FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN ARE BUILDING PERMITS REQUIRED?
Building permits are required for all construction whether
to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish a
structure or to convert or replace any electrical, gas, plumbing
or mechanical systems. The Borough of Royersford enforces
the 2006 International Building Code. Please contact Borough
Hall to obtain permit applications.
Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer: Paul Chestnut
codes@royersfordborough.org
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG!
State Law requires that any person excavating to a depth
greater than eighteen (18”) inches, must call the PA One Call Center at 1-800-242-1776 to notify them of
the location. PA One Call Center will then notify all utilities
in the area so they may come out and locate their facilities.
PA Law requires a three-day notice to give the utilities
time to mark out the facilities unless the excavation is
an emergency. If you damage an underground facility, you
may be liable for damages if the PA One Call Center is
not first notified.
You cannot demolish any building for commercial development without notifying DEP. You can get the notification form at www.dep.state.pa.us, go to asbestos. Any questions call (484)250 5920.
SELLING YOUR HOME?
A Use and Occupancy Permit is not required prior to the
sale of residential properties; only commercial properties
and
new construction. The purpose of this permit is to verify
that the current or proposed use of the property complies
with Zoning and Building Codes.
Royersford Borough has adopted Ordinance #809 regarding Real Estate Registry. All properties sold in the Borough must register their deed at Borough Hall up to 2 days after registering at Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds.
Deed Registration Form
DO I NEED A PERMIT TO HAVE A YARD SALE? No permit is required
to have a yard sale. Do not post yard sale signs on utility
poles or street signs.
WHERE
DO I VOTE?
District #1: Grace Lutheran Church, 6th & Main
St.
District #2: Golden Age Manor, 4th & Walnut St.
WHAT IS THE EARNED INCOME/WAGE TAX AND WHO COLLECTS THIS
MONEY?
The earned income/wage tax is a 1% tax imposed on every Borough
resident for wages and net profits earned. The tax is split
evenly with the Spring Ford School District and is collected
by Berkheimer and Associates. Questions regarding the Earned
Income Tax can be directed to Berkheimer at 800-360-8989
or www.hab-inc.com.
WHAT IS THE EMS TAX?
Act 222 of 2004 amends the Local Tax Enabling Act, Act 511 of 1965, to permit municipalities and school districts to impose a combined Emergency and Municipal Services Tax of up to $52 a year beginning on and after January 1, 2005. The EMS tax, if enacted by the local government, replaces the Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT). The total EMS tax paid by any individual in a calendar year is limited to $52, regardless of the number of taxing jurisdictions in which an individual works during the year.
Effective January 1, 2006, and in accordance with Pennsylvania Act 222, the Borough of Royersford have adopted the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax (EMST). The amount of the tax is $52.00 annually providing the taxpayer earns a minimum of $12,000 per calendar year.
All employers located within Royersford Borough must withhold the new EMS Tax at the annual rate of $52 for all employees with annual gross income in excess of $12,000. Of the $52.00 withheld, $5.00 is forwarded to the school district. The school district's income threshold is $1,000.
If you are self-employed and your business or practice is located within Royersford Borough you will be responsible to pay the EMS Tax at the annual rate of $52.
Effective January 1, 2007 the tax is collected by Berkheimer and Associates. Questions regarding the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax (EMST) can be directed to Berkheimer at 800-360-8989 or www.hab-inc.com.
DOGS – Dogs
are not permitted to run at large and must be licensed.
License applications are available at Borough
Hall. If your dog must defecate on public property or private
property of another person, be considerate, and clean up
after your dog.
GRASS - Regular mowing required so as not to exceed six
inches.
SNOW REMOVAL - Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours
after cessation of snow. Clear a path of at least 30 inches
wide. It is illegal to plow, blow or throw snow from the
sidewalk onto the street.
SUMP PUMPS - Sump pumps cannot be discharged to sanitary
sewer.
TREES/SHRUBS - Trees overhanging sidewalks must be trimmed
to a minimum of 10 feet and a minimum of 12 feet for streets.
CURB/SIDEWALK - Property owners are responsible for the
construction or replacement of curb and sidewalk. Deteriorated
curb and sidewalk will be required to be replaced prior to
any scheduled road reconstruction project. Permit required;
no fee.
FENCES - Any fence or wall over four (4) feet in height
shall contain openings equal to twenty-five (25) percent
of the
area of the fence or wall; provided however that the fence
does not exceed six (6) feet in height.
HOW DO I FILE A RIGHT-TO- KNOW REQUEST -
A citizen can file a Right-to-Know request in four ways. Complete the Right to Know Request Form and submit the form by: Right to Know request form
1. Fax
2. Electronic mail
3. In person
4. U.S. Mail
COMPLAINT POLICY
A complaint form needs to be completed in order to have an accurate account of the complaint/concern. The borough requires the complainant's name, address and phone number in order to process the complaint. The borough must follow legal procedures in order to resolve these matters, and at times these procedures may be quite lengthy. However, the borough will do its best to resolve the matters as soon as possible.
It is always good policy to communicate with your neighbor first when there is a problem. Most residents prefer to have a neighbor approach them personally instead of receiving a notice from the borough.
Complaint Form
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED PHONE NUMBERS:
Montgomery County (610) 278-3000
Royersford Post Office (610) 792-4758
Pa American Water Co. 1-800-565-7292
District Justice Court (610) 495-8440
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