Recreation

recycling
Alsace Township starts recycling program.

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tidbits

SPRING CLEANUP 2013

Spring cleanup for Township residents - May 4 and May 9, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Alsace Township municipal building. Click here for more details.

Help keep our Township beautiful!

ANIMALS and ANIMAL CONTROL

ACT 1982-225 of the Commonwealth of PA is applied in Alsace Township and requires all dog owners to keep their dogs from running at large. If you have problems with dogs, please call the Animal Rescue League at 610-373- 8830, as the Township has a contract with them and starting in the year 2008, we will also have a contract with the Humane Society. The Humane Society can be reached at 610-921-2348.

BURNING

Open burning is allowed  (unless there is a Ban on Burning*) during daylight hours, but please call the Alsace Manor Fire Company at 610-921-9372 and leave a message on the answering machine. You may burn grass clippings, brush and leaves. Burning of tires, building materials and hazardous materials is not permitted. Violators are subject to fines as established by Alsace Township Ordinance.

* Check the announcements on our Welcome Page to determine whether a burning ban is in effect.

COMPLAINTS

The Township has a policy whereby any complaint coming into the Township Office must be in writing and signed by the person submitting the complaint. If you call the office because of a problem, such as ice, snow, fallen trees, etc., please give your name and the location of the problem. This policy is necessary to avoid getting the Township involved in disputes between neighbors and it also gives the township a record of a contact person regarding any further questions. (Complaint Form)

FAX AND COPY SERVICE

The Township has a copy machine and a FAX machine, both of which are available to the public for a nominal fee. The FAX number is 610-921-0977. The Township Secretary/Treasurer is a Notary and residents are welcome to have paperwork notarized at no charge.

LEAVES

Leaves are picked up in the Fall from around the roadside drainage ditches and right-of-ways in order to prevent the blockage of stormwater pipes.

PERMITS

Before you start a project, Zoning, Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical and other permits are required by the Township for various activities, including but not limited to the following: new residences, commercial construction, agricultural buildings, accessory buildings, swimming pools – above and in ground, storage sheds, fences, signs, wells, driveways – both new and repaving – demolition of buildings, decks/patios, mobile homes, alterations/renovations/modifications, additions, and home occupations.

Check with Kraft Codes at 610-775-7185, ext. 302, for current fee amounts and permit requirements. When in doubt, please ask before starting any type of construction project.

View more info about permits here.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE

The Township has a Property Maintenance Code that prohibits the outdoor storage of unlicensed vehicles, junk, rubbish and requires that, weeds or grass should not exceed ten inches (10”) in height.

RECYCLING

The Township has started a recycling program. There are 2 bins located in the parking lot in front of the Township building. One bin is strictly for paper - cardboard, newspapers, magazines, and paper products. One bin is commingle, which includes plastic, glass, and aluminum cans.

Any questions, contact the Township office at 610-929-5324.

ROADS

The Township Public Works Department is responsible for all township roads in the township. They are not responsible for State roads or private roads/lanes. In the summer months the grass and weeds along the township roads are cut two times.

SEWAGE PERMITS

LTL Consultants serve as the Alsace Township Sewage Enforcement Officer. They conduct the testing and issue the sewage permits. You should also contact LTL Consultants regarding any suspected sewage malfunctions. A sewage permit must be issued before any other permits can be obtained for any new construction. You can call LTL Consultants at 610-987-9290.

View more info about sewage permits here.

SIGNS

The Township has a section in the Zoning Ordinance that regulates the height, number, size, and type of signs that can be placed in the Township.

SUBDIVISION

Any subdivision, re-subdivision or other replotting of property for any purpose requires the approval of both, the Township and the Berks County Planning Commission. The Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance can be purchased at the township Municipal Building and within the next year will be available on a CD.

View more info about subdivision and land development permits here.

TOWNSHIP TAX STRUCTURE

  • Township Real Estate Tax – 1 mill
  • Earned Income and Real Estate Transfer Tax – ½ of 1%
  • Per Capita Tax - $5.00

The Township and County taxes are included in one bill which is mailed in February and the school district tax bills and per capita taxes are mailed in June of each year. Per Capita Taxes are applicable to all residents who are 18 years of age or older.

The Township contributes money to each of the following groups:

  • The Berks County Library System
  • Animal Rescue League
  • The Humane Society – starting in the year 2008
  • Berks County Crime Watch

TRASH

Trash pick-up is a private matter within the Township and property owners may contact the trash hauler of their choice.

VOTING

Polling place in Alsace Township is the Alsace Manor Fire Company at 1 Antietam Road, Temple, PA 19560.

For questions about voting contact: Berks County (www.co.berks.pa.us).

NOTE: Berks County needs registered voters - to work the polls for the primaries and general elections. Workers will receive a stipend for their service along with payment for attending training. If you are interested in this opportunity, or if you have any questions, please contact Deborah Olivieri at The Office of Elections Services at 610-478-6490.

ZONING

The Township has an ordinance that deals specifically with zoning and land use issues. The ordinance defines zoning districts and regulates what can and cannot be done in a particular district. Zoning Ordinance Books and Maps can be purchased at the Township Municipal Building. Within the next year the Zoning Ordinance and Map will be available on a CD.

View more info about zoning permits here.