Frequently Asked Questions

Code Enforcement/Zoning/Permits

Does the Code Enforcement Department have records for my lot? ..for my house?

Perhaps. The Code Enforcement Department maintains a file on each tax parcel (lot) within Buckingham Township. Records within the tax parcel file may contain detail such as property deeds, building permits, plot plans, easement detail and correspondence. These files are public record and may be reviewed during regular business hours.

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Police

Release of Police Reports to the Public

In accordance with Township Resolution 2067 relating to regulations under the Right-to-Know-Law, all requests for police reports must be made during regular business hours, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Reports can be picked up at the station after regular business hours as long as the original request was generated and reviewed during these prescribed times.

Who picks up animal carcasses found along the roadways in Buckingham Township?

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for picking up carcasses of dead deer, black bear, and elk along most roadways in Pennsylvania. Penn Dot is responsible for picking up dead deer only along Route 202. Buckingham Township does not have the equipment to pick up a deceased animal.

Does Buckingham Township have a leash ordinance?

Buckingham Township does not have a leash ordinance. According to the Pennsylvania Dog Law all dogs must be under control of their owner/handler and may not be allowed to run at large. Dogs are personal property and owners are responsible for all damages caused by their dogs. For further information please contact the police department at (215) 794-8812.

If I have a minor traffic accident should I report it to the police?

A minor traffic accident, no injury and no towing required, does not necessitate police intervention. However, it is recommended that an officer respond to the scene to insure all necessary information is exchanged. The responding officer will complete a report that may be provided to the insurance company upon their request.

Can the police department install my car seat?

Buckingham Township Police will teach residents how to install their child safety seats correctly. Installations are done by appointment only; please call (215) 794-8812, Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Consider your anticipated delivery date, as well as any planned vacations before making an appointment. Please do not wait until the last minute to make an appointment.

Do I have to register my alarm company with the Buckingham Township Police department?

Buckingham Township does not have an alarm ordinance and residents do not have to register alarms with the police. The police department does however, follow up on excessive alarm activations and abides by the PA Crimes Code:

PA Crimes Code 7511 Control of Alarm Devices and Automatic Dialing Devices

(c)(1) False Alarms Prohibited - A person that owns, uses or possesses an alarm device or automatic dialing device may not, after causing or permitting three false alarms to occur in a consecutive 12 month period, cause or permit a subsequent false alarm to occur in the same consecutive 12 month period. A person that violates this paragraph commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $300.

1. Owners are allowed three (3) false alarms a year
2. Owners may receive a warning notice when an officer responds to their activation
3. If excessive after three (3) false alarms owner may receive a non-traffic citation

Buckingham Township Police Department would like to remind all residents to lock their vehicle upon exit. Please remove all items of importance (handbag, wallet, GPS, computer) from your vehicle. This may deter an unnecessary theft.

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Burning Regulations/Smoke Alarms/Sprinkler Systems

Am I allowed to burn on my property?

Yes, residents are permitted to burn, with limitations, but only after receiving permission from the Fire Marshal. Open burning is permitted for leaves, pruning, tree trimmings, and limbs from storm damage. These may be burned only under the following conditions:

• Approval obtained from the Fire Marshal,
• Weather conditions do not make such fires a hazard,
• Location is not less than 50 feet from any structure or road edge,
• Provisions must be made to contain the fire to the location,
• Fires shall consist only of seasoned dry wood or leaves,
• Fire shall be constantly attended by a competent person,
• Fire extinguishing equipment must be available (extinguisher, hose, etc.),
• Fire size is limited to 5 ft X 5 ft X 5ft,
• Flammable/combustible liquids shall not be used to start the fire,
• Burning is only permitted between sunrise and sunset,
• Fires considered objectionable or offensive to neighbors shall be extinguished

For more information, contact the Fire Marshal at 215-794-8836.

My smoke detector goes off when I cook, is set off by the shower, or sometimes goes off for no apparent reason. What is wrong?

Smoke detectors are vital to insuring the safety of you and your family. Smoke detectors must be maintained in good working order. Batteries in your detectors should be changed every six months. Smoke detectors should also be cleaned at least annually. Just as you clean your home, your smoke detectors need to be cleaned. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions about cleaning. Cobwebs and dust usually can be removed with a vacuum cleaner attachment. If you are going to be doing work nearby that could send dust in the air, cover the detector with a shield. Also, shield the detector if you are painting around it, and never paint on it. Remove the shield promptly after work is completed.

Regularly cleaning your smoke detectors and following the manufacturer's instructions may help stop "nuisance" or false alarms. If this doesn't stop them, install a fresh battery in the detectors giving nuisance alarms. Evaluate where your detectors are placed if the problem still persists. Cooking vapors and steam can set off a smoke detector. If the detector is near the kitchen or bathroom, try moving it farther away. If nuisance alarms continue, install a new smoke detector

I have a new home in Buckingham that is protected by a fire sprinkler system. How can I be sure that the system is working properly?

Congratulations and welcome to Buckingham Township! Your home is equipped with a state of the art fire protection system. The combination of fire sprinklers and smoke detectors insures the highest level of safety for you and your family.

The Township recommends that a reputable sprinkler contractor inspect your sprinkler system once a year. The National Fire Protection Association recommends the following items be checked monthly:

• Visual inspection of sprinkler heads to make sure that the spray from the heads will not be blocked,
• Check all valves to make sure they are open,
• If you have any questions on your fire sprinkler system, please contact the Fire Marshal at 215-794-8836.

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Roads and Facilities

Who maintains the roads (snow-plowing, pot-hole repairs, paving, sign placement, etc)?

Within Buckingham Township there are five possible "caretakers":

1. Roads maintained by the State (PennDOT),
2. Roads maintained by Buckingham Township,
3. Roads maintained by the Developer (if the development has not been dedicated to the Township,
4. Roads privately maintained by the residents,
5. Bordering Roads maintained by neighboring Townships.

Following is a list of the roads maintained by PennDOT:

• Route 202 (York Road)
• Route 263 (Old York Road)
• Route 313 (Swamp Road)
• Route 413 (Durham Road)
• Route 611 (Easton Road)
• Burnt House Hill Road (between Route 202 and Cold Spring Creamery Road)
• Carversville Road
• Cold Spring Creamery Road
• Dark Hollow Road (between Swamp Road and Neshaminy Creek)
• Edison Furlong Road
• Forest Grove Road
• Furlong Road
• Mechanicsville Road
• New Hope Road (between Route 413 and Forest Grove Road)
• Pineville Road (between the Village of Pineville and Stony Hill Road)
• Ridge Road
• Stony Hill Road
• Swamp Road (from Route 202/York Road to Wrightstown Township border)
• Township Line Road
• Sugar Bottom Road (between Rt 263 & Pebble Hill Road)
• Pebble Hill Road (between Edison Furlong Road & Sugar Bottom Road)

If you have a request pertaining to a road other than those listed above, and the Township maintains the road or you are unsure who maintains the road, feel free to contact the Township Office at 215-794-8834 or e-mail us through Comments /Inquiries.

What is a "Dedicated" Development or Road?

When a development has been completed, the developer requests "dedication" of the development. At that time, the Township Engineer inspects the development for a variety of items which must be completed. If these items have all been successfully completed and the necessary legalities have been executed, the Township is then responsible for all maintenance to those roads within the development.

Does the Township spray insecticides to reduce mosquitoes?

Not at this time. If you have concerns regarding the West Nile Virus please visit the PA Department of Health's website www.westnile.state.pa.us.

Facilities

Where are the Township Administrative Office, Police Department, and Tax Office located?

Go to our Map-Directions page for detailed information.

Where are the Township's Public Works Maintenance Building, Water Department Building and Wastewater Treatment Plant located?

Go to our Map-Directions page for detailed information.

Where are the Township Parks located?

Go to our Map-Directions page for detailed information.

Does the Township have a meeting room which may be reserved?

The Township building has a meeting room which may be rented by non-profit organizations. This room may be reserved by obtaining an application from the Township Office or at Reservations - Parks / Meeting Room. There is a $20 per use fee and $50 escrow deposit charged upon application.

May I reserve use of a park?

The Holicong Park pavilion, Holicong Park playing fields and Hansell Park playing fields may be reserved by obtaining an application from the Township Office or at Reservations - Parks / Meeting Room. There is a $100 escrow fee which may be returned after inspection of the premises following the event.

Does Buckingham Township offer sports or summer programs?

The Township does not have a formal sports program. There are several area organizations who offer sports for young and old - refer to our New Resident page for more information on these groups (note: these are only the groups we are aware of).

The Township does offer a summer children's program and a summer concerts program which are both organized by our Park and Recreation Commission. Refer to our Parks & Recreation and/or Calendar page for dates and follow the calendar links for more information.

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Water and Wastewater

Is the water fluoridated?

No, there are only very small traces of fluoride in some of our wells. If you feel your children would benefit from fluoride, please contact your family dentist.

Where does our water come from?

All Buckingham Township public water supply is from wells near the communities being served.

Our water seems very hard, is it?

Buckingham water is moderately hard with hardness ranging between 100 and 150 mg/l (7 to 10 grains per gallon).

How much water does a normal family of 4 use and how can I see how we compare?

This is a hard question but the average we are seeing with water conserving fixtures is around 18,000 to 23,000 gallons per quarter or 197 to 252 gallons per day. You can compare by noting the quantity of water on your bill and dividing it by the number of days in the billing period. You can also watch your consumption more closely by periodically reading your water meter.

What should I do if I have a water emergency or no water?

Call 215-794-8854. We have an automated phone system for off-hour calls that will automatically page our water operators if you follow the step directions on the voice mail message. Please remember to leave your name, address and phone number so we may contact you if we need to.

I live near a Township operated Wastewater Sprayfield. What are my concerns?

Although this type of wastewater disposal is rare in Bucks County, there is a trend towards spray irrigation of treated wastewater in our area because it represents a way to return water to the area from which it was drawn. This is especially important in Buckingham which lies fully within the Delaware River Basin Commission’s designated groundwater protection area. We treat all wastewater, usually in large lagoons, to meet secondary or advanced secondary treatment criteria. As such, the water being spray irrigated is at the same level that is required for most stream discharges. Since we have no industry connected to our systems, the wastewater contains little if any regulated chemicals. Before we spray, we chlorinate to provide disinfection. Every Quarter we monitor wells at the sprayfield perimeters for several chemical constituents. The Pa. Department of Environmental Protection sets limits for spraying to prevent groundwater mounding and migration of nitrate nitrogen to the groundwater in excess of the safe drinking water limits. We have automatic controls working that automatically shut the irrigation system off if there is a pipe break or if wind becomes too high. Because of all this, we view lots overlooking our spray sites to be not only safe but actually prime real estate since the sprayfields should be in place for as long as we treat wastewater affording the homeowner adjacent preserved open space.

Why is my sewer bill flat-rate instead of consumption based like the water bill?

We have numerous wastewater customers with their own wells that can not be reasonably metered. When the rates were set 10 years ago, the Supervisors felt it was the fairest billing system for all. As more and more customers are on public water systems each year, we are looking at possibly instituting a consumption-based rate with well owners paying an average use flat rate.

When will I receive my Water and/or Sewer Bill, and how is it calculated?

Per the township fee schedule resolution, the following information should be helpful:

• Billing is sent out on a quarterly basis. Bills are mailed out on approximately the 15th of the month following the close of a quarter (i.e. April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 15). Every bill will show the dates for the full billing period (i.e. 01/01/05 – 03/31/05), regardless of when settlement took place.
• If you have moved into the township during the billing quarter, your bill will be prorated to the nearest month of the quarter. Settlement on or before the 15th of the month, you will be charged the full month. Settlement after the 15th of the month, billing will start on the first of the next month.
• The residential sewer charge is a flat rate of $127.40 per quarter. Of that, $45.00 is a capital reserve portion. The remaining $82.40 is for operating and maintenance expenses.
• Water service charges: a) Quarterly minimum of $15.45 for the first 3,000 gallons plus a quarterly fixed capital reserve of $45.00, b) Water consumption between 3,000 and 37,500 gallons is billed at an additional $2.57 per 1,000 gallons, c) Water consumption over 37,500 gallons is billed at an additional $5.14 per 1,000 gallons.
• The first meter reading is taken at the final inspection of a new home by the Building Inspector, or when a water certification is requested for re-sale. For questions about billing or procedures, please call (215) 794-8854.

What should I do if I see a sewer manhole overflowing?

Call 215-794-8854. We have an automated phone system for off-hour calls that will automatically page our wastewater operators if you follow the step directions on the voice mail message. Please remember to leave your name, address and phone number so we may contact you if there is a problem.

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General Questions

Where do I vote?

• Voting locations are: Upper 1, 2 and 3 – Central Bucks East High School, Middle 1 and 2 – Buckingham Township Building, Lower 1 – Forest Grove Church, Lower 2 – Village of Buckingham Springs Clubhouse. Visit our Voting Information page more specific information.
• Your voters registration card specifies which location you should attend. Call the Township at 215-794-8834 or the Bucks County Board of Elections at 215-348-6154, if you have any questions.
• Voters Registration Forms are available at the Township Building, or at the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown, PA.

Where do I get a dog license?

Dog License Application Forms are available in the Township Building administrative office. Actual Dog Licenses may be obtained directly from both the SPCA and the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown, PA.

Deed (Real Estate) Registration - is it required?

Buckingham Township deeds no longer need to be pre-registered. The ORIGINAL is sent to the Bucks County Register of Deeds. A COPY of the deed is sent to Buckingham Township with a check for $5.00 made out to Buckingham Township. Download the Real Estate Registration form (PDF) below, with the requirements explained, for your use.