FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions List
General Questions
Click on the questions and you will be directed to the appropriate section of the website
Where can I find information about the borough’s budget?
How do I apply for a job with the Borough?
What events and meetings are occurring this month in Forest Hills?
How can I obtain council meeting minutes?
It’s a holiday. How do I know if my trash and recycling will be picked up today?
I misplaced my copy of the Tree City Times. Can I find it online?
How can I access a copy of the borough’s zoning ordinance on the website?
Where can I find a copy of the zoning map?
How can I find out information about the borough’s code of ordinances?
Pet Questions
What do I do about my neighbor’s barking dog?
Chapter 2 Part 1 Section 2-103 of the Code of Ordinances states that it shall be unlawful for any owner of a dog to permit or to allow such dog in the Forest Hills Borough to be at large; Engage in habitual howling, barking, crying or whining or conduct itself in such a manner as to unreasonably and habitually annoy any persons; Cause damage or destruction to any property or create a nuisance by performing its excretory functions upon the premises of a person other than the owner of the dog; Chase or otherwise harass any person in such a manner as to reasonably cause intimidation or to put such person in reasonable apprehension of bodily harm or injury; Habitually chase, run aside of or bark at motor vehicles or bicycles.
It is preferable that residents try to establish good communication with each other to alleviate conflicts, but if the situation becomes a nuisance, residents may summon police to this by calling 911.
What are the rules on dogs running at large?
The State dog law mandates that owners have control over their dogs at all times. The best way to establish control is with a leash. Animal Control Officers are tasked with enforcing most calls for dogs at large. You can summon the officers by calling 911.
When do I have to license my dog?
All dogs three months or older must be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. Violators can be cited with a maximum fine of $300 per violation plus court costs.
An annual license is $8.50 and a lifetime license is $51.50. If the animal is spayed or neutered, the annual fee is $6.50 and lifetime is $31.50. Discounts are available to older adults and people with disabilities.
The small license fee helps the millions of dogs in the state by funding the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement.
Dog licenses are available from the County Treasurer. The County Treasurer website is: http://www.alleghenycountytreasurer.us/dog-license
Reasons for dog licensing:
- It’s the law. All dogs three months and older must have a current license.
- If your dog gets lost, a license is the best way to get him back. A license helps animal control and shelters identify your dog and get him back home safely.
- The cost of a license is less than the penalty for being caught without one. Owners who fail to license their dogs could face a fine of up to $300 for each unlicensed dog.
- License fees support animal control. The annual fee you pay to license your dog helps keep shelters running and supports the work of the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement, which is responsible for ensuring the welfare of dogs, regulating dangerous dogs and overseeing annual licensing and rabies vaccinations.
What parks in the Borough allow for my dogs to run off leash?
Dogs are permitted in the parks with the exception of posted areas. However they are not permitted to be off leash. Owners are required to pickup and remove any dog waste.
Who do I call with a dog complaint?
The number for animal control is 412-351-7346. The line is answered by Allegheny County 911, but they dispatch Animal Control to Forest Hills calls.
What do I do if a dog bites me?
Here are some strategies that could keep an aggressive dog from attacking you:
Try commanding the dog to “sit,” or “stay.” This could give you time to think or even get away.
Do not make any sudden movements. Rather, keep your hands down at your sides. This may serve to calm the dog down and show that you are not a threat.
Do not turn your back on the dog. Canines often take that as a sign of weakness or an opening to attack.
Further, do not run away! That will probably only cause the dog to come after you.
Don’t smile. Bared teeth may signify aggression to a dog. Back away slowly once the dog stops paying attention to you.
If the dog does attack and the wound is serious, call 911. Dispatchers will send appropriate responders. If the bite is not serious, call 911, and either Animal Control or Police will respond to take a “Bite” report. The officers will assure the offending dog is licensed properly and has current shots. They will also issue a quarantine to the dog owner to ensure the animal is controlled and monitored for infectious diseases.
What are my responsibilities if my dog bites someone else?
See answer above. Also all dog owners are obligated to have their pets licensed and inoculated with required shots.
Who do I call if I think a dog is being mistreated?
Calling 911 will bring the appropriate responders to the scene of a complaint in Forest Hills. The officers will assess the situation and take appropriate action, which may include referral to the local humane officer.
What do I do if my dog runs away?
Call 911 and report the lost pet.
What do I do if I see a stray dog in my neighborhood?
Call 911, and officers will respond to capture the animal if possible.
Where do I find information about the PA State Dog Laws?
State Dog Laws can be referenced at this website: Pennsylvania Dept of Agriculture- Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement
Police Questions
How do I report a crime?
To report a serious crime, you should dial 911 from your phone, and advise the dispatcher of what is occurring. They may give you specific instructions to follow to keep yourself safe, or will advise of police response and where to meet them. To report a parking, ordinance, or minor violation, you should call the non-emergency phone number, 412-473-3056. Calls are answered by County 9-1-1, please inform them you have a non-emergency call and they will direct you to the correct department.
How do I get a tour of the Police Department for my group?
If you belong to a group and would like a tour of the Police Department and Public Safety Building, you can call the Crime Prevention Unit, 412-351-7346, to schedule the tour. You can also arrange for a tour with the fire department to coincide with the police department tour.
How do I find out about the Megan’s Law Website?
You can go to the Pennsylvania State Police Website, http://www.psp.state.pa.us/. Click on Megan’s Law Website under the heading of PSP Services. Those who are required to register as a sexual offender, must do so through the Pennsylvania State Police.
How do I obtain a permit to solicit for my business?
Permits are issued at the Borough office after the completion of a Solicitation Permit Application and payment of a $25.00 fee per week. The ordinance governing solicitaion is available at this link: https://ecode360.com/31364555. Applications are reviewed by the Chief of Police once all information and fees have been submitted. A valid photo ID/Drivers license is required at time of application.
How do I obtain a permit to have amusement devices in my establishment?
You can pick up an application for an amusement device permit at the Borough office.
How do I get permission to park a vehicle on the street over night?
You can request special permission to park a vehicle on the street during the overnight hours by calling 412-473-3056 , between the hours of 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM, prior to parking the vehicle overnight. Permission will only be given to those persons who can not park the vehicle in their driveway due to construction, repaving, or an overnight guest and the driveway is currently filled with other vehicles. There is a limit to how often the permission is granted. Special situations requiring extended time periods, for example driveway reconstruction will be considered by calling 412-351-7346.
How do I schedule to have a block party on my street?
Permission to have a block party can be arraigned by calling the Borough office at 412-351-7330.
I am having an alarm system installed in my house, do I need a permit?
No. The Borough is not currently charging a fee; this may be subject to change in the future.
How do I get a copy of a police report?
If you are in need of an accident report your insurance company will in most cases make the request for you. Police reports, other than accidents, can be obtained at the Borough office. There is a $15.00 fee for most reports. Under no circumstances, will a juvenile’s information be released.
How do I get assistance installing a child safety seat?
An officer can inspect and install your child’s car seat by calling 412-351-7346 and making an appointment.