Frequently Asked Questions

A grading permit is required if any of the following are exceeded:

1. A cut or fill of greater than four (4 feet) in depth
2. A total area of cut or fill greater than 1000 feet
3. A total volume of great than 50 cubic yards
4. Grading in an easement for a public sewer, water main, storm drain or power line.
5. An encroachment on or alteration of an existing drainage channel or watercourse.
6. For surface mining involving 50 cubic yards or more
7. Removal of trees, vegetation or other natural ground cover: in an area greater than 1000 feet, or on slopes greater than 25 percent
8. Surfacing and paving of land other than streets or ways with non-permeable material of areas greater than 5000 square feet.

A site plan that shows the property boundary, the existing topography, the proposed topography and the proposed erosion and sedimentation control measures. Detailed requirements for grading plans are provided in the Township Grading Ordinance.

A permit is required for the construction of a retaining wall when the wall height exceeds four (4) feet at any point.

A plan for the wall sealed by a Licensed Professional Engineer must be submitted along with the grading permit application.

A sanitary Sewer Tap is a fee that is charged by the Township or The Girtys Run Sanitary Authority, that provides a builder the right to connect to (tap) the sanitary sewer. The fee does to pay for any pipe that the builder needs to construct to service the structure.

The Tap Fee cost is $2665 per EDU (equivalent dwelling unit) in the Jacks Run, Spruce Run and Little Pine sewer sheds. The Tap Fee cost in Lowries Run is $3302.85 per EDU. In the Girty's Run Sewer Shed you must contact the Girty's Run Joint Sanitary Authority at 412-821-3497 to obtain a Sewer Tap. The cost is $4400 per EDU.

Please contact the Township Engineer to determine if Sewer Taps are available in the area where you wish to build. In general sewer taps are currently available throughout Ross Township.