Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the page for the meeting and term information.

Usually 1-3 weeks after approval at the next BOS meeting.

Visit the page for township tax information.

Visit to learn more about polling locations and voting information.

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Visit the Friends of the New Garden Trails website.

New Garden Township has approximately 61 miles of roads that we maintain. Taking each directional lane into consideration, that means there are 122 miles of road lanes that contain many roads and cul-de-sacs.

If your mailbox has been damaged by direct contact with the plow or the truck, you should call the Township Roadmaster to file a report. The Roadmaster will inspect the damage to the box, and at his discretion, authorize repairs up to $50.

If the mailbox has been damaged by or has been blocked by snow plowing, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to repair the box and clear snow away from it so that the U.S. Postal Service can deliver mail.

The Township maintains right-of-ways along every dedicated road in the Township. Roads outside developments generally have a 16-foot right-of-way easement and roads inside the developments generally have a 25-foot easement. The easement is measured from the center line of the roadway. Anything placed within the easements by the property owner is not the responsibility of the Township and will not be replaced or repaired by the Township.

Vehicles that are parked on dedicated roads that interfere with traffic flow or snow plowing will be towed at the owner’s expense. Every effort will be made by the Police to notify the owner before the vehicle is towed. The trucks will make their best effort to work around vehicles parked within developments, however, if there is not enough room to maneuver the Township trucks, the streets will not be plowed.

You can remove overhanging trees and shrubs so that they do not impede the flow of traffic, damage passing vehicles, or become a hazard.

Please keep all trash and recycling bins close to the house when you know a storm is coming. These items can become caught in the snow flow and become damaged or misplaced during plowing.

You can place markers at the edges of curbs on streets and cul-de-sacs for more accurate plowing. It is also a good idea to mark fire hydrants and transformer boxes in the event of an emergency. If you are able, please clear the path to hydrants and transformers to assist emergency crews and residents.

The main roads that handle the most traffic are plowed and treated first. The connector roads are then addressed. Finally, the roads contained inside developments are plowed.

To facilitate emergency vehicles, an initial pass is made on all roads, and a circular pass is made in the cul-de-sac. Development roads and cul-de-sacs serve significantly less traffic, and therefore, receive a different priority than main and connector roads. Once the main and connector roads are clear and a pass has been made in each development for emergency vehicles, the road crew will begin to re-visit developments for further clearing.

Garbage Removal: To set up weekly garbage removal you may want to contact any of the following:

• Monterey Refuse Service
• Trash Tech
• Republic Services

Recycling is mandatory in New Garden Township. Residents and businesses must recycle. Click here for New Garden Recycling.

NPDES is a federal program administered by the state. NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) was established to regulate all point source discharges (specifically discharge of stormwater from construction sites). The County Conservation District has delegation authority to administer this program. Any proposed disturbance of 1 acre or more through the life of the project must have an NPDES permit.

• General NPDES permit - Issued by the District after the District review of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and finds the plan adequate. This permit is for projects in non-protected watersheds
• Individual NPDES permit - Issued by PA DEP after a recommendation from the District to issue a 30-day publication in the PA Bulletin. This is for sites in High Quality / Exceptional Value Watersheds and those sites with possible environmental pollution or a history of non-compliance.

Call the Township for more information: 610-268-2915 Chester County Conservation District: 610-925-4920

Any project involving earth disturbance in New Garden Township requires a written plan for erosion and sediment controls. All earth disturbances greater than 5,000 square feet but less than an acre must submit a written Erosion and Sediment Control Plan to New Garden Township and the Chester County Conservation District for review. Any disturbance associated with the use of Chapter 105 General Permit (GP) (stream crossing, wetland disturbance, pond dredging, etc.), or one acre and greater disturbance must have an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan developed and then reviewed by the Conservation District office and the Township. (5000 square feet is about 1/8 of an acre)

The TMDL proposes pollution reduction from wastewater treatment plants, municipal Stormwater runoff and nonpoint sources (i.e., runoff from agricultural lands urban areas and residential lands). Reductions are proposed for pollutant sources that will make a positive difference for the surface waters of our area and bring them into compliance with federal and state water quality standards. 

TMDL stands for Total Maximum Daily Load. The TMDL represents the maximum amount of pollutants allowed to enter a water body. The pollutants considered for the creeks of New Garden are bacteria, sediment, and nutrients. The new rules and regulations are part of Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act and state that water bodies not meeting the water quality standards are considered to be impaired. Almost all of the creeks in Southern Chester County are considered impaired and do not meet the water quality standards. 

An MS4 is a conveyance or system of conveyances that is:

• Owned by a state, city, town, village, or other public entity that discharges to waters of the U.S.;
• Designed or used to collect or convey stormwater (including storm drains, pipes, ditches, etc.);
• Not a combined sewer; and
• Not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (sewage treatment plant)

MS4 Permits (PDF)

Speed limits are based on regulations established in Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code (Title 75). The current posted speed limits along roads within the Township, including both State- and Township-owned roads, are listed in the Township's Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance In order to modify the posted speed limit along a road or section thereof, a traffic engineering study must be completed to justify a speed limit other than the current posted speed limit. If a new speed limit is justified by the engineering study, the new speed limit must be approved by either the Township or PennDOT, depending on the ownership of the road. Additional information about establishing speed limits is provided.

• Engineering and Traffic Studies and Safe Running Speed (PDF)

Truck restrictions are based on regulations established in Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code (Title 75). The current truck restrictions along Township-owned roads are listed in the Township’s Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance. In order to modify or establish a new truck restriction along a road or section thereof, a traffic engineering study should be conducted to justify the restriction. Please note truck restrictions are based on vehicle dimensions (such as width, length, height, or weight). Additional information about establishing truck restrictions is provided.

• Truck Restrictions: Act 31 of 2018 Updates (PDF)

The warrants for stop signs are established by the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and PennDOT's Publication 212, Official Traffic Control Devices). A list of current stop-sign-controlled intersections involving Township-owned roads is listed in the Township's Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance (located here: Traffic Ordinance. In order to provide additional stop signs at an existing intersection, a traffic engineering study must be completed, and the Township must approve an ordinance establishing the new stop sign. Please note that MUTCD states that stop signs should not be used for speed control. Many people believe that forcing motorists to stop at each intersection will decrease overall speed on the road. However, studies show that stop signs only reduce speed immediately adjacent to the sign. Many drivers accelerate between intersections to make up for time lost at the stop sign. Engineering studies show that inappropriate installation of extra stop signs may cause additional problems, such as more rear-end collisions, a redistribution of traffic onto side streets, wasted fuel, and drivers ignoring STOP signs. Additional information about effective stop sign placement is provided.

• Effective Stop Sign Placement (PDF)

Speed humps can be an effective solution to reduce speeds along residential streets; however, if not installed appropriately or when truly needed, they can become a nuisance. Also, there are other factors that must be considered, including cost, maintenance, emergency response access, snow removal, roadway drainage, noise in the immediate vicinity of the speed hump, and speeding between speed humps. In order to consider the installation of speed humps or other traffic calming measures, the subject community and the Township will follow a detailed evaluation process as outlined in PennDOT's Publication 383, Pennsylvania's Traffic Calming Handbook. This process requires a formal request from a neighborhood group, documentation of the traffic calming issue, and a public review process whereby all neighbors impacted by the speed humps are able to participate. If speed humps or other traffic calming solutions are determined to be an appropriate solution, the Board of Supervisors must approve the installation of traffic calming, with consideration of all influencing factors, including but not limited to cost and Township budget.

• Pennsylvania’s Traffic Calming Handbook (PDF)

Right to Know / Open Records

The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department complies with the requirements of PA Act 3 of 2008, the Right to Know and Open Records law. This law ensures that public information and records pertaining to the police department are open and available and serve as a resource for citizens, public officials, and members of the media.

Right to Know Officer

The Chief of Police serves as the police department's Right to Know / Open Records Officer.

The process to Request an Open Record

If you would like to make a request for a copy of an Open Record, complete the required Open Records Request Form (PDF) available in person at the front desk of the police station, on our Crimewatch page, or from this SCCRPD Right to Know (PDF). Once completed, your request should then be emailed to the Police Office, faxed to 610-268-2886, or physically sent to the Right to Know Officer via the United States Postal Service or in-person delivery to:

• Southern Chester County Regional Police Department
  8934 Gap Newport Pike
  Landenberg, PA 19350
• Attention: Chief Joseph Greenwalt / RTK

Upon receipt of a request, the Right to Know Officer will

• Note the date of receipt of the written request.
• Compute the day on which the five-day period will expire and make a notation of that date on the written request.
• Maintain an electronic or paper copy of a written request, including all documents submitted with the request until the request has been fulfilled. If the request is denied, the written request shall be maintained for 30 days or, if an appeal is filed until a final determination is issued or the appeal is deemed denied.

Hours

Right to Know requests can be delivered in person during normal business hours which are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

Fees

Depending on the type of request made, there may be a fee associated with completing the request. The Right to Know Officer will advise what the fees will be once the request is received.

Appeals

Appeals should be made to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records within 15 business days of the mailing date of the police department's denial of a record. Appeals should be sent to:

• Office of Open Records
  Commonwealth Keystone Building
  333 Market Street, 16th Floor
  Harrisburg, PA 17101-2234

For more information on what is required to appeal a decision to deny a record, or for questions regarding the Right-to-Know Law, please visit the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) at Office of Open Records.

Yes! You can  request a property check if you are going to be away from your residence for a extended period of time. 

Property Check Request Form can be emailed to policeoffice@sccrpd.org or dropped off at the police station.

Accident Reports can be obtained from Carfax at Crashdocs for a fee of $15.

The department recommends that you always provide the incident number to your insurance company. If the accident can not be found on the Crashdocs.org then you can request for it to be uploaded by calling the records department at (610) 268-2907 ext. 101

Keep in mind; the officer has 15 days to complete the accident report and once the report is uploaded to crashdocs it may take up to 24 hours to be available for purchase.

The department ONLY accepts payment for parking tickets. 

Payments for traffic citations must be made to the Magisterial District Justice Court office. Please follow the instructions on the individual citation. The address to the District Court is located on the top left corner of the citation.

The Police Department does not accept credit/debit cards and may not be able to make changes for larger bills.

Upon request, the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department will permit an adult with an interest in law enforcement to perform a ride-along with a police officer. To begin the process, stop in at our office or click on the attached Ride-Along form (PDF)Ride-Along form (PDF). Your request must be accompanied by a waiver of liability and signed acknowledgments. The ride-along event will only be scheduled after a review and approval by the Chief of Police.

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Upon request, the Southern Chester County Police Department will conduct a building tour and/or static display of police equipment for youth or adult groups. To schedule, please contact the Chief of Police at 610-268-2907, ext. 102.

No, the law prohibits the police from accessing this information except for investigative reasons. However, the PA Criminal History Record Form is available in the lobby for submittal to the PA State Police Central Repository.

Ink Fingerprinting is available on Wednesdays only from 1 pm to 3 pm excluding holidays. No appointment is needed.

For Livescan printing contact the Avondale State Police.

Make sure to bring the following

• Valid ID
• Fingerprint cards
• Cash, check, or money order (Credit/ Debit Card NOT accepted)

Fingerprinting Locations

Southern Chester County Regional PD
8934 Gap Newport Pike
Landenberg, PA 19350

Fees

Residents of New Garden Township, West Grove Borough, or Avondale Borough - $15 for up to 3 cards.
Nonresidents - $25 for up to 3 cards.
Any questions please call 610-268-2907, Ext. 101.

Cameras

Disclaimer and Terms of Use

The goal of the cameras registry program is to deter crime and promote public safety through collaboration between the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department and the community we serve. 

Accordingly, all camera registrants agree to the following terms and conditions: Any footage containing/or related to criminal activity may be collected for use by the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department as evidence during any stage of a criminal proceeding. Relevant information is reserved for official use by the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department and will not be released to any member of the general public or press. If necessary, the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department will contact you directly using the information provided on this site to request the appropriate video surveillance footage. Under no circumstances shall registrants construe that they are acting as an agent/or employee of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department through the camera registry program. Under no circumstances shall the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department utilize any information obtained to view footage/feeds directly from cameras owned by registrants.

Camera Registry Form

Alarm Registration

Please complete the following form and return it to us at your earliest convenience. If you would like to email the form you may do so to Southern Chester County Police Office (policeoffice@sccrpd.org).

Alarm Registration Form

Township website

Call the 800 number (800-732-2551) for our third-party inspection company (BIU) located in the middle section of the permit. Have your permit number ready (top right corner of the permit). 

Please submit the details of your project to either permits@newgarden.org or call the office at 610-268-2915 so we can best guide you in the right direction. 

 Stop in during office hours Monday-Friday 8am to 4pm at 299 Starr Rd Landenberg PA 19350 or call the office at 610-268-2915 to pay over the phone.

We will work with the property that has the issue to resolve the noise complaints most often starting with a courtesy letter. 

Call the office (610-268-2915) or submit a complaint to codes@newgarden.org. You may also submit a concern through our website and/or you can text 484-757-5848. 

Refer to the instructions on the letter for clarification and if there are still more questions, please call our office (610-268-2915). 

Refer to the instructions on the letter for payment (checks made out to New Garden Township). If there are still questions, please call our office (610-268-2915).

Visit the Avondale Fire Department's website. On the left-hand side of the webpage there is a link labeled 'Knox Box' that walks you through the process. Once completed, please call the office at 610-268-2915 ext. 140 to speak to the fire marshal.

Call the office (610-268-2915) during office hours to speak to our fire marshal or dial 911 for emergencies. 

Call the office at 610-268-2915 during office hours to speak to the Township's Fire Marshal for scheduling or any questions regarding your inspection.