One of the first questions homeowners ask when renting a dumpster is whether they need a permit. The answer depends on where you're placing the dumpster — on your private property (driveway) or on a public street. Here's a clear breakdown of the rules in Pennsylvania and specifically in Montgomery County.
Dumpster on Your Driveway: No Permit Needed
Good news for most homeowners
If the dumpster is placed entirely on your private driveway and does not extend onto the sidewalk or street, you generally do not need a permit in Pennsylvania. This covers the vast majority of residential dumpster rentals.
Our 15-yard dumpster is approximately 14 feet long and 8 feet wide. Most standard driveways can accommodate it without any overhang onto public property. When you call us to schedule delivery, tell us about your driveway and we'll confirm placement before we arrive.
Dumpster on the Street: Permit Required
If your driveway is too narrow, too short, or too steep to accommodate the dumpster — or if you simply prefer to keep your driveway clear — we can place the dumpster on the street. However, placing a dumpster on a public street in Pennsylvania requires a right-of-way permit from your local municipality.
Street placement permit requirements vary by municipality
Each township, borough, and city in Montgomery County has its own permit process, fees, and requirements. Common requirements include:
- •Application submitted to the municipal public works or code enforcement office
- •Permit fee (typically $25–$100 depending on municipality)
- •Reflective cones or markers placed around the dumpster
- •Dumpster must not block fire hydrants, driveways, or intersections
- •Permit must be displayed on the dumpster
We recommend applying for the permit at least 3–5 business days before your planned delivery date. Most Montgomery County municipalities process permits quickly, but some require more lead time.
Permit Contacts for Common Montgomery County Municipalities
Upper Merion Township (King of Prussia)
Upper Merion Township Public Works — (610) 265-1570
Norristown Borough
Norristown Code Enforcement — (610) 272-8400
Conshohocken Borough
Conshohocken Borough Hall — (610) 828-1092
Lower Merion Township
Lower Merion Building & Planning — (610) 645-6200
Lansdale Borough
Lansdale Borough Hall — (215) 855-1591
Horsham Township
Horsham Township Public Works — (215) 643-3131
Not on this list? Call your municipality's main number and ask for the public works or code enforcement department. They'll direct you to the right permit process.
HOA Rules and Dumpster Rentals
If your property is governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), check your HOA rules before scheduling delivery. Some HOAs have restrictions on dumpster placement, duration, or require advance notice. Common HOA requirements include:
- Advance written notice to the HOA board (typically 48–72 hours)
- Dumpster must be placed on private property only (no street placement)
- Rental period limited to a specific number of days
- Dumpster must be screened or covered if visible from the street
How We Help
When you call APES Demolitions to schedule a dumpster delivery, we'll ask about your placement situation and flag any permit requirements based on your address. We've been operating in Montgomery County since 2021 and know the local rules well. We won't show up and place a dumpster in a spot that requires a permit you don't have — we'll work with you to get the placement right before delivery day.