Anyone interested in projects and plans before the Township should attend the regular Planning Commission meetings. The meetings are always held the 4th Monday on the month at 7 PM, with the only exceptions being around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The entire 12-month meeting schedule is posted on the website at the beginning of the year. Draft agendas for meetings can be found under the "agenda" section of the website, or by calling 610-814-6440.

Please contact the Community Development Director at 610-814-6441.

This is an extremely difficult question to answer. The best answer is that your project will be reviewed and acted upon within the statutory requirements of the Bethlehem Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.

If you have questions regarding procedures, please review the Subdivison and Land Development Plan Review section of the website. If you still have questions, please contact the Community Development Director at 610-814-6441 or via email.

Some examples are listed below.

What is a subdivision of land?
What is a land development?
What is the process for submitting a subdivision or land development plan?
What is a complete plan submission?
How do I secure a copy of the Township’s land use planning documents and ordinances?
How does the Township ensure that the improvements shown on an approved subdivision or land development plan are built?
Can the Township simply disapprove a subdivision or land development plan because it dislikes the proposal?
How does the Township decide what type of action should be taken on a subdivision or land development plan?

Yes, if the work being done is more than replacing only shingles.

No.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

No.

Please see our Fee Schedule

Depending on volume, the processing of permits can take from 15 – 60 days.

Owner, builder or authorized agent

A zoning permit is required for any accessory structure of use such as: fence, signs, driveway expansion, patio, etc. A zoning permit does not include any required construction review.

You do not need a permit if you are resurfacing or if you are removing a driveway. If you are expanding or changing the shape of your driveway, a permit is required. Driveways must be asphalt, cement or decorative pavers. If you're removing and replace your driveway, of if your expansion touches the public street, sidewalk or curb, you may need an additional permit from the Public Works Department.

A fence permit is required in all cases, except when replacing an existing fence with the same type and material in exactly the same location.

The Zoning Officer has 90 days to review a zoning permit application from the date a complete submittal is made. Likely, the review process will take far less than this. Applications are reviewed in the order received, with review time depending on the volume of requests.

Zoning Hearing Board meetings are generally the last Wednesday of every month. Please check the Township Calendar for exact dates. The deadline to submit an application is the first Wednesday of the month.

Complaints must be written, with the name and address of the complainant and the address of the property in violation included. This is required because if the violation goes to the district magistrate the judge wants to see that the complaint originated with a Township resident and not the zoning / code enforcement officer.

To file a citizen complaint regarding a property issue, please the Code Enforcement Officer – Aaron Stasiw – at (610) 814-6467 or astasiw@bethlehemtownship.org.

Yes, the Townships ordinance is eight inches. Therefore yards shall be maintained and grass shall be cut on a regular basis.

Yes, residents can NOT acquire an accumulation of rubbish or garbage on or in there properties. This accumulation is unsightly and can present a hazard should an emergency response be necessary for the occupants. Rubbish and garbage shall be removed on a regular basis.

Yes. The ordinance states that swimming pools shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

Bethlehem Township allows for no more than one unlicensed, unregistered vehicle in certain areas of the Township and that vehicle must meet certain criteria.

Yes, all structures and exterior properties shall be kept from a rodent harborage or insect infestation or a circumstance that may cause one.

Bethlehem Township wants to be sure that our residents are safe and that our homes are livable. Safe meaning they meet the current International Property Maintenance and Fire and Life Safety codes, etc. Livable meaning they must have running water. A heat source capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68 degrees in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms based on the winter outdoor temperature, etc.

Bethlehem Township has partnered with Hera Property Registry, LLC to administer its Foreclosure and Vacant Property Registration program. In order to comply with the Ordinance, all Owners/Mortgagees/Trustees must register online via Hera Property Registry and pay a registration fee.

Hera's Customer Support contact information:
Email: vpro@heraregistry.com
Phone: (321) 234-5303