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Frequently Asked Questions
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Community Development
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Cranberry Township currently enforces the 2006 International Codes Council (ICC) series of Codes. See the following list for a complete listing of codes. Cranberry Township Ordinance 2004-348 adopted these Codes by reference with a few amendments, pursuant to Act 45 of 1999 which required a Uniform Construction Code (UCC) for Pennsylvania. International Building Code International Residential Code International Fire Code International Mechanical Code International Plumbing Code International Electrical Code International Energy Conservation Code International Fuel Gas Code International Existing Building Code
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The Uniform Construction Code (UCC) of Pennsylvania restricted municipalities from issuing building permits for certain things (see further Q & A below). The Township found it necessary to continue issuing Zoning Approval for those things that were exempted from building permit, thus the Type II Residential Accessory Zoning Permit was created to verify that the exempted structures met zoning setbacks, etc. Type I Residential Building Permits are a product of the Building Code and incorporate the Zoning Code provisions also. Thus, the Type I Residential Building Permit is intended to verify Building Code and Zoning Code compliance.
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Yes. All swimming pools that can contain water that is over 24 inches in depth require a Type I Residential Building Permit prior to installation. All swimming pools of this nature are considered permanent and must meet all code provisions regardless of whether they are inflatable or portable. Swimming Pools that can contain under 24 inches of water are exempt from all permit requirements.
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Yes, with the following stipulations; Decks that are over 30 inches in height, measured from grade level to walking surface are required to have a Type I Residential Building Permit. Decks that are under 30 inches in height, measured from grade level to walking surface are required to have a Type II Residential Accessory Zoning Permit. Sheds that are over 1,000 square feet are required to have a Type I Residential Building Permit, while sheds under 1,000 square feet only need a Type II Residential Accessory Zoning Permit. All additions and porches require a Type I Residential Building Permit.
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Permits are required for finishing basements when structural changes are being made. Structural changes include the installation of doors, walls (load bearing or non-load bearing), windows and the creation of rooms. Permits are not needed if the only improvements are installing carpeting, lighting, painting or other non-structural changes. When permits are required, the code calls for a required exit directly from the basement area. Call to speak to one of our Code Administrators for further details at 724-776-4806, extension 1104.
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No. Fences and play-sets are not regulated by the Township Zoning Ordinance or Building Codes. Fences cannot be installed in easements, rights of way or in a manner that will interfere with vehicle site distance on roads.
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During the last decade (1997 - 2006) Cranberry Township has averaged 222 new residential units per year.
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The International Residential Code requires a 36 inch guardrail height for porches, decks, or balconies on residential structures.
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Cranberry Township will provide a hard copy of the zoning map to the public through the administrative offices or you may view an electronic version by logging on to our web site at www.cranberrytownship.org and using the “Property Finder” function. There is a normal reproduction cost for hard copies.
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A PRD is an abbreviation for Planned Residential Development. PRD is a process in which a developer master plans a housing development pursuant to Township ordinances. PRD design guidelines require the retention of open space for the benefit of the residents within a plan and overall Township.
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The State of Pennsylvania does not require licensing of contractors. The Township can not restrict a company from doing business within the Township as long as the required permits and approvals are secured.
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No, not typically. However, there is a provision in the Building Code that requires non-typical construction to have a professional seal.
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Yes. Cranberry Township does not regulate the keeping of livestock and farm animals.
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Electrical inspections are performed by Cranberry Township’s 3rd party contractor. Inspections are performed after the applicant receives a permit for the intended work. Inspections are scheduled through the Township inspection scheduling process. The number is 724-776-4806, extension 1161.
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While the burning of trash in a burn barrel is not considered open burning, the practice of burning one’s household garbage/trash is not allowed.
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The first ordinance was adopted in the 1970's, recent major revisions were made in 1996. The Zoning Ordinance is revised periodically, with the most recent version being named Chapter 27. Updated versions are posted on the website.
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Development is regulated by all Township Codes and Ordinances, but specifically, the Cranberry Township Subdivision/Land Ordinance (Chapter 22), the Township Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 27), and the Public & Private Improvements Code (Chapter 17) provide the basis for development standards and requirements. Updated versions are posted on our website.
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On-lot septic systems are regulated by the Pennsylvania State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Each municipality in the State is required to employ or contract with a DEP licensed Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) for enforcement of the DEP regulations. The Cranberry Township SEO is Mike Groves with the firm of Daniel C. Baker. Mike Groves can be reached at 724-495-7020.
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The International Building Code stipulates which buildings are required to have any kind of fire protection or detection systems depending on type of construction, square footage of the structure and type of use or occupancy.
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Part 4 of the Township Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 27) provides a use chart with the particular uses and the applicable zoning districts.
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Yes. Part 6 of the Cranberry Township Zoning Ordinance provides the Township sign regulations.
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Yes. Copies of the Building Codes, Fire Code, Subdivision/Land Development, Zoning Ordinance, and Public & Private Improvements Code are all available through the Customer Service Center in the Township Municipal Center. The Building Codes are also available in the Cranberry Township Library.
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Fees for building permits are identified in the Township Fee Resolution which can be viewed on the Township web site or at the Customer Service Center. All Township fees are identified therein.
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Inspections for above ground plumbing are administered by the Department of Community Development. Underground plumbing inspections are administered by the Sewer and Water Division of the Public Works Department.
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To determine if permits are required, you need to contact the Department of Community Development at 724-776-4806, extension 1104. The process can be as simple as applying for zoning approval, completing a fire prevention survey and a floor plan layout, and having an inspection completed. We encourage you to make a contact with the Township prior to making commitments to rent or purchase property.
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Yes. You must obtain the necessary permits and approvals prior to starting construction. Always check with the Community Development Department first at 724-776-4806, extension 1104.
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Yes. Driveway/Road Opening Permits are reviewed and issued by the Engineering Department. You are not required to obtain a permit if you are simply repaving an existing driveway.
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Yes. You need to submit a copy of a survey showing the proposed location of the structure you are building. For sheds, additions, decks, and pools, it does not have to be an original survey.
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You can always stop at the Customer Service Center in the Municipal Center, we can fax it or mail it to you, or if you’d like, all of our applications are available for printing from our web site.
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We require notification before 3 pm to schedule an inspection for the following business day. You can reach the inspection line 24 hours a day by dialing (724) 776-4806, extension 1161. You will reach an automated system. Please follow directions and give the appropriate information, including the permit number.
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It usually takes three - five business days after receipt of your complete permit application, depending upon how many applications are in the queue. If additional information is required, the time to receive the permit grows accordingly.
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No. Payment is not needed until you are notified to pick up the permit.
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You will need to submit 2 sets of plans for a residential building permit application, and 3 for non-residential building permit applications.
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Yes. Be sure that the plans for your submittal are legible and that all information is filled in on the application. Our fax number is (724) 776-4420.
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The Planning Advisory Commission usually meets the last Monday of the month for their Work Session and the first Monday of the month for their Regular Meeting. The Board of Supervisors meets, usually on the last Thursday of the month for their Agenda Setting Meeting and the first Thursday of the month for their Regular Meeting.Please check our web site for the actual dates. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. and are located in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Center located at 2525 Rochester Road.
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The Community Development Department at 724-776-4806 x1104. You will then be referred to one of our Code Administrators.
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Transportation Impact Fees are funds the Township collects from new land developments. The funds are collected as a means to pay for traffic improvements required as a result of new development and can only be spent on projects on the adopted twenty (20) year Transportation Capital Improvement Plan.
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Customer Service
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Our Customer Service Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
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Census 1980: 11,066 Census 1990: 14,816 Census 2000: 23,625 Township estimated population: 28,334
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Cranberry Township Water and Sewage: 724-776-4806 Columbia Gas: 1-800-942-2204 Dominion Peoples: 1-800-764-0111 Equitabale Gas: 1-800-654-6335 Penn Power Electric: 1-800-720-3600 North Pittsburgh Telephone Co.: 724-443-952 Embarq: 1-800-829-8009 Verizon: 1-800-660-2215 Armstrong Utilities:724-776-420
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Administration and Secondary Campus: 724-452-6040 Haine Elementary : 724-776-1581 Haine Middle School: 724-776-1325 Rowan Elementary School: 724-776-1518 Evans City Elementary School: 724-538-3680 or 724-776-3530 Evans City Middle School: 724-538-8800 or 724-776-3330 Connoquenessing Valley Elementary: 724-452-8280
Seneca Valley School District
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Seven Fields Borough: 724-776-3090 Adams Township: 724-625-2221 Jackson Township: 724-452-5581 New Sewickley Township: 724-774-7822 Marshall Township: 724-935-3090 Pine Township: 724-625-1591
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October 31 - 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
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Venango County 814-676-8812
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District 10 P.O. Box 429 Indiana, PA 15701 724-357-2800 Local PADOT (PENNDOT) office Butler maintenance garage: 724-284-8800
PennDOT District 10
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Cranberry Township’s Board of Supervisors approved a five-year contract with Vogel Disposal to serve residents with a wide range of recycling and waste collection services. Phone number: 724-COLLECT (724-265-5328)
Cranberry Township Collection Connection
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Enjoy fresh produce from the Farmer's Market usually starting the first weekend in June until the end of October every Friday from 3:30-6:00pm in the Municipal Center rear parking lot, and every Saturday morning from 10am- 1pm in the parking lot of the Fire Station on Route 19. For more information on this seasonal schedule, call Aaron Sturges at 724-752-8920 or Cranberry Customer Service at 724-776-4806.
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The property tax collector is PJ Lynd 2525 Rochester Road, Suite 402 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 724-776-1103 The Earned Income Tax collector is Berkheimer Associates (1%) 0.5% to Cranberry Township and 0.5% to Seneca Valley School District for a total of 1%. 305 Grandview Avenue Zelienople, PA 16063 724-453-5060
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Township: 14.20 mills Butler County: 30.00 Seneca Valley School District: 129.65
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112 Hollywood Drive Suite 101 Pullman Commerce Center Butler, PA 16001 724-431-4000
Career Link
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The street sweeping program can begin as early as January of the new year depending on weather conditions. The initial location to begin alternates between the east and west side of the township from year to year with the east on the even years. The street sweeping program is usually completed by the beginning of June. If it has been a severe winter and there is a heavy build-up of anti-skid material on the roads, completion of the program could extend into the summer months. Periodic sweepings are done throughout the rest of the year on as needed basis. Cranberry Township currently has 1 street sweeping unit. It runs a maximum of 3 miles per hour in the sweeping mode. At times, it is necessary for the operator of the sweeper to make 3 or 4 passes over the same area to do a complete and thorough job of removing the debris left from an extreme winter.
Streets and Properties
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Yes, by using Property Finder function on the Cranberry Township web site you may determine if your property is in a floodplain. Go to Property Finder and on the right side under Layers check the square box (property boundaries) and the square box (property boundaries). Click Refresh Map and then find your property using the Finder (binocular icon).
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Parks & Recreation
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Cranberry Township has separate organizations for our youth organized sports programs. For more information, contact Cranberry Parks and Recreation at 724-776-4806 x1129.
Athletic Associations
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We have three recreational seasons: 1) Winter/Spring - January thru April - registration begins approximately the second Monday of December 2) Summer - May thru August - registration begins approximately the second Saturday in April 3) Fall - September thru December - registration begins approximately the third Saturday of August. Payments must be made at time of registration. We accept VISA, MC, checks, and cash.
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We begin accepting pool memberships December 1st. There are two discount periods: 1) December 1st - January 31st, plus 2 free one day guest passes. 2) February 1st - April 30th, plus a free one day guest pass.For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 724-776-4806 x1129
Cranberry Waterpark
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The first Monday in February. Full payment must be made to reserve a shelter.
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We have 3 rental seasons. Reservation requests can be made during regular business hours. 1) Fall - September through December, reservations begin August 1. 2) Winter/Spring - January through April,reservations begin December 1. 3) Summer - May through August, reservations begin May 1.Room reservations are available to the public after the Township recreation schedule has been added to the calendar. Some rooms have rental fees. Contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 724-776-4806 x1129.
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The Farkleberry Craft Show is the first Saturday in November at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Questions may be directed to Marilyn Dawson at 724-776-4806 x1186.
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Currently we do not have a field rental policy. The youth sports organizations have use of the fields as agreed upon by the Parks & Recreation Department.
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Directions to our facilities may be found on our website.
Facilities
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Anyone who lives in the 16066 zip code. Anyone living outside of this zip code is considered to be a non-resident.
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Yes. Anyone can participate in our programs, but different fees apply.
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Program guides are mailed three times a year to our residents. They are also included in the local paper, Cranberry Eagle. Residents or non-residents may pick up program guides at the Municipal Center. Program Guides may also be downloaded from our website.
Program Guide
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Cranberry Township has a cancellation hot line: 724-776-4806, select option 4 then option 2 - Choose the Parks & Recreation Department option and follow the directions to the cancellation option. Cancellations are also posted on our website.
Cancellations
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Public Safety
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There is no Fire Marshall in Cranberry Township; however, the Fire Prevention Ordinance and other fire suppressions related ordinances are administered by the Community Development Department.
Community Development
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No. Recreational fires are small fires that are used for cooking food.
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The Township will no longer issue permits for open burning. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has indicated that open burning is not to be permitted by Townships.
PA Department of Environmental Protection
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You must call 9-1-1 anywhere in Butler County. This includes the dispatch of police officers to routine calls. Unlike some communities, whenever you need a public safety response, you dial 9-1-1. There is no “non emergency” number in the county to use to dispatch a police officer.
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Yes. All dogs and cats must be under control of their owners, and they are not permitted to run free.
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No. They must be under control of their owner.
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No one under the age of seventeen (17) is permitted in or on any public street or parks between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or going to or from work, school, or church activities.
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Yes, for extremely limited purposes. Junior operators may drive between their home and place of work provided they have a certificate of authorization or affidavit from their employer documenting their work schedule. This also applies to teens involved in firefighting or volunteer charitable service. Teens must have the appropriate affidavit with them when operating during restricted hours. Teens may not drive to school-related activities during the driving curfew hours.
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A Criminal Records Check form can be obtained from the police department or the state representative’s office. A criminal record check submitted to the police department will only cover arrests made by the Cranberry Township Police Department. Criminal history forms submitted by the applicant to the Pennsylvania State Police will cover arrests made anywhere in Pennsylvania. There is no charge for the Cranberry Township records check, but the State Police charge $10.00 which is payable to the Commonwealth by certified check or money order.
Cranberry Township Police Department
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Cranberry’s local District Judge is located at 213 Executive Drive Suite 120. Cranberry Township Pa 16066. The office phone is 724-772-1717.
Butler County District Judges
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At the Butler County Courthouse - Domestic Relations. Call 724-779-7633 for times and details. Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence should immediately call 9-1-1 for a police officer to be dispatched. During non-business hours you may obtain an emergency P.F.A. from a District Judge. You must contact your local police department to coordinate the process.
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Yes, if the person is going from residence to residence and speaking with occupants. No permit is required for soliciting businesses. If flyers are being placed on doors or mailbox flags no permit is required. Soliciting permits are issued by the Police Department. Times for soliciting are restricted, and there is a charge to solicit in neighborhoods. There is no fee for nonprofit organizations.
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Children playing signs are not erected in the Township since children play in all of the plans. If we installed the signs in all the plans we would have gained nothing except to declare the fact that children play in the plans. The Township policy is designed to prevent sign proliferation.
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