If it is a Township road, call our office at (610) 388-1300 or email questions@kennett.pa.us. If it is a State road (Routes 1, 41, 52, 82 and Burnt Mill, Kaolin, Creek, Old Kennett and Spring Mill Roads and E Cypress, Millers Hill, State, and N Union Streets) call PennDOT at 610-205-6700.

https://www.kaprb.org/home

Rabies and Animal Bites | Chester County, PA - Official Website

https://www.pgc.pa.gov/InformationResources/AboutUs/ContactInformation/Southeast/Pages/default.aspx

Contact the Brandywine SPCA at Brandywine Valley SPCA | Home or call the Kennett Township Police Department Non Emergency line (610) 388-2874.

Call 1-800-242-1776 to notify the Pennsylvania One Call System. 

Additional information can be found on their website: Contact Us | Pennsylvania One Call System 

Without this notification, you could be liable for damages you cause to utility services.

IT IS UNLAWFUL AND PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES TO BURN TRASH, LEAF WASTE, OR GRASS CLIPPINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH KENNETT TOWNSHIP RECYCLING ORDINANCE NO. 178, ADOPTED DECEMBER 15, 2008 and updated by Ordinance 245 of 2017. These Ordinances can be viewed here.

Please be advised that open burning is regulated within Kennett Township. While open burning is generally discouraged, there are certain situations where a burn permit may be issued in accordance with Township regulations and safety guidelines. 

BURN PERMIT APPLICATION

If you find a dead deer in the road, please call (610) 388-1300 if it is a Township Road, or PennDOT at (484) 340-3200 if it is a State Road. 

Deer are active in the area, especially at dawn and dusk. They often dart into roadways and can cause a hazard to even experienced drivers. Please use caution, and urge young drivers to do so, especially when traveling along wooded roads during twilight.

Identifying Your Municipality with ChescoViews

If you are unsure whether your property is located within Kennett Township, you can use ChescoViews, Chester County’s interactive mapping tool, to confirm your property’s municipality.

To use ChescoViews, visit chesco.org/chescoviews and enter your property address in the search bar. The map will display detailed information about your property, including the municipality, parcel number, and zoning details.

This tool is a quick and reliable way to verify jurisdiction before submitting permits, requests, or forms to Kennett Township.

No, the law prohibits the police from accessing this information except for investigative reasons. For more information on requesting a criminal background check, please visit the State Police's website HERE.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.  Contact the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County at (610)431-3546 or visit their website (https://dvcccpa.org/) for confidential support, resources, and safety planning 24/7.

Additionally, if you were the victim of a crime, you can also get support by calling The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc.24/7 hotline at (610) 692-7273 or visiting their website: https://www.cvcofcc.org/.

As always, if you are experiencing an emergency or need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.

The Kennett Township Police offers ink fingerprints. Please email ktpd@kennett.pa.us to schedule an appointment. You must produce a valid state issue ID, fingerprint cards and payment. There is no charge for residents of Kennett Township, $20 for non-residents, Accepted payment methods include personal check, money order, or credit card (preferred) via the website: Police Payments. Fingerprint cards can be obtained through the agency requiring you to be fingerprinted.

If you need digital fingerprints, please visit this website: https://www.identogo.com/locations/pennsylvania.

If your matter is an emergency, simply call 911. If your matter is time sensitive, but not an emergency, please call police dispatch at 610-268-3171 and you will be put in touch with an officer on duty. If you would like to arrange for a meeting with a specific officer, you'll need to make an appointment. Email ktpd@kennett.pa.us or visit the Directory to email the officer directly to arrange for a meeting.

Investigative reports are not public information and, therefore, not accessible under the Right -to-Know Law. Investigative reports may be available with a properly executed subpoena.

For all other report inquiries please submit a request and see our webpage for service fees. To the extent that this request seeks or may be construed to see Kennett Township Police records involving covert law enforcement investigations, including intelligence gathering and analysis, the Department can neither confirm nor deny the existence of such records without risk of compromising investigations and imperiling individuals. Under No Circumstances, therefore, should the Department’s response to this request be interpreted as indicating otherwise. In all events, should such records exist, they are entirely exempt from public disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. §§ 67.101-67.3104, and the Criminal History Record Information Act, 18 Pa. C.S. §§ 9101-9183.

To obtain an accident report or an incident report that directly involved you, please fill out the Incident Request Form found HERE.

Yes! If you have any concern, no matter the size, please report it! If it is not an emergency, feel free to call the Police Department at 610-388-2874, leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible!

Make checks payable to HAB-MISC and mail to: PO Box 25144, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-5144.

You can also pay online at www.HAB-INC.com. A third party fee will apply.

Guidelines for Recycling at the Curb: 

Recyclables are commodities. Dirty or contaminated, they are worthless. Clean and properly prepared recyclables have value and may be turned into new products.

The following single-stream items are typically collected in one container at your curb: 

•Aluminum cans, foil, and pie plates 

•Corrugated cardboard and boxboard 

•Glass bottles and jars 

•Metal cans 

•Mixed paper  

•Newspapers 

•Plastic #1-5 and #7 containers  

Items Not Allowed: 

•Caps / lids 

•Ceramic cups / plates 

•Crystal 

•Drinking glasses

 •Flower pots 

•Light bulbs 

•Metallic wrapping paper 

•Mirrors •Oil cans / bottles 

•Ovenware 

•Paint cans 

•Plate glass 

•Window glass

Chester County Solid Waste Authority holds regional hazardous waste recycling events every year, where dangerous household items like paint, electronics, chemicals and more can be safely taken to be disposed of safely. A complete list can be found below.  Please check their website for the upcoming dates as they change yearly.

The Township has a Yard Waste Debris Center for residents, located at 557 Bayard road.  It is open from dawn to dusk Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 10:00 to dusk. 

Permits are required for most construction or alterations that affect structure, safety systems, utilities, or egress. This includes adding walls, changing structural elements, moving utilities (water, gas, electrical, plumbing), and other significant work.

To schedule an inspection, submit a request through the permit portal or contact the Township permit office by phone or email: permits@kennett.pa.us or call 610-388-1300.

It depends!

Fences exceeding 4 feet in height in the front yard or exceeding 6 feet in height in the side and rear yards require a fence permit.

Gates across a driveway require a fence permit.

Retaining walls under 4 feet in height requires a zoning permit. When a retaining wall exceeds 4 feet in height, a building permit and zoning permit are required.

No, if you are only replacing the roof without making structural changes.

No — as long as the windows are the same size and there are no structural changes.

Yes. Basement finishing work is subject to permitting because it often involves electrical, plumbing, and safety systems..

Yes. A zoning permit and other approvals may be required — contact the zoning office for guidance.

Typically, two copies of plans are required for most permits.

Call PA One Call (811) to have utility lines marked before excavation.

Yes. Common work that typically does not require a permit includes interior/exterior painting, flooring, cabinets/counters, non-structural siding replacement, and certain minor electrical or HVAC work. 

Only if the work involves moving or modifying electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, or structural elements.

Yes — a demolition permit is required. 

NO USE AND OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE is needed for a RESIDENTIAL RESALE of homes in Kennett Township, UNLESS it is a RENTAL PROPERTY or will be RENTED.

U&O are required for Commercial Properties.

Private on site sewers must be pumped every three years. Documentation needs to be sent to the Township, this can be a copy of the service order or invoice. Please email to permits@kennett.pa.us or drop it off/mail it to the Township office.

Please Note: if your sewer is serviced by McGovern you do not need to submit documentation.  McGovern notifies the Township on your behalf. 

Please fill out this form: Sewer Certification Form

In most cases your title company has already supplied the needed information to change the name on the account. If you would like to follow up with an email please do so by emailing jeremey.lindsey@kennett.pa.us.

In most cases, your title company has already supplied the needed information to change the name on the account and request a sewer certification for final billing. If you would like to follow up with an email please do so by emailing jeremey.lindsey@kennett.pa.us. Please note, you will not receive a final bill nor will an invoice be forwarded to your new address.

Kennett Township legally has to bill the current homeowner for all invoices as they are responsible for all invoices once they take ownership. Please contact your title company as they may have credited you at the time of settlement or they are holding money to pay the invoice for you.

Yes! You may do so by using the link below:

Kennett Township does not own and can’t touch any of Chester Water meters. Please contact Chester Water at 610.876.8181. Chester Water must inform Jeremey Lindsey at finance@kennett.pa.us of any changes they make to your consumption to possibly receive a revised invoice.

Common Reasons Your Sewer Bill May Increase:

• Filling a swimming pool

• Running or leaking toilets

• Dripping faucets or sinks

• Excessive lawn watering or sprinkler use

• Frequent car washing

Even small leaks or increased water usage can impact your sewer charges, so it’s a good idea to check for any issues regularly.

Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm  

Closed all major Holidays, please see our calendar.

• Christina D. Sappey (D) — Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 158  (484) 200-8264
• John I. Kane (D) — Pennsylvania State Senate, District 9 610-510-8252
• Chrissy Houlahan (D) — U.S. House of Representatives, Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District (202) 225-4315

Additional information about our State Officals can be found here:Home | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Contact the Brandywine SPCA at Brandywine Valley SPCA | Home or call the Kennett Township Police Department Non Emergency line (610) 388-2874 for non emergency animal rescue efforts.

The County issues dog licenses.  Information can be found here:  https://www.chesco.org/1112/Dog-License 

Property owners are responsible for sidewalks and curbs.  If you need assistance on ensuring that the correct materials or specs are being used, please contact the Township Office.

If you have concerns about a neighbor’s barking dog, please contact the Kennett Township Police Department’s non-emergency line at 610-388-2874.

An officer can assess the situation and determine the appropriate next steps under the Township’s noise and animal control ordinances.

For emergencies or situations where an animal appears to be in distress, please call 911.

Kennett Township does not haul waste from the curb- you are required to sign up with an independent hauler that will pick up your trash (and recycling) curbside. 

Kennett Township and all of the residents are mandated by the State to recycle. If you do not recycle with your private hauler, you can recycle at the Kennett Township Maintenance Garage, located at 557 Bayard Road. 

The following is a list of local trash haulers that service our area. This list is not exhaustive, nor do we specifically recommend or warrant one hauler over another. Information here is included for your convenience: 

AJ Blosenski, Inc(610) 444-2341 

Evergreen Waste Service (302) 635-7055 

SEM Waste Management (610) 274-1306 

Republic Services (610) 869-2222

Dogs require licenses and regular vaccinations. Dog license applications are available by calling the Chester County Treasurer’s office at (610) 344-6370. We also actively encourage dog and cat owners to consider a microchip for their pet, making it easier to return a pet to you in the unlikely event that it gets out of your property boundaries. If you do, and a dog running free or a lost pet, The Chester County SPCA is the enforcement agency for the Township and can be called at (610) 692-6113. 

Kennett Township does have a dog ordinance which can be found on its here. The ordinance requires that in parks, athletic fields and public events within the township, that dogs are expected to be on a leash and under control of the owner or handler. The owner or handler of the dog must diligently supervise the dog, and be responsible for the immediate removal of any fecal matter, disposing of same in a safe and sanitary manner. Violations may result in the imposition of a fine between $100 and $500.

Accessory use, building or structure means a use, building or structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use, building or structure.

A Right of Way is the legal right, established by usage or grant, to pass along a specific route through grounds or property belonging to another. Example: The land used by a public utility.

Setbacks are distances between structures and property lines, and vary depending on the zoning district. Information for setback requirements for each zoning district can be found in section 240 of the Township codebook of Ordinances:  https://library.municode.com/pa/kennett_township/codes/code_of_ordinances 

The specific purpose for which land or a structure is designed, arranged, intended, occupied or maintained.

Accessory Use - A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use or building and located on the same lot with this principal use or building.

Principal use - The main or primary use of property or structures.

A use, whether of land or of structure, which does not comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such use was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of this chapter or amendment, or prior to the application of this chapter or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.

A variance is a use not permitted in a specific zone. A special Exception is a use generally compatible with a particular zone once specified criteria have been met.

Answer:  Maybe!  Fences 6 ft. high or shorter do not require a permit. Fences higher than 6' are considered structures and do require a permit. Fences may not be located within any drainage easement or street right-of-way.

Yes, However, There are exceptions like, non profit, political, religious, educational (and others).  Please consult with the Townships Zoning officer.  Signs may not be placed in the Right of Way.

Yes, Kennett Township currently does not regulate chickens on properties. 

Yes, however, it should be located at least 5 ft. from the rear or side of the property line.  Special consideration should be taken into the location of the pile compared to waterways and neighbors. 

The Township does not have records of property lines.  We recommend you contact a surveyor.  Your deed will provide you with the coordinates.  You can obtain a copy of your deed via the Chester County Recorder of Deeds website or at their offices in West Chester.

You can find all of the Townships financial information on the Finance page of the Townships website:  https://www.kennett.pa.us/159/Finance-Billing 

The Zoning Hearing Board is a quasi-judicial body that renders decisions on specific types of land use appeals and applications under the Township Zoning Ordinances.  Its primary purpose is to help assure fair and equitable application and administration of the Township Zoning Ordinances.  Authorization of the ZHB is established by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) which also provides a specific set of rules of procedure.  Appeals from decisions of the ZHB are to the Court of Common Pleas. 

Membership:

Membership of the ZHB is composed of residents of the Township, appointed by the Board of Supervisors.  The Board of Supervisors may appoint alternate members each of whom must be a resident of the Township.  Members of the ZHB cannot hold any elected or appointed office in the Township nor can a member be an employee of the Township. 

Jurisdiction:

The Zoning Hearing Board has the exclusive jurisdiction to hear and render final decisions in the following matters:

1. Substantive challenges to the validity of a Zoning Ordinance or the Zoning Map within certain conditions as expressed in the Zoning Ordinance.
2. Validity or procedural challenges to a Zoning Ordinance of the Zoning Map which challenges shall be raised by an appeal taken within 30 days after the effective date of the ordinance.
3. Appeals from Zoning Officer decisions, including, but not limited to, the granting or denial of any permit or failure to act on the application therefor, the issuance of any cease and desist order, or the registration of or refusal to register any nonconforming use, structure or lot.
4. Appeals from a determination by the Township Engineer or the Zoning Officer with reference to the administration of any floodplain
5. Applications for variances from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance.
6. Applications for special exceptions under the Zoning Ordinance.
7. Appeal from preliminary opinion of Zoning Officer.
8. Appeals from the determination of the Zoning Officer or Township Engineer in the administration of this chapter or provision thereof with reference to sedimentation and erosion control and stormwater management insofar as the same relate to development.

Hearing Procedure.  Requests for hearings before the ZHB are filed with the Township using the Application Form specified by the Township.  An application fee as specified by the Township must accompany the filing of the completed application.

Documents to be submitted.  The Application Form requires Plans and other documents to be submitted.   Plans need to be drawn to scale and include a zoning table with sufficient information to display necessary data.  Plans should be prepared by a registered engineer or registered land surveyor, indicating the location and size of the lot as well as existing and proposed improvements.  An Application submitted with plans prepared by a landowner and not by registered engineer or registered land surveyor is subject to being denied. 

Notice.  Upon filing a request for a hearing, a reasonable time and place is fixed for public hearings.  Notice, stating the location of the lot or building and the general nature of the question involved, is given to all interested parties as required by Township Zoning Ordinance and the MPC.

Hearings.  Hearings of the ZHB for a matter submitted by an Applicant must be held within 60 days from the date of receipt of an Applicant's application, unless the Applicant has agreed in writing to an extension of time.  If subsequent hearings are required they must be scheduled within 45 days of the prior hearing unless an extension is agreed upon in writing.  Keep in mind the Applicant needs to complete presentation of their case within 100 days of the first hearing.

Any persons opposed to the application are given the opportunity to present their case in opposition within 100 days after completion of the Applicant’s case.  Both Applicant and any person in opposition can be granted extensions to enable completion of their respective cases or to present rebuttals. 

Parties to the hearing. The parties to the hearing include the Applicant, the Township, any person affected by the application who has made timely appearance of record before the ZHB, and any other person entitled to notice, including civic or community organizations permitted to appear by the ZHB.  Persons who believe they are affected by the application and seek to become parties to a hearing must complete the Application Form specified by the Township.  The Township Zoning Ordinance and the MPC determine when a person is affected by an application. 

Rights of the parties. The parties have the right to be represented by counsel and will be afforded the opportunity to respond, to present evidence, and to argue and cross-examine adverse witnesses on all relevant issues.  All parties presenting testimony must be sworn under oath prior to giving testimony. 

Record of the proceedings. The ZHB keeps a stenographic record of the proceedings. The appearance fee of a stenographer is to be shared equally by the Applicant and the ZHB.  The Township uses the application fee to cover costs of the hearing including the Applicant’s share of the appearance fee of a stenographer. The cost of the original transcript shall be paid by the ZHB if the transcript is ordered by the ZHB or shall be paid by the person appealing from the decision of the Board if such appeal is made, and in either event the cost of additional copies shall be paid by the person requesting such copy or copies. In other cases, the party requesting the original transcript shall bear the cost.

Exhibits.  At the hearing the Township places into the record the application, record of notice, and other documents or maps relevant to the application.  These become exhibits used during the hearing.  If the Applicant wishes to use documentary materials, such as maps, pictures, reports and the like they must be placed into the record of the proceedings.  The Township has guidance on format and type of documentary exhibits. 

Communications by or with the ZHB:

Members of the ZHB cannot communicate, directly or indirectly, with any party or their representatives in connection with any issue involved in an application except upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate and shall not take notice of any communication, reports, staff, memoranda, or other materials, except advice from the ZHB Solicitor, unless the parties are afforded an opportunity to contest the material.  Additionally, the members of the ZHB shall not inspect the site that is the subject of the hearing or its surroundings after the commencement of the hearings with any party or their representative unless all parties are given an opportunity to be present.

Decisions:

The ZHB needs to render a written decision or, when no decision is called for, make written findings on the application within 45 days after the last hearing before the ZHB.  Where the application is contested or denied, each decision shall be accompanied by findings of fact and conclusions based thereon, together with the reasons therefor. Nothing in this section shall prejudice the right of any party opposing the application to appeal the decision to the appropriate court.  A copy of the final decision or, where no decision is called for, of the findings shall be delivered to the applicant personally or sent by certified mail not later than the day following the date of the decision of the ZHB. The ZHB shall provide by mail or otherwise a brief notice of the decision or findings and a statement of the place where the full decision may be examined to all other persons who have filed their names and addresses with the ZHB no later than the last day of the hearing.

Records:

Records of the ZHB are maintained at the Township and are available for inspection. 

Code enforcement is the process of ensuring that properties and activities within the Township comply with adopted ordinances and regulations. These standards are designed to:

• Promote safe buildings and structures
• Protect property values
• Support orderly growth and development
• Address nuisances and public safety concerns
• Maintain the character of the community

Code enforcement is not punitive in nature. Its primary goal is voluntary compliance through education, communication, and collaboration with property owners.

You can SUMBIT A CODE COMPLAINT online at any time. You can also call the Township at 610-388-1300 if you have any questions about your complaint.

Common violations include:

Overgrown properties: weeds or grasses exceeding 10 inches in height.

Garbage/Rubbish: outdoor accumulation of waste such as appliances, furniture, trash, tires, food waste, inoperable vehicles.

Prohibited Uses: Certain activities occurring in a zoning district that does not allow for it.

Setback requirements: structures built in required setback areas.

Work without a permit: Commencing certain interior and exterior property modifications, or operation of a nonresidential use without necessary building and zoning permits.

Rental Registration: Renting property (short-term and long-term) without the required rental license

The Township responds to complaints submitted by residents, property owners, or staff observations. Complaints may relate to issues such as property maintenance, unpermitted construction, zoning violations, signage, or other ordinance matters.

The general investigation process includes:

1. Complaint Intake – Complaints are received and logged by Township staff.
2. Initial Review – Staff review the complaint to determine applicable ordinances and whether the issue falls under Township jurisdiction.
3. Site Inspection – A Code Officer conducts an inspection of the property, consistent with legal requirements.
4. Notice of Violation (if applicable) – If a violation is confirmed, a written notice is issued to the property owner outlining the specific ordinance section and providing a reasonable timeframe for correction.
5. Follow-Up – Staff re-inspect the property to verify compliance.

While we may confirm whether a violation was identified, the Township does not provide detailed status updates, ongoing progress reports, or specific information regarding enforcement actions. This approach ensures fairness, protects due process, and respects confidentiality requirements related to enforcement matters. Please be assured that all complaints are taken seriously and addressed in accordance with applicable laws and Township procedures.