Planning and ZoningBrian O'Neill, P.E. - Engineer The Township Engineer's job is to direct, with technical expertise, all of the township's public service activities. He works in conjunction with state and local laws. Reviewing subdivision and land development plans, inspecting public improvement construction projects, acting as project manager for township design and construction projects, and monitoring township subdivision related ordinances are the primary responsibilities of the Township Engineer. The Engineer is also responsible for providing technical guidance and support to the Township staff and Board of Supervisors. The Engineer supervises the Zoning and Codes Department and assists in preparing and monitoring the budget for Engineering, Zoning, and Codes. Tim Duerr - Chief of Planning, Zoning & Codes Enforcement The person in this position is responsible for reviewing and coordinating zoning issues, land use requests and subdivision and land development plan review, and providing support information to other staff, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors. This person identifies and researches planning problems, and presents solutions to the issues presented. He directly supervises the staff in the Zoning and codes department and meets with residents and consultants to assist in advising them of planning procedures. Tim Stout - Building Code Official/Codes Enforcement Officer In South Middleton Township a single person fills both of these positions. The main responsibility of the Codes Enforcement Officer is to ensure compliance with all aspects of codes enforcement pertaining to subdivision and land development and nuisances. Code compliance is monitored through on-site inspections and follow-up to complaints received. This person is required to maintain files relating to codes, interacts with the public and other staff on issues relating to codes, and may need to initiate legal action and testify on code related violations before the District Magistrate. The responsibility of the Building Code Official is to manage and administer all building code activities. This person reviews applications and issues permits for building and plumbing requests, inspects projects for compliance to applicable codes and maintains records relating to activities, and interacts with the public on all issues of code enforcement. Russ Yinger - Building Inspector/Assistant Codes Enforcement Officer The Building Inspector's responsibility is to administer and enforce the building code by assisting the Building Codes Official in all activities relating to building codes. The Inspector primarily deals with inspections of building projects as well as maintains the proper paperwork to keep the files and the projects up-to-date and in compliance. Investigation of suspected or reported violations is also required. Diane Hollinger - Environmental Planner This position is responsible for performing work involving overall land use planning for the township, specifically providing technical support for the other staff, Planning Commission, and Board of Supervisors in land use and development activities. This is accomplished through creating and maintaining files, creating data to generate various reports and information related to planning activities, entering and maintaining data in the Geographic Information System (GIS), completes field visits as necessary, and provides any assistance when directed. Building Permit Applications are available at the Township office, or by calling the office at (717) 258-5324. Completed applications may be sent by mail to: South Middleton Township
Under the MPC (Municipalities Planning Code), any municipality that has zoning must also have a Zoning Hearing Board to provide citizens with relief from the Zoning Ordinance and the interpretations of the Zoning Officer. The Zoning Hearing Board consists of five members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. All members are Township residents and serve a five year term. The Board is assisted by a Solicitor who provides legal counsel. By Pennsylvania statute, the Solicitor is chosen by the Zoning Hearing Board, but his compensation is set and paid by the Board of Supervisors. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month and are held at the Township Building. Members are paid a fee for each meeting attended. The Zoning Hearing Board's purpose is to hear appeals of the Zoning Officer's decision by interpreting the ordinance and granting relief from the literal enforcement of that ordinance in certain hardship situations. Also, it decides on the applications for variances, home occupations and special exceptions. The Board schedules hearings on applications of requested appeals. It hears the evidence presented and renders decisions which contain findings of fact and conclusion of the law. Legal notices of proposed meetings are listed in the legal section of the local newspaper. Copies are also sent to the applicant, adjacent neighbors of the applicant, and notice is posted at the proposed site. Do you need a permit? YES - Alterations, repairs, additions, reconstructions, new constructions, demolitions, new driveways, new sewage systems, and repairs to existing sewage systems. Certain circumstances apply. NO - re-shingling a roof (with no structural changes), repaving or paving driveways over stone. Certain circumstances apply. When beginning a project, please call the Township office for specific directions on how to proceed. Nuisance ordinance In the fall of 1993, and ordinance prohibiting certain nuisances was adopted. This ordinance states it is unlawful to throw, deposit, or dump any trash, junk, waste or discarded materials on any public or private property; or to store or to deposit any abandoned or junked vehicles on any property, either public or private. An abandoned vehicle is defined as one that is inoperable and left unattended on public property for more than 48 hours; one without a valid registration plate, inspection or title and left unattended for more than 48 hours; or other motor vehicle intentionally abandoned by its owner. A junked vehicle is any motor vehicle not in running condition and does not exhibit a valid inspection sticker. Contact the Township for an expanded definition of these vehicles. Violation of any part of this ordinance may result in fines of $200 - $600. Please direct questions concerning this ordinance to the Township Zoning/Codes Enforcement officer at buildinginspector1@smiddleton.com. Registration of Non-conforming uses The Zoning/Codes Department is registering non-conforming uses within the Township. If any property owner believes the current use of his property is not in compliance with the current zoning district in which the property is situated, but had existed prior to the adoption of the new zoning ordinance on December 14, 1999, the property should be registered at the Township. This registration will help to create a record to insure grandfathered protection to those uses no longer in compliance with the Zoning Ordinance. Please contact Tim Duerr, Zoning Officer, at 258-5324 with questions or directions on how to proceed. Township receives Source Water Protection Award 
Chesapeake Bay Program South Middleton Township has been awarded the gold community status as a result of its efforts to help restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and its streams. Please visit their website: http://www.chesapeakebay.net PA 2006 Waste Watchers Award South Middleton Township has been awarded the PA 2006 Waste Watchers Award for composting. Click on this link to read the Award Presentation Letter and visit their website to learn more.
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