compensation and net profits.  The tax is based on the taxpayer's place of residence (domicile) and NOT their place of employement.  The EIT is separate from teh Pennsylvania personal income tax (your state income tax).

Any resident of a municipality and/or school district who was employed druing the calendar year, and/or received taxable income during the calendar year is subject to the tax.  In most cases, your employer already deducts the EIT from your regular paycheck.  If your employer did not deduct the tax, you were self-employed, or you withdrew money from a deferred compensation plan, you are responsible for filling out the appropriate EIT forms and making payment on said amounts.

Earned income is salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, incentive payments, fees, tips and/or other compensation for services rendered.  Net profits is income from the operation of a business, profession, or other activity, after provisions for cost and expenses have been incurred, and for which no taxes have been deducted.

As a payroll deduction, the EIT does not increase operating costs or fees to businesses.  The EIT is withheld automatiaclly by any payroll vendor.

Yes.  Employee contributions to an employer-sponsored deferred compensation plan are taxable in the year in which they are made, unlike the tax deferral offered at the federal level.  The Internal Revenue Service taxes deferred compensation when it is iwthdrawn from your account, but local taxes are imposed before the deferred amount is deposited into your retirement account.

Interest earnings, dividends, social security, capital gains, lottery winnings, unemployment, 3rd party sick pay, insurance proceeds, gifts, bequests, inheritances, and active military duty pay are not taxable.  Reserve military duty pay is taxable unless it is deemed to be active duty.

No - since social security and other entitlement programs are not income, the EIT is not applicable.

There is no known impact of an EIT on property values.  With 90% of Chester County municipalities and school districts already having an EIT, there is no evidence of any negative effects on property values.

Commercial establishments are no longer permitted to provide any Customer a Single-Use, Plastic Carry-Out Bag (defined below), applying to bags provided for the purpose of carrying goods away from the point-of-sale, including takeout deliveries.

Per §320-2 of Ordinance No. 451-22, a SINGLE-USE, PLASTIC CARRY-OUT BAG is defined as:  any bag that is made predominantly of plastic that is made through a blown-film extrusion process, which is provided by an Operator of a Commercial Establishment to a Customer at the point-of-sale, but not including an Exempted Bag.

Business can still provide compliant bags that meet certain criteria.  

Per §320-2, a COMPLIANT BAG is defined as (abridged):  certain paper carry-out bags and reusable bags.

1. Paper Bag Requirements:
   1. Must be considered recyclable materials with a minimim of 40% post-consumer recycled material, and displaying the words "Recyclable" and/or "Reusable" in a highly visible manner on the outside fo the bag; or
   2. Must be able to be composted.
2. Reusable Bags Requirements:
   1. Made of cloth or other machine-washable fabric;
   2. A polypropylene bag; or
   3. Other material that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse.

YES - Businesses can decide whether to provide compliant paper bags for free or charge per bag.  The business may charge up to $0.15 per bag.  The EAC urges businesses to encourage their customers to bring their own reusable bags when they shop.

YES!

Per §320-2 of Ordinance No. 451-22, an EXEMPTED BAG is defined as:  a bag used inside a Commercial Establishment by a Customer to deliver perishable items to the point-of-sale at that establishing, including:

1. a bag used to package bulk items such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, or candy;
2. a bag used to contain or wrap meats or fish, or to contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods;
3. a bag used solely to contain live animals, such as fish or insects sold in a pet store; and/or
4. a bag sold in packaging containing multiple bags and intended for use as food storage bags, garbage bags, orpet waste bags, and packaged at teh time of manufacture of the bag.

YES - bags used to deliver perishable items to the point-of-sale are exempt.

Biodegradable plastic bags are 20-100% more expensive than petrochemical plastics, and although they are marketed as more eco-friendly solutions, able to break down into harmless material more quickly than traditional plastics, they do so only under certain conditions.  In addition, they require energy and create waste like other manufacturing processes.

You can submit an anonymous tip by email the Police Department at police@easttown.org.

NO - we do not at this time.  The following site may be helpful:  https://www.identogo.com/locations.  

The Police Department has a specially-appointed Traffic Safety Officer who handles all traffic concerns.  Please contact Officer Boyd if you have a question or concern involving any and all traffic issues:  bboyd@easttown.org or 610-341-9780 x515.

YES - if you would like to secure an officer for your upcoming special event, please call the Police Department directly or email us at police@easttown.org.  

If you would like to obtain a copy of a traffic accieent, please visit:  www.crashdocs.org.  Please note:  State reportable accident reports are generally available 7-12 days after the date of the accident; accident reports are $15 per report.

Most requests fall under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know (RTK) Law.  If you would like to obtain a copy of an incident report, please complete a RTK Form. For more information about the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law, please visit https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/RTKL/About.cfm.