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1. What version of the building code does the Borough use?

The Borough uses the 2009 version of the International Codes.

2. How high can grass or weeds grow before the Borough would cite someone?

Grass cannot exceed six (6) inches in height.

3. To whom do I report a barking dog?

Barking dogs should be reported to the police department at 717.738.9200.

4. When must snow be removed from my sidewalk?

You have twenty-four hours after an event to remove snow or ice from your sidewalk.

5. Do i need a business license?

No, but you are required to have a Certificate of Occupancy. To request an application please call the Codes Office at 717.738.9202.

6. Who does the Borough's inspections?

All inspections are done by in-house personnel with the exception of electrical inspections.

7. How much is a zoning hearing board filing fee?

The filing fee is $500.00 for a one (1) or two (2) family residential property and $600.00 for a commercial/industrial/institutional property.

8. Can I run a business from my home?

Possibly, but home occupations may require zoning hearing board approval. Please call Borough Codes at 717.738.9202 for specifics.

9. Must I give my name if I want to file a complaint against someone?

No, you are not required to give your name. However, doing so allows us to follow up on issues.

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1. Where do I get a yard sale permit?

Yard sale permits have a fee of $5.00 and can be picked up at Borough Hall Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

2. Where can I get information about the Ephrata Fair?

Please contact the Fair Association at 733-4451.

3. Where can I get information about the Ephrata Art and Craft Festival?

For information or to rent a space please contact Joanne Pike at 733-1298.

4. Does the Borough offer an automatic bill payment plan that will deduct my bill from my bank account:

Yes. To enroll in the program, all that is required is a completed authorization form. The form is available in the Borough's Business Office and the FORMS section of this website.

5. Are Borough Council meetings open to the public?

Yes. For more information see the Municipal Calendar on the home page.

6. Can I have my utility service disconnected?

Yes, you can have your electric utility disconnected. There is a $100.00 fee to remove a meter and in some cases a reconnection fee may apply.

7. Is there a public phone at the Borough Office?

Yes, there is a phone available in the lobby for local calls only.

8. Can I pay my utility bill with a credit card?

Yes, the Borough accepts Visa, Master Card and Discover.

9. Where is the Chamber of Commerce?

The Ephrata Area Chamber of Commerce is located at the renovated Railroad Station,16 East Main Street, Suite 1, Ephrata. You can contact them at 717-738-9010.

10. Can I pay my phone bill at the Borough Office?

No, phone bills can not be paid at the Borough Office.

11. Who is the Borough Tax Collector and where must I pay my bill?

The Borough's taxes are collected by the Lancaster County Treasurer. Bills can be paid by mailing them to PO Box 83480, Lancaster, Pa. 17608-3480. For more information concerning taxes, please call 299-8222.

12. Does the Borough charge an Occupational Privilege Tax?

No. The Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT) and the Emergency & Municipal Services Tax (EMST) has been replaced with a Local Services Tax (LST). Each employee working in the Borough will now be required to pay $52.00 annually, payable through your employer.

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1. Can I select my own electric provider?

No. The Borough serves the customers within the municipal boundaries, as permitted by Act 138 of 1996, the Electric Utility Industry Restructuring Legislation. Act 138 prohibits other suppliers from entering the Borough, as long as we don to serve customers outside the Borough limits.

2. How often does the Borough estimate my electric usage?

The Borough meter readers make every effort to read your meter monthly. Only during extreme weather conditions would we estimate your usage.

3. Must I pay a security deposit to open an account?

Anyone leasing a property within Ephrata Borough is required to pay a security deposit.

4. Who do I call when I have a question concerning my electric utility bill?

Please contact the Business Office at 738-9222 during standard office hours; Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

5. How do I go about connecting a new electric meter service?

You must contact a Customer Service Representative in the Business Office at 738-9222 to initiate the service connection.

6. Can I rent a security light from the Borough?

Yes, the Borough can attach a security light to your pole depending on the location. There is a monthly fee of $25.00 per lamp.

7. What do I have to do to upgrade my electric service?

Applications for electric upgrades must be filed and a permit must be issued from the Codes/Zoning Division, 738-9202, before any work begins.

8. Who is responsible to inspect electric connections?

Electric inspections are provided through a third party inspection agency.

9. When I move into or out of the Borough, does someone read my meter?

Yes, when you notify us of your final billing day, we will have someone come to your property and read the meter to generate the final billing.

10. Who do I contact if I do not have power?

During business hours from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, please contact the Business Office at 738-9222. After hours and on Holidays, please call 733-1277 to report an outage.

11. Who do I contact to locate underground wires?

Before you dig, please call PA One Call at 1-800-242-1776 or "811".

12. Does the Borough generate electricity?

No, the Borough maintains and operates the distribution system that provides electric to its customers.

13. Are my electric rates subject to approval by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission?

No.

14. Where can I get help if I can't pay?

Customers who cannot pay their electric bills can seek assistance from the Community Action Program (CAP) , Ephrata Area Social Services and churches in the Ephrata Area.

15. Who do I call to report a street light that is not working?

Please notify the Borough Office at 738-9222.

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1. Why do the water lines need to be flushed?

Water typically is moving through the underground water pipes at less than two miles per hour. This slow movement allows mineral deposits, to build up and accumulate in pipes over time. Flushing water lines help maintain our distribution system and assures high quality water.

2. What do I do if I see flushing being conducted in my neighborhood?

If you see a crew flushing a hydrant in your service area, avoid running tap water, your washing machine or the dishwasher until the flushing is done. You may experience some discoloring of your tap water. This condition is temporary and will return to normal within a few hours. The water pressure may also be affected temporarily during the flushing program.

3. What do I do if my water is discolored?

Should a reddish, yellow, or brown tint in the water appear, do not be alarmed. It is recommended you do not use the water or do laundry for about two hours. After you have waited, run your faucets for a few minutes to make sure the water is clear at which time you resume normal water use - it is suggested to wash a load of dark clothes first. If pressure or volume seems low, check your faucet screens for trapped debris. If the water does not clear within a few hours, please notify the Public Works Department at
717-738-9242.

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1. Where do I pay my parking ticket?

You can either pay by mail, drop it off at the Borough's Business Office Monday through Friday from 8:00am -p 4:30pm, or drop it in the night deposit box located near the flagpole at the front of Borough Hall (124 S State St.).

2. Does the Borough sell dog licenses?

No, dog licenses can be purchased at Ephrata Agway at 1731 W Main St in Ephrata.

3. Where do I pay for my citation?

Citations must be paid at the District Justice's Office located at 609 East Main St., Ephrata. The phone number is 717.733.8688.

4. Is a license required to ride a bicycle in the Borough?

No, the Borough does not require you to have a bicycle license. However, you can license your bicycle free of charge at the Ephrata Police Department during normal business hours, 7:00am - 5:00pm. Should you lose your bike, the registration will assist the police in locating the bike.

5. What is the law concerning car seat use?

All drivers transporting children from birth to age 4 are responsible to restrain those children in an approved child passenger restraint system anywhere in the vehicle. All drivers transporting children from age 4 years to 8 years are responsible to restrain those children in a seat belt system and appropriate child booster seat anywhere in the vehicle.

6. Is there a fee to get my dog back if he is picked up by the police?

Yes, the Borough charges a $15.00 fee for the return of your pet.

7. What are the parking meter hours?

Meters are in effect in the central business district from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Sunday and Holidays are free.

8. Is there an ordinance concerning barking dogs?

Yes, the Borough does enforce an ordinance. Please report any disturbances to the Police Department at 738-9200.

9. When are the 15 minute parking zones in effect?

They are in effect twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week.

10. Do we provide fingerprinting for immigration or employment purposes?

No, please follow the instructions on the paperwork you received from the immigration office.

11. Can I skateboard and ride bike downtown?

There is no bicycle riding and no skateboarding permitted on the sidewalks in the Central Business District (CBD) as defined in the Zoning Ordinance or shown on the zoning map.

12. Where am I permitted to skateboard and ride bike?

Skateboarding is also permitted on the sidewalks outside of the Central Business District (CBD) but is not permitted on the street anywhere in the Borough of Ephrata. Bicycle riding is permitted on the street in the CBD and the street and sidewalk outside the CBD.

13. Does the Borough provide the following applications?

* Drivers manual - yes
* Parking placard applications - yes
* Disabled license plate applications - yes
* Criminal history check applications - yes
* PA child abuse history clearance applications - yes
* Change of address applications - yes

14. Does Ephrata Borough enforce a curfew?

Yes, the Borough curfew is as follows: Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am and Friday and Saturday from 12:00 am to 5:00 am.

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1. Who do I call to report a pothole?

Please call Customer Service at 717.738.9222 Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. You can also use our REPORT A CONCERN graphic button from our website's homepage or by clicking here.

2. Can I request a short term "No parking" sign in front of a property to assist me in moving?

Yes, there is an application with a fee of $25.00 that must be filled out and submitted to our Police Department for Review. A 48-hour notice is appreciated. For additional questions, please contact the Police Department at 738-9200.

3. How do I request a permanent parking regulation change?

Please call the Borough Office, Engineering Division at 738-9202 to apply for a parking change.

4. Who is responsible for cleaning out the storm sewer grates?

The Public Works division is responsible for clearing these grates. However, if there is a storm sewer grate on your property, please help by keeping it clean. If there is a problem, please notify the Public Works Division at 738-9242.

5. If I am planning to dig on my property, must I notify anyone?

Yes. Please call PA One Call at 1-800-242-1776 or "811" for information.

6. How do I apply for an on-street handicapped parking space?

Please call the Ephrata Borough, Codes Division at 738-9202 or stop in at Borough Hall for an application.

7. How do I call to report a street light that is not working?

Please notify the Borough Office at 738-9222.

8. Who do I call to report a stormwater concern?

Please call Customer Service at 717.738.9222 Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. You can also use our REPORT A CONCERN graphic button from our website's homepage or by clicking this link.

9. Who do I call to report an illicit discharge into the stormwater system?

Please call Customer Service at 717.738.9222 Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. You can also use our REPORT A CONCERN graphic button from our website's homepage or by clicking this link.

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1. What should I do with my yard waste from mid October to the end of March?

During this time of year waste can be put out as part of your normal Borough refuse collection as long as it does not exceed your three bag limit.

2. Does my recycling have to be put into a Borough recycling bin?

No, it can be place for disposal in any open container. Please no lids.

3. What do I do if my recycling is not picked up?

If you had your recycling out before 5:00am and it was not collected, please contact the Business Office at 717.738.9222 between 8:00am and 4:30pm.

4. Where do I buy tire or oversized tags?

Tags can be purchased at the Ephrata Borough Business Office between 8:00am and 4:30pm or they can be purchased through the mail. For more details please call the Borough Office at 717.738.9222.

5. Does the Borough provide commercial recycling collection services?

No, the Borough provides recycling services only for residential properties. However, commercial properties are required to recycle. If you would like more information concerning commercial recycling please call the Recycling coordinator at 717.738.9202, extension 127.

6. Where can I dispose of vehicle batteries?

Vehicle batteries can be disposed of at the Lancaster Solid Waste Authority located along Harrisburg Pike in Lancaster. The Waste Authority can be reached at 717.397.9968 or you can visit their website here, www.lcswma.org

7. Where can I dispose of hazardous materials like paint, gas, or turpentine?

Vehicle batteries can be disposed of at the Lancaster Solid Waste Authority located along Harrisburg Pike in Lancaster. The Waste Authority can be reached at 717.397.9968 or you can visit their website here, www.lcswma.org/

8. Do I have to pay for Borough recycling?

Yes, all residential customers of the Borough are required to have recycling services and are encouraged to participate in the program.

9. What should I do if the weather is bad?

The hauler will make every attempt to pick up your recycling. Please try to put it out at the scheduled time. If they do not collect it on the designated day they will attempt to pick it up the following day. Prolonged inclement weather conditions could delay your service to the following week. The Borough will post updates on our website.

10. Should I put newspaper out when it is raining?

No, please do not put newspapers out in wet weather. The water will contaminate the newsprint.

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1. Can I discontinue service at any time?

Yes, the Borough refuse program is billed on a per month basis. Simply return your metal identification plate to the Business Office and your service will be terminated.

2. Does my trash have to be put in cans?

You can use cans or bags to dispose of your refuse.

3. What do I do if my trash was missed?

If you had your trash out for pick up at the proper time and it was not picked up, please call the Borough Office at 717.738.9222 between the 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

4. How do I buy extra trash bag tags?

Extra tags are available at the Borough Office during standard business hours or can be purchased through the mail. For more details please call the Borough Office at 717.738.9222

5. Do you provide commercial refuse collection services?

No, the Borough provides service only to residential units.

6. What should I do if the weather is bad?

The hauler will make every attempt to pick up your trash. Please try to put it out at the scheduled time. If they do not collect it on the designated day they will attempt to pick it up the following day. The Borough will post updates on its website.

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1. Who do I call to report a stormwater concern?

Please call Customer Service at 717.738.9222 Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. You can also use our REPORT A CONCERN graphic button from our website's homepage or by clicking this link.

2. How do I request a permit to change the impervious surface on my property?

Please call the Borough Office, Engineering Division at 717.738.9202 to apply for a permit.

3. Who is responsible for cleaning out the storm sewer grates?

The Public Works Division is responsible for cleaning out these grates. However, if there is a storm sewer grate on your property, please help by keeping it clean. If there is a problem, please notify the Public Works Division at 717.738.9242.

4. If I am planning to dig on my property, must I notify anyone?

Yes. Please call PA One Call at 1.800.242.1776 or "811" for information.

5. Who do I call to report an illicit discharge into the stormwater system?

Please call Customer Service at 717.738.9222 Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. You can also use our REPORT A CONCERN graphic button from our website's homepage or by clicking this link.

6. What is NOT ALLOWED to go down a storm sewer?

- Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, that allows any non-stormwater discharge including sewage, process wastewater, and wash water to enter a municipal separate storm sewer (if applicable), or waters of this commonwealth, and any connections to the storm sewer from indoor drains and sinks.
- Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial land use to the municipal separate storm sewer (if applicable) which has not been documented in plans, maps, or equivalent records, and approved by the Borough.
- Discharges into surface waters of this commonwealth which are not composed entirely of stormwater, except:
As provided in the listed authorized discharges; and
Discharges allowed under a state or federal permit.

7. What is ALLOWED to go down a storm sewer?

- Discharges from fire-fighting activities.
- Potable water sources including waterline flushing.
- Irrigation drainage.
- Air-conditioning condensate.
- Springs.
- Water from crawl space pumps.
- Pavement wash waters where spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials have not occurred (unless all spill material has been removed) and where detergents are not used.
- Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands.
- Uncontaminated water from foundations or from footing drains.
- Lawn watering.
- Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges.
- Uncontaminated groundwater.
- Water from individual residential car washing.
- Routine external building wash down (which does not use detergents or other compounds).
- Diverted stream flows.
- Rising groundwaters.

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1. How safe is the water when it leaves the Wastewater Treatment plant?

The water quality at both plants is tested constantly and meets all Department of Environmental Protection regulations.

2. Am I allowed to hook up a sump pump, basement drain or downspout to my sewer system?

No, these items may not be hooked up to the sewer system. They contribute clean water that does not require treatment that must be treated and increases expenses for all users.

3. Does the street storm water system connect to the sanitary sewer system?

No, the storm water system flows directly to the Cocalico Creek and does not effect the sewer system.

4. Is it safe to pour paint, oil, gas or other combustibles into the sewer system?

Absolutely not. These toxic items can cause explosive situations as well as creating additional treatment costs. Household hazardous wastes can be disposed of through the Lancaster County Solid Waste Authority.

5. If I have a sewage backup who should I call?

If the problem occurs in the street you should call Public Works at 738-9242. If the problem is internal you will have to contact a plumber. If you are not sure where the problem is, call Public Works.

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1. Is fluoride added to the water?

No, the authority is not required by the Department of Environmental Protection regulations to add fluoride to the water.

2. Why does the water smell like chlorine sometimes?

Chlorine is added to the water as a disinfection. During certain periods, surface waters contain greater amounts of organic materials. As a result additional chlorine is required to ensure that finished water meets all Department of Environmental Protection requirements.

3. Can I get a special rate to fill my swimming pool with water?

No, the Authority does not offer a special water rate to fill a swimming pool. However, if prior arrangements are made, Ephrata Borough will waive sewer fees associated with the gallons used to fill the swimming pool. For further details, please call the Business Office at 717.738.9222 between 8:00am and 4:30pm.

4. Why is my water cloudy?

Cloudy water occurs when air gets into the system. Opening your faucets for a few minutes should clear the air and alleviate the problem.

5. Why did my water bill increase so much?

There could be several reasons for an increase in your water bill. These might include a leaking water heater, faucet, or commode, watering your lawn, or filling a swimming pool.

6. What should I do if my water pressure is low?

If you feel the pressure is low because of a water main problem, please call the Business Office at 717.738.9222 between 8:00am and 4:30pm.

7. Who do I call if my water meter is leaking?

If your meter is leaking between the valves on either side of the meter, please call the Business Office at 717.738.9222 from 8:00am to 4:30pm for a service call. If after 4:30pm, please call 717.733.1277.

If it is a pipe that is leaking you are responsible for calling a plumber.

8. What is the hardness of the Borough's water?

The average hardness of the Authority's water is between 15 to 18 grains.

9. Where do I report a water main break?

In an effort to reduce loss of water to customers please report all water main breaks immediately to the Business Office at 717.738.9222 from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. After normal business hours or on Holidays please call 717.733.1277.

10. Who can I call concerning water quality issues?

Please contact the Business Office at 717.738.9222 between the hours of 8:00am through 4:30pm.