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1. What is storm water? Is it the puddle our children splash in or maybe the little stream along the road after a downpour that runs into storm drains?

Storm Water is defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as urban runoff and snowmelt runoff, consisting only of those discharges which originate from precipitation events. Storm water is precipitation that flows across a surface to a storm drain system or receiving waters. 

Examples

Examples of this include: the water that flows off a building's roof when it rains (runoff from an impervious surface); the water that flows into streams when snow on the ground melts (runoff from a semi-pervious surface); and the water that flows from a vegetated surface when rainfall exceeds the rate at which it can infiltrate into the soil (runoff from a pervious surface).

When something is pervious, it has the ability to allow a liquid to pass through. When all factors are equal, runoff increases as the surface becomes more impervious. For example, grass fields are more pervious and absorb more runoff than an asphalt parking lot. During precipitation events in urban areas, rainwater picks up and transports pollutants through storm water systems, and ultimately to waters of the Commonwealth. Examples of pollutants are motor oil or fuels from vehicles, soils, and dust, winter de-icing materials, and spilled or dumped chemicals.

2. What is a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)?

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4), as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are categorized by population, and Lower Paxton Township is defined as a small MS4. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA developed a multi-year, multi-phase program called the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Under Phase II of this program, small MS4s are required to obtain a permit for their storm water management system. A storm water management system consists of any pipe, ditch or gully, or system of pipes, ditches, or gullies, owned or operated by a government and used for collecting and conveying storm water.

About Our System

Lower Paxton Township's storm water management system consists of tens of thousands of feet of pipe along with hundreds of manholes and inlets that discharge into private facilities or local waterways. Generally, storm water facilities located within a public right-of-way are the responsibility of the Township. Facilities outside a public right-of-way are the responsibility of a landowner or a Home Owners' Association (HOA). There are instances of facilities located outside a public right-of-way where easements have been provided to the Township for maintenance.

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1. Can I install a drain or inlet in the street in front of my home?

No. If you have a storm water or drainage concern contact the Public Works Department. A department representative will perform a site visit. In many cases, there are other factors that are contributing to a storm water problem that is not resolved by a drain or inlet.

2. What can I do with runoff from my neighbor’s downspouts that are affecting my property?

On-site drainage between two property owners is generally a civil issue that cannot be addressed by the Township.

3. Can the Public Works Department clean a stream that crosses my property?

Maintenance of a stream or waterway is a property owner's responsibility. The Public Works Department is only responsible for stream cross pipes that convey water under a public street.

4. I have water coming through the walls of my home into my basement during heavy rain storms. Can the Public Works Department help me with this problem?

The Public Works Department cannot control ground water and is not permitted to work on private property or structures.

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1. Why not pay for these mandates with a tax increase?

Fairness and efficiency. Municipalities have two options to pay for new stormwater management mandates: taxes or a dedicated fee. The benefits of a fee are:

• It covers all properties in Lower Paxton, not just those that pay property taxes, making it fairer.
• All funds raised by a fee must be used solely for meeting stormwater mandates, not General Fund expenditures, making it more efficient.

2. How much is the fee?

The Authority passed Resolution 19-01 establishing a stormwater fee (PDF) in the amount of $32 per quarter for a single-family residential parcel (1 Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)). Owners of non-single family residential parcels shall pay user fees based upon the number of square feet of impervious surface area (3,400 square feet equals 1 ERU). NSFRs above 1 ERU shall be calculated by multiplying the total number of ERUs by the ERU unit rate of $32 per quarter. Customers wishing to appeal their billing classification, impervious area, or ERU may complete the Appeal Form (PDF) and return it to the Lower Paxton Township Authority.

3. How is a NSFR rate calculated?

This calculation is used for non-single family homes. For example, commercial properties, schools, churches, etc. 1 equivalent residential unit (ERU) equals $32. Multiply your ERUs by $32 to reach the total due. Example: 45 ERUs multiplied by $32 equals $1,440.

View Your Parcel

The Impervious Surface Area Data Viewing Tool provides non-single family residential parcels with the ability to view their parcel and see the impervious area that has been calculated to reach the total number of ERUs for the parcel. Users can search by address. The parcel will appear and users can click on the shaded red area to see the impervious surface square footage and calculated ERU.

4. What will the fee be used for?

In order to fulfill requirements of Federal and State regulations, Lower Paxton Township operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Program (MS4) program and has submitted a Pollutant Reduction Plan as well as applied for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The permit is still under review with the state. These programs require projects to be completed to reduce sediment and target load reductions.

Projects Planned for 2019 Through 2021

Please note: All projects are subject to change and may extend over a several year period to complete.

• Drainage Improvements - Area 1 (PDF)
• Drainage Improvements - Area 2 (PDF)
• Mini Basins 2A-C, 5 B Project (PDF)
• Stonebridge Apartments Stream Restoration (PDF)

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1. What is a plot plan?

A hand-drawn diagram of your property that shows:

• All Structures
• Any Proposed Structures
• Distances to the Property Lines (Include the Size of Property)
• The Driveway
• The Street

If you have questions about how to draw a plot plan, check out google and search "image of how to draw a plot plan." There are many examples available.

2. What is a setback?

A setback is the distance from your home or your shed or the added structure to your property lines on each side.

3. Do I need a permit to install a fence?

A Zoning Permit is required. You must attach a plot plan to the permit showing where you plan to install the fence, including the type of fence (privacy/open picket), and the height. It is suggested that in order to maintain the fence, you allow ample room (1 to 2 feet) from your property line.

Examples

If you have questions about how to draw a plot plan, check out google and search "image of how to draw a plot plan." There are many examples available.

4. I want to put a pool in my yard. Does it require a permit?

If it is over 24 inches high, then yes. Zoning (PDF), Stormwater (PDF) (if it's over 80 square feet) and Building Permits (PDF) are required (Swimming Pool Checklist).  A plot plan is required showing the exact location of the pool with footage.

5. Can I raise chickens?

A zoning permit is required to keep chickens on your property.  As of 2021, the Township’s Zoning Ordinance has been updated and can be reviewed here. 

6. How do I know where my property line is?

A great starting point is to check out the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds site. You can also look up your parcel on the GIS Map.

7. Do I need a permit to add a shed on my property?

Yes. You need a zoning permit (PDF) and stormwater permit (PDF) (and a plot plan) if the structure is under 1,000 square feet. If the structure is over 1,000 square feet you will also need a building permit (PDF). The rear and sides of the shed should be a minimum of 5 feet from the property line.

8. Do I need a permit to build a deck on the back of my house?

A Zoning (PDF) and Stormwater permit (PDF) are required. If a deck is more than 30 inches off grade, then a Building Permit (PDF) is required as well. A plot plan is required with the submission.

• Deck Construction Guide (PDF)

9. What are the smoke detector requirements in Lower Paxton Township?

All residential dwellings are required to have hard-wired smoke detectors outside of all sleeping areas and battery-operated smoke detectors on each level that there is not a hard-wired detector. If selling your home, it is a requirement that realtors complete the certification form at the time of settlement.

10. How often does street sweeping occur in Lower Paxton Township?

• Street sweeping begins in April of each year and is completed in July depending on the weather. Street sweeping is necessary to pick up contaminants from the roadway and prevent stones, dirt, and other debris from collecting in storm sewers and drainage swales along the roadway.
• The Public Works Department does not possess a specific schedule for street sweeping.
• Street sweepers are also used to collect leaves in the early fall.

11. Where do I go to vote?

Please note, you must be registered to vote in the State of Pennsylvania. Upon registering, you will receive your voter registration card and it will list your voting precinct. Find precinct information and maps.

12. Where do I get a carry permit? Renew a carry permit?

Process

1. Stop by, fill out an application. Bring your Pennsylvania Drivers License with your current address and a second form of ID. 
2. No personal checks: $6 cash application fee and $14 balance when you pick up completed permit.

Locations

Dauphin County Courthouse
Front and Market Streets
1st Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17108

Hours
Monday through Friday
8 am to 4 pm

DJ Wenner's Office, Lower Paxton Township Field Office
5925 Stevenson Avenue
Suite B
Harrisburg, PA 17112

Hours
Monday and Wednesday Only
5 pm to 7 pm

13. Where do I pay my Income Taxes?

The Local Income Tax Office closed. Previously located on Vartan Way. Keystone Collections Group is responsible for collecting Local Income Tax. Taxpayers can call 888-328-0565 for assistance or visit the Keystone Collections Group website.

14. What is Recyclable?

Wondering what is recyclable in Lower Paxton? A complete list provided by the contracted hauler is available at Recyclable Collection.