This page presents various information that might be useful to new and existing Smith Township residents. Any tax rates, fees, or schedules are presented for reference only - you should always check with the appropriate authority for the most current information. Mention or omission of vendors or services does not constitute any sort of endorsement, opinion, or rating by Smith Township or any of its employees. This information is presented as a general reference only.
Burning Ordinance: (amended 9/11/2000) burning is permitted between the hours of 7AM to 10AM Fridays and Saturdays only. Paper permit is required for all other times except Sundays. Sunday or Holiday burning is
NOT permitted. Heavy burning of debris must be approved by calling the Police
Department. Please be considerate of your neighbors by being aware of what you are burning and the wind direction. Ozone Alerts apply to Smith Township residents - burning is not permitted during alerts.
Animal Control Ordinance: Unlawful to Allow Dogs to Run at Large,
Unlawful to not have licensed, Nuisance of barking dogs, and Any police officer
or dog warden may seize any dog found at large in the Township. Ordinance kept
at the township for viewing.
Sewerage: by ordinance, all structures within 150 feet of a sewerage lateral must tap in - contact Burgettstown/Smith Township Sewerage. Those not within required tap zone will require an approved on-lot sewerage disposal system - contact
Washington County Sewerage Council.
Building Permits: required for all commercial and residential structures. Plumbing and electrical inspections required. Contact
building inspector (Bob Fischer). Must present proof of sewerage tap fee payment as one of several conditions for a building permit.
Emergency: 911. Ordinance states that all homes and business must have their address number posted on or near the front of the structure using at least 3 inch high letters.
Local Services and Utilities:
Ambulance and Chair: (724)947-2244
Cornerstone Care Medical:(724)947-2255 Dental: (724)947-2251
46th District Representative: Jesse White: (724)947-4422
Schools:Burgettstown Area Public School District (724)947-8100
consists of Smith Township, Jefferson Township, Hanover Township and
Burgettstown Borough. The High School and Grade School are located on Bavington
Road in Smith Township. There are several other private schools in the area, as well as home-school and charter school options. Bus Garage: (724)947-8148
Burgettstown Community Library: (724)947-9780,
Website Hours are M-Th
12-8; F-Sat 10-5, closed Sundays and holidays.
PA Department of Transportation: (724)223-4480
Refuse Removal: while there is no ordinance requiring all residents to have a refuse disposal pickup contract, every property owner is required to keep the property in good order.
- Waste Management - (800)866-4460
- N.C. Sanitation - (800)743-5215
- Revo Disposal - (412)882-7880
- BFI (Commercial) - (800)931-9392
Blue Devil Cable: (800)931-9392
Pennsylvania-American Water Company: (800)474-7292 or on-line.
Electric: Electricity supply and distribution is deregulated in Pennsylvania. Your electricity supplier may be anyone you choose. The company that delivers electricity to property in Smith Township is
Allegheny Power
(800)255-3443.
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG OR DRILL: you must check for the existence of underground utility lines and cables. (800)242-1776
Telephone: telephone service is deregulated and you may
choose from a number of local and long distances providers. Verizon: Residential
(800) 660-2215, Business (800) 479-1919. MCI Telecommunication: Residential
(800) 950-5555 Business (800) 888-0800.
Cellular Service: all major cellular carriers offer
some coverage in the Smith Township area.
Internet Service:
Cable, DSL and Dial Up internet service are available from Blue Devil Cable,
Verizon, and Windstream. Please check your telephone book or similar
advertisements. Dialup service is also available
with connection speeds averaging 28.8 bps.
Subdivision Procedures:
A structure already exists on owner's lot that would consist of 2 or more acres. Two structures cannot remain on one deeded lot and must be subdivided to create two separate and distinct parcel numbers.
Refer to Chapter 22 requirements of the subdivision ordinance that are provided with the Subdivision Packet by the Township.
Subdivision requires a certified survey, paid for by the applicant.
Mylar and copies will be presented to the following for approval and signatures:
Washington County Planning Commission
Smith Township Planning Commission
Smith Township Supervisors
The application fee of $75.00 for a development permit is to be paid by the applicant upon approval of the subdivision by the Smith Township Planning Commission. The fee is based on a one-family dwelling. Fees may be adjusted when there are more lots or multi-family dwellings involved.
After approval by the Smith Township Supervisors, check to see if a sewerage tap is required, and, if so, pay the tap fee. Then proceed to the
Building Inspector for a building permit.
Double-wide (new modular home) procedures may vary regarding electrical and plumbing inspections. These are factory pre-certified. Foundation and final inspections apply. Please make sure you check with the zoning officer
New Construction/Renovation:
Sewerage disposal system is determined by Smith Township:
If the parcel location is within the Burgettstown-Smith Township Joint Sewerage Authority service area, you must first pay a tap-in fee
of $3,150 (or the currently-advertised fee) and present the receipt of payment to the zoning officer when applying for a building permit.
If the parcel location is outside the Burgettstown-Smith Township Joint Sewerage Authority service area, you need to schedule a PERC/dye test with the
Washington County Sewerage Council. Receipt and result of PERC/dye test must be presented when applying for a building permit
Code enforcement office: plot plan for zoning and certificate of insurance for contractors.
Set up electrical and plumbing inspections with Code Systems. Must have a valid approved building permit prior to inspections. Building inspector reviews all plans prior to building permit approval regarding new construction and renovations.
Building inspector inspects footers and provides occupancy permit after all inspections are completed and all fees are paid. Building inspections consist of framing, foundations, and final inspection.