Franklin Township, PA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Franklin Township's Street Opening Ordinance, Ord. 2004-05 adopted May 12, 2004, governs any private encroachment into a Township road or its right-of-way. § 67322, the Township bars opening, cutting, excavating, boring or disturbing any road or right-of-way; laying gas, water, electric or cable conduits or other piping, or a railroad or street railway crossing; grading, constructing or installing a drain, culvert, footpath, drive or driveway or other means of ingress or egress; erecting telephone, telegraph or electric light or power poles or any other obstruction; or constructing a railroad or street railway, in each case unless it is done under the conditions and permits the Township prescribes.

Section 21-103 requires the permit application on a Township form, filed in duplicate with the Township Engineer, accompanied by a fee set by the schedule PennDOT uses for highway occupancy permits and restoration charges, along with three copies of a sketch locating the work. Section 21-104 obligates the Township Engineer to approve or deny within 10 calendar days, in writing with reasons if denied. Applicants must also call PA One-Call at least three working days ahead under § 21-105, and detours, erosion control, OSHA compliance, backfill specifications and restoration standards follow in the remainder of Part 1.

Violations are enforced under § 21-136: a summary offense before a Magisterial District Judge, a fine of $25 to $1,000 plus costs and reasonable attorney fees, up to 90 days' imprisonment for nonpayment, with each day of a continuing violation and each section violated counted separately.