FAQs

All FAQs | Code Department | Composting | General | Public Water and Sewer | Water Conservation

All FAQs

Emergency# 610-467-9039

Shane Kinsey- 484-880-3401

Please contact the Township Office at 610-345-0100 and either Mr. Ken Battin, Township Manager or Mr. Shane Kinsey, Director of Public Works would be happy to look at this for you.

PA One Call’s purpose is to prevent damage to underground facilities. To promote safety, they provide an efficient and effective communications network among project owners, designers, excavators, and facility owners. “Call Before You Dig” on your property to ensure utility lines are marked prior to excavation. PA One Call is a 24/7 service to residents of Pennsylvania. You must call 72 hours prior to diggings anything on your property. London Grove Municipal Authority marks “ONLY” lines that are in the Public Right of Way. To utilize this service, contact PA ONE CALL’S toll free number at 1-800-242-1776.

Mail payment to LGTMA, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA 19390

Pay your bill in person at the office. Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Outside Payment Drop Box is available 24/7 at the Main Entrance. The box is located on the wall to the left side of the doors.

Online payments are accepted on our website. A convenience fee is applied to this service

Water and Sewer bills are mailed quarterly. January, April, July and October by the 15th of the month. Payments are due within 30 days.

The Real Estate Tax (RET) Collector is elected to serve a 4-year term and is responsible for collecting the Township and Chatham Lighting District taxes. Please contact the RET Collector directly for: tax certificates, bill questions, payments, receipts, etc. The Township staff cannot collect any taxes. They need to deal directly with the tax collector.

Kurt Engleman
P.O. Box 6
West Grove, PA 19390
484-983-4596
kengleman@londongrove.org

The Earned Income Tax (EIT) Collector is a private firm named Keystone Collections Group. Pennsylvania Act 32 of 2008 is a law that reformed and standardized EIT collection and required the appointment of a professional firm.

Keystone Collection Group
546 Wendel Road
Irwin, PA 15642
1-866-539-1100


The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Keystone’s website address most questions about local earned income taxes. Over 50 FAQs discuss nearly every local taxation issue that your residents ask during the tax season and throughout the year. Here is an example:

Is active-duty military pay exempt from local earned income tax beginning in 2016?

Yes. Beginning January 1, 2016, Pennsylvania law now exempts all active-duty military pay from local earned income tax. In prior years active-duty military pay was only exempt if specifically earned outside of Pennsylvania. As such, the 2016 change will not have any impact on the 2015 local earned income tax return. For more information please visit the link below.

https://www.keystonecollects.com/forms/Faq

Yes, both residential, commercial and change of use. Applications can be found on the website under the Code Department Page or we can use USPS to mail you one or email you one to use.

You do not need a permit unless the new windows are a different type or size than the old ones.

Yes, a Zoning Permit is required.

Yes, for roof shingles and/or if the construction involved is structural work; such as replacing rafters.

Building Permits are required for all new construction, additions, alterations, decks, sheds, in-ground and above-ground pools, fence, driveway expansions, etc.

No, London Grove Township has opted into the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and is authorized to perform commercial inspections and plan reviews, including accessibility.

You should submit a permit application to the Township, the same as if the project was proposed. Once a permit is issued the Township will make every effort to make the inspection process as un-invasive as possible, however, you may be required to remove some finish materials. Fees are doubled up to a maximum increase of $200.

Yes, however, if you are doing a trade-only project then just the specific permit for the project is required.

A zoning permit is required for all sheds. A building permit may not be required if your shed is under 1,000 square feet. Contact the Code Department for more information.

You can either mail in the payment and once received we will mail you the permit or it can be paid for at the Township counter. Currently, the Township accepts, Cash, Check, Credit Card or Money Order.

Contact the Assistant Zoning Officer in the Code Department, Brian Elwood to find out what your setbacks are.

Submit 2 copies of plans showing the proposed changes to the Township, along with an application for revision. These plans will be reviewed and approved. Work on proposed revisions shall not start until plans are approved.

Depending on how old your lot is we might be able to provide you with a plot plan.

Ask the address of the property and then check in the address files to see if one is available. If one is available, you can copy it and either mail it to them or they can pick it up here at the Township Building. You can also scan the document and send it to them via email.

We may have these plans; the newer the home, the more likely we have these plans

Permit applications must be dropped off at, or mailed to:

London Grove Township

372 Rose Hill Road

West Grove, PA 19390

All types of permits can be obtained from this website or we can USPS or email them to you. You can also pick up permit applications from the following address:

372 Rose Hill Road

West Grove, PA 19390

An inspection list is provided when a permit is issued, you can also go to the Inspections page on our website for examples of inspections, which may be required.

Typically residential permits are reviewed in 15 business days from when a complete application is submitted, often the first review will result in comments which must be addressed by the applicant prior to issuance of a permit. Commercial permits will be reviewed within 30 business days from when a complete application is submitted.

Currently London Grove Township enforces the 2018 International Codes and applicable sections of 2015 IRC as adopted by the PA Uniform Construction Code.

Please refer to the fee schedule. All permits are different, some have a set fee and some are based off the cost of the job.

View the permit requirements for more information on what projects require a Building Permit.

A building permit provides a means for the Township to protect those who live, work and play in the Township by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe constructions and therefore ensure public health, safety and welfare.

A building permit is a license, which grants legal permission to start construction of a project.

For solar panels it is typically just a building permit and an electrical permit.

To apply for a garden bed you need to submit your application to gardens@londongrove.org . Once they approve your application they will sign it and send it back to you. Once you receive it back you can then bring it into the office to submit to the front desk with your payment.  Residents are $31.00 per bed and non-residents are $52.00 per bed.

To apply to rent the pavilions at the park please fill out the Goddard Park Application for Use located on the Township website https://www.londongrove.org/goddard-park/ on the right hand side of the page are quick links in those quick links there is an application for Goddard Park Application for Use. Please fill that out and either bring it into the Township Building with payment or you can mail it in with payment. This application will be reviewed by Dawn Maciejczyk and approved or denied from there.

The normal park hours are from dawn to dusk. Use of the park outside of this time is prohibited.

Motor vehicles are permitted only on established access drives and within designated parking areas. ATV’s and similar motorized recreational vehicles are NOT permitted in the park.

Use of non-motorized recreational equipment (e.g. bicycles, skateboards, scooters) shall be limited to the park trails and nowhere else within the park. Pedestrians, including runners: please remain on the trail, path, and walkway system within the park.

Pet owners and handlers are reminded to clean up after pets anywhere within the park, including the dog park. All pets must be kept on leashes except dogs within the dog park. Animals must be licensed and immunized. Dogs are not permitted on or within the playground area.

Swimming and Ice Skating are prohibited at the park. Fishing in the pond is catch and release basis only.

No hunting on any trail or other part of the park property is permitted.

If there is an emergency please call 911 immediately.

Code Department FAQs

Yes, both residential, commercial and change of use. Applications can be found on the website under the Code Department Page or we can use USPS to mail you one or email you one to use.

You do not need a permit unless the new windows are a different type or size than the old ones.

Yes, a Zoning Permit is required.

Yes, for roof shingles and/or if the construction involved is structural work; such as replacing rafters.

Building Permits are required for all new construction, additions, alterations, decks, sheds, in-ground and above-ground pools, fence, driveway expansions, etc.

No, London Grove Township has opted into the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act and is authorized to perform commercial inspections and plan reviews, including accessibility.

You should submit a permit application to the Township, the same as if the project was proposed. Once a permit is issued the Township will make every effort to make the inspection process as un-invasive as possible, however, you may be required to remove some finish materials. Fees are doubled up to a maximum increase of $200.

Yes, however, if you are doing a trade-only project then just the specific permit for the project is required.

A zoning permit is required for all sheds. A building permit may not be required if your shed is under 1,000 square feet. Contact the Code Department for more information.

You can either mail in the payment and once received we will mail you the permit or it can be paid for at the Township counter. Currently, the Township accepts, Cash, Check, Credit Card or Money Order.

Contact the Assistant Zoning Officer in the Code Department, Brian Elwood to find out what your setbacks are.

 

Submit 2 copies of plans showing the proposed changes to the Township, along with an application for revision. These plans will be reviewed and approved. Work on proposed revisions shall not start until plans are approved.

Depending on how old your lot is we might be able to provide you with a plot plan.

Ask the address of the property and then check in the address files to see if one is available. If one is available, you can copy it and either mail it to them or they can pick it up here at the Township Building. You can also scan the document and send it to them via email.

We may have these plans; the newer the home, the more likely we have these plans

Permit applications must be dropped off at, or mailed to:

London Grove Township

372 Rose Hill Road

West Grove, PA 19390

All types of permits can be obtained from this website or we can USPS or email them to you. You can also pick up permit applications from the following address:

372 Rose Hill Road

West Grove, PA 19390

An inspection list is provided when a permit is issued, you can also go to the Inspections page on our website for examples of inspections, which may be required.

Typically residential permits are reviewed in 15 business days from when a complete application is submitted, often the first review will result in comments which must be addressed by the applicant prior to issuance of a permit. Commercial permits will be reviewed within 30 business days from when a complete application is submitted.

Currently London Grove Township enforces the 2018 International Codes and applicable sections of 2015 IRC as adopted by the PA Uniform Construction Code.

 

Please refer to the fee schedule. All permits are different, some have a set fee and some are based off the cost of the job.

View the permit requirements for more information on what projects require a Building Permit.

A building permit provides a means for the Township to protect those who live, work and play in the Township by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe constructions and therefore ensure public health, safety and welfare.

 

A building permit is a license, which grants legal permission to start construction of a project.

For solar panels it is typically just a building permit and an electrical permit.

 

Composting FAQs

There are 3 types of bins; holding, turning and worm.

Holding containers that store waste until the materials break down into compost. These bins should have opening in the sides to permit plenty of air but small enough to still contain the materials that are composting, this is the easiest way to compost.

Turning bins are used for building and turning active compost piles. Turning unit allows wastes to be conveniently mixed for aeration on a regular basis. Make a 3 sided bin leaving the fourth side open for turning the pile or for access to the finished compost.

Worms can be used to consume organic waste, producing a great topsoil additive. Worm compost can even be done indoors with relatively no odor; you can get worm composter bins on line too.

Finished compost is dark brown, crumbly and earthy-smelling. To use as a fertilizer, spread it an inch thick on your garden beds to improve poor soil, spread 2 to 3 inches of compost over a tilled surface working the compost into the top 6 inches of earth. Compost can be beneficial in any season. However to maximize its benefits, spread your compost in the fall, cover with mulch and allow to sink into soil, fertilizing it thoroughly by spring time.

Look for a level well-drained area. If you plan on adding kitchen scraps, keep it accessible to your back door and not so far away that you'll neglect it. Look for a spot that is shaded and protected from wind. Start your pile on soil or a lawn to take advantage of the earthworms and beneficial microbes and other decomposers.

You can choose to compost in a passive or proactive manner.

Passive composting involves the least amount of time and energy on your part. Set up an enclosed area and start adding your organic wastes. The materials will eventually break down into finished compost. After a year or two your pile will produce a few cubic feet of compost yearly.

Proactive composting involves active participation. By using this method you’ll have finished compost within 3-4 weeks depending on what materials used, whether you chopped up and how you mix them together. Your compost pile needs a proper ratio of carbon rich material or “browns” and nitrogen-rich material or “greens”. Among the brown materials are died leave, straw and wood chips. Nitrogen materials are fresh or green such as grass clippings and kitchen scraps. Mixing certain types of materials or changing the proportions can make a difference in the rate of decomposition. The ideal ratio is 25 parts browns to 1 part greens but you can experiment with what works best for you. Good compost is moist and odorless and maintains a temperature of 130 degrees. Too much carbon slows down the decomposition while too much nitrogen causes odor

Yes. Compost decreases your waste. About 1/3 of the space in landfills is taken up with organic waste from our yards and kitchens, just the type of material that can be used in compost. Since the average American household produces more than 200 pounds of kitchen waste every year, composting is an important component to reducing your environmental impact and landfill use.

Compost enhances your soil's structure, texture and aeration by loosening it and increasing its water-holding capacity. It improves your soil's fertility, stimulates healthy root development in plants, and provides food for microorganisms.

Composting is the ultimate garden fertilizer. It contains virtually all the nutrients a living plant needs and slowly delivers them over a period of years. It enlivens your soil no matter where you live. Farmers around the world will testify that healthier soil grows healthier plants that naturally resist disease, insects, and other environmental pressures.

General FAQs

Please click on the link below to be redirected to the Township Taxes page.

Taxes

To apply for a garden bed, you need to fill out a garden bed application, which can be obtained at the Township Building or we can email one to you. Please contact the Township Building for more information. 610-345-0100

Public Water and Sewer

There is public water & sewer available South of Route 1 in certain areas. To check on availability, please call the office at 610-345-0300. Public Water & Sewer is NOT available North of Route 1. Thank you.

PA One Call's purpose is to prevent damage to underground facilities. To promote safety, they provide an efficient and effective communications network among project owners, designers, excavators, and facility owners. "CALL BEFORE YOU DIG" on your property to ensure utility lines are marked prior to excavation. PA One Call is a 24/7 service to residents of Pennsylvania. You must call 72 hours prior to digging anything on your property. London Grove Municipal Authority marks "ONLY" lines that are in the Public Right-Of-Way. To utilize this service, contact PA ONE CALL'S toll free number at 1-800-242-1776.

  • Mail payment to - LGTMA, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA 19390
  • Pay your bill in person at the office. Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Outside Payment Drop Box is available 24/7 at the Main Entrance. The box located on the wall to the left of the doors. The box is red and says "Water & Sewer Payments."
  • Online payments are accepted by clicking here. A convenience fee is applied to this service.

Water & Sewer Bills are mailed quarterly. January, April, July and October by the 15th of the month. Payments are due within 30 days.

Water Conservation

Yes. All systems should use covered barrels or cisterns that keep the water from accumulating leaves and other contaminants. They should also have some kind of filter to keep out silt and leaves. Filters can range from a funnel with mesh at the bottom that is covered by gravel, to a rainwater washing apparatus.

The type of gutter system you have is also important, as many may have lead soldering or lead-based paints.

Make sure you have some way to cover the barrel with a screen or a top. Standing water is also where mosquitoes breed best. You can use a fine screen over the top of the barrel to deter mosquitoes.

If you are using a bin not originally designed as a rain barrel, make sure it can withstand holding a large amount of water.

Place it on level and stable ground to prevent tipping.

If temperatures may reach freezing or below, disconnect your rain barrels as the constant freezing and thawing of the water may weaken the material or cause cracks.

A final bit of advice for all rainwater systems is to always monitor the rain barrels for overflow, especially when you’re away on vacation.

For every inch of rain that falls on a roof area of 1,000 square feet, you can expect to collect approximately 600 gallons of rainwater (or for every square foot 0.6 gallons). To calculate your roof area, measure the footprint of your house or use the total square feet of your 1st floor.

Your annual rainwater harvesting capacity is your roof area multiplied by 0.6 and then multiplied by the annual amount of rainfall in your area. Chester County gets about 42 inches a year.

Depending on the needs of your household, harvesting your rainwater can significantly augment your water supply.

Of course, rainwater harvesting systems aren't 100% efficient due to evaporation, spilling, etc but you can expect to collect around 80% of that figure depending on how sophisticated your rain barrels are and how vigilant you are.

To maximize your collection of rainwater, you can use buildings such as barns or sheds as well as your house.

Harvesting systems range from simple rain barrels to advanced systems of cisterns, pumps, and flow controls.

Rainwater is usually collected from the roofs of houses and picks up very little contamination when it falls. Of course, you’ll want to keep your roof clean of debris and potential contaminants to maximize its purity.

First - water harvesting supplements your water use and reduces your need for water during dry seasons making droughts less damaging and letting aquifers replenish.

Second - plants thrive on rainwater because it is naturally soft - devoid of minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals - and using it for landscaping improves the health of your gardens, lawns, and trees.

Finally - harvesting water saves you money. Depending on the size of your house and the amount of rainfall in your area, you can collect a substantial amount of rainwater, which reduces your water needs and your water bill. Harvesting Rain Water

Harvested rainwater is primarily used for watering gardens, lawns and houseplants, but you can find uses within the house as well.

Sidebar: Rainwater can be used for drinking, but requires special treatment with a filtration system. A filtration system is not needed for landscape use - harvested water can be used directly from your rain barrel on your garden. Products That Harvest Rainwater Around Your House