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1. Is a permit required to use an alarm system in West Whiteland Township?

Yes. Alarm users are required to file a short application/information form with the Police Department and pay a one-time fee of $25. (Users 65 years and older are exempt from the $25 fee.) Alarm Permit Application (PDF)

2. Does my alarm ring directly to the Police Department?

No. The alarm signal must alert a central monitoring station. A dispatcher from the central monitoring station will call the Chester County Department of Emergency Services (DES)/911. DES will dispatch the Police.

3. Must installers of alarm systems meet any requirements under the Ordinance?

Yes. Installers and monitoring service providers have many requirements under the Ordinance, including the presentation of evidence of insurance coverage, a list of all accounts in West Whiteland Township, provisions for repair services and an annual permit fee. Installers and monitoring service providers should contact Mrs. Johnson at 610-363-0200 for details.

4. If I have a false alarm activation, will I be charged a fee?

Yes. For purposes of reimbursing the Township for the expense of responding to false alarm activations, users of alarm systems that generate false alarms will be charged a fee for each response.

5. What happens if my system has many false alarms?

A system that has four or more false alarms in a calendar year will be subject to being placed on “verified response” status by the Chief of Police. Verified response means that the Police Department will no longer respond to future alarms at this site. Any alarm must then be verified by a representative of the user or of the central monitoring service as being a true emergency before the Police will be dispatched. (Verified status does not apply to holdup, panic or duress alarms.) The Chief of Police may remove any alarm system from verified response status upon receipt of evidence that the problems causing the false alarms have been corrected.

If you have any other questions, contact Mrs. Johnson at 610-363-0200.

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1. Where are the Board of Supervisor's agendas?

The agendas are located here

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1. Where is the West Whiteland Township building?

The Township building is located at 101 Commerce Drive, at the corner of Route 100, across from Main Street at Exton. Where?

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1. How do I reserve a park?

Please reserve a park here.

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1. What are the permit fees?

Fee Schedule for Permits & Inspections

2. How long does it take for permit approvals?

- Residential permit applications can take up to 15 days.
- Commercial permit applications can take up to 30 to 60 days. This depends on the complexity and the completeness of the application.

3. What are the inspection requirements?

24-hour notice is required for all inspection requests. You will be notified what inspections are required when your permit is issued.

4. What type of work or uses require a permit?

The list below shows some of the work that will require a permit. If you are unsure if the work you are doing requires a permit, please contact the Permits and Inspections department.
- Additions
- Alterations
- Decks
- Fences
- Finished basements
- Heater/air conditioner replacements
- Kitchen and bath renovations
- New buildings
- New electrical services
- Pools
- Re-roofs
- Sheds
- Signs
- Tenant fit-outs
- Underground and above ground tank removal or installation
- Wood burning stoves

5. What is needed for submittal of a new residential building, addition, or renovation?

- A plot plan indicating the locations of the new building or addition on your lot with distance to the property lines and/or right-of-way.
- Two sets of plans indicating the type of construction showing how it will be built. Include construction details indicating size of wood, spans interior wall surfaces, footer sizes, header spans and type of material. Show typical wall and roof details of the new construction.
- Complete building permit applications and submit contractor information.
- If the new building and/or addition is more than one-story, architectural drawing with the signature and seal of the designer is required.

6. What do I need for a deck permit?

A building application, plot plan, and deck drawings. Deck and building permit application forms are available to pick-up at the Township building or you may download the forms from the list of Permit Applications.

7. How do I know when I need a Building and Zoning Permit?

Most construction projects require permits. If you have a question as to whether or not a permit is needed, please contact the Permits and Inspections office.

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1. Why hasn't West Whiteland stopped Sunoco from converting Mariner East 1 to NGLs or from building Mariner East 2 in our community?

Because West Whiteland Township did not have any regulatory authority over the repurposing of Mariner East 1 and has not had any regulatory authority over Sunoco’s proposed construction of Mariner East 2. West Whiteland Township does not have enforcement or regulatory authority over the location of underground transmission pipelines, or whether a pipeline is constructed by horizontal directional drilling or open trench construction, or the type of product that will flow through the new pipelines or any of the existing pipelines.  To the extent there are regulations for underground transmission pipeline siting, methods of construction or use, they are enforced by federal and state agencies.  

2. What is the evacuation plan if there is a pipeline accident?

It depends on the incident.  There is no one size fits all response to a pipeline accident, or any other kind of accident or emergency. In some cases, emergency responders will want people to stay in place because they already are safe. In others, they will want people within a certain vicinity of the incident to evacuate. The extent and direction of an evacuation would depend on the nature of the accident, weather conditions at that time and any other factors affecting conditions on the ground.

If there were a major pipeline emergency, many fire, ambulance and police departments would respond. There would be numerous first responders on the scene working to get people to safety. As a result, people near the emergency would find out quickly what they should do.

3. When will our emergency responders receive training about NGL pipelines?

They already have.  Every year, first responders from the West Whiteland Fire Company, along with other local fire companies, and Chester County’s Hazardous Materials Response Team receive hazmat training to respond to incidents involving natural gas, natural gas liquids and many other types of hazards.  They are trained and prepared to respond to a pipeline emergency and will direct people where to go (or stay) to be safe.

4. Will I ignite an explosion if I use my cell phone near a leak?

This scenario is not impossible, but it is very unlikely.  You would have to be close enough to the leak in an environment that has the exact mixture of flammable vapors and air required for ignition, and even then, the chance of the phone as an ignition source is small. The many benefits from calling in an emergency or receiving emergency notifications far outweigh the small risk of a spark.

As a reminder, if you smell or hear gas outside that you think may come from a leak, please walk away before calling 911.

5. How would I know I was near a leak of natural gas liquids since they are colorless and odorless?

The Mariner East 2 pipeline will be at least 4 feet underground.  The portions of the pipeline installed by horizontal directional drilling will be anywhere from 20 to 220 feet underground.  If there is a leak deep underground, you will not see it.  The first likely sign will be a decrease in pressure detected by the pipeline system, which would trigger shut off.  Required inspections also can detect issues that may arise inside the pipe or with the protective coating.

For leaks closer to the surface, here is guidance:    

• Because pipelines transporting NGLs are pressurized to keep the product in a liquid form, you would hear a hissing sound from a leak, like air coming out of a balloon.
• Similarly, if the leak occurred in water or even a puddle, the pressure would cause bubbling.
• NGLs that leak into the atmosphere typically would form a visible vapor cloud, like white mist or smoke, as water molecules in the air condense when mixing with the cold gas.  Because the vapors from the NGLs are heavier than air, they would tend to hang low to the ground.
• If the leak is underground but close enough to the surface to impact vegetation, you may see dead grass or a brown spot in otherwise healthy vegetation, or an isolated area of frost on the ground.

Companies transporting natural gas to end users, such as PECO, often add odorant to add in detection.  Sunoco cannot add odorant to the NGLs in the Mariner East system because of the potential end uses of the products, such as textiles and plastics.

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1. What kinds of things does the Zoning Ordinance regulate?

The Zoning Ordinance establishes what activities are permitted in the Township as well as how buildings are placed on the land. Since not all activities are appropriate in all areas, the Ordinance divides the Township into zoning districts. There are currently nine different kinds of zoning districts in the Township: four for different densities of residential use; one that allows for a mix of compatible uses, including residential, commercial, and office uses; one for small-scale commercial use; one for office buildings and office parks; and two for different kinds of industrial uses. For each district, the Ordinance specifies what uses are permitted as well as how large the lots must be, the minimum distance required between buildings and the property lines, how much of the property must remain unbuilt and unpaved, and how tall buildings may be. Our Zoning Ordinance also includes extensive provisions for the protection and preservation of our historic resources.

2. What zoning district am I in?

You will need to look at the Zoning Map to answer this question. You can access the Township Zoning Ordinance, which includes the Zoning Map, from this website. Complete hard copies of the Zoning Ordinance and Map are also available for purchase at the Township Building. Staff can assist you in finding your property on the map if you are unsure of where it is. Township Zoning Ordinance

3. What if I want to do something that the zoning doesn't allow?

In Pennsylvania, the Zoning Officer only has the authority to enforce the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance; they do not have the authority to grant any relief from those provisions. If you are in a situation where, for example, your property is so narrow that you can’t build an addition on the side of your house that will still provide for the minimum distance required between the house and the property line, you will need to apply for a “variance.” In West Whiteland, the variance process includes an informal presentation to the Board of Supervisors followed by a formal hearing before the Zoning Hearing Board. The Zoning Hearing Board makes the ultimate decision on whether or not to grant a request for a variance. The process is explained fully in the Zoning Ordinance. If you are considering applying for a variance, you may wish to discuss it with the Zoning Officer to be sure of how your particular circumstances may affect the process.

4. What is a subdivision?

A subdivision occurs any time that land is divided into two or more properties. Any change in a lot line is also considered a subdivision. The process for making a subdivision is described in the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

5. What is a land development?

A subdivision is one kind of land development. Most kinds of construction are considered land development, and must be approved by the process provided for in the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. Significantly, the construction of a single house on an existing lot, the construction of an addition to an existing house, and the construction of an accessory structure (such as a garden shed, detached garage, or swimming pool) on a residential lot are not considered types of land development, so these activities are exempt from this process.

6. What permits do I need for my project?

That depends on exactly what you’re doing. Even if you don’t need land development approval, all construction activities, including do-it-yourself projects, will require a Building Permit and a Zoning Permit. It’s best to contact the Township office for complete information. Few homeowner projects require permits issued by the Planning and Zoning Department (other than the Zoning Permit); most require permits from the Permits and Inspections Department. Permit Applications

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1. How do I change my billing address?

Please email sewerbills@westwhiteland.org with the address for service and the new billing address.

2. Why am I getting billed for trash/recycling when we are in a community with our own trash/recycling service? Why am I getting a bill for sewer when I have an onsite septic system?

You receive a combined bill for sewer usage and trash/recycling. For residential customers in 2018, if you have both sewer and trash/recycling, your bill should be $334. If you just use the sewer, your bill should be $285. If you just have trash/recycling, your bill should be $49. If you think there is an error in your bill, please email sewerbills@westwhiteland.org or call us at 484-875-6025.

3. Does my mortgage company pay this bill? Is this escrowed with my mortgage company?

No, this is not a tax. It is a service provided. Please pay the bill directly via the methods noted on the bill and noted here in the FAQ.

4. Where do I send my check?

Make checks payable to West Whiteland Township. Mail to P.O. Box 8379, Lancaster, PA 17604. Detach and include the bottom portion of the bill and include your account number on your check.

5. Can I pay online?

Yes. Click Pay Online on our homepage, or click here.  You will need the account and PIN numbers on your bill.  If you lose the bill, you can contact the Township to retrieve your PIN.  You will be able to make a payment with NO FEES via credit card or Automated Clearing House (ACH). You can also view and/or print your bill or current balance at any time.

If you are a non-residential customer and have a consolidated bill for multiple accounts, you cannot pay online via this site. You can set-up recurring ACH or pay in person by credit card.

6. Can I give you my credit card information over the phone or in person?

We would prefer that you pay online so that credit card information is entered securely. We can also take credit cards in person at the Finance window in the Township building. It is helpful if you have your payment coupon but not required.

7. Can I drop the payment off in person?

Yes. For your convenience, there is a drop box in front of our building at 101 Commerce Drive, Exton, PA 19341. Pull up to the circle (between the orange balls) and you will see a grey box that says “DROP BOX. TOWNSHIP PAYMENTS ONLY” with a slit above the text. Please put the payment stub and check with account number in an envelope. A stamp is not required and you don’t even have to park.

8. I know I saw the bill but I can’t find it. What do I do?

For residential properties, you have the option to pay the bill in full in one payment or to make up to three installment payments.  The first payment is due on 7/13/2018.  The amounts and due dates are below. 

You can follow the instructions in this FAQ for sending a check but put your service address on the check.  You can also view your bill or current balance and pay online with no fees but will have to contact the Finance Department (484-875-6025) to get your account number and PIN.

Non-Residential customers should call the office at 484-875-6025. 

Residential Payment Options, Due Dates & Rates
		Service
Payment Option	Due Date	Sewer & Trash/Recycling	Sewer Only	Trash/Recycling Only
Pay in Full	7/13/18	$334	$285	$49
Installment Option
Installment 1	7/13/18	$111.34	$95	$16.34
Installment 2	9/13/18	$111.33	$95	$16.33
Installment 3	11/13/18	$111.33	$95	$16.33

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1. Earned Income Tax (EIT)

Every person who lives in West Whiteland Township (WWT) and is employed must pay the Earned Income Tax (EIT) at a rate of 1%. Employers in WWT are required to withhold the EIT on behalf of their employees, regardless of where the employee lives. If you do not have earned income tax withheld from your wages or are self-employed, you are required to report and remit earned income tax quarterly to Keystone Collections Group, the earned income tax collector. 

The due dates for EIT filings are as follows: 

• Q1 (January 1 through March 31) - due April 30 
• Q2 (April 1 through June 30) - due July 31 
• Q3 (July 1 through September 30) - due October 31
• Q4 (October 1 through December 31) - due January 31

Penalty and interest will be assessed if you fail to file in a timely manner. 

Taxing Entity	WWT Residents	Non-residents work in WWT/ live in municipality w/o EIT	Non-residents work in WWT/ live in municipality w/ EIT
West Whiteland Township	0.5%	1.0%	0%
West Chester Area School District	0.5%	0%	0%
Total EIT Rate	1.0%	1.0%	0%

The PSD code for WWT is 151206.

If you have questions concerning the filing of this tax return or concerning the quarterly filing requirement, please contact Keystone Collections Group at 724-978-0300.

Keystone Collections Group

2. Local Services Tax (LST)

Every person who works in West  Whiteland Township (WWT) and earns more than $12,000/year pays the local service tax (LST) of $52/year. Every employer in WWT is required to withhold the LST on behalf of their employees and remit payment to Keystone Collections Group.

3. Chester County Real Estate Tax

The Chester County real estate tax bill is computed by multiplying the millage (or tax) rate by the assessed value of the property. Mills are the amount each property is taxed per $1,000 of assessed value. In 2018, the county real estate tax rate is 4.369 mills. This tax is collected by the Chester County Treasurers Office.

To calculate your tax bill, use the following formula:
 Assessed value  x   Mills   /   1,000

4. West Chester Area School District Real Estate Tax

The West Chester Area School District (WCASD) real estate tax bill is computed by multiplying the millage (or tax) rate by the assessed value of the property. Mills are the amount each property is taxed per $1,000 of assessed value. In 2018, the WCSAD real estate tax rate is 20.6741 mills. This tax is collected by Berkheimer Associates.

To calculate your tax bill, use the following formula:
 Assessed value  x   Mills   /   1,000

5. Real Estate Transfer Tax

The real estate transfer tax is paid at closing when a property is sold. The buyer and the seller each pay 1% of the total sale price (resulting in a total transfer tax rate of 2%). The overall allocation of the tax is as follows:

West Whiteland Township	0.5%
West Chester Area School District	0.5%
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania	1.0%
Total Transfer Tax Rate	2.0%

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1. What days is the trash picked up?

Please place your trash bags out by 6 a.m. on Tuesday mornings.