Moving to a new township comes with a long to-do list. In South Fayette, providers and permit rules can change by street, which can slow you down if you do not know where to start. We put together a simple, local guide so you can set up utilities, understand permits, and save key phone numbers in one place. Let’s dive in.
Start utilities in South Fayette
Always verify service by your exact address. Different parts of the township are served by different utility companies. Use the township’s resource page to confirm your providers before you call or schedule service. You can find current listings on the township’s Utility Companies page. Check utilities by address on the township site.
Electricity
- Who serves you: Portions of South Fayette are served by Duquesne Light or West Penn Power. The provider depends on your street.
- How to start: Use your distribution company’s start, stop, or transfer service tools. Expect to provide basic ID and your move-in date.
- Outages and emergencies: Report downed lines or outages to your distribution company. West Penn Power lists 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877). Duquesne Light offers online outage reporting. See Duquesne Light service and outage info.
Natural gas
- Who serves you: Peoples Natural Gas and Columbia Gas both appear in the township. It varies by address.
- How to start: Use your utility’s start or transfer service page or call customer service.
- Emergencies: If you smell gas, call the utility emergency number and 911. Peoples customer line is 1-800-764-0111. Columbia Gas emergency is 1-888-460-4332. For general timing on new or changed service, review utility guidance. See Peoples Gas service info.
Water and sewer
- Water: Pennsylvania American Water serves parts of South Fayette. Call 1-800-565-7292 to set up or confirm service. Find PA American Water contact info.
- Sewer: The Municipal Authority of the Township of South Fayette manages sanitary sewer collection in much of the township. Ask early about billing and any lateral or time-of-sale requirements.
Trash and recycling
Single-family homes have curbside collection through Waste Management. The township posts the pickup calendar, bulk pickup details, and missed pickup steps. See South Fayette trash and recycling.
Internet and phone
Service is address specific. Run an availability check with your preferred providers. If wired options are limited at your address, consider home wireless as a backup.
Permits and inspections: what to know
South Fayette’s Building and Code Department issues permits and performs inspections. Contact the office before you begin work to avoid fines or closing delays. See Building and Code details.
Projects that need permits
Many common projects require a permit or review, including decks, fences, pools, sheds, structural additions, roofing with structural changes, and changes to electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems. If you are not sure, call first. The township’s Code Corner covers frequent topics and links to forms. Visit Code Corner.
How to apply and schedule inspections
- Step 1: Confirm zoning and that your project is allowed.
- Step 2: Submit the correct permit application and required plans.
- Step 3: Pay fees according to the current schedule.
- Step 4: Schedule inspections at required stages, such as rough and final.
- Step 5: Obtain final sign-off or a Certificate of Occupancy when required.
For larger projects or land development, review timelines and submittal checklists. See Planning and Land Development.
Call before you dig
Pennsylvania law requires you to contact Pennsylvania One Call before any excavation. This includes fence posts and mailbox posts. Call 811 at least three business days before digging. Learn how PA One Call works.
Key local contacts
- South Fayette Township main line, general inquiries: 412-221-8700. Ask to be routed to the right department. Township contact info
- Building and Code (permits and inspections): Call the main line, request Building and Code, Ext. 212.
- Planning and Zoning: Call the main line, request Planning, Ext. 215.
- Police non-emergency: 412-221-2170 (emergency: 911). South Fayette Police Department
- Waste Management customer service: 1-800-866-4460. Trash and recycling details
- Electric outage example: West Penn Power 1-888-LIGHTSS (544-4877).
- Natural gas customer lines: Peoples 1-800-764-0111, Columbia Gas emergency 1-888-460-4332.
- Pennsylvania American Water customer care: 1-800-565-7292.
Your South Fayette move-in checklist
- 2+ weeks before move: Verify your electric, gas, and water companies by address. Start or transfer service with your move-in date. Utilities often need 2 to 5 business days to schedule. See what to expect when starting service.
- 1 to 2 weeks before move: Confirm your trash and recycling day. Schedule any bulk pickup as needed. Find the pickup calendar.
- Day of move: Make sure utility meters are accessible. Follow your utility’s instructions for safe reconnection.
Avoid common pitfalls
- Always verify identity for door-to-door energy sales. Do not share your account number unless you are certain who you are speaking with. Review Duquesne Light’s customer choice FAQs.
- For supplier questions or complaints, use state consumer resources. Visit the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Need a local guide?
If you want a smooth South Fayette move, we are here to help you plan timelines, understand permit steps, and coordinate a stress-limited handoff from contract to keys. Reach out to Alyssa Howley and Kimberly Yot, The Yot Howley Group for friendly, local guidance and full-service representation across the South Hills and greater Allegheny County.
FAQs
How do I find my electric or gas company in South Fayette?
- Use the township’s utility directory to confirm by street address, then contact the listed distribution company to start or transfer service. Check the township’s utility listings.
Do I need to set up trash service for a single-family home?
- Most single-family homes have curbside collection through Waste Management under township arrangements, so check the calendar and guidelines rather than opening a separate account. See trash and recycling details.
Who handles sewer billing and lateral questions?
- The Municipal Authority of the Township of South Fayette manages sanitary sewer in much of the township, so contact the authority early for billing and lateral requirements when buying or selling.
Do I need a permit for a pool, fence, or deck?
- Yes, these projects commonly require permits and inspections in South Fayette, so contact Building and Code before work begins. Review common permit topics in Code Corner.
How soon should I start utilities before move-in?
- Schedule service 2 to 5 business days before your move date when a meter is present, and start earlier for new construction or line extensions. See utility start-service expectations.
