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Footer - 2019 FAQs

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1. Where can I find the Township Codebook?

The Township Codebook is available online where you can email, print and create PDF's of township resolutions and ordinances. Visit https://www.ecode360.com/MU0814 for more information.

2. Are fees schedules and various applications available online?

Fee schedules can be found on the Financial Documents page. Applications for permits, employment, etc. can be found on the Forms and Documents Page.

3. Can I pay my trash bill online?

You can! Visit our online trash payment portal.

4. Can I register online for rec programs or book facilities online?

Residents are now able to sign up for programs, trips and classes online. See full descriptions of each program and sign up friends and family members as well. Residents will also be able to check availability and book parks and facilities for events and private parties. Not only can you check availability and schedule your rental, but you can complete all waivers and applications as well as pay for your rental online! Sign up for news and alerts via email and text and stay up-to-date on classes, events, and all things related to Parks & Recreation! We are happy to bring these long awaited conveniences to Muhlenberg Township residents. Moving forward, all rentals and program registration will be done exclusively online. No computer? No problem! Stop by the Township building at 210 George Street and use our kiosk computer station to book your rental and print out your paperwork!  

5. Do you have a Township map for residents?

View the online, interactive Township Map that shows Zoning information as well as property parcel data.

6. How do I report a street light not working?

Requests can be submitted directly to Met-Ed online. You can also contact customer service at 610-929-4727 or report it on the GoTo Muhlenberg Mobile app.

7. How do I report downed wires?

Contact Met-Ed on their Outage Reporting Line, 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) and select the option to report a downed power line. (Note: please use this option only if you actually see a downed wire. Do not assume that because your power is out there must be a wire down somewhere.) Downed wires can also be submitted via the GoTo Muhlenberg Mobile app or online.

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Police FAQ's

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1. Where can I pay parking tickets, traffic citations and non-traffic citations?

Parking tickets can be paid during normal business hours at the Muhlenberg Twp. Police Dept. at 210 George St. Reading, PA 19605. Traffic and non-traffic citations are handled at the Magistrate's Office during normal business hours, at 3200 Reading Crest Ave, Reading, PA 19605. Traffic Citations can be paid online at https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/PayOnline.aspx  PAePay - The PAePay option allows the public to securely pay fines, costs, and restitution to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Common Pleas and Magisterial District courts. This site displays only court financial obligations approved for online payment. The maximum payment amount that can be applied to fines, costs and restitution is $1,000 per transaction. (please note, this payment portal is for traffic citations ONLY...parking tickets and other citations can only be handled through the Police Department of the Magistrate's Office.)

                       

                    

                            

2. What constitutes an abandoned vehicle?

A vehicle (other than a pedalcycle) is abandoned on public streets if it is parked for more than 48 hours while displaying an expired inspection or registration sticker; is in an inoperable condition; or is parked illegally.  A vehicle is abandoned on private property if  it has been parked there for more than 24 hours without the consent of the property owner, in which case the property owner or designee must report the vehicle as abandoned.  See the online form to report abandoned vehicles.

Abandoned vehicles can be reported online or via our mobile app, GoTo Muhenberg.

3. What is the curfew for juveniles (any person under the age of 18) in Muhelnberg Township?

The curfew in Muhlenberg Twp. is 9:00 pm to 5:00 am every day, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

4. How do I report a crime in the Township?

Crimes can be reported in several ways: For emergencies, dial 911; For non-emergencies, call our office directly at (610) 929-5454 or call the Berks County Communications Center non-emergency line at (610) 655-4911; Personally make reports at our office; and by completing online report forms that can be obtained through this website and forwarding them to our department.

5. Who do I contact regarding fingerprinting?

You can contact the Berks County Intermediate Unit or the Berks County Sheriff's Office.  Both locations utilize Certifix Livescan fingerprinting technology. View all Certifix Livescan Fingerprinting locations 

6. When is an accident / vehicle crash reportable?

A crash is reportable when it occurs on a traffic-way, and there is an injury or death of any person involved, and/or damage to any vehicle involved to the extent that it cannot be driven under its own power.

7. Where can I optain a copy of an accident/crash report?

Visit https://www.muhlenbergtwp.com/FormCenter/Police-Forms-9/Motor-Vehicle-Accident-Request-67  to request a copy of an accident report.

8. Where is the department located? What are the hours?

Muhlenberg Township Police Department is located on the lower level of the Muhlenberg Township Municipal Building at 210 George Street, Reading PA 19605. Office hours are 8AM - 4:30PM, Monday through Friday. Office hours can vary on holidays. Check www.muhlenbergtwp.com for closings and modified hours. 

9. I'm going away from my home for vacation/travel/etc. Should I contact the police department?

You can always let the department know that you will be on vacation or away from your home. It will be noted internally in the unlikely event that something happens while you are away from your home. Due to manpower restrictions, home visits for people on vacation or away are just not possible. There are several things you can do to safeguard your property when travelling. 

Inside the house

• Set timers on interior lights. This goes a long way in deterring burglars, who often look for crimes of opportunity. Don't allow your house to appear as if no one is home.
• Prevent power surges. You never know if a power surge can occur, so be prepared. Disconnect the computer, TV, stereo, and other electronics, or make sure they are plugged safely into a surge protector.
• Don't make telltale status updates. Never broadcast your location on Facebook or Twitter. Even if you think that it's only your friends or colleagues viewing your online profiles, it's safest not to leave any sort of opening for a possible burglar.
• Alert your alarm company. If you have an automatic security system in place, call your representative, announcing you'll be away from home for an extended period of time. Make sure the alarm is set properly when you leave.
• Secure valuables. If you don't already have your jewelry or other valuables in a safe deposit box, now might be the time to do so. Doing this also ensures that you don't leave out anything valuable in plain sight that a burglar might be able to see from a window.
• Set the HVAC. Set a programmable thermostat to lower your heat or air conditioning usage and remember to change the thermostat's battery.
• Protect your pipes. Make sure pipes in vulnerable areas such as attics, basements, and crawlspaces are insulated. In unusually cold weather, set your thermostat at 55 degrees or above. Ask a neighbor or trusted friend to stop by and check on the house and periodically turn on the faucets to ensure the pipes don't freeze.
• It might seem obvious, but double-check just to be sure. Lock all doors and windows.

Outside the house

• Arrange for lawn care. Have your landscaping tended to by a friendly neighbor or local service. Before you leave, trim tree branches that might allow access to a climbing burglar.
• Stop newspapers and mail. Stop mail and newspaper deliveries, or have them regularly picked up by a neighbor. Again, you don't want to easily clue in a burglar to your absence by the mounting newspapers on your doorstep.
• Plan some exterior lighting. Set these lights on timers as well, to deter burglars.
• Don't leave spare keys outdoors. Collect any hidden spare keys from around the exterior of your home. Remember, burglars know the most popular hiding places, like beneath mats and in potted plants.
• Lock the garage. Even if there is no entrance to your house from the garage, there's still a chance for numerous things to be stolen. Secure the door and any entrances to the garage.

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Resident FAQs

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1. Where do I arrange my trash billing and pickup?

You must arrange for recycling and trash pickup with the Township. Call the Customer Service Center at 610-929-4727 to make the necessary arrangements. More detailed information about trash and recycling pickup can be found by going to our Trash and Recycling page.

2. Who are my local utility companies?

View a listing of utilities companies that service Muhlenberg Township.

3. I have questions regarding my property tax. Who do I call?

You can contact the Tax Collector by calling 610-929-4727, ext. 247, or by visiting the Tax Collector page.

4. I have questions regarding the school district. Who should I contact?

Muhlenberg School District can be reached by calling 610-929-8700 or by visiting the Muhlenberg School District website.

5. Do you have a Township map for residents?

Yes, the Township has Community Map Guides that highlight each Township department. It also contains a Township map. You can stop by any Township office to pick up a current Community Map Guide.

6. Where do I vote?

All voting resources can be found on the Voter Resource page including polling places, dates, links to the County Election services and more.

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Township FAQs

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1. I would like to install a (Deck, Fence, Shed, Pool). What is the process and what do I need to do to get a permit?

Home repairs and renovations add value and enjoyment to your home and property. When residents want to start a new home project they often don’t know how the process of permitting works or what to do first. The Township wants to make this and all information accessible and easy to understand for our residents. We have created the first set of a series of Township Quick Guides that summarize the permitting process for Desks, Sheds, Fences and Pools. Quick Guides can be found online or picked up at the Township Offices at 210 George Street, Reading PA 19605. 

2. Can I pay my trash bill, license & permits or building permit online?

You can! Visit our payment portal at https://muhlenbergtwp.merchanttransact.com/OneTimePayment

3. Can I register online for recreation programs?

Currently you cannot register for programs online, but the Township is developing an online solution that will make this possible in the near future. Stay tuned for more details.

4. Are fees and applications available online?

Fee schedules can be found on the Financial Documents page. Applications for permits, employment, etc. can be found on the Forms and Documents page.

5. Do you have a Township map for residents?

The Township has Community Map Guides that highlight each Township department, contains useful information, and it also contains a Township map. You can stop by Customer Service to pick up a current Community Map Guide.

6. How do I report a street light not working?

Requests can be submitted directly to Met-Ed online. You can also contact customer service at 610-929-4727 or report it on the GoTo Muhlenberg Mobile app.

7. How do I report downed wires?

Contact Met-Ed on their Outage Reporting Line by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877), and select the option to report a downed power line. Please use this option only if you actually see a downed wire. Do not assume that because your power is out, there must be a wire down somewhere.

Downed wires can also be submitted via the GoTo Muhlenberg Mobile app or online.

8. How much trash/bulk items can I put out?

You may place up to eight containers of trash, one bulk item, and your recycling container at the street’s edge any time after 6 p.m. the night before your pick-up. All trash must be in maximum 30-gallon plastic or metal containers or plastic trash bags (sorry, larger containers are not permitted). Tree branches and shrub trimmings may be bundled in four foot lengths. Please don’t use small containers such as boxes or grocery bags because they allow trash to blow around causing litter.

Help keep our Township clean!

9. I have questions regarding my property tax. Who do I contact?

You can contact the Tax Collector by calling 610-929-4727, ext. 247, or you can visit the Tax Office page.

10. I have questions regarding the school district. Who should I contact?

Muhlenberg School District can be reached by calling 610-929-8700 or by visiting the Muhlenberg School District website.

11. My trash/recycling wasn't picked up, how do I report it?

Report it using the GoTo Muhlenberg service.

12. Where can I drop off unused expired or unused, prescribed and over-the-counter medication?

Drop off your expired or unused, prescribed and over-the-counter medications in the lobby at the Muhlenberg Township Municipal Building. Community members can utilize this drop box to ensure that medications will not end up in the wrong hands but rather properly disposed of. Read more on the Council on Chemical Abuse website.

13. How do I find information on street sweeping, snow plow, leaf collection?

Visit the Public Works page for detailed information regarding street sweeping, snow removal and leaf collection.

14. What are your business hours?

Muhlenberg Township Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

15. When do I need a building permit?

A permit is required when an owner or authorized agent intends to do the following for any residential building, commercial building, structure, and facility:

• Alter
• Construct
• Demolish
• Enlarge
• Move
• Repair

As well as when they intend to repair, convert, alter, or remove any electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.

16. When do the trash bills get mailed?

Trash bills are mailed twice a year (January and June).

17. When is the swale (brush drop off location) open?

• Residents only (proof such as driver's license, tax bill, etc. is required) are permitted to bring their tree and shrub trimmings to the designated area on Reading Crest Avenue (off Route 61) the first and third Saturday of each month, April through November, between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon for disposal. 
• Employees will be on hand to verify residency and accept or reject all material. 
• The drop off area will also be open the first Wednesday of each month, December through March, between the hours of 8 a.m. and Noon.

18. Where do I arrange my trash billing and pickup?

You must arrange for recycling and trash pickup with the Township. Call the customer service center at 610-929-4727 to make the necessary arrangements. More detailed information about trash and recycling pickup can be found by visiting our residential trash and recycling page.

19. Where do I vote?

Get voting information on the Votes PA website.