Fire hydrant service and water distribution in North Whitehall Township are managed by regional water authorities, including the Northampton Borough Municipal Authority (NBMA), Lehigh County Authority (LCA), and Whitehall Township Authority (WTA). Together, these authorities maintain over 300 fire hydrants across their service areas in the township.
Under North Whitehall Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), private developers are required to cover the upfront costs for fire hydrants in new commercial and residential projects that meet the SALDO threshold requirements. Developers fund the purchase and installation of water lines to comply with Township and North Whitehall Fire Company standards before the infrastructure is formally dedicated to the public utility network. Following dedication, the water authorities bill maintenance fees back to the township.
Key Rules & Guidelines
• Clearing Clearance: Property owners with a fire hydrant near their land must clear at least 3 feet of space around it to ensure firefighters can access it quickly during an emergency. Do not landscape or add plantings around hydrants. It is also the responsibility of the property owner to clear snow around the hydrant.
• Parking Rules: Under Pennsylvania law, it is illegal to park a vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Under North Whitehall Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), private developers are required to cover the upfront costs for fire hydrants in new commercial and residential projects that meet the SALDO threshold requirements. Developers fund the purchase and installation of water lines to comply with Township and North Whitehall Fire Company standards before the infrastructure is formally dedicated to the public utility network. Following dedication, the water authorities bill maintenance fees back to the township.
Key Rules & Guidelines
• Clearing Clearance: Property owners with a fire hydrant near their land must clear at least 3 feet of space around it to ensure firefighters can access it quickly during an emergency. Do not landscape or add plantings around hydrants. It is also the responsibility of the property owner to clear snow around the hydrant.
• Parking Rules: Under Pennsylvania law, it is illegal to park a vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.