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1. I am building an addition to my home, adding a deck, or putting in a swimming pool, who do I call?

You may contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning and Development, Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2, or Russell Penn, Building and Code Inspector at 724-981-0800.

2. Do I need a contractor license?

The City of Hermitage does not require contractors to obtain a contractor’s license when performing work for a Hermitage based resident or business. 

3. Do I need a permit for changing windows, doors, or installing vinyl siding?

Permits are required for windows and doors if there are any structural changes associated with this project (ie. Headers being replaced or resized). For more information, please contact Russell Penn, Building and Code Official, Jeffrey Osborne, Building and Code Inspector, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

4. Do I need a permit to re-shingle my house?

If simply replacing the shingles, then no. If you must replace any sheathing underneath the shingles, which is constituted as a structural change, you will need a permit for that work. For more information, please contact Russell Penn, Building and Code Official, Jeffrey Osborne, Building and Code Inspector, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

5. My proposed addition is too close to the property line - is it ok to build with my neighbors permission?

Each building permit undergoes a review process to assess zoning compliance. If the proposed construction occurs within the zoning setbacks as determined by the Hermitage Zoning Ordinance, the application will be denied. You would then be able to ask for a variance through the Hermitage Zoning Hearing Board which is a quasi-judicial board made up of community representatives. The fee to go in front of the Zoning Hearing Board is $500 and does not guarantee approval. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

6. Will the City locate where my property pins are located?

No, please contact a local surveying or engineering firm from the local phone directory. 

7. What are the regulations for fencing? Do I need a permit?

Section 409 of the Hermitage Zoning Ordinance includes fence regulations: 

A wall or fence under 6 feet in height and paved terraces without walls, roofs or other enclosures may be erected within the limits of any yard. Retaining walls, buffer strips and fences required for screening under this Ordinance are not subject to the 6 feet high limitation. The following standards for fences also apply:

1. Fences required for recreational facilities such as tennis courts and baseball fields may be higher than 6 feet; provided, that they are constructed of open type fencing material, such as chain link. 
2. No fence shall be permitted which obstructs a sight triangle measured 30 feet along the edge of any roadway and 30 feet along the edge of any intersecting roadway and/or driveway. 
3. The sight triangle must be free of obstruction by any fence higher than 3 feet. 
4. No fence shall be constructed within the legal right-of-way of any public street.
5. Unless otherwise provided for herein, there is no required setback for fences constructed on the lot of any property owner.
6. The finished side of a fence shall project outward to neighboring property owner(s).

Additionally, there is no permit required to install a fence on your property. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800. 

8. My neighbor’s tree/shrubbery is encroaching on my property - what can the City do?

This is a private property civil matter between the property owners. If it cannot be settled cooperatively, then the aggrieved person must file their complaint through the District Justice.

9. Do you have drawings of my property at the City Building?

Give us a call and we’ll see what we have! We have more information on some properties than on others - it depends on the history of the property. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

10. Do you have copies of my deed available?

In general, we have deeds is our records dating from around 1960. Anything older would need to be retrieved at the Mercer County Courthouse Recorder’s Office. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

11. I want to open a sole proprietor business in a leased unit. What do I have to do?

You must check with the Building Department, giving them the location and a description of your proposed business as well as any proposed renovations to the unit. The Building Department will work with you to determine the type of permit and submittals needed to meet applicable zoning and building code requirements. Each type of business and each existing unit are unique and so may require different types of approvals depending on the circumstances. For more information, please contact Russell Penn, Building and Code Official at 724-981-0800.

12. Do I need to obtain a permit for a shed?

You must obtain a permit for a shed if it is over 120 square feet. Regardless of size, sheds are still subject to setback requirements according to the zoning district your shed will be located in. Sheds over 200 square feet must be placed on a concrete pad. For more information, please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800.

13. Do I need to obtain a permit to own chickens?

Yes! The Backyard Poultry permit can be found here: https://www.hermitage.net/DocumentCenter/View/2020/Poultry-Birds-Zoning-Application-PDF-?bidId=.  There are also additional regulations pertaining to backyard poultry which includes: 

1. A site plan shall be required prior to the issuance of a zoning permit for Backyard Poultry. The site plan shall show all existing and proposed structures (coops, runs, etc.) and lot lines.
2. Backyard Poultry shall be permitted as an accessory use to a single-family dwelling only. 
3. The number of poultry birds permitted on any one lot is as follows:
   1. Lots up to 0.5 acres = 4 birds
   2. One bird for each additional 0.25 acres
   3. A maximum 12 birds shall be permitted on any one lot.
4. All buildings, coops and enclosures for birds must be in the rear yard with a minimum of 30 feet setback from all property lines. 
5. No mature roosters shall be permitted. 
6. Killing or dressing of animals raised on the premises shall be permitted if conducted entirely within an enclosed building and disposed of properly.
7. The keeping of poultry birds shall be permitted within a securely fenced and enclosed area. Only chickens and ducks may be permitted on the property; all other livestock and small farm animals are prohibited.
8. All animal structures and roaming areas shall be kept sanitary and free from accumulations of animal excrement and objectionable odor.
9. All animal feed shall be stored in a secured, rodent-proof container and housed within an enclosed structure.

Please contact Kristina Thomas, Assistant Director of Planning & Development, or Nathan Zampogna, Planning Technician 2 at 724-981-0800 if you have any additional questions. 

14. Do I need a permit for a home-based occupation?

Yes you do. The permit can be found here: https://www.hermitage.net/DocumentCenter/View/37/-Home-Occupation-Permit--PDF?bidId=. Please contact Nathan Zampogna at 724-981-0800 if you have any additional questions.

15. Do I need a permit to hold a yard sale?

No, a permit is not required for yard sales

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1. What are the City Building's hours?

Beginning June 1, 2021, the City Municipal Offices will re-open to the public from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday thru Friday, except for holidays. For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

2. Is the City Building open on... ?

To view a list of days when the City Building will be closed, please visit the 

City Calendar

3. How can I find contact information?

Search through contact information for all organization staff and departments in the Staff Directory.

4. Is the City on Social Media?

Of course! You can find us on Facebook @hermitagepa, on Twitter @hermitagepa, on Instagram @city_of_hermitage or on LinkedIn at City of Hermitage. Or click the social media icons located on our home page under the Search bar. 

5. Does the City have a mobile app?

Now you can help report non-emergency problems to the City of Hermitage  from your smartphone, tablet or computer, thanks to our new partnership with SeeClickFix 

Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/seeclickfix/id322000552

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.seeclickfix.ma.android

Or visit https://www.hermitage.net/421/Report-a-Concern

6. Where can I find a map of the City?

For a map of the City, please click 

HERE

7. What is the population of the City of Hermitage?

The City of Hermitage’s population is 16,220 according to the 2010 Census. For more information, please visit the Demographics page.

8. What are the sirens for on the 1st Thursday of each month?

The Fire Department does monthly testing of its severe weather warning sirens on the 1st Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. These sirens are a city wide outdoor citizen / emergency alerting system tested on the first Thursday of every month between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. When sirens are activated at any other time, citizens should tune to their local media stations for further emergency information and prepare to take protective action.

For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

9. How do I find out the zoning of my property?

Visit the Zoning Ordinance page.

10. Who is the City’s Health Officer?

Russell Penn is the City's Health Officer. View Russell Penn Contact Information

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1. How do I contact a City Commissioner?

Find contact information on our Board of Commissioners page.

2. How do I submit an open records request?

Learn more about our open records policy and how to submit a request on our Open Records Policy page.

3. Where can I register for Parks and Recreation activities?

Register on our Parks and Recreation Registration website.

4. Where can I find visitor information?

Find information about local shopping centers, attractions, and more on our Information for Visitors page.

5. What transportation options are available in Hermitage?

Hermitage offers transportation through Mercer County Community Transit and Shenango Valley Shuttle Service. Learn more about these two options on our Transportation page.

6. What is an unopened (paper) street?

When a subdivision plan is approved and recorded, building lots and street right-of-ways are created. Under present day subdivision regulations, the developer of the subdivision is required to complete the construction of the streets at his expense, and then turn them over to the City for perpetual maintenance. Once the construction is completed to City standards, the streets become public streets with the adoption of a Resolution by the Hermitage Board of Commissioners. For more information on paper streets, please reference General Information Regarding Unopened (Paper) Streets (PDF)

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1. When and what am I permitted to burn?

For details, please visit the Burning Regulations page.

2. Is there a certain way I should display my street address on my home/mailbox?

For details, please visit the Street Addressing page.

3. Where can I find information about recreation programs in the City?

The City’s Parks & Recreation Department provides a wide variety of recreational programs, including the summer recreation program, fall baseball and more. For more information, please call 724-981-0800 or visit the

Parks and Rec Registration Page

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1. My mailbox got knocked over by a plow, who do I call?

Contact the Street Department.

2. What streets in the City does PennDOT maintain in the winter, and what streets does the City maintain?

The City Street Department maintains 90 miles of City-owned streets and some portions of State-owned roads (approximately 25 miles) per an agreement with PennDOT. State roads are highlighted on Hermitage Winter Street Maintenance Map (PDF).

3. How do I report a pothole on my road?

For State Routes, residents may contact 800-FIX-ROAD (PennDOT) or visit the PennDot website HERE. For city roads, please contact the Street Dept. or report a concern via See.Click.Fix mobile app or desktop site 

Report a Concern (desktop)

4. A street light is out, who do I contact?

Call Penn Power Company: Automated Outage Report Line: 888-544-4877 or Customer Service/Emergencies: 800-720-3600. It will be easier for them to assist you can give them the pole number.

Show All Answers

1. What are the sirens for on the 1st Thursday of each month?

The Fire Department does monthly testing of its severe weather warning sirens on the 1st Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. These sirens are a city wide outdoor citizen / emergency alerting system tested on the first Thursday of every month between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. When sirens are activated at any other time, citizens should tune to their local media stations for further emergency information and prepare to take protective action.

For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

2. What are the severe weather warning sirens for?

The severe weather warning sirens are activated when the national weather service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or a Tornado Warning that is going to impact our area. Siren Duration - You will hear the siren sound for 1 minute, be silent for 1 minute and then sound again for 1 minute and be silent for 1 minute and then sound again for 1 minute. This is one cycle that will last a total of 5 minutes.

For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

3. When do the severe weather warning sirens go off?

The severe weather warning sirens are activated when the national weather service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or a Tornado Warning that is going to impact our area.

The Fire Department does monthly testing of its emergency sirens on the 1st Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. These sirens are a city wide outdoor citizen / emergency alerting system tested on the first Thursday of every month between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. When sirens are activated at any other time, citizens should tune to their local media stations for further emergency information and prepare to take protective action.

For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

4. What should I do when I hear the severe weather warning sirens?

Residents hearing the sirens should tune in to their local TV stations to determine what the weather emergency is and how it may impact them. Residents can also tune to 1610 a.m. on their radio and listen to the NOAA Weather Radio Report. This is a 24 hour a day broadcast that reports the local weather affecting our area and surrounding communities. The Hermitage Weather Siren System is a joint community system. A total of six sirens are placed throughout the City of Hermitage. The City of Farrell and Boroughs of Clark, Sharpsville, Wheatland and West Middlesex add another six sirens to the system for a total of 12 sirens.

For more information, please call 724-981-0800.

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1. Who do I contact if I have a stormwater problem?

Please contact the Street Department.

2. Who do I contact if I have a sewage backup?

Call the Water Pollution Control Department 724-347-4941.

3. How can I have storm sewerage pipe installing in front of my property?

If you are interested in frontage storm sewer piping on your property, please contact the Street Department at 724-342-0210 for more information. View the Frontage Storm Sewerage Piping Policy (PDF)

4. Can I pay my sewer bill online?

For more information, please visit Sewer Bill Payment Options.

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1. Where can I find information about paying taxes?

For details, please visit the Wage Tax Office page.

2. Can I pay my Real Estate Taxes using a credit card?

As of December 6, 2012, we are no longer able to accept credit card payments nor do we offer a payment option online. We apologize for the inconvenience. Payments can still be mailed in or placed in the drop box located outside the City Municipal Offices. 

For more information, please call 724-347-4472.

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1. When are the bulk trash collections days scheduled in the City?

Bulk Trash Collection Days will take place in the spring and in the fall. For dates, please visit 

Bulk Trash Information

2. What holidays might affect my collection day?

Tri-County Industries observes New Years’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day on the days on which they fall. If your collection falls on or after a weekday holiday it will be one day later that week. We do collect on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. For a detailed and printable collection calendar that shows holiday adjustments, enter your information at Tri County's website linked here

3. Is Glass Recyclable?

No! Do NOT place glass in your recycling bins. Glass goes in with your normal trash.

Currently, the City is working with the PRC to host periodic glass recycling events. For more information on the PRC's Glass Recycling Program, please visit : https://prc.org/

Want to know when our next glass recycling event is? Sign up to receive notifications via text and/or email by signing up at https://www.hermitage.net/list.aspx and make sure to follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/hermitagepa/

REMEMBER, when in doubt, throw it out! Current acceptable recyclable items include :

Plastic Bottles & Jugs

Cans - Aluminum &

Steel

Cardboard

Magazines

Newspaper

Junk Mail

4. When are tire and household appliance recycling taking place?

Residents can take white goods and old tires (limit 4 tires) to the City Garage at 5250 Virginia Road to dispose of them at no cost. Monday-Friday - 8:00am-3:00 pm. NO TAG REQUIRED 

For more information, please visit the

Tire and Household Appliance Recycling page.

5. What materials can I recycle in my recycling bin at the curb?

• Aluminum Cans
• Cardboard
• Junk Mail
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Plastics (Number 1, Number 2)
• Steel, Tin, and Bi-Metallic Cans

For more information, please view the

Hermitage Recycles Brochure (PDF).

6. When are the leaf collections days scheduled in the City?

For more information, please visit the Leaf Collection page.

7. How can I dispose of electronics, like old computers, TV's, etc.?

For more information, please view the Solid Waste Recycling page.

8. How can I dispose of fluorescent bulbs and tubes?

Both compact fluorescent lights and fluorescent tubes contain mercury. They are not permitted to be thrown away in regular trash or put out curbside for collection as they are considered to be hazardous waste

What are your options?

1. Contact Tri-County for a special collection of hazardous materials

2. Contact your local Lowes or Home Depot regarding special recycling programs

3. Research a mail back program. We've linked https://recyclelights.com/ 

4. Bring hazardous materials to a local special collection event. This is generally held in the month of September for Mercer County. Registration is available at https://ecsr.net/

5. Visit Mercer County Recycling & Solid Waste website for additional resources

Visit www.hermitage.net for more information on the proper disposal of hard to recycle items or visit https://www.hermitage.net/231/Solid-Waste and click the Recycling Fact Sheets link

9. How do I prepare my recyclables?

•. Keep materials clean and dry

• Rinse plastic bottle and cans

• Flatten boxes

• Do NOT put materials into a brown paper bag

• Do NOT place unacceptable items in the cart

• Place shredded paper into a brown paper bag

• Place the cart within 5 feet of the curb or road

• Set your cart out the night before your scheduled day

10. What are the benefits of the program and using carts?

•. You can recycle at home at your leisure

• No more trips to a drop-off recycling site - saving you time, money, and fuel

• Greenhouse gas emissions are reduced

• Lids keep materials dry and prevent litter

• Carts hold more materials

• Rolling a cart is easier than carrying or dragging a bin without wheels

Show All Answers

1. What if my power goes out, who can I call?

For that information, please visit the Report a Power Outage page.

2. Where can I call for information about local utilities?

For more information, please visit the Utilities page.