FAQs

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Dye Test FAQs

1. Why is the dye test program in effect?: In order to control loading in the sanitary sewer, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) requires each local government to adopt a corrective action plan. One of the requirements of the plan is to reduce overloads to the sanitary sewer by removing rain, or storm water, from the lines.

2. What's the problem if my conductors or area drains are connected to the sanitary sewer?: Sanitary sewers are designed to accept a rather constant flow of sewage from household water. The sudden, rapid flow of rainwater from roofs, patios, driveways, etc., can overload these sanitary sewer causing them to overflow and pollute adjacent streams.

3. What regulations are violated by connecting rain conductors to a sanitary sewer?: To prevent overloading of sanitary sewers, the connection of storm water to sanitary sewer is not permitted. Regulations controlling this matter are issued by:
* The Department of Environmental Protection.
* The Allegheny County Health Department (County Plumbing Code).
* Mt. Lebanon, as part of the Mt. Lebanon Code Ordinances.

4. If I am notified that I have an improper connection, what can I do about it?

A. Disconnect your rain conductor or area drains from the line or lines connected to the sanitary sewer. The location of drains not properly connected is shown a plan that is sent with a violation notification.

B. Plug the upstream ends of the disconnected line securely to prevent infiltration of ground water.

C. Properly drain the roof or area drains by one of the following methods:

* Into a storm sewer;
* Through the curb and into a gutter, then to a storm sewer via catch basin;
* Into a sump. (A sump is a gravel filled hole which allows water to dissipate into the soil.) Storm water shall not be channeled or directed onto adjacent properties.

5. Who does this work?

Corrections may be made by the property owner, or by using either a plumbing contractor or general contractor with experience in underground utilities. Selecting a contractor is easy if you follow these tips:

* Ask friends and neighbors for the names of contractors they have used and recommend.
* Seek a company with a proven track record, one that conducts business in a professional manner. Make sure the contractor has a permanent business address and telephone number.
* When you have three or four companies that you feel are qualified, ask them to come out and give an estimate.
* Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been complaints against the contractors.
* Make sure contractors carry liability and worker's compensation insurance. Ask to see their certificates.
* Make sure the contractor offers a warranty on both materials and workmanship. This warranty should be included in the written contract.
* When you have three or four companies that you feel are qualified, ask them to come out and give an estimate.
* Call the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been complaints against the contractors.
* Make sure contractors carry liability and worker's compensation insurance. Ask to see their certificates.
* Make sure the contractor offers a warranty on both materials and workmanship. This warranty should be included in the written contract.

6. What assistance can I expect from the municipality?: Our municipal public works personnel will provide counseling for the property owner about the location of drain lines and the most efficient way to correct the problem. For this or any other questions, please contact 412-343-3403.

7. What do I need to do after corrective action is taken?: Before covering any underground lines an inspection is required. Please call the public works office at 412-343-3403. After the work is inspected you may have the trenches filled.

8. Do I need a dye test if I am refinancing my home?: No. A dye test is only required for properties that are being transferred.

9. Do I need to have a dye test done when I sell my house?: Yes. The commission passed an ordinance that all homes being transferred to new owners must have a dye test performed. A dye test is valid for three years from the date it was performed. The forms and information on the procedure are available on-line.

10. How long does it take to process a dye test?: The public works office will get the required letter out to the finance department within 10 business days from the day a completed application is received.

11. How long is a dye test valid?: Three years from the date it was performed.

12. If my property fails the dye test can I still close on the property?: Yes. Please call the public works office at 412- 343-3403 to discuss the procedure.

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Main Page

Show All Answers

1. How do I find out about taxes specific to Mt. Lebanon?: See the Tax Department page in this website.
Tax Department

2. Why is it necessary to reduce the size of Mt. Lebanon's deer herd?: Wildlife experts have determined that there are more deer per square mile than the community can accommodate. An overabundance of deer in a highly developed area such as Mt. Lebanon leads to property damage and an increase in vehicular collisions. Too many deer per square mile also means that there is not enough food to support the deer population.

3. Who made the decision to cull the herd, and was the public consulted?: The decision to control the size of the deer herd was made by Mt. Lebanon’s elected officials after extensive study by the Public Works Department, which will oversee deer management. There were many public meetings that provided an opportunity for the public to comment, as well as a public hearing on the subject. The deer management issue also has been featured prominently in Mt. Lebanon magazine. Questions and answers and the proposed plan have been posted on the municipal website for many months. The daily newspapers also have followed the issue closely.

4. Is there a specific ordinance that regulates development in Mt. Lebanon?: Yes. The Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, also known as Chapter XVI, of the Mt. Lebanon code regulates development in the municipality.

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Planning/Zoning/Inspections

Show All Answers

1. Can I subdivide my property?: Possibly. In order for a property to be subdivided the proposed subdivision must meet the requirements of the zoning district in which the property is located. Please visit the appropriate section of our zoning ordinance for specific information on required lot size and additional requirements for each zoning district. You may also contact our planning office at 412- 343-3684 for further information and assistance.

2. Is there a specific ordinance that regulates development in Mt. Lebanon?: Yes. The Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, also known as Chapter XVI, of the Mt. Lebanon code regulates development in the municipality.

3. What building code(s) does Mt. Lebanon enforce?: The International Residential Code (IRC) for one- and two-family dwellings and the International Building Code (IBC) for attached dwellings of three or more units and commercial buildings. State listing of adopted codes

4. How can I find out what my property is zoned?: Zoning maps are available, for a fee, through the GIS Office or the Inspection office can provide you with this information. Please call 412-343-3408.

5. How can I find the lot and block number for my property?: If you have a street address or property owner's name for a property located in the municipality, the planning or inspection office can provide you with the lot and block information. Additionally this information is available on the Allegheny County web site.

6. Do I need a permit for a fence?: Yes. Fence applications are available on-line and at the customer service center in the municipal building. In addition to the application you will need to provide a copy of a survey of your property indicating the area to be fenced.

7. Are solid fences permited?: No. Shadowbox fences up to four feet in height are permitted in all residential districts. Other styles of fences are also permitted. Additional fence regulations can be found in Chapter XX, Section 808.

8. What types of accessory uses are permitted for residential uses? (Decks, sheds, swimming pool, etc.): See section Chapter XX, 803.3

9. How long does it take to get a building permit?: Generally a review within 15 business days for Residential and 30 business days for Commercial

10. When do I need to pay for my building permit?: After it has been approved you will receive a phone call from the inspections office. Permits can be picked up and paid for at the customer service center on the first floor of the municipal building.

11. How many sets of plans do I need to submit with my building permit application?: Two sets of plans showing the proposed construction and a survey showing the proposed location.

12. How much will my building permit cost?: It depends upon your project. Some building projects are subject to an additional PA State Code Fee. Zoning permits differ from building permits. We suggest you call the Inspection Office at 412-343-3408 to get the cost of your proposed project.

13. How much notice do I need to give for an inspection related to my building permit?: Please call 412-343-3408 24 hours in advance of requested inspection. Requests for inspections left on voice-mails will not be scheduled.

14. Am I required to obtain a permit for a deck, shed, pool (in-ground or above ground) or porch?: Yes. Please contact the inspection office and explain your proposed project and inspection personnel will help you the application process. 412-343-3408.

15. Do I need a permit to install or replace an air conditioning system?: Yes. Mechanical applications are available on-line. In addition to the application you will need to provide a copy of a survey of your property indicating the area where the unit is to be located.

16. Are there requirements related to the location of the unit?: Yes. For all R-1 and R-2 Districts the unit must be seven (7) feet from a property line. See Chapter XX, Section 804.1 of the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Code.

17. Do I need a permit to install or replace a furnace?: A permit is not required to replace a furnace

18. Am I required to obtain a permit to repair or replace my driveway?: A permit for work in the right-of-way is required from public works, 412- 343-3403; A permit from the inspection office is also required if the driveway is being entirely replaced or enlarged. Provide a completed permit application along with a copy of your survey showing the driveway location.

19. Do plans for a new house or addition have to be stamped by an engineer?: There are instances when this will be required due to the use of certain building components such as steel beams, laminated wood beams or poor soil conditions. Please contact the building inspector for further information at 412-343-3408.

20. Who does electrical inspections in Mt. Lebanon?: Mt. Lebanon currently contracts with Middle Department Inspection Agency (MDIA); 1-800-362-6342.

21. Who does plumbing inspections in Mt. Lebanon?: Allegheny County Plumbing 412- 922-6196.

22. Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?: Retaining Walls 2ft-4ft in height require a Grading Permit because they are regulated by our grading ordinance, over 4ft in height, building permit. With the application, submit two copies of your property survey marked with the location of the wall.

23. Is a permit required to replace our existing roof?: A building permit is required only when structural repairs are made to a residential roof. All commercial roof repairs or replacements require a permit.

24. Is a permit required to install vinyl siding?: No, A permit is not required to install vinyl siding.

25. Do I need a permit to have replacement windows installed?: A building permit is required for replacing windows only when the size of the opening is changed or structural alterations are needed.

26. Do I need a permit to have a concrete patio installed?: Yes, patios require a Zoning Permit.

27. Can I work out of my home?: Yes. Provided the requirements in Chapter XX, Section 619 of the municipal code are met. Also see the definition for No-Impact Home-Based Business.

28. Can I park an uninspected, unlicensed vehicle on my property?: Unlicensed, uninspected vehicles must be stored in a completely enclosed building.

29. Are carports permitted?: Yes. Regulations can be found in Chapter XX, Section 805. Provide a completed building permit application and construction drawings along with a survey of your property showing where the carport will be located. Section 805

30. Does the municipality have any regulations related to lighting?: Yes. Lighting regulations can be found in Chapter XX, Section 815.

31. Does the municipality have any regulations related to driveways, parking areas and turnarounds?: Yes. See Section Chapter XX, 817.10.

32. How close to a property line can my driveway be?: A side or rear entrance driveway or parking area may extend to the side lot line. A front entrance driveway or parking area may extend to within two (2) feet of the side lot line. Chapter XX, Section 817.10.

33. Are governor's drives permitted?: Governor's drives are permitted only on a lot with a minimum width of seventy (70) feet. Additional regulations related to Governor's drives can be found in Chapter XX, Section 817.11.

34. Do I need a permit for a sign to have a yard or garage sale?: No. A list of allowed signs and accompanying regulations can be found in Chapter XX, Section 823.2.

35. Are there any signs that are prohibited?: Yes. A list of prohibited signs can be found in Chapter XX, Section 823.4.

36. Are there any regulations related to temporary signs?: Yes. Chapter XX, Section 823.5.3.7 contains regulations applicable to temporary signs.

37. Where can I find the regulations for signs?: This information can be found in Chapter XX, Section 823.

38. Am I allowed to park and store my recreational vehicle on my residential property?: Yes. R.V.s may be parked or stored on your residential property. There are, however, restrictions on the size and location where these vehicles may be stored. Please call the code enforcement officer in the inspection office at 412-343-4584.

39. Am I allowed to build a garage or accessory structure anywhere I want and to any size I want?: No. The zoning ordinance places restrictions on the size, height and location of these types of structures. Please contact the inspection office for more information. 412- 343-3408.

40. What are the setback requirements for my property?: Setbacks are dependent on the zoning district.

41. How close to the property line can I put something?: Setback requirements for residential districts can be found in Part 2, and setback requirements for Commercial Districts can be found in Part 3, of the zoning ordinance. Chapter XX.

42. Can I construct a second house or dwelling unit on my property?: In R-1, R-2, or R-3 Districts, only one principal building may be built on each lot. Chapter XX, Section 104.5.