Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many records and documents are already available online. Check the Form Center or Archive Center first to see if it is already posted. If the document(s) is not there, please complete the Township's Open Records Request Form and provide as much specific detail regarding the information you are seeking. This form should be submitted to the Township Manager/Secretary, who is the Open Records Officer, for processing in accordance with the PA Open Records Law.

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Yes. The Commissioners Meeting Room is available for public use when not being used for Township business or meetings. The room must be reserved and there is a modest fee. Please see the link below for more information and links to reservation forms and fee information.

• The Township Manager's office, Finance, Human Resources, and Planning and Zoning departments, are open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 
• The Code Compliance Department and Public Works Department administrative office are available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 
• The Recreation office and Library services operate during the core work hours, but have separate hours for programs and events including some weekends. Please visit the Department's web page for more details. 
• The Compost Park has seasonal hours which are posted online.  
• Please refer to the Tax Collector's web page for their office hours. 
• The Police and Fire Rescue services administration offices are open 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  
• Township Holidays and office hour adjustments are posted on the Township's Main Calendar.

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• Administration: 717-560-4183 
• Code Compliance: 717-560-4183 
• Finance: 717-560-4183 
• Golf:  717-560-4191 
• Human Resources: 717560-4183
• Planning & Zoning: 717-560-4183 
• Police Department: 717-569-9298
• Public Works: 717-560-4183 
• Recreation and Park Planning: 717-393-4221 
• Tax Collector: 717-560-4195

• Review News and Announcements on the Home page.
• Register for information under Notify Me on the website. 
• Use your Facebook account to link into the website updates. 
• Link your browser to the RSS feed. 
• Reference the quarterly Recreation Flier.

Sign up for the news and alert notifications you are interested in on the Notify Me web page.

Manheim Township has a variety of Boards and Commissions served by Township citizen volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved, the first step is to pick up and complete the Township's Volunteer Position Application form. Fill in your information and the Boards or Commissions or areas of interest. It is suggested, not required, that you also include your resume, especially if you are interested in serving on a technical board, Planning Commission, or UCC Board of Appeals, where qualifications and experience are important. 

“Trick-or-Treat Night” is between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Halloween (October 31), without exception. "Trick-or-Treat Night" is a rain or shine event.

"Trick-or-Treat Night" is not governed by municipal law or ordinance, thus the establishment of October 31 as "Trick-or-Treat Night" is a recommendation only, and does not prohibit or prevent residents, organizations, and/or neighborhoods from conducting "Trick-or-Treat" activities on other dates or times.

Click here to learn more about Resolution 2022-43, adopting the 2022 Lancaster Intermunicipal Committee (LIMC) Trick-or-Treat Policy. 

Voter registration is not handled by Manheim Township. Citizens wishing to register to vote need to contact the Lancaster County Board of Elections and Registration Commission located at 150 N. Queen St., Lancaster. (717) 299-8293. For more information, click on the link below.

The Township's real estate millage rate is set by the elected Board of Commissioners and from time to time may be changed by its action. Real estate taxes are one source of revenue used to pay for Township services and costs. As expenses rise, the need to raise real estate taxes may occur. In cases where new sources of revenue are implemented, the Board of Commissioners may lower real estate taxes.

Individuals who resided in Lancaster County or the Octorara Area School District in Chester County for all or part of any calendar year and who earned income or net profits in that year are required to file a Local Earned Income & Net Profits Tax Return with the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau (LCTCB) each year by April 15. 

Additional information on who must file, how to file, and where to file your Local Earned Income Tax Return is available at the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau website – www.lctcb.org. If you need additional assistance, you may contact LCTCB by mail at 1845 William Penn Way, Lancaster, PA 17601, by email at info@lctcb.org, or by phone at (717) 569-4521. 

Public water in Manheim Township is provided by the City of Lancaster's regional water system. The City of Lancaster Water Bureau receives all bills for water. Questions about your bill and where to pay them can be directed to the Water Bureau's Customer Service staff at 717-735-3425 from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Lancaster Area Sewer Authority (LASA).  For payment information, feel free to contact LASA, Monday through Friday between 8:00 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. at 717-299-4843.

Manheim Township is listed on Comcast Cable bills as a franchise, but we can not handle calls with regards to your service, upgrades, billing, concerns, etc. All calls related to your Comcast Cable bill or service can be directed to their local number at (800) 266-2278.

You can register for classes through the on-line registration portal. Click on the link below.

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The Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide variety of classes and camps throughout the year. For a complete listing, please view

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The Stauffer Mansion (1241 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA  17601) is the headquarters for the Township's Recreation Department. The telephone number is (717) 290-7180.

The Overlook Dog Park is a Township facility managed in cooperation with the Manheim Township Dog Association. If you would like to register and receive an access key, please stop by the Manheim Township Recreation Department at the Stauffer Mansion (1241 Lititz Pike) during regular business hours to join.  Click here for additional information on the Overlook Dog Park.

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For hours, fees and more information about Skyline Pool and Overlook Pool, please visit our Outdoor Pools page.

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 If you are interested in joining our team, please take a moment to watch our recruitment video and familiarize yourself with the various roles we have available by clicking the link below. If MTFR looks like the place for you, please contact us.

Open burning is not permitted in the Township without approval from the proper Fire Code officials. See the Open Burning Guidelines for more information.

PPL, Inc. is responsible for fixing public street lights when they are not working. In initiate a work request to fix the problem, you have two options. First, you can contact the Township Public Works department at 569-6406 ext. 1129 and explain the location and/or provide the pole number and the Township will contact PPL, Inc. to arrange for the repair. Second, you can contact PPL, Inc. Directly. For PPL Electric Utilities-owned lights that number is the customer contact center at 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775). Please note that PPL, Inc. likes to have the unique pole number from the street light pole to make sure their service staff are able to find the proper location of the problem. The PPL service folks may take a clear description of the pole location, if it is difficult to find the pole number or reach the pole on a busy street. Each pole with a street light should have a small silver placard located at eye level on the pole containing a two line PPL pole number (i.e. PPL Co., 40486; 527907). Anyone can call go through this process to report a broken street light or an electrical outage. 

Green recycling bins are available at Compost Park, 2775 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. To receive a new bin, or replace a lost, damaged or stolen bin, they can be purchased from the Township at the cost of $20.00 per bin.  

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As a resident of Manheim Township, you are required to have weekly refuse & recycling pickup. Residents are free to choose from any of the registered township haulers. In terms of putting out garbage on the street, below are some guidelines to help you with your disposal needs. Refuse is collected one time per week and is to be collected on the same day as your recycling. Containers may not be placed along streets for pickup sooner than 3:00 P.M. on the day before your scheduled pickup. Containers shall not be left along streets longer than 12 hours after your scheduled day of collection. Registered township haulers shall pickup refuse between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. If your scheduled pickup falls on a holiday, please contact your hauler to determine your pickup day. Typically, if your refuse collection day falls on a holiday, then pickup will be delayed by one day. If your refuse is missed, please contact your hauler as soon as possible to have your garbage picked up. Pick up of all "bulk" or oversized refuse items, such as furniture, mattresses, grills, etc., should be arranged through your refuse hauler.

Follow the link to the "Notify Me" page and sign up for the news and alert notifications you are interested in.

Residential streets within Manheim Township are swept during March through April.

Please contact the Lancaster City Bureau of Water at the link below.

If you are paving the existing driveway with no intentions of expanding the driveway, you do not need a permit. However, if you are paving your driveway and expanding the area of the driveway for additional parking area or a basketball court, then you do need a permit from the Planning and Zoning Department. If you are doing construction as part of the driveway and opening the street in the public right-of-way, a right-of-way occupancy permit is required.

Most utility services and similar companies want to resolve your consumer issues. So, before filing a complaint against your utility company, try and work with their customer service staff and similar resources to resolve the issues. If all else fails, there are some options to take you complaints to the next level of oversight. In Pennsylvania, the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) oversees all public utilities in the Commonwealth. The Township is not the appropriate entity to contact when you have a service issue related to public utilities monitored by the PUC. Again, all consumers must first attempt to resolve service issues with the respective utility company. If the utility company is non-responsive to your request for improvements to service, you need to contact the PA Public Utility Commission, Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS). The Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS) assists consumers in resolving complaints with utility companies under the PUCs authority. Again, before you file an informal complaint, you must first deal directly with your utility company. If the company is unable to resolve your problem, you may contact us to file an informal complaint. BCS investigates and responds to informal complaints as soon as possible. The telephone number for the BCS is below. 1-800-692-7380 Please do not file an Informal or Formal Complaint or provide BCS comments regarding the following utilities, since the PUC does not regulate these services: For Rural Electric Cooperatives, please contact the PA Rural Electric Association. For utilities owned and operated by municipalities that operate wholly within their limits (none in Manheim Township), contact the service provider. For Cable TV companies (Comcast in Manheim Township), contact the municipal office. For cellular or wireless phone companies, contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For bottled propane gas companies, contact the PA Office of Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection. For oil companies, contact the PA Office of Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection.

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Manheim Township does not offer private property owners tree and branch removal services. Private home owners and property owners are responsible for the care of their own property and should care for these matters independently or with the assistance of their neighbors and/or private lawn/yard care services. The Township does maintain the Compost Park at 2775 Oregon Pike for residents to haul and dispose of tree branches for a modest charge. Tree branches should not be confused with leaves and the annual leaf pick-up program. The Township does provides free leaf only pick-up for leaves in the Fall for all Township residents. 

No. Sump drainage is to stay on private property...at least initially. A property owner may not terminate the discharge of a sump pump onto a public street. The PA Uniform Construction Code, under the foundation drainage section (Section R405.1.1) states that "Sump pump discharge piping shall terminate at least 5 feet beyond the exterior foundation wall, but no closer than 10 feet from a property line or street right-of-way." The property owner must terminate the sump pump drain with these space requirements.

The first and best approach to dealing with wildlife in urban environments is to practice tolerance - understanding and acceptance of the natural patterns of animal life and respect and appreciation of wild animals. As useful as the repellents and scare devices described below may be, they create inconvenience and displacement or even death for the skunks and perhaps other species as well. This fact is paramount when considering their use. Preventative measures, such as removing attractants from the vicinity of your house, will decrease the likelihood of an encounter with any wild animal. Attractants include garbage and dog or cat food left out at night, open compost piles, a pond, fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Elevated sheds, openings under concrete slabs and porches, and access to crawl spaces under houses are all attractive to skunks and other wildlife because they make ideal denning sites. Tragically, some people feel the only solution to a resident skunk is to put out a live trap, catch the skunk, and then destroy or relocate them. Inevitably, another skunk or wild animal will move into the area and the cycle begins all over again. Skunks, like other suburban and urban wildlife, prefer to live the easy life we unknowingly provide for them and don't like a hostile environment. Taking steps to deter these animals will encourage them to move on. Relocating a skunk miles away from its - your - home is akin to you being transported to Chicago with no food, no money, and only the clothes on your back. They have a slim chance of survival against the other animals who already have established territories, who know where to find food, and where to hide from predators. Moving an animal can also spread disease, not just between the old area and the new, but also between species. Viruses such as distemper and parvo thrive in new hosts. The practice of trapping and relocating animals risks separating mothers from their young and leaving the babies behind to die, or to be raised by financially-strapped rehabilitation centers. Taking Care of Your Trash and Waste - The most effective method of discouraging visits by a skunk is to secure metal trash containers with tight-fitting lids and to hold to the lid in place with a thick rubber strap. Make sure compost piles are in sturdy closed containers. Keep all recycling containers closed and out of reach. If you feed your dog or cat outside, be sure to bring any leftover food indoors after dusk. Replace the food and water bowls with ammonia stations during the nighttime hours. Scare Devices And Repellents - Motion-sensitive oscillating sprinklers have been very successful in deterring wildlife. Ro-pel and Get-Away are taste and smell repellents available for use in target areas. You can also place regular household ammonia stations around your yard in the areas frequented by skunks. To do this, take a shallow dish or bowl, place a rag in it, and pour ammonia over the rag until it is completely saturated. Place extra ammonia in the dish so the rag will continue to wick it up through the night. Avoid lawn areas, as ammonia will burn the grass. Dealing With Skunk Families - Skunks usually breed once a year, in February or March. Birth usually occurs in April or May and skunk kittens remain in the burrow about two months until fully weaned. Young skunks stay with their mothers until late fall. When a mother skunk and her young are present, we recommend leaving them alone for the few weeks that the young are helpless. Monitor the skunks' activity to determine when they have left for good, and then secure all entrances to the nest site to prevent re-entry. Trapping skunks is rarely necessary and should never be done when they are nesting. IMPORTANT: If you have a mother with babies, be sure to give her extra time to relocate her entire family before you seal the entrance to the den. If the parent is gone but you are unsure whether the young are also out, do not seal the opening. The babies will starve and possibly discharge their spray before dying if trapped in the den. Consider using a mild deterrent such as a radio to accelerate the skunks' departure from the den. Under The House, Porch, Deck, Or Shed - It is important to check your property regularly to ensure that all air vents and openings to crawl spaces and other potentially accessible areas are secured. Skunks are rodent predators who often follow mice and rats into these areas. Close openings are decks, sheds, stairs, and hot tubs. Keep woodpiles elevated off the ground and pick up any debris that could potentially house a skunk den. Place a radio near a known skunk den and keep it on loud during the day. Wait until the animal has begun their nightly foray and locate all entrances and exits. Block all exits except one and use repellents or frightening strategies to scare the skunks out. To be certain the animals have left, sprinkle flour at the exit and watch for footprint that lead away from the opening. When you are sure the animal is gone, securely close the opening. Yards and Gardens - Skunks are one of the easiest of our wild neighbors to deter. Because they normally do not climb, fencing is a highly effective means of keeping skunks out of your yard. By attaching an extension of chicken wire along the base of your fence and burying it below the ground's surface, you will prevent skunks from gaining access by digging under the fence. Vegetable gardens can attract skunks, although they are mainly interested in the harmful rodents and insects that can ruin your garden. While foraging for grubs, skunks may dig many shallow holes in the lawn, similar to those made by both raccoons and squirrels. A nursery or garden center can advise you about how to prevent grubs.

The best way to protect your dog, cat, or other companion animal from wildlife is to keep them inside at night. Domestic animals left in the yard where a skunk might live or forage could be sprayed anytime from dusk to dawn. Each night, lock dogs and cats indoors to keep wild animals from entering your home or garage. Most cats get along with skunks but occasionally an overly territorial cat will be sprayed. Dogs generally are sprayed because they chase or threaten skunks. If you need to let your dog out during the night, turn on the patio lights first and scan the yard visually. If your companion animal is sprayed, we recommend the following recipe. Skunk spray will dissipate over time.

1. Mix 4 cups of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap. Apply to your dog's fur, avoiding eyes, ears, and mouth. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Rinse your dog's face with water to remove skunk spray residue.
3. Check your dog's eyes for signs of irritation.
4. Bathe your dog outdoors to avoid bringing the smell inside.
5. Use a homemade mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baby shampoo or dish detergent, and baking soda to lather onto your pet's fur and let it sit for five minutes.

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Yes. The following "de-skunking" recipe is available for your to use in "de-skunking" you pet. 

1. Mix 4 cups of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap. Apply to your dog's fur, avoiding eyes, ears, and mouth. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Rinse your dog's face with water to remove skunk spray residue.
3. Check your dog's eyes for signs of irritation.
4. Bathe your dog outdoors to avoid bringing the smell inside.
5. Use a homemade mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baby shampoo or dish detergent, and baking soda to lather onto your pet's fur and let it sit for five minutes.

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Yes. Click on the link below for PPL's Transmission Line Vegetative Management pamphlet for information about the program and ways to minimize impact to transmission lines. This information and more is also available on the PPL website.

There are several reasons for doing this work: 1. It is critical that PPL Inc. maintain the reliability of the electrical transmission system. 2. Transmission vegetation management work is required so PPL Inc. can keep the lights on for homes and businesses in the region. 3. Regular vegetative maintenance is already paying dividends for customers in terms of maintain a reliable electrical system. 4. PPL Inc. is required to meet Federal reliability standards on certain high-voltage lines and vegetative maintenance helps to meet these standards.

One of the best ways to minimize risk of mosquitos is to take action in and around your home to eliminate habitat for the mosquitos that carry the virus. • Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar containers in and around your yard that may hold water. Mosquitos that carry the virus live near and lay eggs in these types of containers. • Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most mosquitoes breed. • Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers to more effectively drain any standing water. • Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees have a tendency to plug drains. • Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. • Turn over wheelbarrows and don’t let water stagnate in birdbaths. • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Fish eat mosquito eggs and larvae. • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on pool covers. If you do have stagnant pools of water on your property, you can buy BTI products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. Used properly, this naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larva but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants. Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people who are most at risk: • Make sure screens on windows and doors fit tightly to keep mosquitoes out of homes. • Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of mosquitoes. • When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods, usually April through October. • Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. An effective repellent will contain DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children under the age of two months.

No. Effective in September 2012, the Township is no longer purchasing or providing free paper yard waste bags or leaf bags for general use. Only residents and property owners living on a state road are eligible to receive a limited amount of paper yard waste bags during the annual leaf collection program in the fall.

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Yes. The Commonwealth of PA will not permit the Township to use it's vacuums for residential leaf pick-up along its roads. This is a safety concern. However, the Commonwealth of PA will permit the Township to pick up bagged leaves during the fall leaf pick-up period. Since residents living on Township streets receive free leaf pickup services from Township crews through the vacuums, it was determined that residents along state roads should enjoy the benefit of free limited amount of leaf bags.

No. The Township no longer purchases and provides yard waste bags for sale. Please try you local grocery, garden center, or home improvement center.

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If you live on a state road in Manheim Township, you are provided a limited number of free leaf bags to place leaves from your property along the road for pick-up. You can obtain your free bags at the Township Municipal Building 1840 Municipal Drive.  Please contact the Public Works Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 1129 if you have any questions. When you call, be prepared to let us know the number of bags you need. When you come to pick them up, please be prepared to have identification ready to show that you are resident of Manheim Township and to verify that you live on a state road. Free bags are not available to other Township residents. However, kraft or yard waste bags are available for sale at our local home center, some groceries and home improvement stores in the Lancaster area.

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Yes, but only during the Township's leaf collection program dates in the fall. If you live on a state road, please place all bags off the edge of the road. If you use yard bags for whole leaves and you live on a Township Street, you may place bags along the street for pickup during the normal scheduled leaf pickup only.

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No. Paper leaf waste bags may be placed at curb side with leaves and will be picked up during the normal leave collection cycle. Do not call into the Township offices requesting leaf pickup outside of the scheduled pick up dates.

Residents can take their leaves to the Manheim Township Compost Park for free during leaf collection in the fall. This normally falls from mid-October to December 31.

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Power outages should be reported directly to PPL, Inc. Please report emergencies immediately, including downed power lines, by calling 1-800-DIAL-PPL (1-800-342-5775). Press 1 for "Power Problem" when prompted. You will also need to call in to report partial power or flickering lights. If you are completely without power, check to see if your neighbors have lights, and check your breakers and fuses. Then contact PPL, Inc. Outage reports help PPL, Inc. determine the scope of an outage and direct PPL service crews to the problem. So even if you think someone in your neighborhood already has reported the outage, PPL, Inc. wants to hear from you, too.

Manheim Township is not equipped and does not have the manpower to address crows that migrate and roost on private property in the Township. Fortunately, there is a local organization in Lancaster County that does assist property owners with this type of problem. Residents and property owners are advised to contact the Lancaster Crow Coalition for guidance and assistance. Crows are generally not classified as pests, although when thousands are roosting over your home or street, this situation and crows are difficult to defend. While crows inadvertently and naturally choose places to roost that sometimes cause problems to humans, they are intelligent and can be trained or educated to relocate to natural areas. The Lancaster Crow Coalition will not respond to crows living naturally and not roosting in large groups and not causing problems. The phrase "...a lot of crows..." refers to groups in the hundreds or thousands -- not to small groups of one or two families in a tree. Coalition volunteers will attempt to manage the birds if they are causing real problems for residents and businesses. The goal is to educate the birds, by which Coalition volunteers will temporarily harass the animals so they learn where they are welcome and where they are not. Again, crows should be left alone if they're not in parking lots, on rubber or asphalt roofs, or in trees along densely-populated streets (where their droppings land on cars or sidewalks). If you are having problems with crows, please contact the Lancaster Crow Coalition at its Hotline # 717-572-9088 NOTE: When calling, you may be connected to voice mail, but you will receive a return call within 12-24 hours, 7 days a week. If need be, one of the Coalition volunteers will visit your location to assess the situation.

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A Block Party is a large public party in which members of a single neighborhood gather together.

Manheim Township requires a completed and approved Block Party Application for any neighborhood block parties on Township streets and right-of-way. 

Block Party Applications MUST be submitted no less than 14 days in advance of the date of the event.

Please read the following prior to downloading and submitting your Block Party Application:

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Most drinking water advisories from the City of Lancaster require that residents boil their water for temporary period of time to insure that any microbial contaminates are eliminated.   All public water in Manheim Township is provided by the City of Lancaster.  If you have any questions about your water, please contact the City of Lancaster Water Department: Water Quality Laboratory at (717) 291-4818 Monday-Friday 7:45 AM-4:15 PM. After hours, the Water Bureau emergency phone number is (717) 291-4816.

Yes. Manheim Township requires a permit for anyone interested in removing a tree located in the public right-of-way. A permit is only issued if the tree is in decline or decay as a potential hazard. The applicant must complete a form which is available by clicking on the link below. There is no fee for the permit. Should you have any additional questions contact Manheim Township Public Works at 717-569-6406 ext. 1129, or email. 

If you are removing a tree that is not in the right-of-way, you do not need a permit.

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Residential streets within Manheim Township are swept at the end of March through the first two weeks of April.

Yes. Police records may be obtained by contacting the Manheim Township Police Department's Open Record Officer. Due to the sometimes sensitive nature or status of an active police investigation, certain police records and information may be exempt from public access under the PA Open Records Law. Please click on the link below for more information about obtaining police records.

The release of police reports and records is governed by Pennsylvania Law, to include the Criminal History Records Information Act (CHRIA). Requests for reports or records must go through a department approval process to ensure that Manheim Township is not violating any laws by releasing the document. There is a fee for reports or records that are approved, which must be received prior to the release. Please call 717-569-6401 for further information.

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The Police Department has partnered with CARFAX to bring all investigated crash reports available for access 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year via CRASHDOCS.ORG.  The cost is $15 per report which are usually available 10 – 15 days after the crash was reported and investigated.  

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Yes. In all cases there is a fee required to obtain a police report. This allows for the Township to recoup costs incurred in retrieval and copying of the information requested while keeping the cost to other taxpayers down.

Yes. The curfew was established by ordinance. See link below for more information.

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A number of local pharmacies and police departments participate in the Drug Take Back Program which allows you to turn in expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. This is part of a nation-wide effort to prevent drug abuse and theft by providing residents a location to properly dispose of their potentially dangerous prescription drugs.

The following items are acceptable for drop off: prescription and over-the-counter solid medications (tablets and capsules), liquid medications, inhalers, creams and ointments, nasal sprays and pet medications. The following are not accepted: intravenous solutions, injectables or needles.  To find a drop off location close to you, or if you should have any specific questions regarding what medications are or are not accepted, please do not hesitate to contact the Drug Take Back Program in Pennsylvania.

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Periodically, the Township tests for new police officers to serve the Township. Police officer applicants are required to first take a civil service test for placement on an eligibility list. An eligibility list is good for one year after a test is given. The top three candidates from the eligibility list are considered for each police officer vacancy after a background investigation, polygraph examination and interviews by a selection board. Drug, physical and psychological tests are required before appointment. Civilian positions are filled as needed. See link below for current position openings. Manheim Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Follow the link to the Manheim Township Crimewatch Portal and sign up for alerts.

ATTENTION: Effective immediately, applicants for solicitor permits must bring a background check from the state from which they possess a driver's license or ID card, as well as a Pennsylvania State Police check.

Permits are required for all persons who wish to solicit funds, peddle, canvass, or take orders either by sample or otherwise, for any goods, wares or merchandise, upon any street, alley, sidewalk, or public place, or from house to house in the township.  A $100.00 fee is assessed for a maximum 180-day permit.  While the application form listed below as a PDF attachment is available online, the processing of all permit applications must be completed in person at the police station, located at 1825 Municipal Drive Lancaster, PA 17601. 

Appointments are required! Please call 717-569-6401 to arrange an appointment. To get your required PA State Police background, click here.

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The Federal Trade Commission has a website that is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.

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Click on link below for details.

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Non-Emergency police calls should be directed to Lancaster County Wide Communications at (717) 664-1180. If you need to speak directly to a specific employee of the Police Department you can call the administrative phone number at (717) 569-6401. If they are not immediately available, you will be directed to the employee's voicemail.

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Call the non-emergency police dispatch number, (717) 664-1180, and report the complaint. Manheim Township has an ordinance that addresses this kind of an issue and the Police Department has the responsibility to enforce it. If high bushes etc. are a traffic obstruction there may be State laws that apply.

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Call the non-emergency police dispatch number, (717) 664-1180, and report the complaint. There may be State or Township laws violated. The Police Department has the responsibility to check it and make a determination.

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For emergencies or to report a crime in progress - CALL 9-1-1 For a non-emergency that requires police response - CALL 717-664-1180 To speak with a specific officer or employee - CALL 717-569-6401.  MTPD fax number is 717-569-9298

Yes. Junk Dealers, Pawnbrokers, Antique or Second Hand Dealers License are required to have a license for these uses.  If you have questions or need more information on items such as licenses/permits, please contact the Police Department by mail at 1825 Municipal Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601, or call (717) 569-6401.

Yes. All persons and businesses using a burglary, panic or robbery alarm system are required to have an alarm permit, which is valid for up to three years. If you have questions or need more information on items such as licenses/permits, please contact the Police Department by mail at 1825 Municipal Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601, or call (717) 569-640.

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The Lancaster County Treasurer's Office is responsible for registering and licensing dogs. Please see the link below for more information.

A Block Party is a large public party in which members of a single neighborhood gather together. Manheim Township requires a completed and approved Block Party Application for any neighborhood block parties on Township streets and right-of way. 

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Zoning map changes or text changes to the Zoning Ordinance require a public review process by the Planning Commission and approval from the Board of Commissioners. This process is outlined in the Township Zoning Ordinance and the PA Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247. For more information, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department

A great place to start would be the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. See link below.

See link below.

A Transferable Development Right (TDR) is a right to develop a property that is moved from one property (the sending area) to another property (the receiving area) for development. In Manheim Township the TDR program was developed in 1991 in an effort to protect farmlands and agricultural soils in Manheim Township. For additional information refer to “The Lancaster County TDR Practitioner’s Handbook, a How-To Guide for Conserving Land & Managing Growth Using Transfer of Development Rights” which is located on the Lancaster County’s website under Envision Smart Growth Toolbox under Rural Areas. 

This program grew out of Manheim Township’s efforts to better manage the patterns and impacts of land development so as to accommodate continued growth while protecting natural resources that are important to the Township’s residents. Having experienced a long period of development as a result of growth pressure in the Lancaster City Suburban areas, development extended out from the City and expanded into the northwest side of the Township, leaving a predominantly rural landscape of farmland in the northeastern portion of the Township. The Township opted to protect the remaining farmland through agricultural zoning and the creation of the TDR program. In the early years of the TDR program, the Township purchased TDRs directly from the property owner in an effort to jump start the program. Today, both developers and the Township buy TDRs directly from the property owner.

The Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee (LIMC) is a council of governments established to address inter-municipal challenges and concerns in central Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It encourages and facilitates inter-municipal cooperation, undertakes projects that will benefit its member municipalities, and provides a forum for municipal officials to discuss issues of mutual interest.

As a member of the Library System of Lancaster County, Manheim Township Public Library offers library cards to all Lancaster County residents five-years and older. A child under the age of 14 years must have the library card application form signed by a parent or legal guardian who agrees to assume responsibility for monitoring the materials borrowed by the child, as well as the child’s fines and the cost of any lost or damaged materials.

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In order to obtain a library card you will need to fill out and submit a library card application. You can print the form from the library website, or pick one up in-person. The applications are available on the library FAQ page. 

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An appointment is required.  Call (717) 560-6441 and ask for a Passport Agent.  Visit the library's website for additional information such as the passport office hours and fees.

Yes, there are a number of rooms and facilities available for rent at the library including the Morgan Center, a combination of three dividable rooms, and study/small meeting rooms. View more information or fill out an inquiry form for a particular date on the Library's website.  

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The Tell Cafe Book Spot is open any time the Library is open. The Book Spot features gently used books/CDs/DVDs that are available for a suggested donation. For more information, visit the Library's website.

The Library has programs for all ages, from toddlers to teens and from babies to seniors. To view programs and register, check the Library's calendar. 

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If so, contact Lancaster County's Coordinator's Office for the West Nile Virus Program, Penn State Extension, at 717-821-3053 or 717-675-2077. Provide your name and full address, county, phone number and email address. Include the date and location of the problem and any other related comments. To report a mosquito complaint on-line, or for more information regarding the West Nile Virus Program, visit this website:

The Township's website allows you to sign up for informational notifications that fit your own interests and needs. Click on the  "Notify Me" button on the Home page.  On the Notify Me page, you are able to see the various notifications available that match your interests. Click on the appropriate icon to start receiving updates via e-mail or phone.

Manheim Township supports and manages a wide variety of parks and recreation related facilities for the general public to enjoy. Click on the link below:

Yes. The Township's website has dramatically improved the calendar and event notification capabilities for citizens. On the home page, an abbreviated calendar is visible. Click on the "View All" link and you will be sent directly to the Township's calendar page. If you would like to be notified of calendar updates and changes, visit the "Notify Me" page and sign up for notices.

Yes. The Township's website has a powerful search engine. In the search field located at the upper right corner of the page, type in the word or phrase you are interested in locating. The web site will quickly locate all documents and pages related to the key word you enter. Click on the respective link, file or page that fits your needs.

Click on the "Job Postings" link for the latest information on position openings and links to job applications; or click on the link below.

Under the Services page you can Share a Concern by going to the Citizen Request Tracker. Sign up as instructed and then submit your request into the system. You will receive a response as soon as possible.

Building permits are required for: New Homes, Additions including garages, porches, sunrooms etc., Alterations such as finishing a basement, remodeling a kitchen and bath, Swimming pools and spas/hot tubs, Decks where any portion of the walking surface is higher than 30 inches from the finished grade, Photovoltaic (solar) systems, Demolition of a structure larger than 400 square feet, Prefabricated or site-built accessory buildings larger than 400 square feet. Click on the link to go to the Code Compliance Homepage where you will find specific requirements, applications and guides to assist you with your residential permit questions. If you should have any questions, or if you would like to request a building permit application by mail, please do not hesitate to contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 6 or by email to Code Compliance (NOTE: Always check with the Zoning Department before starting any project for the zoning regulations. While some projects may not require a building permit, a zoning permit may be required.) Planning and Zoning Department

Effective January 1, 2017, The Manheim Township Code Compliance Department will no longer require a re-roofing permit for existing residential dwellings. Although no permits are required, all re-roofing work is to comply with the PA Uniform Construction Code as adopted and amended by Manheim Township Ordinance 2019-01 and the applicable sections of IRC Chapter 9. Ice barriers are to be installed at all roof edges per Chapter 9 as required per Table R301.2(1) as adopted per Manheim Township Ordinance 2019-01. Commercial re-roofing permits shall continue to be issued with applicable required inspections. A building permit is to be filed along with the completed Commercial Roof Supplement. Please do not hesitate to contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406, extension 6 or via e-mail  Code Compliance. 

Building Permit Application (PDF)

Commercial Re-Roofing Supplement (PDF)

There are options to obtain permits in person via the pen and paper program or electronically via the CityView Portal.

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Yes, the replacement or installation of such appliances (and other such installations) does require a plumbing/mechanical permit and inspection. For more information regarding plumbing/mechanical permits, contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 6, or by email to Code Compliance.

Property owners, real estate agents or attorney’s representing a property owner may contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 7 or by email to Planning and Zoning Provide the following information: property address, whether the property is a single family residence, townhouse, or duplex; and if the property has a basement and if any portion of that basement has been converted into a finished area (ie. family room, bedroom, etc.) We will check our records for a valid certificate of use and occupancy and provide a copy of the certificate to the mailing address or email address provided. If the property does not have a certificate of use and occupancy on file, either the property owner or the owner’s agent will need to make application for a certificate of use and occupancy. Applications must be completed at our office during our regular business hours which are 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The filing fee for a residential certificate of use and occupancy is $50.00. At the time of application, we will schedule an appointment for an inspection of the property. Click on the link below for more information and resources concerning the application and inspection requirements for certificates of use and occupancy.

Certificate of Use and Occupancy Page

Certificate of Use and Occupancy Application (PDF)

The burning of refuse, leaves and trimming is prohibited by Manheim Township Ordinance 2021-16 Section 705.2. The only exception to this Ordinance is for active agricultural farming operations on properties of ten (10) acres or more. An Agricultural Burning Permit (PDF) is required and only the burning of agricultural by-products is permitted under permit (no household refuse, construction material or similar material may be burned). Click on the link for the Open Burning Guidelines for more information.

Agricultural Burning Permit Supplement (PDF)

A recreational fire is defined as the outdoor burning of fire materials that have a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet our less in height for the purpose of pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking warmth or similar purposes. Such fires are permitted in the Township, but there are certain conditions which must be adhered to. Click on the link for the Open Burning Guidelines.

Administrative Order #2017-1 Guidelines for Open Burning (PDF)

Yes, a Residential Fire Alarm Permit (PDF) is required by the Code Compliance Department for the installation or modification of a fire alarm system, either hard-wired or remote, 12 or 24 volt. If the system is a monitored system, then the fire alarm contractor must be registered with Manheim Township. For more information regarding fire alarms, contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 6 or Code Compliance. 

The Manheim Township Police Department requires an alarm (security) permit for all properties using a burglary, panic or robbery alarm system. This permit is valid for up to three years. For information regarding permitting for the installation of a burglary alarm system in your home or business, contact the Police Department at 1825 Municipal Drive, or call 717-569-6401 or email to police@manheimtownship.org.

Yes. Click on the link for the Document Center to view the Deck Safety Checklist. We also have a Residential Deck Submittal Guide available also under the Document Center. Submittal guides can be found under the Code Compliance folder and in the submittal guide sub-folder.

Deck Safety Checklist (PDF)

Residential Deck Permit Submittal Guide (PDF)

Radon control systems are important in controlling radon gas in your home. Please see the link below for more information.

A great place to start would be the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. See link below.

Contact Lancaster County’s Coordinator’s Office for the West Nile Virus Program, Penn State Extension, at 717-821-3053 or 717-675-2077. Provide your name and full address, county, phone number and email address. Include the date and location of the problem and any other related comments. To report a mosquito complaint on-line, or for more information regarding the West Nile Virus Program, visit this website: West Nile Virus Program. To report the existence of an "abandoned" swimming pool, contact the Code Compliance Department at 717-569-6406 ext. 113 or Email Code Compliance

Manheim Township has contracted with the following inspection agencies to perform non-residential electrical, electrical sign and non-residential photovoltaic inspections: * Associated Building Inspections (ABI) 866-733-1654 ext. 103 * Code Administrators, Inc. (CAI) 717-859-3350 Contact Tim Stoltzfus, Director of Code Compliance for Manheim Township for any other questions at 717-569-6406 ext. 1117 or via email to tstoltzfus@manheimtownship.org

Follow the link to the "Notify Me" page and sign up for the news and alert notifications you are interested in.

MT Zoning Ordinance 2014 – chapter 18 (sign regulations) – per the definition, an issue sign is a sign that directs attention to an opinion of a public or private nature, such as, but not limited to, a community, social, religious, political, or ballot issue. In a residential zoning district, a six (6) square foot sign is permitted with no less than a ten (10) foot setback from the street right-of-way and a height of six (6) feet. One (1) sign per street frontage and up to two (2) per lot is permitted (i.e. corner lot). In an institutional, business or industrial zoning district, signs are permitted with a maximum square footage of 32 feet, and a maximum height of ten (10) feet with a setback of ten (10) feet from the street right-of-way. One (1) sign per street frontage and up to two (2) per lot is permitted (i.e. corner lot). Per Table 2, section 1804 (8) – no sign shall be located within a street right-of-way, except a government sign, a public utility sign, a sidewalk sign, a non-profit organization sign, or another sign approved by the governing body or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Signs located within the street right-of-way(s) may be removed by the Township.

Contact the Planning and Zoning Department  with any other sign related questions. 

No, the Township does not require an inspection of a property before it goes to settlement. However, a copy of a valid Manheim Twp. Certificate of Use and Occupancy may be required by the parties involved with the real estate transaction. If there is not a valid certificate of use and occupancy on file for the property, then an Application for Certificate of Use and Occupancy (PDF) is to be filed with a follow-up inspection. Review the Certificate of Use and Occupancy Inspection Checklist (PDF) for specific inspection requirements. 

You may request a copy of a valid certificate of use and occupancy by leaving a message on the real estate agent’s voice mailbox at 717-569-6406 ext. 6 or by emailing Code Compliance. Provide the following information: property address, whether the property is a single family residence, townhouse, or duplex; and if the property has a basement and if any portion of that basement has been converted into a finished area (ie. family room, bedroom, etc.) We will check our records for a valid certificate of use and occupancy and provide a copy of the certificate to via fax, mail or email as requested. If the property does not have a certificate of use and occupancy on file, either the property owner or the owner’s agent will need to make application for a certificate of use and occupancy. Applications must be completed at our office during our regular business hours which are 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The filing fee for a residential certificate of use and occupancy is $50.00. At the time of application, we will schedule an appointment for an inspection of the property.

The County and Township each assess taxes on real estate, which are combined on one bill and collected on a calendar year basis. Each property owner is mailed a county and municipal tax bill by March 1st of each year. If your taxes are in escrow with your mortgage company or bank, it is your responsibility to forward a copy to them for payment. If you do not receive a bill, it is also your responsibility to contact the Tax Office, at 717/569-6408, extension 1103, to receive a copy of your bill.

If there is an address change, please call the Lancaster County Assessment Office at 717-299-8381.

If you have a question or concern about your assessment or wish to challenge the assessment, please call the Lancaster County Assessment Office at 717-299-8381..

High Schoolers will catch the buses for Blue Mountain trips by meeting the advisors at the Arena entrance to the High School. The Elite charter buses will be parked along the curb near the tennis courts. Students may choose which of the two buses that they would like to ride to/from the mountain. For Parent Pick-Up in the evening, this is accessible by using the Oregon Road entrance to campus, turning onto Arena Drive and continuing to the end of Arena Drive towards the tennis courts and the entrance to the Arena.  The buses will plan to leave for Blue Mountain Ski Resort by 3:00pm and will return back to the High School around 11:30pm.  

Gear can be stored at the High School in a storage closet behind the Concession Stand that is behind Convo Hall and across the hallway from the South Gym. Please look for an advisor to be standing in the main hallway between the cafeteria and main office--- they will direct you to place your gear in the storage closet where it will be locked and secured throughout the school day.  Please drop off gear between 7:00-7:25am, and retrieve it between 2:30-2:50pm.  If you arrive to school after 7:25am, please take your gear to Mr. Rineer's room (#217). 

Typically, the buses arrive back to the High School around 11:30-11:45pm.  When there is about 20 minutes left in the bus ride, we tell students to text or call their ride to give them a heads up.  We appreciate your promptness when picking up your child!

Please follow the directions given by Blue Mountain Resort for where and when to meet for your lesson. Lessons will be held at the Valley Lodge School Hill at the bottom of the mountain (where the buses drop us off for the evening).

We encourage students to change from school clothes into your ski wear before boarding the bus. Students may change at school prior to boarding the buses. Changing rooms and restrooms are also available at Blue Mountain to get ready to hit the slopes. There may be limited space by the lockers in the lodge to get ready this year. Do not wear ski or snowboard boots on the buses.

You may want to place a luggage tag on your bags, so they aren't accidentally picked up by someone else at the end of the night when we unload at school. Store gear in designated areas at the lodge and consider using a locker or ski lock. 

Check out the following recommendations on layers to wear while enjoying the slopes. What to Wear while Skiing or Riding. This is particularly important for New England trips, where a ski face mask and many wickable layers is crucial for the cold weather.

Tables are available at the resort to eat packed food, or food purchased from the mountain. Blue Mountain is a cashless resort, so please bring a credit card, ApplePay, or use your gift card given by Blue Mountain.

Yes! This is a great alternative to carrying a credit/debit card or using ApplePay. 

• Go to skibluemt.com and scroll to the bottom of the page and click on where it says "Gift Cards".

• At the top of the page you will see Sign in/Register. Select "Register" and fill out all information and enter the gift card number.  This will allow you to reload throughout the season.

• If a gift card is lost, Blue Mountain is not able to trace it if you have not registered the card.

We consider the weather and conditions for each trip in advance of the trip. We typically do not cancel for weather unless the mountain resort, bus company, or school district advises us to do so due to safety concerns.  If we do make any changes to the schedule, we will send out a text blast and post these changes to the website. If possible, we will also send an email notification and place an announcement to be read over the loudspeaker by the school office. We try to give as much notice as possible.

NOPE! Because we are no longer aligned under our high school, you do not need to pay the district mandated activity fee.

OF COURSE! Even though skiers might have a hard time understanding how you can balance on only one ski, you are more than welcome to be part of the ski-club if you snowboard.  We usually have one or two advisors on snowboard as well.

Students are considered "members" of the Ski Club if they go on a trip with us. There isn't a membership obligation, and we aren't a school club that meets together on a regular basis. So as long as you are a Manheim Township student, you are able to register for our ski and snowboard trips. 

NOPE! We welcome skiers and boarders who are new, experienced, and everyone in between. We do offer lessons for purchase that are run by ski instructors at the resorts where we ski. We also encourage all students to wear a helmet when on the slopes.

For Blue Mountain, this is a season ticket that you can pick up with Mrs. Eshelman in Room #231, or it will be handed out when you board the bus on the first trip. Because this lift ticket is good for all season, please keep it someplace safe (zippered in your jacket). The resort will charge an additional fee if it needs to be replaced. Additionally, do not place it next to your cell phone, as this can deactivate your lift ticket. Your pass is good all day Monday through Friday (non-holiday), and Sat/Sun after 3 PM (non-holiday) all season. Please check the website to see if your particular date is considered to be a holiday.

For overnight trips, you will receive specific directions.

For 2024-25, the pass is good for the MT Ski scheduled trips as well as any other day you wish to go to the mountain, with some exceptions. Your pass is good all day Monday through Friday (non-holiday), and Sat/Sun after 3 PM (non-holiday) all season. Please check the website to see if your particular date is considered to be a holiday.