Zoning

Complaint Policy
Fillable Complaint Form

Act 132: Home Contractor Registration
In 2008, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. The law requires that all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year register with the Attorney General's Office. As of July 1, 2009, consumers in Pennsylvania will be able to verify your registration with the Attorney General's Office.

Register with the Attorney General's Office.

Required Permits
Required for new construction and additions or alterations extending the exterior of existing structures. All plans for construction of new houses and / or commercial structures, as well as, new additions to houses or commercial structures that require a footing, must be approved by the Building Inspector before a building permit will be issued.

Inspections will be performed when deemed applicable and at:

• footing, before pouring
• foundation
• framing
• insulation and fire seal
• final, before the issuance of an occupancy permit

Zoning Permits
Examples of zoning permits that are required would be for sheds, fences, patios, grading, retaining walls, signs, etc.

Sewage Permits
Required for the installation of a new septic system and for the repair or enlargement of an existing system.

Moving Permits
Required when moving into, out of, or within Upper Milford Township.

Occupancy Permits
Required when occupying a newly constructed dwelling.

Driveway Permits
Required for the construction of a new driveway or other means of ingress or egress onto a township.

Park Permits
Required in order to reserve a pavilion in a township park.

Peddler's License
Must be obtained before engaging in peddling in Upper Milford Township.

Peddler's License
Must be obtained before engaging in peddling in Upper Milford Township.

Ordinances
View our most commonly requested ordinances

Information from the Zoning Department

Property Maintenance
During the course of the year, especially as the growing season begins, our Township receives complaints regarding lack of property maintenance and uncut grass complaints. It is important to note that Upper Milford Township has neither a property maintenance code nor a grass / weed ordinance at present. We do, however, attempt to elicit voluntary cooperation from residents to adequately address these complaints without any actual enforcement action, and have had great success in most cases utilizing this method.

We are receiving more complaints about pets, particularly dogs and cats, roaming and depositing waste on another’s property, particularly Township park property which exists for the enjoyment of all residents and their guests. Please act responsibly regarding your pet(s) with due consideration for other property areas. Besides the fact we want everyone to be a good neighbor, pet owner responsibility is the law! This goes for excessively barking dogs as well. Please remember to keep your pets, particularly dogs and cats, under control on your property. Roaming animals that deposit waste randomly are not appreciated. Those who love their pets will understand that such activity is not good for their beloved pets, either. Please help by exercising better supervision of pets!

Resale of Property
At this point in time, Upper Milford Township does not require Sewer Later inspections for Resale of Residential or Commercial Properties. Upper Milford Township has no requirements for inspections for Use and Occupancy for resale of a residential home. Please inquire Use Permits for Commercial Uses and Regulations.

Yard Waste Recycling
Fall is generally considered an active cleanup time, particularly as our area is inundated by leaves. Be a good neighbor and responsible property owner through proper collection and disposal of leaves. The leaves should not be blown onto another’s property nor should they be deposited onto any roadway.

Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff is an issue that affects not only Upper Milford Township but all our surrounding communities. To address this, the Township has adopted individual Act 167 Stormwater Ordinances and regulations tailored to each of our three local watersheds:

• The Little Lehigh Watershed
• The Perkiomen Creek Watershed
• The Saucon Creek Watershed

Depending on the scope of your project, you may be required to incorporate formal stormwater management plans. Because these regulations can directly impact you, your property, and your construction plans, we ask that you please inquire with the Township Zoning Department at 610-966-3223 to verify your project's requirements

For larger developments and subdivisions, the Lehigh County Conservation District may also need to be involved to oversee NPDES Permits and other Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations. They can be reached directly at 610-391-9583.

Vegetation / Tree Trimming
Autumn is an excellent time to get trimming of trees and other vegetation accomplished. Branches and plant matter extending out into the space of the roadway area must be trimmed back. Vegetation extending into roadway travel space is hazardous as well as damaging to passing vehicles. Please consult the sketch for particulars. Please help us fix this problem by studying the sketch and addressing such problems, should they exist at your property.

Quality of Life
We are all concerned with the quality of life in Upper Milford Township. Good quality of life begins with consideration for your neighbors regarding noise, odor and dirt issues, aesthetics, and property rights issues. Courtesy and decency go a long way towards maintaining the quality of life here in Upper Milford Township. Working together and being mindful of zoning laws and all ordinances of the Township will perpetuate the fine quality of life that exists in Upper Milford Township.

Open Burning
Open burning is permitted, though limited to residential users in the Township and subject to provisions and conditions. If you are unsure as to what burning is permitted and how, please obtain a copy of the Burning Ordinance No. 97 and amendment No. 107 (available at the Township Office and on our website). A reminder that the Lehigh County Communication Center needs to be called prior to a burn and when it is extinguished and that number is (610) 437-5252.

Permits
Another reminder about permits: most any activity, addition or change to your property, with the exception of routine maintenance and some landscaping, will require a permit. Here in Upper Milford Township we are no different from most other jurisdictions in this regard. Upper Milford Township is a zoned community! Please check with the Township when contemplating any activity, project, improvement or change on your property to see what (if any) permit is required.