[Ord. 905, 6/19/2017]
This Part is enacted for the following purposes: to promote and protect the health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants of residential housing in the Borough of Oxford by abating overcrowded housing conditions; securing adequate lighting, heating, ventilation, access and egress; and preventing or correcting unhygienic, unsanitary or unsafe conditions and other nuisances which might constitute a menace to residents of the Borough of Oxford.
[Ord. 905, 6/19/2017]
In interpreting and applying the provisions of this Part, said provisions are the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety and general welfare. Where the provisions of this Part impose greater restrictions than those of any other ordinance or regulation, the provisions of this Part shall be controlling. Where the provisions of any statute, other ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions than this Part, the provisions of such statute, ordinance or regulation shall be controlling.
[Ord. 905, 6/19/2017]
1. 
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words and phrases shall be construed throughout this Part to have the meaning herein indicated. The singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular. The present tense shall include the future tense.
BASEMENT
The portion of any dwelling located partly underground but having less than half of its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground.
CELLAR
The portion of any dwelling having half or more than half of its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining ground.
DWELLING or DWELLING UNIT
A building or entirely self-contained portion thereof containing complete housekeeping, sleeping, and lavatory facilities for occupancy as a residence by only one family (including any domestic servants living or employed on the premises) with no enclosed space (other than vestibules, entrances, or other hallways or porches) in common with any other dwelling units. This definition excludes units in a motel, hotel, building, dormitory, hospital, and the like. "Dwellings" shall be designed in any of the following configurations:
A. 
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLINGA building designed for and occupied exclusively as a residence for one family and having no common party wall with an adjacent building or dwelling.
B. 
SINGLE-FAMILY SEMIDETACHED DWELLINGA building designed for and occupied exclusively as a residence for one family that shares one common party wall on a lot line with another dwelling, and each dwelling has yard area on three sides.
C. 
TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGA building designed for and occupied exclusively as a residence for two families living independently of each other, including a duplex (one dwelling unit above the other) or a twin (one dwelling unit beside the other).
D. 
MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLINGA building or portion thereof containing or designed to contain three or more dwelling units with or without common access facilities.
E. 
MOBILE HOMEA mobile home may qualify as a single-family detached dwelling, provided that said mobile home meets all standards as established by all building and other applicable codes of the Borough of Oxford.
EXTERMINATION
The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other pests by eliminating their harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food; by poisoning, spraying, fumigating or trapping; or by any other recognized and legal pest-elimination method.
GARBAGE/RUBBISH
Any waste, discarded or rejected matter or substance, vegetable matter, liquid or otherwise, which attends the preparation, use, cooking or storing of food, decaying fruit, animal or mineral, including unused chattels, furnishings, tools, vehicles, implements, trash, debris, scrap, junk, garbage, leaves, decayed or fallen trees, the branches or other parts thereof, stones, ashes, cinders, papers and all other superfluous, abandoned or unused materials or substances of whatsoever kind and condition.
HABITABLE FLOOR SPACE
Total space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating, and cooking, excluding bathrooms, closets, toilet compartments, halls, storage or utility spaces, cellars, basements, attics, garages, enclosed porches, roofed terraces, balconies, and unheated areas, such as enclosed porches.
HOUSING OFFICER
The official of the Borough of Oxford designated by Borough Council to assist in the enforcement of this chapter.
INFESTATION
The presence, within or around a multiple-unit dwelling, of any insects, rodents or other pests.
MULTIPLE-UNIT DWELLING
Any building, including an apartment or condominium building, containing two or more dwelling units.
NEW OR CONVERTED DWELLING UNIT
A newly constructed dwelling unit or an existing space converted into a dwelling unit, thereby creating a two-family or multifamily dwelling, or increasing the number of units in a multifamily dwelling.
OCCUPANT
Any person living and sleeping in a dwelling unit or rooming unit.
OPENABLE AREA
The part of a window or door that is available for unobstructed ventilation and that opens directly to the outdoors.
OPERATOR
Any person having charge, care, management or control of any multiple-unit dwelling or part thereof in which dwelling units or rooming units are let.
OWNER
Any person or entity who, alone or jointly or severally with others:
A. 
Shall have legal title to any dwelling unit or rooming unit, with or without accompanying actual possession thereof; or
B. 
Shall have care, custody or control of any dwelling unit or rooming unit as owner or agent of the owner, or as executor, administrator, trustee or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any such person thus representing the actual owner shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this Part and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto to the same extent as if he were the owner.
PERSON
An individual, firm, corporation, association or partnership or other legal entity.
ROOMING UNIT
Any rented room or group of such rooms forming a single habitable unit used or intended to be used for living and sleeping, but not for cooking, eating or bathing purposes.
SUPPLIED
Installed, furnished or provided by the owner or operator at his expense.
TEMPORARY HOUSING
Any tent, trailer or other structure used for human shelter which is designed to be transportable and which is not permanently attached to the ground, to another structure or to any utility system.
[Ord. 905, 6/19/2017]
1. 
No dwelling unit or rooming unit which does not comply with the following shall be occupied:
A. 
Water Supply. Every dwelling unit shall be supplied with, and every rooming unit shall have access to, a properly installed, pressurized potable water supply.
B. 
Kitchen Facilities. Every dwelling unit shall be supplied with, and every rooming unit shall have access to:
(1) 
A kitchen sink in good working condition and properly installed in conformity with the Plumbing Code of Oxford Borough.
(2) 
Installed cooking facilities or utility connections for such facilities. Every piece of cooking equipment shall be so constructed and installed that it will function safely and effectively and shall be maintained in sound working condition. Stove heating and flame units shall be at least six inches from any facing wall.
(3) 
Every new or converted dwelling unit shall be equipped with an approved exhaust fan capable of removing cooking odors and smoke from all kitchens.
C. 
Bathroom Facilities. Every dwelling unit shall contain, and every rooming unit shall have access to, one or more enclosed rooms which afford privacy to a person and which are supplied with a flush toilet, a lavatory basin and a bathtub or shower, all of these facilities in good working condition and properly installed in conformity with the Plumbing Code of the Borough of Oxford.
D. 
Hot and Cold Water. Every kitchen sink, lavatory basin and bathtub or shower required by this Part shall be properly connected in conformity with the Plumbing Code of the Borough of Oxford and supplied with both hot and cold water. The hot water lines shall be connected to water heating facilities which are capable of heating and supplying continuous hot water at a minimum temperature of 120° F., even when the heating facilities required by this Part are not in operation.
E. 
Plumbing Fixtures. All plumbing fixtures shall be properly connected in accordance with the Plumbing Code of the Borough of Oxford.
F. 
Heating Facilities. Every dwelling unit and every rooming unit shall be supplied with properly installed heating facilities which are capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms and bathrooms within its walls to a temperature of at least 68° F. at a distance three feet above floor level at an outdoor temperature of 0° F. Portable heating facilities employing flames and which use gasoline, kerosene, natural gas or propane as fuel do not meet the standard, and are not permitted for long-term use.
G. 
Electrical Service. Every dwelling unit and every rooming unit shall be provided with an approved adequate electrical service as defined by the National Electrical Code. Every habitable room and bathroom of such new or converted dwelling shall be supplied with at least two separate pairs of electric convenience outlets in the wall. Outlets in bathrooms and kitchens must be GFIC outlets. Every bathroom, laundry room, furnace room and hall shall contain at least one switch-operated light fixture on the ceiling or the wall. Every such outlet or fixture shall be properly installed and shall be maintained in good and safe working condition.
(1) 
All exposed wiring shall have insulation that is not frayed, dry-rotted or brittle and generally in good condition. Switches and outlets shall be operable at all times, and plates shall be secured in position. No temporary wiring shall be used except extension cords (no more than one in each outlet) which run directly from portable electrical fixtures to outlets and which are not run under floor-covering materials or extended through doorways, windows or other similar openings. In no case shall extension cords be used outdoors unless specifically rated for exterior use.
[Ord. 905, 6/19/2017]
1. 
No dwelling unit or rooming unit which does not comply with the following shall be occupied:
A. 
Natural Light in Habitable Rooms. Every habitable space shall have not less than one window of approved size facing directly to the outdoors or to a court. The minimum total glazed area for every habitable space shall be 10% of the floor area of such room. Wherever walls or others portions of a structure face a window of any room and such obstructions are located less than three feet (914 mm) from the window and extend to a level above that of the ceiling of the room, such window shall not be deemed to face directly to the outdoors nor to a court and shall not be included as contributing to the required minimum total window area for the room.
[Amended by Ord. No. 956-2022, 10/17/2022]
(1) 
Exception: Where natural light for rooms or spaces without exterior glazing areas is provided through an adjoining room, the unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall be not less than 10% of the floor area of the interior room or space, or not less than 25 square feet (2.33 m2), whichever is greater. The exterior glazing area shall be based on the total floor area being served.
B. 
Light in Nonhabitable Space. Every stair, hall, cellar, basement, laundry, furnace room and similar nonhabitable workspace located in a structure used for human habitation shall have adequate light capable of providing at all times not less than 50 footcandles of light at floor level. Every public hall and stairway in a multiple-unit dwelling shall also be adequately lighted at all times to provide not less than 50 footcandles of light at floor level.
C. 
Ventilation in Habitable Rooms. Every habitable room or bathroom shall be ventilated either by openable areas directly accessible to the outdoors and equal to at least 45% of the required window area or by equivalent mechanical ventilation.
D. 
Ventilation in Bathrooms. The required bathroom in each dwelling unit shall be ventilated either by an openable area directly accessible to the outdoors and not less than 1 1/2 square feet or by equivalent mechanical ventilation.
E. 
Required Space in New or Converted Dwelling Units and Sleeping Rooms. Every two-bedroom new or converted dwelling unit shall contain at least 650 square feet of total space, excluding stairways. Every one-bedroom new or converted dwelling unit shall contain at least 500 square feet of total space, excluding stairways. In every new or converted dwelling unit of two or more rooms, every room occupied for sleeping purposes shall contain at least 100 square feet of floor space for one person sleeping therein, and 120 square feet of floor space for two persons sleeping therein.
F. 
Required Access to Bathrooms or Sleeping Rooms. No new or converted dwelling unit containing two or more sleeping rooms shall have room arrangements such that access to a bathroom or water closet compartment intended for use by occupants of more than one sleeping room can be had only by going through another sleeping room, nor shall room arrangements be such that access to a sleeping room can be had only by going through another sleeping room or a bathroom or water closet compartment.
G. 
Required Ceiling Height. In every new or converted dwelling unit, the ceiling height from the floor area of every habitable room shall be at least seven feet six inches.
H. 
Basement Dwelling Units. No basement space shall be used as a habitable room or dwelling unit unless:
(1) 
The floor and walls are impervious to leakage of underground and surface runoff water and are insulated against dampness.
(2) 
The requirements of Subsections 1A and C hereof relating to natural light and ventilation in habitable rooms are met.
(3) 
The required minimum window area is located entirely above the grade of the ground adjoining such window area.
[Ord. 905, 6/19/2017]
1. 
No dwelling unit or rooming unit which does not comply with the following shall be occupied:
A. 
Grading and Drainage.
(1) 
All premises shall be graded and maintained so as to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water thereon or within any building or structure located thereon.
(2) 
Downspouts and rain leaders shall be so placed on all structures as to minimize the flow of excess water upon and across any adjacent properties.
B. 
Noxious Weeds and Grass.
(1) 
All exterior property areas shall be kept free from species of weeds or plant growth which are noxious or detrimental to the public health, as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and updated from time to time.
(2) 
Grass shall not at any time exceed a height of six inches. Grasses which are overgrown shall be ordered trimmed by the Code Enforcement Officer. If the property owner does not comply within five days, the Code Enforcement Officer shall arrange for the trimming to be completed, the costs of such work billed to the owner and asserted as a lien against the property if not paid within 30 days.
(3) 
Hedges, briars or any other growth planted for or intended to be used for ornamental purposes, after the same have lost their ornamental or useful purposes by reason of having been unkempt or untrimmed, shall be ordered trimmed by the Code Enforcement Officer. If the property owner does not comply within five days, the Code Enforcement Officer shall arrange for the trimming to be completed, the costs of such work billed to the owner and asserted as a lien against the property if not paid within 30 days.
C. 
Accessory Structures. All accessory structures, including detached garages, toolsheds, storage sheds, fences or any other appurtenances to the main building, shall be maintained at all times in a neat manner, in good repair and shall be structurally sound.
D. 
Except as provided for in other regulations, inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicles shall not be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and vehicles shall not at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray booth.
[Amended by Ord. No. 956-2022, 10/17/2022]
(1) 
Exception: A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including body work, provided that such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes.
E. 
Structural Safety.
(1) 
Every outside stair, porch, deck and every appurtenance attached thereto shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads to which it is subjected as required by the Building Code, and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair.
(2) 
In all dwelling units, every stairwell and every flight of stairs which is more than three risers high shall have handrails or railings. Every handrail shall be firmly fastened and must be maintained in good condition. Railings with a balustrade capable of bearing normally imposed loads shall be placed on the open portions of stairs, balconies, landings and stairwells.
F. 
Windows and Doors. Every window sash shall be fully supplied with glass windowpanes or an approved substitute, without open cracks or holes. Every window sash shall be in good condition and fit reasonably tight within its frame. Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be capable of being easily opened and shall be held in position by window hardware. Every exterior door, door hinge and door latch shall be maintained in good condition. Every exterior door, when closed, shall fit reasonably well within its frame. Every window, door and frame shall be constructed and maintained in such relation to the adjacent wall construction as to exclude rain as completely as possible and to substantially exclude wind from entering the dwelling.
G. 
Free from Dampness. Cellars, basements and crawl spaces shall be maintained reasonably free from dampness to prevent conditions conducive to decay or deterioration of the structure, as required by the Building Code.
H. 
Maintained in Good Repair. All floors, flooring baseboards and trim shall be free of wide cracks and loose, warped, protruding and rotted sections which could constitute a hazardous and unsanitary condition. Walls and ceilings must be free of holes larger than those from standard picture-hanging hooks and/or drywall anchors, large cracks, loose plaster and other structural material which could collapse and become an accident hazard. Plaster, paint and other surface materials shall be of such character as to be easily cleanable and reasonably smooth, clean and tight.
I. 
Bathroom Floors. Every toilet and bathroom floor surface shall be constructed and maintained so as to be substantially impervious to water and so as to permit such floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
J. 
Demolition by Neglect. All buildings and structures within the Oxford Borough Historic District shall be maintained in good repair and shall be reasonably protected against decay and deterioration so as to avoid a condition of demolition by neglect, as defined by Chapter 12, Historic District, of the Code of the Borough of Oxford. The Code Enforcement Officer shall evaluate the condition of any such building or structure against the criteria for demolition by neglect contained in the currently adopted edition of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and shall institute proceedings to avert or remedy such condition in accordance with the terms of the IPMC, as he deems necessary.
[Ord. 905, 6/19/2017]
1. 
No dwelling unit or rooming unit which does not comply with the following shall be occupied:
A. 
Structural Condition. Every foundation shall be watertight, rodentproof and kept in good repair.
B. 
Openings to the Exterior. Every window, exterior door, hatchway or skylight shall be weathertight and watertight, and shall be kept in sound working condition and good repair.
C. 
Stairways, Porches, Decks and Balconies. Every stairway, porch, deck and balcony, as well as every appurtenance thereto, shall be so constructed as to be safe to use and capable of supporting the load that normal use may cause to be placed thereon and shall be kept in sound condition and repair.
D. 
Storage Rooms. Storage rooms in all multiple-unit dwellings that furnish tenants with lockers for storage shall have walls and ceilings covered with either Sheetrock or wire lath with cement plaster having a burn rating of at least 90 minutes.
[Ord. 905, 6/19/2017]
1. 
Owners shall be responsible for the following:
A. 
Maintenance of Premises.
(1) 
Every owner shall require that every adult occupant of a dwelling unit or rooming unit maintain in clean and sanitary condition the premises which he occupies or controls.
(2) 
Every owner of a building containing any dwelling and/or rooming units shall be responsible for maintaining in clean and sanitary condition the shared or public areas within and around such building and premises.
(3) 
Every dwelling unit in which animals of any kind are housed must be kept clean and free from animal droppings and obnoxious odors. In the event the animals are housed in other accessory structures, these structures and the surrounding yard shall be clean and free of animal droppings and obnoxious odors.
B. 
Maintenance of Equipment. Every owner of a building containing any dwelling and/or rooming units shall be responsible for keeping supplied plumbing fixtures, appliances and facilities in proper operating condition.
C. 
Waste Disposal.
(1) 
Every occupant of a dwelling unit or rooming unit shall dispose of rubbish and recycling in accordance with the regulations of the Borough of Oxford governing such matters. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to assure that adequate rubbish and recycling containers are provided.
(2) 
Rubbish and recycling stored outdoors shall be stored in one or more rubbish storage containers which are flytight, rodentproof, nonflammable, waterproof and weatherproof.
(3) 
Rubbish and recycling stored in the basement, cellar or in an enclosed structure such as a shed shall be stored in nonflammable containers.
(4) 
No loose rubbish or recycling shall be placed upon or strewn about on the floor of any basement, cellar or other part of any dwelling, or on the ground surrounding any dwelling.
(5) 
Every outside or inside garbage/rubbish and/or recycling storage container shall be so maintained and so located on the premises that no odors will permeate any dwelling or dwelling units.
(6) 
Rubbish and recycling storage facilities shall be so located and designed that access can be had at all times by rubbish and recycling collectors. Parking in front of such facilities shall be prohibited, and such prohibition shall be enforced by the owner.
D. 
Extermination. The owner and the operator shall be responsible for any necessary extermination.
E. 
Discontinuance of Utilities or Facilities. No owner, operator or occupant shall cause any service facility, equipment or utility which is required to be supplied under the provisions of this Part to be removed from, shut off from or discontinued for any occupied dwelling unit or rooming unit, except for necessary repairs, alterations or emergencies, but not to exceed 12 hours per day; except that the owner shall not be responsible for such public utility where said owner has no control over the same.
F. 
Occupancy of Dwelling Units. No person shall occupy or permit to be occupied by another any dwelling unit or rooming unit that does not have a valid certificate of occupancy.
(1) 
With respect to owner-occupied single-family dwellings, an inspection and a new certificate of occupancy are required upon the change of ownership, and will remain valid until the next change of ownership.
(2) 
With respect to a residential rental dwelling unit or rooming unit, inspection and a new certificate of occupancy are required, in accordance with Part 5 of this chapter.
G. 
Screening. Every owner of a building containing any dwelling and/or rooming units shall be responsible for providing every operable window, door or other opening to the exterior with effective screening protection against mosquitoes, flies and other insects.
H. 
Sidewalks.
(1) 
Sidewalks, together with any portion of a property that is paved and used as a sidewalk or public walk, shall be kept in good repair, free from large cracks, raised blocks, depressions or any condition which could render the sidewalk hazardous to pedestrian travel.
(2) 
Sidewalks shall at all times be kept free and clear of all obstructions to safe and convenient passage.
(3) 
Tree branches, bushes or any other growth shall not project over any sidewalk lower than a height of nine feet, nor shall they protrude in such a manner as to restrict safe and convenient passage.