▼

Community Development

Show All Answers

1. Is a burning permit required?

The answer is, “yes, you do!" You’re not permitted to burn trash and recyclables. But, for items like large tree limbs, you’ll need a burning permit. The cost is $5 for 5 years. View the Burning Permit (PDF) to fill out and mail in the form. 

By the way, open burning is permitted Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. We recommend standing by with the garden hose for safety purposes.

2. What residential permits are required?

BUILDING PERMITS are required for:

• New construction of homes
• Any home remodeling that includes structural changes 
• Additions to your property
• Accessory structures over five hundred (500) square feet
• Decks over three (3) feet in height
• Swimming pools

ZONING PERMITS are required for:

• Non-impact and home-based businesses
• Home occupations
• Accessory structures less than five hundred (500) square feet
• Decks under three (3) feet in height
• Fences
• Sports courts

3. What residential building codes are enforced?

The Municipality of Murrysville adopted the Uniform Construction Codes, which, as of October 1, 2018, reference the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC).

4. Are there setback requirements for building permits?

Yes, please refer to Article III, District Regulations, found in Chapter 220, Zoning, of the Code of the Municipality of Murrysville.

5. Are horses and other livestock allowed in Murrysville?

Yes, only on lots of ten (10) or more acres. Please refer to Zoning section 220-65 for additional information and requirements.          

6. Who should I contact for specific inquiries?

If you need information on building permits and general construction-related activities, please contact DAVID JOBE at djobe@murrysvillegov.org or (724) 327-2100 ext. 111.

If you have residential zoning questions or have a neighborhood complaint, please contact DAVE JOBE at djobe@murrysvillegov.org or (724) 327-2100 ext. 111.

7. I have a plan that I want to introduce to Murrysville. How long does the planning process take in Murrysville?

Good question. The time it takes for a plan to process from start to finish within the Municipality is highly dependent upon the type of development that you wish to propose. Please keep in mind that a plan must go through an internal staff review, a Planning Commission review, and a Council review. As multiple Planning Commission and Council reviews may be necessary, the approximate timeframes presented below may be lengthened depending on the type, size, and scope of your application and proposed project. 

For lot line revisions and lot line consolidations, please expect an approximate 2-3 week processing time of your application and plan for final recording.

For minor subdivisions, please expect an approximate 4-6 week processing time of your application and plan for final recording.

For all other major projects, such as major subdivisions, planned residential developments, and major land developments, please allow a minimum of 2-4 months processing time. Please be advised that for larger projects such as the ones previously mentioned, Murrysville's Planning Commission and Council may request multiple meetings in order to review your plan. Additionally, please note that Community Development staff oftentimes cannot give you an exact timeframe on the approval of your plan for large projects. However, we are committed to working with you in order to ensure that your plan goes through the Municipality in the most efficient manner possible.

8. Are there fees associated with submitting an application to the Municipality?

Yes. To find out the fee required for your specific application, please see Chapter 112, Fees, of the Code of the Municipality of Murrysville. 

▼

Hot Topic

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a building permit?

View the Building Permit (PDF) for the Building Permit Application Form. You need a building permit for a shed. Even for the prefabricated ones from Sears.

2. Do I need a burning permit?

The answer is, “yes, you do!”  You’re not permitted to burn trash and recyclables, but for items like large tree limbs, you’ll need a burning permit. The cost is $5 for 5 years. Complete the Burning Permit (PDF) and return to us by mail, or bring it to our office at 4100 Sardis Road, Murrysvile, Pa 15668. . By the way, open burning is permitted Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and we recommend standing by with the garden hose for safety purposes.

3. What is needed if I’d like to go door-to-door to sell stuff or stand in front of a local business to collect for a charity?

This requires a Solicitor’s Permit! Please stop by the Municipal Building to complete the required form, provide identification, and submit payment. Please allow a three-day turnaround time.

4. I’m having a problem with my neighbor. Can you help?

Barking dog? Junk vehicles? Standing water? The Municipality will try to help you as best as we can, so please contact the Code Enforcement Department at 724-327-2100, ext. 110.

5. I need to speak with Comcast, the cable company. Your number is listed on my bill. How do I get in touch with Comcast?

The Municipality is listed on your bill because we permit Comcast to provide cable service in Murrysville, but we can’t help you with fixing your cable box or arranging for payment. Please call Comcast directly at 800-266-2278. The nearest Comcast office is located in Monroeville at: 

4020 William Penn Highway,

Monroeville PA 15146

6. How do I rent the Community Center or one of the park pavilions?

Please visit the Facilities section of this website and you can view the availability of the Community Center and the park pavilions. Not only can you rent the facilities online, but we accept Visa and MasterCard for payment. However, if you have questions, please contact our friendly receptionist at 724-327-2100, ext. 104.

7. When does the recycling guy collect my recycling?

First of all, ensure that you have your recycling (and trash) at the curb prior to 6 a.m. on collection day, because the driver cannot return to your house if you don’t have it at the curb in time. To view your recycling schedule please visit Republic Services website, all you need to provide is your address.

8. The trash guy didn’t pick up my trash. Who should I call?

Please call the trash company, Republic Services, at 877-788-9400. They’re the folks who can handle all your missed pick-ups and billing questions immediately. If you’re a new resident, you’ll need to set-up your trash/recycling account, as this service is not included in your taxes.

9. I’d like to switch recycling cart sizes. Who should I call?

Please call the trash company, which is also the recycling collector at 877-788-9400. The customer service representatives will be pleased to assist you.

10. What’s the phone number for the Murrysville Post Office?

This is one of the best kept secrets in town! The number is 724-387-1772.

11. I like those blue address number signs. How do I get one?

Excellent question! To find your home in an emergency, this reflective sign is incredibly helpful. Please contact Murrysville Medic One at 724-327-1222 to order your sign.

▼

Local Services Tax (LST)

Show All Answers

1. Is the $12,000 low income exemption for the tax mandatory?

Murrysville is required to exempt persons whose total earned income and net profits from all sources with Murrysville is less than $12,000 for the calendar year in which the LST is levied. "Income from all sources" is defined as the same "earned income" and "net profits" that are used to determine the local earned income tax.

2. How is the Local Services Tax (LST) deducted from the employees and remitted to the tax collector?

Using the following example: if employees work full time in the City of Pittsburgh and all employees earn $12,000 or more, the employer is required to withhold the pro-rata share of the tax by dividing $52 by the number of payroll periods established by the employer for the calendar year. The $52 tax would be collected at $1 per week for taxpayers paid weekly or at $4.33 per month for taxpayers paid monthly. When calculating the pro-rata chare, employers are required to round down to the nearest one-hundredth of a dollar.

The employer should remit the LST quarterly. The LST form is provided by the Municipality of Murrysville. The tax should be paid the month following the end of each quarter.

LST Employer Quarterly Remittance Forms

3. At the beginning of the year, an employee expects to earn a total of $10,000 in the Municipality of Murrysville for the tax year. Should the employer withhold the Local Service Tax (LST)?

No, if an employee files an Exemption Certificate with his employer stating that he will make less than $12,000 for the tax year, the employer is required not to withhold the LST. The employer is required to have the Exemption Certificate available for employees to complete.

LST Exemption Certificate

4. Is an employer responsible for withholding the Local Services Tax (LST) if it was not correctly anticipated that an employee would make $12,000 before year's end?

For example: A new hire files an Exemption Certificate with his employer. The employer or his employee realize with 13 weeks left in the year he will make $12,000 at this job, because he is working more hours than anticipated. He is paid weekly. 

After the employer realizes the employee will make $12,000 or more, the employer should withhold $40 from the next pay to catch-up then $1 a pay for the remaining 12 weeks for a grand total of $52.

5. If an employee has two jobs, one of which is in the Municipality of Murrysville, and earns more than $12,000 per year total, how should the Local Services Tax (LST) be paid?

For example: An employee has 2 jobs. Both started at the beginning of January. Job 1 is in the Municipality of Murrysville and pays the employee $3,000 a month. Job 2 is in Municipality "A" and paid the taxpayer $2,000.

The job that pays the employee the most should be considered his principal job and in this case, it would be the Municipality of Murrysville. The LST should be paid to the Municipality of Murrysville. The employee should file an Exemption Certificate with Municipality "A" as proof that their principal employer is located in the Municipality of Murrysville.

6. If an employee has a job both in and out the Municipality of Murrysville, earns more than $12,000 per year total but less than $12,000 in the Municipality of Murrysville, are they subject to the LST?

No, the taxpayer should file an Exemption Certificate with both employers and have no LST deducted. The taxpayer is not subject to the LST since he did not earn $12,000 in any single municipality. If the tax was withheld, the employee could file a refund claim request with each municipality after January 31 of the following year. The LST Refund Form (PDF) can be obtained at the municipal website.

7. If an individual earns more than $12,000 per year in both the Municipality of Murrysville and another municipality, what is his Local Services Tax liability?

For example: An individual works January through June in the Municipality of Murrysville and July through December in Municipality "A". He earns $10,000 a month at both jobs and is paid once a week. What is his liability of Murrysville?

His employer in the Municipality of Murrysville should withhold $1 a week for 26 pay periods and remit $26 along with his other employees' deductions to the Municipality of Murrysville. Municipality "A" would be entitled to the LST for the second half of the year. The employee should file an exemption certificate and provide proof that the LST was paid to Murrysville for the first half of the year to Municipality "A".

8. Is a self-employed person who has an office in the Municipality of Murrysville or who works out of his home located in the City of Pittsburgh subject to the Local Services Tax (LST)?

Yes. A self-employed person is subject to the $52 LST if they work in the Municipality of Murrysville. The tax may be prorated and paid quarterly.

9. Two separate employers who are located in Pittsburgh withheld the Local Services Tax from the same employee. What should the employee do?

First fill out an Exemption Certificate with the employer that you earn the least with (Secondary Employer). Then you may complete a Local Services Tax Refund Application LST Refund Form (PDF) with acceptable proof of payments.

10. An employee previously worked in a different municipality that also levies a Local Services Tax (LST). Does the employee also pay LST to the Municipality of Murrysville?

For example: On January 1, the employee worked for an employer in Municipality "A" who levies a flat $10 Local Services Tax and paid $10. In June, the employee started a new job in Murrysville earning $5,000 a month. Does the employee have to pay the Local Services Tax to the Municipality of Murrysville?

The rate of the Local Services Tax is $52 for Murrysville. If the employee works the rest of the year in Murrysville, the employer should withhold the remaining $42 after the employee shows proof that $10 was withheld from Municipality "A".

11. What happens if an employee discontinues working and has exceeded $12,000? Must the employer try to collect the tax from the former employee for the remainder of the year?

No, the employee is now liable for the tax. If an employee quits, his previous employer only needs to withhold the tax for the payroll periods in which he was employed.

12. If a non-resident contractor hires personnel from both in and out of state, what are the obligations for the Local Services Tax (LST)?

The employer is required to have upfront exemption certificates available for employees. The employer is required to withhold the LST for employees who don’t file an exemption certificate. It does not matter if an employee is from in or out of Pennsylvania. It only matters if they qualify for an exemption and they file the exemption certificate with the employer.

13. Am I required to pay the Local Services Tax (LST) if I am on active military duty?

No, fill out a local exemption certificate and attach a copy of your orders directing you to active duty status. Annual training is not eligible for exemption.

▼

Police Department

Show All Answers

1. When do I need to file a crash report?

There are two types of crashes, non-reportable and reportable. A non-reportable crash occurs when there are no injuries and the vehicles involved are drivable. It is not necessary to have a police report on file for this type of crash. However, if you prefer, you can still call the department to have an officer file a report and verify the information the other motorist provided is accurate and valid. A reportable crash is when there are injuries as a result of the crash, or if any of the vehicles involved will need to be towed as a result of disabling damage. A report is required by state law. Failure to notify police of a reportable crash is an offense under the Motor Vehicle Code.

2. What other services does the Police Department offer?

Residents of Murrysville can call the Police Department at 724-327-2100 to schedule a tour of the department for interested scout troops or small groups. Appointments can also be arranged to have car seats checked and to initiate crime watch programs. The department also conducts a Citizen’s Police Academy, as determined by interest by community members.

3. Will the Police Department respond if I lock my keys in my car?

Yes. After you call the police department at 724-327-2100, stay with your car and await the officer’s arrival. You will be asked to sign a damage waiver prior to the officer attempting to open the door. There is no charge for this service.

4. How do I file a citizen complaint against an officer?

A complaint can be filed two different ways:

• You can download a printable complaint form
• You can obtain a complaint form at the police station

The complaint form must be notarized prior to submission to the police department.

5. What should I do if I am pulled over by a police officer?

What You Should Do When Being Pulled Over

If a police officer stops you while you are driving, you should:

• Avoid sudden movements in the vehicle so the officer is not unnecessarily alarmed
• Keep your hands visible by placing them on the steering wheel (any passengers should also keep their hands visible)
• Pull your vehicle to the right side of the road out of the flow of traffic and come to a complete stop
• Remain calm
• Stay in your vehicle and follow the officer's instructions
• Tell the officer where you are reaching when your driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance is requested
• Turn on the interior light at nighttime after coming to a complete stop

What You Shouldn't Do When Being Pulled Over

If a police officer stops you while you are driving, you should not:

• Become engaged in an argument with the officer
• Drive away, until directed by the officer
• Exit your vehicle
• Reach for anything in the vehicle before telling the officer what you're doing

Conclusion of a Traffic Stop

At the conclusion of the traffic stop:

• If you are issued a traffic citation, you will be asked to sign for it. This is not an admission of guilt, just an acknowledgement to show that you received your copy
• If you do not agree with the traffic citation, request a hearing to have your case decided by a Magisterial District Judge

6. I have a problem with motorists violating traffic laws on my street (speeding, failing to stop for posted signs, ect.). Is there anything the Police Department can do about this?

The Murrysville Police Department values the importance of enforcing traffic laws, in an effort to reduce traffic related crashes and promote safety. You may call the police station at 724-327-2100 and make a request for extra traffic patrols in your area. The information will be given to the Traffic Safety Committee. They will then make an effort to have an officer conduct a traffic detail in the problem area. A speed monitoring trailer may also be set up to encourage motorists to slow down.

7. What is the telephone number for the Murrysville Police Department?

The Murrysville Police Department can be reached at 724-327-2100, ext. 200. In the event of an emergency please dial 911. For non-emergency issues please contact the Westmoreland County Public Safety Dispatch Center at 724-836-1551. The fax number for the department is 724-733-0079.

8. Where is the Murrysville Police Department?

The Murrysville Police Department is located at the following in Westmoreland County.:
4120 Sardis Road
Murrysville, PA 15668

9. How do I file a police report?

Contact the Murrysville Police Department by telephone at 724-327-2100, ext. 200, or stop at the police department to file a police report.

10. How do I obtain police reports?

A copy of a police report may be obtained at the Murrysville Police Department for a fee of $20. The request can be made in person or by mail. Payment can be made in cash or by check, payable to the Municipality of Murrysville. Reports are available for review at no cost.

11. How do I contest a traffic citation?

You have ten days from the receipt of the traffic citation to plead not guilty. On the back of the traffic citation you received, there are directions on how to plead not guilty. You will need to mail in your signed plea, along with the collateral indicated on the traffic citation, to Magisterial District Justice 10-3-02 at the following address or you can appear before the Magisterial District Justice to enter your plea:
5919 Washington Avenue
Export, PA 15632

12. How do I pay a traffic citation?

All payments for traffic citations should be made through Magisterial District Justice 10-3-02 at:
5919 Washington Avenue
Export, PA 15632

The office telephone number is 724-327-8322. Payments cannot be accepted at the police department.

13. How do I pay a parking ticket?

Parking Tickets can be paid in person at the Murrysville Police Department or mailed to:
4120 Sardis Road
Murrysville, PA 15668

Cash or check will be accepted for payment. Make checks payable to the Municipality of Murrysville. Parking tickets issued for fire lane violations have a fine of $10 if paid within 24 hours. After 24 hours, the fine increases to $25 and is set at that rate for 10 days. If the fine is not paid within 10 days, a state traffic citation will be filed and sent via mail. If convicted, the fine can increase to $300 plus court costs. Failure to respond to that citation could also result in your driver's license being suspended. Parking tickets that are issued for parking prohibited at all times, parking prohibited during certain hours, time limit parking, special purpose parking zone and snow removal parking all carry a $25 fine. These tickets must be paid within 10 days. If no payment is received within 10 days, a state traffic citation will be filed, and, if convicted, the fine will increase to $50 plus court costs.

14. How do I contest a parking ticket?

Once a citation has been issued for an unpaid parking ticket, follow the directions on the back of the citation.

15. How can I have my fingerprints taken for employment purposes?

Currently, the Murrysville Police Department only processes fingerprints for residents of the Municipality. You will need to bring proof of identity and any fingerprint cards provided by your employer. Bring these items to the Murrysville Police Department, located at:
4120 Sardis Road
Murrysville, PA 15668

If you do not have a card, we can provide them for you. Fingerprinting is dependent on officer availability and the availability of the processing room. There is a $10 fee for this service.

16. How can I obtain a permit to carry a firearm?

The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Department issues permits to carry a firearm. That office is located is at:
2 N Main Street
Greensburg, PA 15601

For more information, you can visit their website.

17. Does the Murrysville Police Department offer vacation checks?

The Murrysville Police Department does not offer physical checks of residences. If you are going away on vacation, or leaving your home for an extended period of time, contact us at 724-327-2100 to provide a record of emergency information, in the event a problem should occur at your residence. View a copy of our “Security Check Form."

18. What do I do about a lost dog?

If you should find a lost/stray dog, or if you lose your dog, contact the Murrysville Police Department at 724-327-2100, ext. 200. The department keeps records of all dogs reported as lost or found. The Murrysville Police Department also has the telephone number of the area dog catcher, which is Hoffman’s Kennels, if a dog needs picked up. They can be reached at 724-468-5505.

19. What can I do about a dead deer in front of my house?

Contact the Murrysville Police Department at 724-327-2100 ext 200. Your information will be obtained and forwarded to an individual that is contracted through the Municipality for the removal of deceased deer on local roadways, or it will be given to PennDOT for removal from any state maintained roads.

20. How do I get a handicap parking placard?

Disability Parking Placards are available through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) (PDF). The Murrysville Police Department has copies of this form (PDF) available at the station.

21. How do I get a criminal record check and / or a clearance check for employment?

The Murrysville Police Department has the appropriate forms to request a criminal record check, or to apply for Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (also known as Act 33/34). You can stop by the station to pick them up. You may also visit the Pennsylvania State Police website to submit an electronic request for criminal history. Requests for a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance can be found at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare’s website.

22. Does the Murrysville Police Department charge a service fee for responding to false alarms?

Yes. Businesses and residential property owners are permitted two courtesy false alarm activation responses per calendar quarter. Third and subsequent responses to false alarms during that period are referred to as nuisance alarms. The business or property owner will be charged a $35 fee for a response to a nuisance alarm. The Murrysville Police Department values the importance of alarm systems, and as such, we are committed to responding to activations to ensure your safety and protect your property. However, repeated responses to false activations at the same address take officers off patrol where they otherwise may have been needed. If your alarm activation is cancelled prior to police arrival, you will not be billed. An officer will still respond just to ensure that the cancellation was not the result of duress or coercion caused by an intruder.

23. I just saw something that looked very strange, possibly a crime. I'm not sure if I should call the police. What should I do?

The Murrysville Police Department encourages you to report any activity you observe that may seem suspicious or strange. Often, many crimes go unreported to the police because witnesses are reluctant to call, either because they feel it isn’t important, or because they think they are wasting the police department’s time and it won’t be taken seriously anyway. We would like to assure you that no call received will be brushed aside or not given the attention that it deserves. Concerned and observant citizens provide us with some of our most useful information for solving cases. Your vigilance allows us to do our jobs more effectively, and with greater success. Calling the police immediately will allow officers to respond to an area quickly, giving them the opportunity to possibly stop a crime in progress and/or catch those who are responsible for committing it before they have left the area.

▼

Public Works Faqs

Show All Answers

1. Deer Removal – Who picks up dead deer along the roadsides?

The Municipality has a contract out for deer removal only on Municipal Roads. Please call the Murrysville Police station at 724-327-2100 ext 200 and speak with the administrative assistant or leave a message with address name and location of deer. For state roads Penn Dot has their own contractor for this service. To see which roads in Murrysville are state roads click here.

2. Throwing Snow out onto Municipal Roads – Is it legal to throw snow out onto the road?

No, According to Ordinance NO. 921-14, no person or contractor shall deposit snow onto our roads.

3. – Who fixes a mailbox if hit by snow plows?

The Municipality’s policy repairs only mailboxes if hit by the plow and not the snow coming off of the plow. (add link to snow and ice removal policy)

4. Roads – Which roads belong to the Municipality?

You can find a list of State or County Roads on our website, any road ending in Lane is Private and not maintained by the Municipality. ( also add link to list of state and county roads.)

5. Trees down – What is the Municipality’s Policy on downed trees?

Public Works will remove all trees downed on our roads, if a tree falls from a residents front yard, we will remove the tree from the road, but it is the residents responsibility to clean up there tree. If a tree is in any wires, we do not touch that tree, we wait for the utility company to remove the tree from the wires then we will remove the tree from the road.

6. Contacting PW – How do I contact someone from PW?

Public Works is a very busy Department, you can find phone numbers and email addresses on the web, if you need quicker access, call 724-327-2100 X104, they will call us by radio.

7. Cardboard Compactor – What is the opening and where is it located?

The opening is 6” x 30”, it is located at the Municipal Building on the Police side.

8. Rodent removal – Does Public Works remove dead or injured animals or rodents?

Absolutely not, PW is not trained or equipped to do animal control! You could call the Game Commission.

 

▼

Recreation

Show All Answers

1. How do I rent the Community Center for my event?

You can check availability, see rental fees, see photos and make online reservations on our website, print a reservation application, or visit the Municipal Building to complete a rental application at 4100 Sardis Rd, Murrysville, 

2. How do I register for an upcoming program or event?

You can read our program catalog online and register for programs and events on our website.

3. How do I rent a park pavilion?

Park pavilions can be reserved on our website, or you can print a reservation form and mail with payment to our offices, or visit our office to complete a form and payment at 4100 Sardis Road. Park information is available  on our website .

▼

Recreation-Hunting FAQs

Show All Answers

1. Is there currently a waiting list to join the Deer Management Program?

There is currently a waiting list to participate. If interested after reading the requirements please email your name, address, phone number to: Amy Wengrzyn at awengrzyn@murrysville.com to be placed on the waiting list.

2. What are the current rules and requirements of Deer Mangement Program?

1. 7 parks currently are in the program: Duff, MCP, Townsend, Pleasant Valley, Verner, Kellman/Skena, Pin Oak “Bear Hollow”.
2. Must hunt a minimum of 6 times a season.
3. Must harvest at least one deer every 2 years.
4. Must report all harvested deer to coordinator with copy of doe tag.
5.  Anyone soliciting to hunt on private property without authorization from the Recreation Director will be immediately terminated from the program.
6. New hunters will be called each August to be added to the program. The number of new hunters varies each year. 
7. Hunters are required to attend a qualification meeting each year before the season begins to complete paperwork, pay the annual fee of $35.00, and qualify with archery equipment to ensure safety and accuracy of gear.
8. Murrysville residents have preference.