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Administration

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1. How do I get a copy of my birth certificate, marriage license, or divorce decree?

You can contact Chester County at 610-344-6000 or visit their online resource.

2. How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Contact Chester County at 610-344-6000 or visit their online resource.

3. How do I apply for a banner, special event, or vendor permit?

Access our government forms resource or send an email request describing what you need.

4. How do I contact Public Works?

You can call 610-696-5282 or visit the Public Works online resource.

5. How do I contact Building & Housing?

You can call 610-696-1773 or visit the Building and Housing online resource.

6. How can I contact the Recreation Department?

Contact the department by phone at 610-436-9010 or visit the Recreation Department online.

7. How do I contact Parking Services?

Call 610-696-4521 to speak with someone from Parking Services, or visit their online resource for more information.

8. How do I contact the Police Department?

Contact the Police Department for non-emergencies at 610-696-2700. For emergencies, dial 911.

9. What voting ward am I in?

Access our online voting ward resource where you can view a voting wards map for West Chester.

10. What are your hours of operation?

The borough Administration Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

11. Where is the Public Library located?

The Public Library is located at:
415 N. Church St.
West Chester, PA 19380

Access the West Chester Public Library website for more information.

12. How do I sign up for public announcements?

The borough uses a service for announcements and you can sign up here.

13. How can I pay bills?

Bills can be paid by either cash or check.

14. Where can I park when paying my bills?

There is a municipal parking lot available for borough-related business in the back of our building located at 401 East Gay Street.

15. How can I pay my bills on the weekend?

You may place payments in the drop box located in our parking lot. It is locked and checked every business morning.

16. Are you the courthouse?

No, we are the borough. The Chester County Courthouse is located at 201 West Market Street and can be reached at 610-344-6000.

17. Does the Municipal Building have free wireless?

Yes and the access code is posted in all of the public meeting areas.

18. Where can I pay my sewer bill?

o You can drop your check and voucher at the Borough building (Finance window or box in parking lot), and they will mail it to Aqua every Friday (as a courtesy).
o You can pay in cash at Giant Food Store (698 Downingtown Pike or 1375 East Boot Road) and ShopRite (1115 West Chester Pike).
o Both e-billing and zip-check are available. Go to www.aquaamerica.com.

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Building, Housing & Zoning Regulations

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1. Can I get a building permit online?

Download the Construction Permit Application, then send the completed application, plans, and all related information to the Building and Housing Department via email. Payment for permits is due at issuance.

2. Can I pay for my permit online?

Online payments are not available.

3. How do I register as a contractor with the Borough of West Chester?

General contractors register with the PA State Attorney General’s Office and then write the PA contractor number on the building permit.

Electrical contractors need to submit proof that they passed the Master Electrical International Code Council (ICC) Exam along with their driver’s license.

Plumbing contractors need to submit proof that they passed the Master Plumbing International Code Council (ICC) Exam along with their driver’s license.

HVAC contractors need to submit proof that they passed the Master HVAC International Code Council (ICC) Exam along with their driver’s license.

Once the above requirements are met, permits can be submitted.

4. How often do I need a rental inspection?

Rental inspections must be conducted once a year.

5. How can I find the current approved student home list?

View the approved student housing list (PDF), updated November 12, 2013.

6. What hours of the day can construction work be performed in the borough?

Work can be performed between the hours of 7 a.m to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No work is permitted on Sundays and/or holidays.

7. Does the borough require a Use and Occupancy Certificate on the resale of an existing building?

No certificate is required.

8. Who do I call for a plumbing or HVAC inspection?

For plumbing inspections, please call the Building & Housing Dept at 610-696-1773. For HVAC inspections, please call Paul Bonnes at 484-880-7342 ext. 110.

9. Who are the electrical underwriters approved by the borough?

View the 2020 list of approved electrical underwriters (PDF).

10. How many hours after the snowfall do I have to shovel my sidewalk?

Within 24 hours after the end of snowfall; all snow and ice must be removed from the sidewalk. No one is permitted to put snow in the streets while clearing their property.

11. I need to repair my sidewalk, do I need a permit?

Yes, sidewalk permits can be obtained from the Public Works Department (205 Lacey Street). Public Works has copies of the sidewalk specifications / requirements. Please note, asphalt is not an approved material.

12. Am I permitted to post advertisements in the borough?

No advertisements or flyers are permitted to be posted in the borough.

13. Do I need a permit to install a shed in my yard?

No building permit is required for the installation of a pre-fabricated shed. However, zoning approval is necessary. To obtain zoning approval, a detailed plot plan must be submitted, drawn to scale showing the square foot measurements, as well as the percentages of the following 3 types of coverage:

• Building coverage
• Green space
• Impervious coverage

Please contact Building and Housing to properly identify which zoning district and block class the property lies and then refer to Chapter 112 of the borough’s Code of Ordinance, our Zoning Chapter, and locate the allowable coverage percentages under “Area and Bulk Regulations” for your district and block class. Submit the detailed plot plan to the Building and Housing office for review by the Zoning officer.

Access the following plot plan resources for more information:

• Plot plan definitions (PDF)
• Sample plot plan (PDF)
• What is a plot plan? (PDF)

14. Where Can I find the Borough Zoning Code?

You can find the zoning code @ http://ecode360.com/6471979.

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Dispatch / 911

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1. When do I call for help?

The following are examples of when to call 911:

• When someone's life may be in immediate danger
• When someone's property may be in immediate danger
• When you see a crime being committed
• When rescue or emergency medical assistance is needed

When you are not sure, call and let us decide.

2. Who do I call if I don't call 911?

Are you in West Chester Borough or East Bradford Township?

Unless you need an immediate response to a fire or a medical or police emergency, call the West Chester Police Department at 610-696-2700.

For any other location in Chester County you should call 610-692-5100. Using the non-emergency number keeps 911 available for true emergencies.

Some examples of times in which you should call a non-emergency number are:

• Your house or car was broken into yesterday or at unknown time
• Your runaway or missing child has returned home
• You need to add additional information to a previously reported incident
• Someone stole your bicycle while you were away
• There is a illegally parked or abandoned vehicle on your street

3. What will the dispatcher ask you?

All callers are asked a standard set of questions which will help the dispatcher prioritize your call, and will provide the responding personnel with information before their arrival. The following are just some of the questions we may ask you:

• Where are you and where did the incident happen?
• What is the nature of the problem?
• When did this occur?
• What is the description of the person or persons involved?
• What is the description of the vehicle involved (if there was one)?

Please take note that, when giving information, it is strongly advised that you do not exaggerate or "fill in the blanks". It is very important that quick, simple facts be provided so that the information can be provided to the responding services without delay.

4. What if I dial 911 by mistake?

First and foremost, do not hang up! Before you hang up the phone, be sure to tell the dispatcher that you have dialed 911 by mistake and that you do not need emergency help. This is very important because a police officer will be sent to your location if you simply hang up.

5. What are the hours of the Dispatch Center?

Our police dispatch center is in operation 24/hours a day, 7 days a week. The main lobby door on the first floor is always open and you can contact our dispatch at any time as well as by phone at 610-696-2700.

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General Questions

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1. Where is the courthouse?

201 W Market St West Chester Pa 19382

2. Who collects Local Earned Income taxes?

Keystone Collections
724-987-0300

3. Does the Borough require business licenses?

No.
But, Berkheimer does collect business privilege taxes.
They can be reached at 610 599-3140

4. Where do I pay my parking ticket?

The first floor of the municipal building, located at 401 East Gay Street.

5. Do you have a lost and found?

First Floor of the municipal building at Police Dispatch.

6. How Can I File a Right to Know Request?

You can print a Request for Information form here.

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Parking Services

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1. How can I obtain Residential Parking Permit?

Log onto www.west-chester.com and click Parking Appeals, Payments, Permits and then click on Permit Application on the next page. Select the permit you need and simply fill out the Residential Permit application.

Note: Permits goes on the 1st business day every August, but not valid until the 1st of September.

2. How do I pay my citation?

There are three options;

1.Citations can pay in person at the parking services office which is located on the 1st floor of the Borough Municipal Building. ( 401 East Gay street )

2. Citation payment can also be done online www.west-chester.com and click Parking Appeals, Payments and Permit.

3.Citation payment can also be drop of at the Silver Drop Box which is located at the Borough Municipal Building surface parking lot and at the Red Drop Box in the municipal building which is located next to the West-Chester Police dispatch window.

Note: Citations can be pay by using a Debit, Master, Visa, Discover Card. (We do accept American Express) Checks are accepted. Once a citation is paid, it’s final, no refunds.

3. I have already paid the citation, Why am I being charge for it again?

If you believe you have paid a citation that you are being billed for you must contact the Parking Services at 610-696-4521.

The customer Service representative will request that you submit proof of payment, a receipt or if payment was made by check, a copy of the front and back of the cancelled check.

4. How can I contest my citation?

1. Citation can be contest online at www.west-chester.com and click Parking Appeals, Payments and Permit.

2. Citations have to be contested within 14 days the citation was issued.

5. What if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my dispute?

If you are dissatisfied the outcome don’t pay the citation and wait until you receive a summons from the Magisterial District Court d and appeal your ticket before the magisterial district judge.

6. When are Parking Meters Enforced.

1. Parking meters are enforced Monday Thru Wednesday from 8am till 10pm. Thursday and Friday from 8am till 12am and Saturday 5pm and 12am

2. Parking meters are not enforced on the following legal holidays. (New Year’s, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, President’s day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)

Notes: Meters are enforced on Veterans Day, Columbus Day and General Election day.

7. Why did I get a citation when I parked on expired meter and was gone just for a few minutes?

It shall be unlawful and a violation of the provisions of this article for any person to permit a vehicle to remain or be placed in any parking space adjacent to any parking meter while such meter is displaying a signal indicating that the time paid for has expired. Such vehicle shall be considered as parking overtime, and the parking of a vehicle overtime shall be a violation of this article.

8. Why did I get this ticket when there wasn’t a “no parking” sign?

The Borough of West-Chester has numerous traffic and parking rules and regulations that are described in Chapter 104 of the
Borough of West-Chester (Ordinances) A great many of ordinances are considered to be common sense or courtesy. These are things that are ticketed offenses, even if there is no reminder present, such as a sign.

Note: The following is a list of the most common infraction issued throughout the Borough of West-Chester.

1. Too close to stop sign
2. Parked in an intersection
3. Parked in a crosswalk
4. 12” away from the curb
5. Blocking Driveway
6. Obstructing traffic
7. Parking on a sidewalk
8. Blocking Street or Alley
9. Parking in A handicap space without a permit
10. Not moving your vehicle on Street Sweeping Day where is posted
11. Parked at an expired or overtime meter
12. Parked out of meter space
13. Double parked
14. Parked School Zone or Bus Stand
15. Private property
16. Parked within 15’ of a Fire Hydrant
17. Parked against the flow of traffic
18. No Parking Permit Residential, student or leased lots
19. Posted no Parking Zone
20. No stop or Standing
21. Maximum Time Limit
22. No Parking Fire Zone
23. Posted Temporary No Parking

9. Can I receive a parking ticket for Parked on Private Property?

Yes, Violators will be towed at the owner’s expense and the owner and/or violator will be ticketed.

10. What if there are no signs immediately in front of my spot? How do I know how long I can park there?

The beginning and the end of each block is marked (Signage) to help driver know that the entire block is enforced.

11. I only parked for 2-3 minutes and had my flashers on, so why did I get a ticket anyway?

Flashers are an obvious indication that a vehicle’s operator knows not to park in a particular spot. Remember that in the 2-4 minute window your vehicle is parked there, a fire truck, ambulance, or other lifesaving emergency vehicle might be unable to access the street due to your vehicle causing an obstruction.

12. Why did I get a citation for parking the wrong way?

Drivers must obey all parking rules and regulations. We must park our vehicle consistent with flow of traffic.

13. Why was I ticketed for being parked in the yellow when a small section of my car was actually in the yellow?

Yellow curbs are designed to create a safe distance from the intersection so vehicles can turn safely and without view obstructions created by vehicles parked on a yellow curb. There is no allowance for how much of the car is in the yellow before it’s ticketed. Any portion of the car in the yellow Is considered in violation.

14. I received a citation for the 1, 2 or 3 hour maximum, but there was no chalk marks on my tires?

The Borough parking services implemented a license Plate Recognition System (LPR) which does not require vehicles to be chalked.

15. Where do I report a non-functioning meter?

Defective or nonfunctioning meters can be reported to the Borough of West-Chester Parking Services 1-610-696-4521 or www.west-chester.com.

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Parks & Recreation Department

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1. Who do I speak with to run an event in the Borough?

Check out our Applications and Forms section for the Special Event Application. If you have any questions or concerns please call 610-436-9010.

2. Which park has a pavilion?

Hoopes Park: 700 Hoopes Park Lane

Veterans Memorial Park: 315 Veit Alley

John O Green Park: S. Matlack & E. Miner Street

3. How do I register for summer camp?

Please call 610-436-9010 if you have any questions or concerns.

4. When is the Halloween Parade?

The Halloween Parade is cancelled for 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

5. Who do I speak with concerning financial aid for summer camp?

Contact the director by email or call the office at 610-436-9010.

6. How do I apply for financial aid for summer camp?

You may call the Parks and Recreation Department at 610-436-9010 to request a financial aid packet to be mailed to you or you may pick up a copy at:
Borough Hall
410 E. Gay St.
West Chester, PA 19380

7. Do you take Credit Card payments?

Yes, we accept credit/debit, cash, check, or money order. We only accept payments in house, online registration is not available until March 2020.

8. Can I reserve a spot for a program or event over the phone?

No, the department must have a copy of your registration form and payment to reserve your spot.
All of our registration forms are online under Applications and Forms.

9. Are any bus trips offered?

Yes, the department sponsors various bus trips throughout the year. Visit the bus trips page for more information about upcoming trips.

10. Who runs the Christmas Parade?

The Chamber of Commerce is responsible for the Christmas Parade.

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Police Department

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1. How I do I file a police report?

You can call the Police Department at 610-696-2700 and request an officer, or you can respond to the Police Station at 401 East Gay Street. We have a full time dispatch center.

2. How can I pay a traffic or non-traffic ticket?

On the back of the citation you received there are instructions on how to handle your citation.

3. How can I get property returned?

Contact the West Chester Police Department at 610-696-2700 and ask to speak with the officer who handled the incident involving your property.

4. How can I get a copy of a police or accident report?

You can contact the Records Division at 610-436-1320. The Records Office is on the 1st floor of the Borough Municipal Building.

5. How can I file a citizen’s complaint?

Contact the West Chester Police Administration at 610-436-1323. Police Administration is located on the 1st floor of the Borough Municipal Building.

6. How can I find the status of my case?

Contact the officer handling your case at 610-696-2700.

7. How do I know what judge is handling my case?

The district information is on the top of the citation that was issued.

8. Can I get fingerprinted at the police station?

We can fingerprint residents of the Borough of West Chester and East Bradford Township at the station. You will need proof of residency and a fingerprint card.

9. Can I file a Police Report over the telephone?

No. You must come into the Police Station in person with the proper I.D. and speak to an officer to file a Police Report. However, we are a 24/7 Police Station so we are readily available to service the community.

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Police Department - Policing Policies

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1. Are the police officers in the West Chester Police Department being trained to deescalate altercations by using peaceful conflict resolution strategies?

West Chester Police officers complete initial training that includes de-escalation, mental health de-escalation, and unbiased policing while attending the police academy. De-escalation training teaches officers to attempt to resolve situations using verbal skills rather than force. If force is necessary, officers are taught to resort to the least amount of force necessary in order to gain control or stop an action. West Chester Police are in the process of receiving refresher training in these topics, along with legal training on the Fourth Amendment and the most up-to-date related caselaw.

2. Are the police officers in the West Chester Police Department prohibited from using carotid restraints (chokeholds, strangleholds, etc.)?

The use of a chokehold, whether applied by the hands, other body part, or a weapon, is prohibited by longstanding West Chester Police Department policy unless deadly force is warranted to protect life.

3. Are the police officers in the West Chester Police Department required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force? Will officers be reprimanded if they fail to intervene?

West Chester Police Department policy provides that any officer who observes another officer using force clearly beyond that which is objectively reasonable under the circumstances shall intercede, when feasible, to prevent the use of such excessive force, so long as doing so does not pose a safety risk. Officers shall immediately report these observations to a supervisor and document the observations prior to the end of shift. A violation of policy, including failure to intervene, will be investigated and an officer will be disciplined or fired if policy is violated.

4. Are the officers in the West Chester Police Department required to give a verbal warning to citizens before drawing their weapon or using force?

Officers are trained that giving verbal warnings or commands are always an officer’s first option before drawing a weapon or using force. However, every incident is handled on a case-by-case basis based on the facts known to the officer in that incident. The officer must balance the ability and time necessary to provide a warning with the imminent danger and risk of serious physical injury or death faced by both the officer and the involved citizens. As the United States Supreme Court has stated, “police officers are often forced to make split-second judgments — in circumstances that are tense, uncertain, and rapidly evolving — about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation.” (Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386, 397 (1989)).

5. Are the officers in the West Chester Police Department required to report each time they threaten to or use force on citizens?

Police officers understand they have been entrusted with the authority to lawfully use force to protect life and property and to apprehend criminal offenders. Therefore, the Department properly documents and reviews each use of force to maintain public confidence and trust. Police officers are required to report any physical contact likely to cause pain or injury and each time they draw and point a weapon at a citizen.

6. Are the officers in the West Chester Police Department trained to perform and seek necessary medical action after using force?

Police officers receive training in CPR, use of an AED and medical training in the police academy. They receive refresher training in these areas every other year per the regulations of

the Pennsylvania Council on Police Training. Officers are responsible for providing and obtaining medical aid for individuals who complain of, or show signs of injury, as a result of any

use of force by an officer. Officers will transport the individual to a medical treatment facility or request an ambulance and begin medical evaluation and care of such individuals as soon as practical.

7. Is there an early intervention system enforced to correct officers who use force?

The West Chester Police Department employs a computer system that documents all uses of force, along with citizen complaints, motor vehicle collisions and vehicle pursuits. The system is monitored by police staff when an officer is involved in these types of incidents. Additionally, every use of force is reviewed immediately by a direct supervisor and then again quarterly by an internal committee to ensure compliance with policy. Any use of force outside of policy is sent to the Department’s Professional Standards Office for investigation.

8. Do the West Chester Police use body cameras?

The West Chester Police Department received Commonwealth of Pennsylvania funding to implement a body worn camera (BWC) program in late 2019. The delivery and use of BWCs

began in January of 2020 for the Department.

The West Chester Police Department requires that all field operations personnel wear a BWC. Spare BWCs are available for other officers to utilize when required by policy. Officers are

required to record situations where they encounter the public and an arrest, detention, or use of force is likely.

The BWC policy was developed in accordance with the best practices determined by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice Body Worn Camera Tool Kit, and other

national and state resources.

9. What can I do as a concerned citizen?

Throughout the year, the West Chester Police Department plans and hosts various community activities and programs to engage with the community. These events include our festivals and National Night Out Against Crime. We are currently in the process of growing our community outreach programs and our community policing initiatives. It is important that members of the community stay connected by attending meetings, viewing updates on our websites (both our Departmental website and press release website) and following us on our social media platforms.

I and Mayor Dianne Herrin have an open-door policy and we invite all members of the community to reach out to us.

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Public Works

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1. How do I apply for a dumpster permit?

Dumpster permits can be obtained at the Public Works Department. A fee of $45 per week applies. In addition to this, a fee of $21 per space, per day will apply for all metered spaces taken up by the dumpster.

2. How do I apply for a street opening permit?

In order to close a road in the Borough the contractor must:

1)    Contact Public Works with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. If working on a Monday, you must notify PW no later than 3PM on the preceding Thursday.

2)    Contractor must notify the Parking Department 48 hours in advance for their No Parking Postings. If working on a Monday, you must notify Parking no later than 3PM on the preceding Thursday.

3)    You must notify PW if emergency vehicles will have access

4)    You must notify PW if it is a partial or full closure

5)    Contractor is responsible for placing road closure signs out and responsible for flaggers if required

6)    No closures can be requested the day of work unless a 100% true emergency

7)    A copy of the approved and paid PW Highway Occupancy Permit must be on the job site.

8)    Road Closures are permitted from 9AM – 3PM

9)    If a state road, PADOT approval is required

** Please note, failure to comply with this policy will result in a shut-down of the jobsite.

*** Please contact Public Works at 610-696-5282 for a permit and the procedures.  

3. What day is my trash and recycling collected?

Trash and recycling are collected on the same day. The collection routes are as follows:

Northwest Quadrant: Monday

Northeast Quadrant: Tuesday

Southeast Quadrant: Wednesday

Southwest Quadrant: Thursday

4. What can I put out with my recycling?

Refer to the recycling page for specifics on accepted items for recycling.

5. What can I put out with my trash?

Each property in the borough may place out 2, 35-gallon trash cans per week. In addition to these 2 cans, each property may place out no more than 4 of the Borough disposal bags.

6. Where can I buy borough disposal bags?

Please view the solid waste page for a list of locations.

7. When is bulk trash week?

Bulk trash week occurs during the week containing the 1st Monday of the month. Please refer to the Bulk Trash page under the Public Works Department for specific dates each month.  Each property may place out 1 large item at this time. Tires, television, computers, or appliances containing Freon are not accepted as bulk trash.

8. Where can I dispose of special recycling?

Electronics, appliances containing FREON, Fluorescent bulbs & CFL bulbs may be taken to the Public Works Department for a fee. The Public Works Department is located at: 205 Lacey St. West Chester, PA 19382

Hazardous waste can be taken to the Chester County Household Hazardous Waste events throughout the year. Please visit their website for more information about upcoming events.

9. What can I put out for yard waste collection?

Yard waste will be collected in tied bundles no longer than 4-foot length or in biodegradable bags. Yard waste placed out in trash cans or that is not tied into bundles will not be collected.

10. How can I sign up for the borough's tree planting program?

View the tree page in the Public Works Department to apply.

11. When does street sweeping occur in my neighborhood?

Generally areas north of Market Street are swept on Mondays and Tuesdays while areas south of Market Street are swept on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The central business district being swept nightly.

Parking is normally restricted in these areas from 2 - 5 a.m. and from 8 - 11 a.m. Check the restricted parking signage on your block and please be sure to have your vehicle moved during these times.

12. When does the borough call a snow emergency?

A Snow Emergency is declared when a snow accumulation of 6 inches or more is expected or when hazardous conditions exist, such as an ice storm.  During a Snow Emergency, cars on Snow Emergency Routes must be moved to other parking locations for the duration of the Snow Emergency.

13. Where can I park my car if an emergency is called?

Parking charges are waived at all surface parking lots and borough parking garages (Chestnut Street and Bicentennial) during the snow emergency.

14. How can I pay my water and sewer bill?

You can pay your Aqua-PA bill by mail or in person at:
East Goshen United Check Cashing
1159 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA 19382

You may pay your sewer bill through the Treasurer's Office at:
401 E. Gay St.
West Chester, PA 19380

15. What is the Solid Waste Collection Schedule?

Municipal solid waste is collected by employees of the Borough of West Chester Department of Public Works. Municipal waste is collected one day per week in each of the four Borough quadrants.

For more information http://west-chester.com/164/Solid-Waste

16. What us Recyclable Collection Schedule?

Recycling in West Chester follows the same schedule as trash collection. The Borough's recycling program is a single-stream, curbside collection program.

For more information http://west-chester.com/160/Recycling

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Sewer

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1. Is there is a minimum monthly charge for sewer?

There is a minimum monthly charge for sewer even if there is no water usage. If there is an active water account for the property, there is a monthly sewer fee. The fee is currently $30.11.

2. How is my sewer bill determined?

Monthly sewer charges are based on your actual water usage. Please keep in mind any water used for gardens, lawns, car washing or pools will be billed to your sewer account.

3. How do I handle a bill discrepancy?

If there is an inaccuracy between your Aqua and Borough of West Chester Sewer accounts, you as the property owner are responsible for all sewer charges once all corrections are complete.

Please note that even the smallest leak such as a dripping faucet or running toilet can result in an abnormally high water and sewer bill.

4. What do I do if I did not receive my sewer bill?

Please contact the Treasurer's Office at 610-436-1357 or by email. The sewer bill is generated monthly in accordance with the water meter reading.

5. What are the sewer rates?

As of January 1, 2021, the charge is $30.11 for the first 2,000 or less gallons of water used. If over 2,000 gallons of water are used, it is an additional $7.99 per 1,000 gallons or any part thereof.

6. Payment Information

You may pay your sewer bill through the Treasurer's Office (no cash accepted) at:
401 E. Gay St.
West Chester, PA 19380

Payment of Cash in Person:  You may pay cash in person at the following local Western Union locations or call 877-987-2782 for other locations:

Giant Food Store 
698 Downingtown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380

ShopRite
1115 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382

Giant Food Store 
1375 East Boot Road, West Chester, PA 19380

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Snow Emergencies

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1. Who declares a snow emergency?

A snow emergency is a declaration by the Mayor in concert with the Borough's Police and Public Works Departments and is supported by Section 104-79 of the Borough Code of Ordinances.

2. When are snow emergencies declared?

Snow Emergencies are declared when winter snow and ice conditions are severe enough to mandate that vehicles should not be parked on public streets. Occasionally, when the prediction is certain enough, the Borough will declare the snow emergency in advance.

3. Why are snow emergencies declared?

Snow emergencies are declared due to substantial accumulation and/or icy conditions. The purpose of the snow emergency is to promote an environment where Borough snow removal crews can better remove snow and ice between the curbs and public streets (curb to curb). This opens the roads to better accommodate future on street parking as well as to facilitate proper access for emergency vehicles including ambulance and fire response vehicles, mail delivery, and trash pick-up.

4. How can I find out when a snow emergency has been declared?

Snow emergencies are normally announced by the Borough via ReadyChesco and our Notify Me service. Snow emergencies will also be announced on this website.

5. How long does a snow emergency last?

Under the code the declaration remains in effect for a period not to exceed 72 hours after cessation of the snowstorm event. Failure to comply with the Borough's declaration of the snow emergency does carry a fine. Also be advised that if necessary, the Borough will tow your car and assess all costs to the owner of the vehicle.

6. Where can I park during a snow emergency?

All borough parking garages are available for the duration of the snow emergency. 

These free for use parking garages include the Chestnut Street Garage, Bicentennial Garage on High Street, New Street Garage, Sharpless Street Garage & Matlack Street Garage as well as Chester County's Justice Center Garage.  

7. Where are the snow emergency routes?

You can view a image of the Snow Emergency Routes here.

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Stream Protection

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1. What is the Stream Protection Fee?

The Stream Protection Fee (SPF) Program was established by Borough Council via ordinance in June 2016 to provide a dedicated funding source for stream restoration and stormwater mitigation initiatives. This include repairs to stormwater infrastructure such as pipes, inlets, and outfalls which collectively comprise the Borough’s MS4 or municipal separate storm sewer system; restoration of Borough streams and tributaries that convey stormwater from the MS4 into area waterways; and maintenance activities such as street sweeping and inlet cleaning, which are crucial in keeping the stormwater system functioning properly; as well as requisite outflow testing, reporting, and stormwater pollution-mitigation strategies required by state and federal regulations. 

Click here for more information about the Stream Protection Fee.

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Taxes

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1. Covid-19 & Real Estate Taxes

On May 12, 2020 the Borough Council adopted Resolution14-2020 Waiving the Collection of Late Fees if taxes are paid in full by December 31, 2020.

2. What are the payment options for taxes?

• Mail: Mail to the following locations:
  401 E. Gay St.
  West Chester, PA 19380
  
  To obtain a receipt, return entire bill and a self addressed, stamped envelope with your payment.
• Bank: The Susquehanna Bank located at
  9 N. High St.
  West Chester, PA 19380
  
  Only this location. You must take entire bill.
• Online Bill Pay: If using your bank bill pay function, you must include your parcel number listed on the tax bill as the account number. The parcel number is unique to each property. Please do not include multiple parcel numbers, each parcel needs to be paid separately.
• Credit cards are not accepted.

3. What if my taxes are in escrow?

If funds are in escrow, forward entire bill to mortgage company.

4. Are postmarks acceptable?

Payment must be received in this office by due date or postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service by the due date in order to receive discount or to avoid penalty. If payment is made by check, the stamped receipt is not valid until check has cleared.

5. What if I am no longer the property owner?

If property has been sold, please return bill to the Tax Office.

6. What if I need to change my address or if it incorrect?

Please contact the Chester County Assessment Office at 610-344-6360 to request an address change.

7. What if I did not receive my tax bill?

Tax bills are mailed on or about March 1st each year. If you did not receive your bill, please contact Chester County at (610)344-6370 for questions pertaining to current year property taxes, requests for tax certifications and requests for duplicate bills.

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Trees

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1. How do I order a tree?

Please go to www.west-chester.com/193/trees.