Tilden Township

Tilden Township is a second class township in northern Berks County, Pennsylvania, with municipal offices located at 874 Hex Highway, Hamburg, PA 19526. The township sits west of the Schuylkill River and shares borders with Schuylkill County to the north, Hamburg Borough to the east, Upper Bern Township to the west and Centre Township to the south. It covers roughly 19 square miles and is home to approximately 4,000 residents. The township office serves as the central point of contact for permits, tax questions, public records, meeting information and general municipal business, and can be reached at 610-562-7410.

History

Tilden Township was organized as a separate district in 1887, carved out of what had previously been part of Upper Bern Township. The new township was named for Samuel J. Tilden, the New York governor who ran for president in the 1876 election. More than a century later, the township continues to operate under Pennsylvania's second class township code, a form of government used by the majority of rural and suburban municipalities across the commonwealth.

A notable chapter in the township's more recent history is the reinstatement of its police department in 1998. In 2007, the municipal building complex opened, and the police department moved into its current home at 870 Hex Highway, directly adjacent to the township offices.

Township Government

Tilden Township is governed by a three member Board of Supervisors, each elected to a six year term. The supervisors set policy, adopt the annual budget, enact ordinances and oversee municipal operations. Supporting the board are several appointed and elected positions, including:

• A five member Planning Commission, appointed to five year terms
• A five member Zoning Hearing Board
• A township secretary who handles day to day administrative functions
• An elected tax collector
• A municipal road crew responsible for township roadways

The Planning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm. Its responsibilities include reviewing and updating the Comprehensive Plan, preparing zoning and subdivision/land development ordinances, and making recommendations to the supervisors on rezoning requests and proposed development plans.

The Zoning Hearing Board functions as a quasi-judicial body and meets as needed. It hears applications for variances and special exceptions, substantive and procedural challenges to land use ordinances, appeals from decisions of the Zoning Officer, flood plain determinations and matters involving transfer of development rights. Residents with questions about a Zoning Variance Application can call the township office during business hours.

Permits and Land Development

The township office processes a full range of permit applications, including zoning, building and electrical, mechanical and plumbing, fire protection, driveway and stormwater management permits. Completed forms may be mailed, dropped off in person at 874 Hex Highway, faxed to 610-562-5490 or submitted by email. After hours, a drop slot at the main entrance of the Township Building accepts documents and forms.

Building Inspection Underwriters of Pennsylvania serves as the Building Code Official. Effective January 6, 2025, Keystone Consulting Engineers serves as the township Zoning Officer. Inspections tied to existing permits are scheduled directly with Bill Murphy at 570-499-7204.

Commercial projects involving subdivision or land development require applications filed with both the township and Berks County. Commercial plan review requirements are provided by Building Inspection Underwriters, with township fees established by Resolution 2026-4 and county fees set by the county's own schedule. Landlords with rental units in the township complete a Rental Property Information Form along with a Self-Certification inspection form.

Police Department

The Tilden Township Police Department operates from 870 Hex Highway and provides 24 hour coverage through Berks County Dispatch. The department is led by Chief William J. McEllroy III and staffed by Sgt. Peter J. Witman, Officer Frank A. Cataldi and Officer Phoenix J. Ritchie. The facility includes a squad room, an interview room and holding cells. A bike patrol was added to the department's operations in 2023, expanding community visibility in parks and neighborhoods. For non emergency matters, dispatch can be reached at 610-655-4911 or 800-372-9111. Requests for police audio and video recordings follow the procedures set out in Pennsylvania Act 22 of 2017.

Taxes and Bill Payment

Property taxes are collected by elected Tax Collector Dorothy McLaughlin, who can be reached at 610-562-9804. Posted sitting hours are held throughout March, April, July and August, and appointments are available on request. A drop box at the Township Building accepts exact payments. Residents who mail both copies of their bill along with a self addressed stamped envelope will receive a stamped receipt in return. Local Services Tax (LST) and LST registration forms are available through the township office.

Municipal sewer and water bills can be paid electronically through the secure MuniciPay portal, giving residents an alternative to mailing a check or delivering payment in person.

Stormwater, Emergency Alerts and Elections

Tilden Township administers an MS4 stormwater pollution prevention program as required under the Federal Clean Water Act and Pennsylvania Act 167. The program covers public education on catch basin and storm sewer protection, best management practice maintenance guidance for homeowners, and a citizen Illicit Discharge Complaint Form that residents can use to report clogged inlets or suspicious dry weather flows.

The township participates in the CodeRed emergency notification system. Enrollment is free through the OnSolve account portal, and a companion mobile app delivers emergency and severe weather alerts. A separate Resident Special Needs Form allows the Department of Emergency Services to identify households that may require additional assistance during an emergency.

The Township Building serves as the Precinct 1 polling place. The township provides residents with links to online voter registration, absentee and mail-in ballot applications, and contact information for Berks County Election Services at 633 Court Street in Reading (610-478-6490).

Public Records and Community Facilities

Right-to-Know requests must be submitted on the official form in accordance with Township Resolution 2024-16 and directed to Right-to-Know Officer Monica Flower by fax (610-562-5490), email, mail or hand delivery. Online, residents can access Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission agendas and minutes, township ordinances hosted on eCode360, the zoning map, annual budgets, monthly financial statements and current fee schedule resolutions. A Google Calendar subscription option allows residents to add all township meetings to their personal calendars.

The township pavilion is available for resident and community events through a rental application. Events where alcohol will be served require a separate alcoholic beverage permit application. The township also accepts property maintenance complaints, illicit stormwater discharge complaints and general complaints through downloadable forms.