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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.