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Code Enforcement

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1. Are recreational fires permitted in Ross Township?

Yes! Cooking, recreation or ceremonial fires, are permitted so long as they are contained fires within a fireplace, brazier, pit, fire ring or other similar contained or enclosed structure. No fire shall burn within 10 feet of any combustible. View more details.

2. What size and type of fence can I have?

A privacy fence can be installed in the side and/or rear yards of the lot behind the building line. Fences can be no higher than 6 feet in Residential Districts or 8 feet in commercial or Industrial Districts. View more details.

3. What size shed or garage can I build?

No more than two (2) residential accessory buildings with a total combined square footage of 720 are permitted. View more details.

4. Can I have chickens?

Yes! View more details.

5. Where can I find the Code of Ordinances?

The code can be viewed online.

6. Does Ross Township have a noise ordinance?

Yes!  The use of lawnmowers, chainsaws and other mechanical or motorized tools commonly used on residential properties shall be used between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.  Normal land development and construction activities may occur between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.  Emergency work and snow removal are exceptions.  If violations occur, please call 911.  For additional details, check out the Ross Township Code of Ordinances.

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Community Development

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1. Can I have chickens?

Yes! View more details.

2. Where can I find the Code of Ordinances?

The code can be viewed online.

3. What size shed or garage can I build?

No more than two (2) residential accessory buildings with a total combined square footage of 720 are permitted. View more details.

4. What size and type of fence can I have?

A privacy fence can be installed in the side and/or rear yards of the lot behind the building line. Fences can be no higher than 6 feet in Residential Districts or 8 feet in commercial or Industrial Districts. Complete and Submit a Residential Building Permit. View more details.

5. How do I schedule an Inspection for my permitted work?

Check our the Inspection Procedures document.

6. Do I need a permit for a fence, shed, deck or addition to my home?

Yes! Please fill out and submit a Residential Building Permit.  Be sure to include a survey or plot plan indicating the size, height, dimensions and specific location of the proposed fence, shed, deck and/or addition.

7. How much will my permit cost?

Refer to the Ross Township Fee Schedule for the most up to date fees.

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Engineering

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1. When do I need a grading permit?

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.

2. What plans are required to obtain a grading permit?

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.

3. When is a permit required for the construction of a retaining wall?

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

4. What type of plan is required if the wall exceeds four feet (4') in height?

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

5. What is a sanitary sewer tap?

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.

6. What is the cost of a sewer tap?

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.

7. Are Sewer Taps available?

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. 

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Fire

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1. Are recreational fires permitted in Ross Township?

Yes! Cooking, recreation or ceremonial fires, are permitted so long as they are contained fires within a fireplace, brazier, pit, fire ring or other similar contained or enclosed structure.  No fire shall burn within 10 feet of any combustible. View more information.

2. Can I burn trash or yard waste in Ross Township?

No. Pennsylvania’s DEP does not permit open burning or barrel burning of trash or yard waste.

3. Where can I find applications for Fire related systems?

Our fire related applications are on our permits page.

4. How do I find a Fire Appeals Board Application?

Our Fire Appeals Board related applications are on our permits page.

5. What are the Ross Township Fire Codes?

You can view the Ross Township fire codes online.

6. Do Fire Departments fill swimming pools?

No. Ross Township Fire Departments are not permitted to fill swimming pools.

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Main Page FAQs

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1. Who are the utility providers in Ross Township?

In Pennsylvania, you can choose the company that generates your electricity and your gas supplier. Here are some helpful links to help you make that decision: 

• https://www.papowerswitch.com 
• https://www.pagasswitch.com/  
• https://www.puc.pa.gov/

Helpful Numbers:

• Peoples Gas:  1-800-764-0111
• Duquesne Light:  1-888-393-7100
• West View Water:  412-931-3500
• Waste Management (Garbage):  1-800-866-4460
• Jordan Tax Service (Collect for Sewage):  412-835-5243

2. What is our school district?

Ross Township is located in the North Hills School District. You can contact the North Hills School District Administration Office for school information at 412-318-1000 or go to their website http://www.nhsd.net/

3. Who is the local Magistrate?

Magisterial District Judge

Richard Opiela 

439 Perry Highway

Pittsburgh, PA  15229

412-931-3205

4. Does my dog need a license?

Yes.  Dogs are required to be licensed through Allegheny County.  You can pick up an application at the Ross Township Municipal Building or you can apply online through the Allegheny County website  http://www.alleghenycounty.us/treasurers-office/dog-license.aspx Ross Township does not require any other license.

5. When is Halloween (Trick or Treat) celebrated?

October 31^st from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

6. How do I dispose of an old television?

Waste Management offers an At Your Door Service for pick up of televisions, small electronics, chemicals, and many other household hazardous waste or hard to recycle items for residential customers in Ross Township.  There is no additional charge for pickup of most items.  Please call Waste Management at 1-800-449-7587 for more information and to arrange for a pick up. You can also arrange for a pickup online at http://www.wmatyourdoor.com/

7. Do senior citizens still get free leaf bags?

Yes.  Ross Township Seniors 65 and older get 5 free leaf bags in the fall!  Please bring your driver’s license or state issued ID to the municipal building to show proof of age and residency. You can also purchase extra bags for a nominal fee if you need them. More information can be found here.

8. How can I get a property tax receipt?

You can get property tax receipts from Jordan Tax Service for your Ross Township real estate taxes as well as your North Hills School District real estate taxes by contacting Jordan Tax Service at 412-835-5243.

9. Where do I vote?

To find your polling location, you can contact the Municipal Building at 412-931-7055.  You can also go to the Allegheny County Election Division website to find your polling location as well as view your sample ballot.    https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx 

10. Who do I call if I see a dead animal on the road?

Call the Township at 412-931-7055. They will dispatch an animal control company to resolve the issue. If not during regular business hours, please call 911.

11. Who do I call when I see an injured animal on a roadway?

Call 911. They will dispatch a police officer to the location. 

12. Who do I contact when there is a dead animal in my yard?

Residents can contact an animal removal service such as Big Daddy Wildlife Removal at 412-403-7396.  The property owner will be responsible for the cost of having the animal removed.

13. How do I get a Senior Bus Pass?

Call Jackie Snyder at 412-931-7055 for an appointment. Participants must be at least 65 and must present one of the following as proof of age:

• Photo driver's license
• Birth Certificate
• Armed forces discharge papers
• Baptismal certificate
• PACE ID card
• Passport or naturalization papers
• Pennsylvania ID card 
• A statement of age from the U.S. Social Security Administration

14. Where is the closest senior center?

For information on Senior Centers and to find one near you please contact the Allegheny County Agency on Aging at 412-350-5460 or go to their website at http://www.alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/About/Offices/Area-Agency-on-Aging.aspx  

15. How do I get a handicapped parking space in front of my house?

To request a handicapped parking space, please contact the Ross Township Police Department at 412-931-9070.

16. Does the Township have a 'Do Not Solicit', 'No Solicitation', or 'No Knock' list?

You can be added to the No Solicitation list by calling Jackie Snyder at 412-931-7055.

17. How long do you sell discounted Amusement Tickets?

We sell discounted Amusement Park tickets for Kennywood , Idlewild, Sandcastle, Waldameer and several other parks from May through September.  We sell Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium Tickets from May through December each year.  We also sell discounted ski lift tickets to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs in the winter from December through March.  The tickets are sold at the reception desk in the Municipal Building Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.  Please contact Jackie Snyder at 412-931-7055 for more information and prices.

18. When will leaf bags be picked up?

The Ross Township Public Works Department will pick up leaves that are placed in the brown paper leaf bags two times each year.  Usually, the first two weeks in April for the spring cleanup and October 15th through November 30th for the fall cleanup.  Any other time of the year, Waste Management will take leaves and yard debris that is placed in plastic lawn bags.  Waste Management will not pickup brown paper leaf bags. More information is available here.

19. Where is the other Ross Township?

 Sometimes there is confusion between Ross Township, Allegheny County and Ross Township, in Saylorsburg, PA in Monroe County.  Their phone number is 570-992-4990.

20. What is the population of Ross Township?

Ross Township has 30,745 people.

21. What is the phone number and address for the McKnight Road Post Office?

The number is 412-364-7903.  The address is 4981 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA  15237.

22. What do I do about skunks, raccoons or other wild animals living under my porch or in my attic?

Contact an animal removal service such as Big Daddy Wildlife Removal at 412-403-7396  or any other service listed online or in the yellow pages.  The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Ross Township Public Works Department do not respond to these types of calls. 

23. Is hunting permitted in Ross Township?

Yes.  Hunters must have the permission of property owners to hunt on private property.  There is no hunting allowed on Ross Township property including parks.  They must have a valid hunting license.  Hunters must also follow all rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.             

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How can I sign up to be a volunteer with Parks & Rec?

It is important to practice your civic duty for yourself and your community. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

2. What facilities can I rent and what are the fees?

View a listing of all Parks & Rec rental facilities by visiting our Fees & Applications page.

3. Do you have classes available for parents and tots?

Bring your little ones for unstructured playtime during our Tots & Little Ones class!

4. What classes and programs are available for seniors?

Visit our Seniors page to learn about fitness programs and activities available for our older visitors.

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Police

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1. Where is the Ross Police Station located?

The Ross Police Department is located at 1000 Ross Municipal Drive. Our station may be accessed off of Evergreen Road or from McKnight Road.

2. Where is the magistrate’s office located?

The magistrate’s office is located at 439 Perry Highway in West View Borough.

3. How can I get a copy of an accident report?

Contact the Records Division during normal business hours and they will be glad to assist you. The Records Division may be reached at 412-931-9070 for more information.

4. I received a citation. What do I do?

All instructions can be found on the citation. Additionally if you received a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Traffic Citation you can pay online.

5. Do Ross Police Officers wear body cameras?

Yes!  All Ross Township Police Officers have been issued individual body-worn cameras that they must wear while on-duty.  Officers are required to record all police-citizen contacts.  You can review our body-worn camera policy here.

6. Can I tour the Police Station?

Our Community Policing Unit will make every attempt to accommodate your request; they may be reached at 412-931-9070.

7. Is The Ross Police Department hiring police officers now?

Subscribe to the Department’s Facebook Page for up to the date testing information or check Job Openings.

8. Every morning cars speed past the bus stop and come dangerously close to the children, what can I do?

All traffic violation complaints should be directed to the Traffic Division. The Traffic Officers will assess the complaint and take steps to address any safety problems they find. The Traffic Division may be reached at 412-931-9070.

9. I found someone’s dog on my property; will the police department come pick it up?

No, the Ross Police Department does not pick up or remove stray animals. We will, however, arrive if we are called with our chip scanner and make every attempt to locate the owner.

10. I just installed a burglar alarm in my house or business, should I advise the police?

Yes, The Ross Police Department keeps information regarding your alarm on file in case of emergency. This way, if there is a problem inside your home during an alarm, the police will know how to find you or a relative.

11. I’m leaving on vacation tomorrow and I am worried about burglars, what can I do?

Contact the Ross Police Department and advise an officer that you are leaving on vacation. The officer will take some information from you at the time of the notification. Officers will check your residence daily while you are away. When you return home, contact the Ross Police to advise that you have returned.

12. Does the Ross Township Police Department still provide fingerprint services?

No.  We no longer provide those services.  For individuals that would need inked fingerprint cards, we would suggest the UPS Store located in the McKnight-Siebert Shopping Plaza on McKnight Road.  For automated print services, the PA State contract is through IdentGo.  Arcpoint Labs located at 8158 Perry Highway is an IdentGo fingerprint site for PA.

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Recycling

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1. How often is my recycling picked up?

Recycling collection continues to occur weekly.

2. Where do I place my recycling bin for collection?

Place your bin at least 3 feet from other objects, such as your garbage can, a mailbox, a car or a tree. The lid opening should face the street. Write your house number on your bin with permanent marker for easy identification. 

3. What are the benefits of my new recycling bin?

The benefits are as following:

• Features attached, hinged lid
• Holds more recyclables (31.75 inches long by 24.25 inches wide by 41.75 inches high)
• Moves easily on wheels
• Withstands wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour

4. What should I do with my old bin?

Do not put the old bin in the new bin. Keep your old bin, or take it to a special recycling center for disposal.