Ordinances
Below are sample documents that townships can use when developing their own ordinances. To preview a document before downloading, click the “Preview PDF” link. To download a Microsoft Word version of the sample document, click on the name of the ordinance.
Establishes 4-way stop intersection. Preview PDF
Establishes and enforces a standardized system of property address numbering. Preview PDF
Permits an age-restricted residential community as a conditional use. Preview PDF
Designates land as an agricultural area. Preview PDF
Establishes provision to apply to agricultural zoning district. Preview PDF
Allows for roadside stands for sale of agricultural and farm products. Preview PDF
Alternative Energy Zoning Ordinance (Preview PDF)
Establishes guidelines for the installation, maintenance and function of alarm devices. Preview PDF
Prohibits consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages and open containers in public areas. Preview PDF
Regulates operation of ambulance services within the township. Preview PDF
Establishes tax rate for admissions to amusements. Preview PDF
Establishes procedures for control of animals, notably dogs. Preview PDF
Regulates the keeping of certain animals and prescribes penalties for violation. Preview PDF
Prohibits the keeping of wild, exotic and/or farm animals. Preview PDF
Regulates domestic animals and prohibits ownership of wild or exotic animals. Preview PDF
Designates certain township roads as joint use for snowmobiles or ATVs. Preview PDF
Regulates the hours of operation of B.Y.O.B. clubs. Preview PDF
Model Ordinance developed by the PA State Beekeepers Association, the Penn State Center for Pollinator Research and the PA Apiary Advisory Board for honey beekeeping. Preview PDF
Regulates “Bed and Breakfast” Inns. Preview PDF
Regulates the use of bicycles on township roads.
Establishes a licensing, permit, and general business regulation of certain billboards and signs. Preview PDF
Intent to issue general obligation bonds. Preview PDF
Establishes amount, interest, and maturity of additional debt by issue of a general obligation note. Preview PDF
Allows for space in which no liquors are sold, but where patrons are permitted to bring liquors to the premises for own use and consumption. Preview PDF
Requires businesses and residences to display a house number consistent with numbering system. Preview PDF
Regulates outdoor fires and burn pits including permitted hours and allowable burn materials. Preview PDF
Authorizes a cable provider to install, operate, and maintain telecommunications systems within the township. Preview PDF
Establishes standards for the design, permitting, construction, operation, inspection, maintenance, removal and replacement of wireless communications facilities. Preview PDF
Regulates the standards for internment of a corpse, including permitted locations. Preview PDF
Proclaims the existence of a disaster emergency. Preview PDF
Regulating the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones. Preview PDF
Requires permits and plans in compliance with PennDOT and township design prior to paving driveways. Preview PDF
Prohibits engine brake retarders without exhaust mufflers. Preview PDF
Establishes a municipal authority, including authority powers and duties. Preview PDF
Establishes a township committee, including committee powers and duties. Preview PDF
Establishes a parks and recreation board, including powers, duties, and terms. Preview PDF
Provides for granting of permits for fireworks and prohibits use of fireworks without a permit. Preview PDF
Regulates mobile food vendors including requiring permits and establishing prohibited areas for operation.
Regulates garage sales, including permits, hours of sale, advertisements, and exceptions. Preview PDF
Regulates trash accumulation and junkyards. Preview PDF
Regulates the keeping of chickens in residential zones. Preview PDF
Sample language to repeal an ordinance in part or entirety.
Establishes regulations for growing, manufacturing, processing, and dispensing of medical marijuana. Preview PDF
Prohibits certain conditions, places, and things defined as nuisances. Preview PDF
Requires occupants of newly constructed dwelling or newly placed mobile home to obtain certificate of occupancy. Preview PDF
Establishes one-way traffic on specified roads. Preview PDF
Shade Tree Ordinance 1 (external link)
Establishes shade tree commission, including membership, powers, meetings, and enforcement.
Shade Tree Ordinance 2 (external link)
Establishes shade tree commission, including purpose, permits, and tree regulations.
Short Term Rental Ordinances
- Short Term Rental Model Ordinance (PDF)
- Short Term Rental Ordinance 2018 (PDF)
- Short Term Ordinance 2016 (PDF)
- Transient Dwelling Ordinance (PDF)
Prohibits throwing, shoveling, or plowing snow into roads. Preview PDF
Designates snow emergency routes, prioritizing snow removal on those roads first. Preview PDF
Solar Ordinances
- Solar Energy System Model Ordinance 2023 (PDF)
- Sample Solar Ordinance 2022 (PDF)
- Sample Solar Ordinance 2021 (PDF)
- Solar Energy Zoning Ordinance 2019
- Solar Zoning Ordinance Amendment (PDF)
- Solar Decommissioning Plan (PDF)
Establishes uniform street light rate. Preview PDF
Establishes a streetlighting district and provides for uniform annual assessments. Preview PDF
Establishes the compensation rate for township supervisors.
Establishes service fees for tax collector. Preview PDF
Establishes real estate tax credit for volunteer fire companies and EMS. Preview PDF
Considerations and sample language to allow for “tiny home” dwellings or communities.
Establishes traffic regulation and penalties for violations. Preview PDF
Vacates dead end road. Preview PDF
Vacates road and reserves a sanitary sewer easement. Preview PDF
Establishes height and distance limits for vegetation growth. Preview PDF
Establishes weight limits for certain roads. Preview PDF