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Community & Economic Development

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1. When do I need a residential building permit?

The following Residential projects (not all-inclusive) require a permit, either an over-the-counter permit or a plan review permit.

Over-the-Counter Permit

An over-the-counter permit does not require drawings to be submitted for a plan review. Some examples are:

• Electrical Service
• Furnace Replacement
• Gas Fireplace
• Gas Line to Patio
• Fuel-Fired Water Heater Replacement
• Water/Sewer Line Repair/Replacement

An application is required for an over-the-counter permit. You will need to know the total value of the work to be performed to complete the application.

Plan Review Permit

Various projects will require you to submit drawings for a plan review. Some examples are: 

• New Homes and Additions
• Structural Alterations/Remodel
• Basement Finish
• Carport
• Deck
• Fences over 6 feet in height
• Patio Cover/Pergola
• Pool/Hot Tub

Plan review permits require two identical drawings. Drawings must show all structural components and be to scale. A site plan is required for any addition or structure that will be added to the home, or property.

2. What is a site plan?

A site plan is a scaled drawing of your property. You must show the placement of all additions to the property. Give dimensions of the house, dimensions of any other structures on the property, and dimensions from each structure to all property lines.

3. Where do I get a permit application?

Permit applications are available online at the Permit Information and Applications page or at the Township offices.

4. Why are plumbing and electrical contractors required to be licensed in the Township?

Licensed contractors have provided proof of competency and proof of insurance to the city. This protects the homeowner from incurring costs due to damage by uninsured contractors, and it protects the homeowner from contractors who do not have adequate knowledge of the State adopted building codes. A permit will not be issued until the plumbing and electrical contractors being used to complete the project are licensed. Homeowners doing their own work do not need to be licensed.

5. What does a permit cost?

Please see the Lower Macungie Township Fee Schedule (PDF) on our website or call the permit department at 610-966-4343 for more information.

6. What forms of payment do you take?

We accept cash, checks, or credit card. Credit card transactions incur a $1.50 service charge plus a 3% fee for credit card usage.

7. May I mail my permit application, plans (if applicable), and check to the Township?

Certainly! Call the Permit Department at 610-966-4343 and we will calculate the fees. Mail the permit application and check to the Township, and we will immediately issue the over-the-counter permit applications and mail the permit to you.

8. What is the time frame for the permit process?

Over-the-counter permits are issued once the application has been processed and the fees have been paid in full. Typically, within 24 hours. Permits with plans will have to go through a plan review prior to issuing the permit. All residential plans will be in review for up to 10 days. All commercial plans will be in review for up to 30 days. Please contact the Building Department if you have further questions.

9. How do I schedule an inspection?

Call the Permit Department at 610-966-4343, ext. 134 before noon for a next business day inspection.

10. May I request a specific time for an inspection?

You may request an am or pm inspection time and we will do our best to accommodate that for you, but there are no guarantees. Unfortunately, we cannot give a specific time for your inspection.

11. How do I contact an inspector during the day if I need clarification on his requirements?

Call the Permit Department at 610-966-4343 between 8 am and 4:30 pm and we will contact the inspector to have them call you.

12. Do permits expire?

Permits are valid for 180 days after issuance. Call to renew if you will not complete the project in that timeframe.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. What are the normal operating hours for Lower Macungie parks?

Park hours are 8 am to sunset. Parks must be vacated at sunset.

2. What are the rules of behavior for Lower Macungie parks?

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all parks
• Activities which are all strictly forbidden include:
  • Car maintenance
  • Destruction of park property and vegetation
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Disposal of household refuse
  • Driving golf balls
  • Littering
• Parking is for park visitors only and is restricted to designated areas

These rules are created to provide the most desirable park experience for residents of the township. Please inform the township when violations are noticed.

3. How are Lower Macungie parks maintained and what type of work is routinely performed?

The Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance of township parks. Normal maintenance includes mowing (in-season), cleaning rest facilities, field preparation and equipment repair.

4. What does the "carry in-carry out" clean up policy mean for Lower Macungie parks?

In order to have clean parks and protect the environment everyone leaving townships parks should take all trash with them especially if there are no trash receptacles available. This will ensure a healthy park environment for all future users and put less strain on township resources.

5. What are the funding sources for events, activities and equipment at Lower Macungie parks?

Most are funded by your tax dollars as directed by the Board of Commissioners. Some may be paid for by private donations or by agreements with developers and builders.

6. Does Lower Macungie Township have a pet policy when visiting parks?

Yes, dogs must be leashed and feces removed in a sanitary manner.

7. How do I sign up my child for township sponsored recreational programs?

To sign up for youth programs, please visit our Recreation Portal.

8. How can I volunteer to help improve Lower Macungie Township parks?

You may fill out and submit a Statement of Interest (PDF) to volunteer.

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Public Works

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1. Do you remove dead animals?

If a large animal, such as a deer or bear is dead on a Township road, Public Works will remove it. Call 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Work Department.

If a dead deer or bear is on a PA State-owned, Penn Dot maintenance will move the carcass to the shoulder of the road if it is in the travel lanes only. It will then be picked up by a State contractor.

When a deer or bear is located reasonably close (within 15 or 20 feet off of the right of way) it will be removed by the contractor. Report the issue online. Be very specific and provide the closest address or cross street, which direction it is in, and provide your phone number in case the contractor cannot locate the animal and needs further information. PennDOT does not remove any other type of animal.

2. Who do I call for a live animal (not domesticated) concern?

Please contact the PA State Game Warden by calling 610-926-3136.

3. Who do I call for lost and found domesticated animals?

The closest local shelter is Sanctuary at Haafsville – contact them by calling 484-285-5445.

4. What should I do if I think I see too many dead birds in my neighborhood?

If you think that you have too many dead birds in your area in a short period of time, call the Lehigh County West Nile virus program at 610-391-9840.

5. Who can I contact for information about LMT Field Use availability?

You can contact the Lower Macungie Township Community Center at 610-966-6924.

6. Can I get further information regarding curbside seasonal grass and yard waste collections?

Please view the collection calendar and detailed collection requirements. Feel free to call Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 if you require additional information not addressed on the website.

7. When do our new developments roadways become the responsibility of Lower Macungie Township?

Roads are completed and dedicated on your developer's timeline. You would need to contact the individual developer for information. Lower Macungie Township is not provided with the developer's schedule for road completion.

8. Who can I report “farm odors” to?

Please contact the Lehigh County Conservation District at 610-391-9583, ext. 22.

9. Can I get information regarding LMT’s leaf collection?

Please view detailed information regarding our curbside collection. Feel free to call Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 if you require additional information not addressed on the website.

10. What should I do if I am concerned about mosquitoes?

Please call Lehigh County West Nile Virus and Mosquito Control Program at 610-391-9840 or email the Lehigh County Extension.

11. Why are there spray-painted colored lines in the street? What is Pennsylvania One Call?

Whenever anyone is digging deeper than one foot in the ground, they are required to place a call to PA One Call. The call must be placed three days in advance (unless it is an emergency) and the dig area must be outlined, usually in white. Once the call is placed, every agency that has lines in that vicinity are required to go to the site and mark the locations of where their underground lines are in relation to the area to be excavated. Each agency marks in a different color. (i.e. sewers and drains in green, power lines in red, etc.) 

If you have any questions about a proposed dig in your area, call 800-242-1776 or visit PA One Call's website. Please note, home improvements on a weekend do not qualify as an emergency.

12. Where can I get more information regarding the plowing of public roads?

Please view the Snow Guide page for detailed information regarding Lower Macungie Township plowing. Feel free to call Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 if you require additional information not addressed on the website. 

If your inquiry is on a State-owned road, please contact PennDot at 610-798-4280 or submit an inquiry online at PennDot's website.

13. How can I report potholes?

If the pothole is on a State-owned road, please contact PennDot at 610-798-4280 or submit an inquiry online via PennDot's website.

If the pothole is on a Lower Macungie Township road, please call Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants.

Not sure of the ownership of the road?  View a list of State-owned roads in LMT (PDF).

14. Is there a list I can review specific items for trash removal requirements and recycling options?

We have composed a comprehensive A to Z guide (PDF) of numerous materials on how to prepare items for both trash removal and recycling. This list also gives you options if the item you have to recycle is not acceptable via Township services.

15. Where is my sanitary sewer curbside cleanout?

Curbside cleanouts are usually located near the curb or on your lawn. If the cap becomes missing or broken it is the responsibility of the property owner to replace it. These can be purchased at any home improvement store.

16. Who decides where a school bus stop is located?

East Penn School District works in conjunction with First Student to determine where school bus stops will be placed. Placement of school bus stops is not a decision made by Lower Macungie Township.

Contact Information

• East Penn School District Phone: 610-966-8300
• First Student Phone: 610-966-5191

17. Who can I call if I have a sewer problem?

Call Public Works at 610.966-4343, ext. 117. Our hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. 

If there is a problem after hours, such as a blockage, call the same number, wait for the message to start, then press 1. You will be connected to Dispatch Answering Service. Be prepared to give them an exact location, a contact name, phone number, and an explanation of the problem.

18. When is street cleaning/sweeping done?

Street sweeping usually starts during the first week of April depending on weather, emergencies, and equipment. If you have additional questions about street cleaning, contact us at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants.

19. Where can I report a street light repair?

Please contact PPL at 1-800-342-5775. PPL must have the exact address and/or the location of the pole. In addition, they will ask for the pole numbers. There are two numbers inscribed on a tag, which is fastened to the pole. They must have both numbers. 

If PPL does not repair the street light within one month, call Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants.

20. How do I report an existing street sign that is down or missing?

If the sign is on a Township road, please call Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants. If it is a stop sign, please call us instead of emailing.  

If the sign is on a State-owned road, please contact PennDot at 610-798-4280 or submit a concern online via the PennDot website.

21. How do I submit a traffic control request?

Any traffic control requests including sign requests (stop signs, watch children, etc.) or speeding complaints, must be submitted via our Traffic Concern/Signage Request Form..

22. How do you handle tree trimming?

View the Township’s tree trimming guide. Feel free to call Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants if you require additional information not addressed on the website.

23. What do I do about a dead or diseased tree?

If the tree is on private property it is the responsibility of the property owner. Trees at the curbside or in the Right of Way, “street trees,” were planted as an improvement to residential properties and are also the responsibility of the homeowner. Please note: Street trees must be replaced within 6 months after removal. A no-cost tree removal permit (PDF) is needed. If you have additional questions, please contact Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants.

24. Where can I submit a request for a bulk item or have a complaint about the Township's trash/recycling services?

You can submit your refuse concerns via the Trash and Recycling Form.

25. Where can I review general trash and recycling disposal guidelines?

Please view the following resources:

• A to Z Guide to Recycling and Trash Disposal (PDF)
• Full Guide of What Is and Is Not Collected for Trash / Recycling (PDF)
• Not Recyclable Material (PDF)
• Recyclable Material (PDF)

If you have additional questions, please contact Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants.

26. Where can I call to report water run-off from farm fields?

Please contact the Lehigh County Conservation District at 610-391-9583, ext. 22.

27. Who can I call to report a water main leak?

Please contact the Lehigh County Authority at 610-398-2503.

28. Who can I call to report a broken water shut-off cap?

Metal caps marked with “water” are the property of Lehigh County Water Authority. Please contact them if they are broken or missing by calling 610-398-2503.

29. Where can I go to get answers regarding the Yard Waste Recycling Center located at 5536 Indian Creek Road?

Please view the Yard Waste/Compost Center page for information regarding our drop-off site. If you have additional questions, please contact Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants.

30. I have questions regarding our sanitary sewer. Where can I look for information?

Please view the Sanitary Sewer page for information. If you have additional questions, please contact Public Works at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants.

31. Can you provide any information on the storm drains?

Federal Law now requires us to monitor storm sewers. This law also requires us to enforce against any individual or corporation that disposes of debris or chemicals that could contaminate the waterways. Fines could be substantial. Common items found in storm sewers that cause blockages are: 

• Dog Waste
• Pesticides
• Grass
• Leaves
• Dirt
• Weeds
• Paint
• Vehicle fluids

Please do your part to keep our streams and waterways clean.

32. Where can I find information regarding curbside leaf collection?

View information on the Leaf Collection page. If you have additional questions about leaf removal, please contact us at 610-966-4343, ext. 117 or email the Public Works Department Administrative Assistants.