| FAQs |
General QuestionsCan I speak at a City Council Meeting? Yes, you need to fill out a Person to Be Heard form Where can I get a copy of my birth certificate? Bureau of Vital Statistics 724.656.3100 Where can I get a copy of a death certificate? Clerk of Wills 724.284-5354 Where can I get registered to vote? How can I find out if I’m registered? Where do I vote? Election Bureau 724.284.5308 Does Butler have a Better Business Bureau? No, however there is a Better Business Bureau in Pittsburgh and there is also a website. What is the number for the Unemployment Office? 724.431.4000 PoliceWhere can i find information on the 2010 Civil Service Test for Entry-Level Police Officers? This information is found on the Police webpage or by clicking here → Civil Service Test for 2010 | Police Officer/Firefighter Application When should I report an auto accident to the police? Accidents should be reported to the police when an involved party is injured, or if one or more vehicles are inoperable due to the crash and must be towed. What are the requirements for parking on a City street? A motor vehicle must have current registration and inspection, as well as be in good operating condition. Recreational vehicles, boats and trailers may NOT be stored on the street. Are there any community services offered by the Police Department? Officers are available to conduct programs at civic organizations and schools upon request. The Department participates in the “Officer Phil” program at all City elementary schools every fall. Tours of the Police Department for scout groups and school classes by contacting the Chief. Is door to door solicitation permitted? Residential door-to-door soliciting is legal only if the individual soliciting can produce a permit granted by the City. How do I apply for the Police Department? An eligibility list of qualified candidates is maintained based on civil service testing conducted once every year. The testing will be advertised in local newspapers and on this website. Applications are available at the Office of the City Clerk, 140 W North St. when testing is advertised. FireWhere can i find information on the 2010 Civil Service Test for Entry-Level Firefighter? This information is found on the Fire webpage or by clicking here → Civil Service Test for 2010 | Police Officer/Firefighter Application Where can I get a Fire Department patch? The Bureau of Fire-City of Butler receives many requests for Fire Department patches. Since these are purchased with city funds, we cannot give these away and the department does not sell them. How do I obtain a “Recreational Burning Permit”? Recreational Burning Permits may be obtained, in person, by visiting Fire Headquarters located at: 110 N. Washington St. within the Public safety Building. For further information, phone: (724)283-3100. How do I get a copy of a Fire Report? You can obtain a copy of a Fire Report, in person or in writing, by contacting Fire Headquarters at the above listed location. The cost is $50 per report. How can I obtain a copy of an ambulance report? You may come by or call the above listed number to obtain a copy of an ambulance or accident report. The cost is $50 per report. The Bureau of Fire-City of Butler is committed to protecting the privacy of protected health information under the HIPAA Act of 1996. You will be required to fill out all applicable paperwork to obtain a copy of your ambulance or accident report. What exactly are the “Burning Regulations” within the City of Butler? This information is found on the Burning Ordinance webpage accessed through the menu or by clicking here → Burning Ordinance StreetsWhy doesn’t my street get salted? Each street in the city is on what is called a “salt run”. The city has 4 runs (sections of the city) and the streets are prioritized as to which streets, and the order of the streets; are salted. Top priority is the Ambulance Emergency Run, followed by topography (hills) and followed then by volume of traffic. During heavy accumulation of snow, many streets are salted and eventually become bad again because of conditions. It may appear that “your” street was never salted when actually it was. Do we have a landfill (dump)? Yes, but it’s for “Official Use” only. Zoning - Residential PermitsDo I need a building permit? Building permits are required in the City of Butler, as specified by the PA UCC. Why do I need a building permit? Building permits are required to insure the quality of workmanship and to make sure the structural integrity of the building is not compromised. How much does a building permit cost? Building permits cost $15.00 for the first $500.00 in construction costs, $30.00 up to $1000.00 in construction costs and $5.00 per thousand for costs over $1000.00. Who is responsible for obtaining a building permit? Ultimately the property owner is responsible, the property owner may authorize another to obtain the permit, usually a relative or contractor. Can my contractor obtain the necessary permits? Yes, it is recommended that the contractor obtain permits to facilitate the required insurance documentation. Does my contractor need insurance? A certificate of Workman’s Compensation Insurance or an affidavit is required to be presented before a permit may be issued. Does my contractor need to be registered with the state? Yes, if: Your contractor performs home improvements in Pennsylvania for which the total cash value of the contractor’s home improvements is $5000.00 or more a year. For more information of State Registration of Contractors, call 717-772-2425 or on the web at: http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/. Are the Amish required to carry insurance? No, there is a state exemption for certain religious sects. When do I need to obtain a permit ? What information or documentation must I provide the City?
Can I do my own plumbing? Yes, a permit is required. See Residential Building Permit Application Form Caution is advised as most plumbing requires a permit and will be inspected by the State Certified City Plumbing Inspector. Can I do my own wiring? Yes, however a permit is required and all electrical wiring must be inspected by State Certified Electrical Inspectors approved by the city. A list may be found at: Residential Electrical Inspectors. Can I do my own heating/air conditioning? It is not recommended. Permits are required for changing out furnaces and other HVAC equipment.
|