New Years: Fri-Sun, December 31-January 2
President’s Day: Sat-Mon, February 19-21
Easter: Fri-Sun, Apr 22-24
Memorial Day: Sat-Mon, May 28-30
Independence Day - Saturday-Monday, July 2-4
Labor Day - Saturday-Monday, September 3-5
Veteran’s Day - Friday, November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 24
Day after Thanksgiving - Friday-Sunday, November 25-27
Christmas - Saturday-Monday, December 24-26

• Administration / Complaint Management
  - 401 Gibson Avenue
  (215) 443-5414
• Animal Control Officer
  - 910 W. Bristol Road
  (267) 803-4859
• Five Ponds Golf Course
  - 1225 W. Street Road
  (215) 956-9727
• Licenses and Inspections
  - 910 W. Bristol Road
  (215) 443-5423
• Parks and Recreation
  - 1101 Little Lane
  (215) 443-5428
  Police Department (business)
  - 401 Gibson Avenue
  (215) 443-5000
• Public Works
  - 910 W. Bristol Road
  (215) 443-7592
• Warminster Municipal Authority
  - 415 Gibson Avenue
  (215) 675-3301
• TDD/TTY - For hearing & speech impaired
  (800) 654-5984

Contrary to popular belief, the Township does not control the majority of real estate taxes paid by property owners. Only 11.5% of your total real estate taxes are assessed by the Township Board of Supervisors. The School District, a separate legal entity and governing body, determines the amount of school taxes which is currently 73.6% of your total tax bill. Taxes assessed by the County represent the final 14.9% of your total tax bill.

In addition, the Township has extended its contract for trash and recycling for the next two years and, with no change in services, the annual cost per household will decrease $20 from $456 to $436 in 2010.

We will continually strive to control spending through prudent fiscal management and maintain the highest level of services to residents and businesses in the Township.

Every third Thursday at 7 PM, the Warminster Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) hosts monthly public video-discussions at the Township Building, 401 Gibson Ave.   Each month, the EAC addresses a new topic like stormwater management, the home energy audit, or award-winning videos from National Geographic and local filmmakers like Chris Zelov.  The focus of each program is how to help residents and businesses save money on energy bills when over half of the energy used is wasted due to lack of efficiency and conservation.   

It isn’t complicated to begin saving energy dollars. When you consider that the average homeowner pays around $2400 a year in energy costs, a $1200 annual savings amounts to well over $12,000 in ten years. Using expert regional speakers and our own in-house talent of environmental, conservation, and energy specialists, we can help you save money.  And, with a different topic each month, you'll learn the latest strategies and must-know information to weather the current economic situation.  The EAC knows about programs and strategies to tackle these problems. Even the Township is getting on board to make Township buildings energy efficient thus lowering OUR monthly costs. Let us show you how. To get on our notification list for the current topic of the month, send an email to soundsynergy@comcast.net, or call (267)992-8020 or (215) 443-5414. Our data base is not shared with anyone, but we hope you'll come out to see us soon. Bring your questions and concerns; we have answers.

To collect trash & recyclables more efficiently, JP Mascaro & Sons, the contracted trash removal service for Warminster Township, has broken the Township into eight sections. If you need a trash information brochure to find your yard waste day, call Warminster Township at (215) 443-5414.

• Trash: Mascaro will pick up a maximum of 6 cans or bags per collection day. All trash should be out by 6 AM. No construction or demolition debris is accepted.
• Bulk Items: Picked up on the 2nd collection day each week; one bulk item/week. Twigs and branches should be cut into 3 ft. lengths, bundled and placed out as a bulk item. 10 bundles max. 10 logs or 1 stump is a bulk item. Carpet must be cut into three foot strips, rolled and tied, up to 10 rolls. Freon items (AC units, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, freezers) are a special pick-up item. You must call Mascaro at 1-800-432-1616 to schedule a freon pick up.
• Recyclables: #1-#7 plastic containers, cans & glass bottles can be mixed together in an open container marked RECYCLING. If using a trash can for recycling, it can be no larger than the 20 gallon size. Newspapers should be placed in brown paper bags or tied in bundles and placed on the top of recycling. Untied or un-bagged newspapers will not be collected.
• NEW – Cardboard recycling – broken down boxes no bigger than 2’x2’ and tied with string, placed next to or on top of your recycling bin. No food contaminated boxes (pizza), square boxes not flattened or emptied, or wet boxes are permitted.
• Yard Waste: defined as leaves or grass clippings, are picked up in biodegradable bags or loose in cans - NO PLASTIC BAGS! Yard waste program is from April 1 to Dec 15. Maximum yard waste collection is 10 bags/week. No branches, stumps or logs.
• Questions? Call JP Mascaro at 1-800-432-1616 or the Township @ (215)443-5414, Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM.

Residents can play a vital role in managing stormwater and encouraging the use of sustainable practices at home and within the community! More information can be found on the Township’s website: www.warminstertownship.org/special/swm.htm

Things anyone can do:
Auto care
Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.
Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as dumping the materials directly into a water body. Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations.

Pet waste
Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters.  When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.
Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local water bodies.

Septic systems
Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release nutrients and pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that can be picked up by stormwater and discharged into nearby water bodies. Pathogens can cause public health problems and environmental concerns.

Inspect your system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3 to 5 years). 
Don't dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets.

Lawn care
Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams.  Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible.  Don’t overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.
Yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams.  Don’t leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams. 
Compost or mulch yard waste - Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects.

Landscaping
Permeable Pavement:
Traditional concrete and asphalt don’t allow water to soak into the ground.  Instead these surfaces rely on storm drains to divert unwanted water. Permeable pavement systems allow rain and snowmelt to soak through, decreasing stormwater runoff.
Rain Barrels: You can collect rainwater from rooftops in mosquito-proof containers. The water can be used later on lawn or garden areas.
Rain Gardens and Grassy Swales: Specially designed areas planted with native plants can provide natural places for rainwater to collect and soak into the ground. Rain from rooftop areas or paved areas can be diverted into these areas rather than into storm drains. 
Vegetated Filter Strips:  Filter strips are areas of native grass or plants created along roadways or streams. They trap the pollutants stormwater picks up as it flows across driveways and streets.

Dog Licenses Required
Dog Licenses Required** Attention Township Residents! According to Pennsylvania State Law, all dogs three (3) months of age or older must have a current dog license and a current rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian***. Dog licenses may be purchased at:

Noise Ordinance
Pet owners should be aware that Warminster Township has an ordinance in place regarding un-provoked incessant noise made by animals***. For more info regarding this and other Pennsylvania State Dog Laws, contact Craig Claycomb, Animal Control Officer (267) 803-4859.

*** Violators are subject to $300-$600 fines for non-compliance***

Pooper Scooper Ordinance #565
In 2000, the Board of Supervisors passed Ordinance #565 regulating animal defecation on public and private property and the disposal of animal feces. In short, pet owners are now required to clean up after their animals, not only in the parks, but on all public and private property throughout the Township, or face the possibility of a fine up to $1,000.

Vacation Safety
If you’re planning a vacation and would like some extra peace of mind that your house is safe, please visit the Township website at www.warminstertownship.org/police to complete a Vacation Notice Form, so that the Police Department is aware that you are away.

Child Passenger Safety Seats
The Warminster Township Police Department would like to remind our residents of the importance of using Child Passenger Safety Seats for their children. This covers children of all ages – birth through the teenage years. It is imperative that all passengers buckle up for safety, and it is the law. If you would like to make an appointment for your Child Safety Seat inspection, become educated of the nuances of your seat, or you have some questions about your older children in the vehicle, please call (215) 443-5000 and ask to speak to our certified CPS Technician Cpl. Zak Jackson

If You See It, Report It . . . ON-LINE
If you see a downed traffic sign or road hazard on the way to work, let us know when you get there! Visit the Township web site at www.warminstertownship.org/works and complete a Repair Form. This will help us know what is wrong and how we can fix the problem.

YARD WASTE ORDINANCE #537
Problems with neighborhood flooding prompted the Board of Supervisors to pass an ordinance to reduce yard waste and debris in the street gutters. The ordinance states “it shall be the duty of each owner or occupant of property bordering on a street in Warminster Township to maintain and keep the street and gutter adjacent to the property free and clear of leaves, leaf waste and other yard waste. It shall be unlawful, and a violation, for any person to deposit or otherwise allow the accumulation of leaves, leaf waste or any other yard waste in any street or gutter in Warminster Township.” To help keep our sewer and storm water management system flowing, please be sure that neither you nor your lawn care contractor blow clippings, leaves, etc into the street or you may be fined.

Early Warning!
The most dangerous part of any fire is the smoke. That is why smoke detectors are essential for early warning of a fire in your home. You should have one smoke detector on every level and one smoke detector in every bed room in your house. Be sure to test them regularly to ensure they work. Smoke detectors now come with many features such as voices, different languages, flashing lights, wireless interconnection, hardwired interconnection, battery powered, and carbon monoxide alarm. Make sure you are alerted before it is too late. If you have any questions about smoke detectors please do not hesitate to contact the Fire Marshal's Office at (267) 803-FIRE.

Can we find you?
In an emergency it is important for the Police, Ambulance, and Fire Department to be able to find your house. Make sure your address is posted on your house. Your address should be a contrasting color (gold numbers on a white house won't work) and the numbers should be at least 3 inches high. Be found today!

The U.S. Census Bureau is issuing a call to action for every resident of our nation: "Be Counted in 2010." All U.S. residents must be counted - people of all races and ethnic groups, both citizen and non-citizens. Census Day is April 1, 2010 so questionnaire responses should represent the household as it exists on this day.

Look for Census 2010 to arrive by mail in March. When you receive it, just answer the 10 short questions and mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual's census responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

The Census is important. It determines the distribution of more than $400 billion annually of government funding for critical community services. It generates thousands of jobs across the country and it determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the boundaries of legislative districts.

Thanks to the dedicated work of the Environmental Advisory Committee, and the participation of the Township, residents, and businesses, the Warminster Township Library is now home to a 1.26k solar energy system. The solar energy system, which consists of six solar panels, was obtained through the Township’s participation in a clean energy campaign sponsored by the Sustainable Development Fund and SmartPower. The screen display box for the solar energy system can be viewed from the lobby of the Library, and shows a digital reading for such things as the amount of solar energy generated for a given day, as well as the total amount of solar energy produced since the installation of the unit.

152 new clean energy accounts were established as a result of this program, and an additional 146.4 megawatt hours of clean energy are now being purchased each month by Warminster residents and businesses. The EAC would like to thank the residents and businesses of Warminster Township for their support, and continues to encourage people to sign up for PECO wind energy.

It's an easy and inexpensive way to make a difference! Please click here for more information.

The Township is looking for community volunteers, environmental groups, Eagle Scout candidates, Gold Star contenders, or Scout Troops who are interested in community service hours to assist with a storm water protection project. In accordance with DEP regulations, all of the storm water drains in the municipality need to be marked or stenciled with “no dumping”. Any troop or scout interested in this project should contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (215)443-5428 as soon as possible.

2011 will be a magical year!
Warminster Township will be celebrating our Tri-Centennial, and the Warminster Tri-Centennial Committee needs your help NOW!  We will be putting together a Warminster Tri-Centennial Cookbook and a historic pictorial book about Warminster.  We need your favorite (non-commercially published) family recipes and copies of your historic Warminster pictures.  All recipes must identify the name of the recipe, ingredients & measurements, directions, your name, phone number, and email address.  All historic pictures of Warminster must identify the subject and time frame, and include your name, phone number, and email address.  Please send your submissions to: 

Warminster Tri-Centennial Executive Committee,
c/o Warminster Township Building
401 Gibson Avenue
Warminster, PA  18974

You may also email your recipe submissions to Eva Luce at: evaluce@hotmail.com.
If you would like to help with the Tri-Centennial celebration planning, or if you have any questions, please email Deb Myatt at myattmr2@yahoo.com.

Channels 22 & 45
Community organizations who are interested in placing items on Channel 22 (Comcast) and Channel 45 (Verizon,) should go to www.warminstertownship.org/tv to submit items on-line.  Hopefully residents are enjoying the new and informative formats.  More changes will take place in the future.  Watch for them!

COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTIES
If you are planning a Block Party, please stop in the Parks and Rec. office or download the “party” form @ www.warminstertownship.org/recreation to complete your permit so that you may receive barricades.   This ensures a safe and fun event!   

PICNIC KITS
Picnic Kits are portable sport bags filled with a variety of sports equipment. They are available with a $30/kit deposit.  Half of all deposits will be returned when equipment is returned in good order.  To reserve your kit, call (215) 443-5428.

VOTING DISTRICTS - Don’t forget to vote in November!
The following are a list of District Polling places and their locations. However, if you are unsure of your voting location, feel free to call Bucks County Voter Registration at 215-348-6169. also on the internet at www.buckscounty.org or www.votespa.com

Warminster Township Administration Offices, Parks & Recreation, L&I Department, Public Works, & Five Ponds can be reached directly by contacting the Pennsylvania Telephone Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 or via messages at the TDD/TTY machine at the Warminster Police Dept. at (215) 443-2973.

Requirements for the Occupancy Certificate when selling or renting your house.

• The inspection process should begin no less than one (1) month before settlement to allow you time to complete the necessary requirements before your settlement date.
• Application and fee in the amount of $75.00 must be submitted to the Department of Licenses and Inspections to set up an appointment for the inspection.
• Inspection of premises is completed by a Warminster Township Code Enforcement Officer.
• Electrical Certification completed by an electrical underwriter or inspection agency registered with the PA Department of Labor & Industry.
• Heater and Chimney Certification must be completed by a contractor registered and licensed with Warminster Township.  Certification must be completed on the Township form.
• Fireplace and Chimney Certification must be completed by a contractor registered and licenses with Warminster Township.  Certification must be completed on the Township form.
• Certifications must be submitted before the Occupancy Certificate will be issued.
• All contractors performing work including certifications must be registered with Warminster Township. Contact Warminster Township Department of Licenses & Inspection to verify that the contractor used for the certifications is registered and has an up-to-date license with the Township.

Forms can be obtained by contacting the Department of Licenses & Inspections at 215-443-5423. There is a handout describing the Occupancy Certificate regulations that includes the forms necessary for the inspection process. Forms can be e-mailed to you by either calling the office telephone number or e-mailing your request to one of the following mailboxes:  landi@li-warminstertownship.org  or  Use&Occupancy@li-warminstertownship.org

Building? Get A Permit!
Summer is a great time for renovations! Since 2004, the Licenses and Inspections Department has operated under the Uniform Construction Code (UCC). All building and construction, whether or not a permit is required to be taken from L&I, must meet the minimum UCC requirements. Tool sheds, in-ground and above-ground pools, alterations and additions, fireplaces, woodstoves, and fireplace inserts, concrete replacement, patio roofs, tank removal and installation, HVAC, accessory structures, roofing, siding, fences, decks, and attached/detached garages, are just some of the items that may require permits or zoning approvals.

Please contact the Dept. of Licenses & Inspections, 910 W. Bristol Road or (215) 443-5423, for details on how to secure a permit or zoning approval. Be sure that a reputable contractor is hired to perform work on your property. All contractors who perform any kind of construction work in the Township must have a current license and an updated Certificate of Insurance on record with the L&I Dept. A homeowner may do construction to his property, but like the contractor, is required to have construction drawings, plot plans, paperwork, and fees must be submitted for approval before issuance of the permit or zoning approval.

HOUSE NUMBER DISPLAY
It’s the LAW…the owners of buildings and homes within Warminster Township are required to display the building or house number. The number must be readily seen from the street or highway. Numbers on homes need to be at least 3 inches high and in contrasting color, while commercial, industrial and institutional buildings need to have numbers at least 6 inches high and in contrasting color. If your Emergency Services can’t find you, they can’t help you. Warminster Township Code Ordinance 615, Section 304.3

ADVISORY: Ordinance 635 - Permit required for fences
In the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the residents of Warminster Township, Supervisors amended the Zoning Code Ordinance to prohibit the construction of fences closer to the street than the front of a house and to require a permit for the erection of any fence. The aesthetic quality of residential neighborhoods, ensuring clear site distance for the traveling public, and the homeowners’ ability to safely enter and exit their driveways are all concerns of the Supervisors.

• Be sure that you or your fence installer comes into the Department of Licenses & Inspections for approval of location of fence to meet the Zoning Code and related amendments.
• Acquire a permit before any fence is installed on your property.
• Fence installers and contractors must be registered and licensed with the Township before any work can begin. The contractor’s up-to-date Certificate of Insurance must be on record at L & I.
• Be sure you know where your property line is located. Survey of the property is not required, but is recommended. Property line disputes are a civil matter between you and your neighbor(s). Warminster Township does not determine property line locations.
Please contact the Department of Licenses & Inspections at 910 W. Bristol Road or 215/443-5423 for details on how to secure a fence permit.

BEWARE OF UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS!
Warning Signs
• Unsolicited phone calls or visits
• High pressure sales pitches or scare tactics
• Large down payments
• No verifiable address or phone number
• Unwillingness to give you a price
• Unwillingness to sign a written contract
• Insurance or licensing info you cannot verify

Thirteen Steps to Hiring a Contractor
• Seek a referral from someone you know who is happy with his or her contractors’ work
• Solicit bids from at least three contractors
• Be wary of proposals that are much lower than any other proposal
• Contact the Better Business Bureau to check out any contractors that submit bids
• Insist on a written contract that outlines your entire agreement including starting and completion dates.
• Have an attorney review any documents before you sign them, include contracts, warranties and plans
• Make sure there are no blank spaces on anything you sign
• Insist upon a written warranty on all materials and work
• Get all building permits and variance before start he project and identify contract on the application
• Inspect all work before signing a completion certificate
• Withhold final payment until the entire project is finished and inspected
• Get a contractors’ affidavit that all subcontractor and material supplied have been paid before making a final payment
• Report any misrepresentations, shoddy work, failure to honor contracts, unlicensed contractors or other problems to the appropriate licensing board.

Emergency Vehicle Etiquette
Certain emergency service vehicles have sirens and flashing red lights or a combination of flashing red and blue lights. The lights assist emergency vehicles to move quickly through traffic and to answer emergency calls.  Emergency vehicles include fire department equipment, police cruisers, ambulances, blood delivery vehicles and specially equipped vehicles from river rescue organizations, but other types do exist. Watch out for them.

When you hear a siren or see a vehicle approaching with flashing lights, move to the right and stop - do not move left.  If you can't move right, stop. If you are stopped at a busy intersection and the pre-emptor (flashing light on top of traffic signal) causes the light to turn green in your direction, move through the intersection to clear it and, as quickly as possible, move to the right curb and stop until the emergency vehicles pass. 

When you are approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road move into the opposite lane and slow down. If no other lane is available slow down and use caution.  On one-way streets, drive toward the road edge nearest you.  If an emergency vehicle is leaving or returning to its garage and the emergency lights are still flashing, you must stop until the emergency vehicle is safely out of your path.  During an emergency situation, all drivers must obey the direction of any uniformed police officer, sheriff, constable or any properly attired person, including fire personnel."

After the emergency vehicle passes, you may start driving again. You must stay at least 500 feet away from the emergency vehicle. Always yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. Police Cruisers, Fire Trucks, and Ambulances are Emergency vehicles.  Remember, that the police can and will cite you for not obeying this traffic laws.

Find Out First! Ready Notify PA
Looking to stay connected to Warminster Township and Bucks County? Sign up today to receive emergency weather and transportation alerts via email or cell phone. Ready Notify PA is a community alert system that allows residents to sign up for a variety of emergency alerts. Messages are not limited to where you work or live, you can sign up for all the counties that interest you (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and/or Philadelphia Counties). For more information about staying connected to Warminster Township and Bucks County, please visit bucks.alertpa.org.