Code Enforcement Department Frequently Asked Questions

1. What projects require a permit?

Well, it is easier to list the items that do not require a permit.  A permit is NOT required for the following, provided the work does not violate a law or ordinance. 

• Sidewalks and driveways that are less than 30 inches above grade.
  

• Exterior/interior painting, tiling, carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, finish work.
  

• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep.
  

• Residential swings and playground equipment.
  

• Window awnings that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall.
  

• Replacement of code complaint glass in a window or door.
  

• Installation of replacement windows/doors in the existing rough opening.  Windows in bedrooms may not be reduced below code requirements.
  

• Replacement of less than 25% of the total roof area.  Replacement of an accessory structure roof regardless of area.
  

• Replacement of existing siding or adding siding to a structure that is already sided.

• Replacement of deck or porch decking/flooring.  Replacement of structural framework requires a permit.
  

• Installation of insulation.
  

• Replacement of gutters and downspouts.
  

• Replacement of a switch, receptacle, or lighting fixture on a circuit of 20 amps/150 volts or less.
  

• Replacement/installation of electrical/gas appliances, communications equipment, door bells, and battery powered smoke detectors.

• Replacement of parts that do not alter the equipment or make it unsafe.
  

• Installation of portable appliances.
  

• Replacement of fixtures, faucets, and of equivalent water heaters, repairing of leaks and worn parts, and clearing of stoppages.
  

• Replacement of mechanical equipment with an equivalent type and furnaces of the same fuel source and chimney requirements.  Repair/replacement of ductwork.
  

• Cutting the grass, pruning bushes, and retrieving the mail.

Fire Department Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I report a fire hazard or fire code violation? 

A citizen can report a potential fire hazard, unsafe conditions related to fire safety or a fire code violation inside or outside a private residential or public building to the Department of

Fire Prevention 24 hours a day at 724-588-3111.

Some common complaints received are non-working or non-existent smoke detectors, combustible trash accumulation, obstructed exit doors and Exit signs, damaged fire hydrants, and electrical hazards.

2. What is the fire insurance rating of the Borough of Greenville?

The Borough of Greenville maintains a Class 5 fire insurance rating (also known as the Public Protection Classification). Greenville has the second best rating in Mercer County. The rating is determined by a survey conducted by the Insurance Service Office (ISO). ISO surveys the fire protection capabilities of the Borough of Greenville every 15 years. The survey includes three

critical areas; (1) fire alarm handling which includes the 9-1-1 telephone system and dispatch capabilities, (2) the available water supply for fire protection and (3) the staffing and firefighting equipment maintained by the fire department.  

ISO assigns a fire protection class number between 1 and 10 to the community. The lower the fire protection class number the better the rating. A low fire protection class number provides a financial benefit to property owners as it is used in figuring fire insurance premiums in that community.  

3. Why are the caps and bonnets of fire hydrant painted different colors?

Fire hydrants are color coded to indicate the amount of water (gallons per minute) that is available from that fire hydrant. The gallons per minute are determined during flow testing of fire hydrants.

Fire hydrant color coding, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Guideline No. 291, is as follows:

► Fire hydrant body - Chrome Yellow

► Caps and Bonnet

Police Department Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the requirements for a car seat? Booster seat?

Children under 4yoa. – Any person who transports a child under 4years of age anywhere in the motor vehicle shall fasten the child securely in a child passenger restraint system.

Children 4yoa – under 8yoa. – Any person who transports a child between 4 and 8 shall fasten the child securely in a fastened safety belt system and in an appropriately fitting child booster seat.

There are no set weight limits but exemptions can be made if there are physical reasons why the seats would be impractical.


2. What are the curfew hours during the school year? During the summer?

During the school year the curfew hours are;
Sunday evening – Thursday evening 10:00pm
Friday evening – Saturday evening 12:00am

During the summer when school is not in session;
Sunday evening – Thursday evening 11:00pm
Friday evening – Saturday evening 12:00am

3. How do I speak to an officer if the police station is not occupied?

Dial 911 and advise the county dispatcher that you would like to speak to one
Of the Greenville/West Salem Police Officers. The dispatcher will then advise an
officer to contact you by phone, or to go to your location to speak to you.


4. Who do I contact if I have a civil complaint?

Contact the District Magistrates office at 724-588-3210

If you are not sure if the problem in question is civil or criminal you may
contact the Police Department or the District Magistrates office. Any
criminal complaints please dial 911.

Public Works Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do I have to get a permit to excavate on my property?
State law requires that you make the Pa. One Call every time you dig. The borough requires that you get an excavation permit when you are digging in the street right of way, street, alley or borough property.

2. Does the borough issue one call permits?
No they are issued by the Pa. One Call System (1 800-242 1776).

Recreation Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I get a brochure?
Brochures can be obtained at the Greenville Rec Center, or by calling the Rec Center at 724.588.4810.  They can also be obtained through a number of local business locations.

2. How do I sign up for a program?
Registration forms can be found in the brochure or found on-line at galsa@galsa.org.  They can also be obtained at the Greenville Rec Center.

3. Does your local park have pavilions, playgrounds, restrooms, etc.?
Riverside Park is a 90-acre park that has six pavilions of varying size with electricity for rent for all of your picnic needs.  A new restroom facility has been completed in early 2006 and is open for use.  A multi-faceted playground is available to children and youth and is open daily.

4. Do you have a web site?
Our new web site is currently being developed in conjunction with the Borough of Greenville.  Our e-mail address is galsa@galsa.org.  You can e-mail GALSA at any time and your inquiry will answered in a timely fashion.  Our website should be up and running by October 2006.

5. What are your hours of operation?
GALSA's office hours are from 9 AM - 4 PM daily M-F.  The Rec Center is open to the public at different times during each season.  Riverside Park is open at dawn and closes at dusk per Borough ordinance.

Waste Water Treatment Plant

WHERE DOES WASTEWATER COME FROM?

Homes--human and household wastes from toilets, sinks, baths, dishwashers, garbage grinders, clothes washers and drains.

Industry, Schools, and Business--chemical and other wastes from factories, food-service operations, school activities, hospitals, shopping centers, etc.

Storm Water Infiltration and Inflow from Runoff and Groundwater--water that enters the sanitary sewer system during a storm, as well as groundwater that enters through cracks in sewers. The Borough of Greenville has one set of sewers for wastewater from homes and businesses (sanitary sewers) and a separate system for storm water runoff (storm sewers)

On the average, each person in the U.S. contributes 75-100 gallons of wastewater every day. 

1. The most common questions and complaint is, why am I getting a sewage smell in my home.

There is always odor in the sanitary sewer system. It is not allowed to enter your home because of traps in your plumbing system. The trap lays full of water so the odor can not come into your home. In most situations of odor, water has evaporated from a basement drain that is rarely used, allowing fumes from the sewer to come into the home. Usually dumping a bucket of water into all basement drains will correct an odor problem.