[HISTORY: Article I adopted by the Board
of Commissioners of the Township of Haverford as indicated in article
histories. Article II adopted by the Department of Public Health of
the Township of Haverford as indicated in article histories. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 9-9-1968 byOrd. No. 1341]
This article is enacted to promote and protect
the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the inhabitants
of the Township of Haverford by abating overcrowded housing conditions;
by assuring adequate lighting, heating, ventilation, access and egress;
by avoiding undue concentration of population; by preventing or correcting
unhygienic, unsanitary or unsafe conditions which might constitute
a menace to residents and visitors in the Township; and by conserving
property values.
In interpreting and applying the provisions
of this article, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements
for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals and general
welfare. Where the provisions of this article impose greater restrictions
than those of any other ordinance or regulation, the provisions of
this article shall be controlling. Where the provisions of any statute,
other ordinance or regulation impose greater restrictions than this
article, the provisions of such statute, ordinance or regulation shall
be controlling.
This article shall be known and may be cited
as the "Haverford Township Housing Code of 1968."
[Amended 6-30-1986 by Ord. No. 1960]
A.
BASEMENT
CELLAR
COMMUNITY LIVING ARRANGEMENT (CLA)
DIRECTOR OF CODE ENFORCEMENT
DWELLING
DWELLING UNIT
EXTERMINATION
GARBAGE
HABITABLE ROOM
INFESTATION
MULTIPLE DWELLING
OCCUPANT
OPENABLE AREA
OPERATOR
OWNER
(1)
(2)
PERSON
ROOMING UNIT
RUBBISH
STUDENT HOUSING
SUPPLIED
TEMPORARY HOUSING
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following words
and phrases shall be construed throughout this article to have the
meanings herein indicated.
The portion of any dwelling partly underground but having
less than 1/2 its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the average
grade of the adjoining ground.
The portion of an dwelling having 1/2 or more than 1/2 of
its clear floor-to-ceiling height below the average grade of the adjoining
ground.
An establishment, sometimes referred to as a "community living
arrangement" or a "group home," licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
that provides a home for not more than six handicapped individuals,
excluding staff who do not reside on the property, who live and cook
together as a single housekeeping unit. This definition shall not
include a facility housing persons released from or under the jurisdiction
of a government bureau of corrections or similar institution. "Handicapped"
means, with respect to a person: a physical or mental impairment which
substantially limits one or more of such person's major life activities;
a record of having such an impairment; or being regarded as having
such an impairment, but such term does not include current, illegal
use of or addiction to a controlled substance [as defined in Section
102 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. § 802)].
[Added 2-25-1991 by Ord. No. 2106]
The Director of Code Enforcement of the Township of Haverford
or such deputies or assistants as may be designated by the Board of
Commissioners of Haverford Township to assist in the performance of
the duties of the "Director of Code Enforcement."
Any building which is used or intended to be used, in whole
or in part, for living or sleeping by human occupants, provided that
temporary housing, as hereinafter defined, shall not be regarded as
a dwelling.
Any room or group of rooms located in a dwelling and forming
a single habitable unit, with facilities which are used or intended
to be used for living, sleeping, cooking and eating.
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 methods.
Solid wastes from the preparation, cooking and dispensing
of food and from the handling, storage and sale of produce.
A room or enclosed floor space used or intended to be used
for living, sleeping or eating purposes, excluding bathrooms, laundries,
foyers, pantries, communicating corridors, stairways, closets, basements
and cellars, recreation rooms and storage spaces.
The presence within or around a dwelling of any insects,
rodents or other pests.
A building containing three or more families living independently
of one another.
Any person, including an owner or operator, living and sleeping
in a dwelling unit or rooming unit.
The part of a window or door which is available for unobstructed
ventilation and which opens directly to the outdoors.
Any person having charge, care, management or control of
any dwelling or part thereof in which dwelling units or rooming units
are let.
Any person who, alone or jointly or severally with others,
shall:
Have legal title to any dwelling or dwelling
unit, with or without accompanying actual possession thereof; or
Have charge, care or control of any dwelling
or dwelling 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 article and of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant
thereto to the same extent as if he were the owner.
An individual, firm, corporation, association or partnership.
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 or eating purposes.
Combustible and noncombustible waste materials, except garbage.
A living arrangement for a number of students unrelated by
blood, marriage or legal adoption attending or planning to attend
either undergraduate or graduate programs at colleges or universities
or who are on a semester or summer break from studies at colleges
or universities or any combination of such persons. The residents
of a student home share living expenses and may live and cook as a
single housekeeping unit but may also only share access to cooking
facilities and not live and cook as a single housekeeping unit. Student
homes shall not include fraternities or sororities.
[Added 10-10-1989 by Ord. No. 2057]
Installed, furnished or provided by the owner or operator
at his expense.
Any tent, trailer or other structure used for human shelter
which is designed to be transportable and which is not attached to
the ground, to another structure or to any utilities system on the
same premises for more than 30 consecutive days.
B.
The singular shall include the plural, and the plural
shall include the singular. The present tense shall include the future
tense.
A.
Basic equipment and facilities. No person shall occupy,
as owner-occupant, or shall let to another for occupancy any dwelling
or dwelling unit which does not comply with the following requirements:
(1)
Water supply. Every dwelling unit shall be supplied
with a properly installed pressurized potable water supply approved
by the Director of Code Enforcement. Periodic chemical and bacteriological
examination shall be required at the expense of the owner if the source
of such water supply is other than a proper public utility system.
A copy of the results of such examination shall be filed with the
Director of Code Enforcement.
[Amended 6-30-1986 by Ord. No. 1960]
(2)
Kitchen facilities. Every dwelling unit shall be supplied
with the following:
(3)
Bathroom facilities. Every dwelling unit shall contain
one or more 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 Haverford Township, provided
that:
(a)
The occupants of two dwelling units in the same
dwelling may share a single bathroom which meets the above requirements
if neither of the two dwelling units contain more than two rooms and
if the bathroom is accessible to the occupants of each dwelling unit
without going through the dwelling or rooming unit of another person
or outside the dwelling.
(b)
A dwelling so located as to be accessible to
a Township sanitary sewer shall have the drainage system of the building
connected thereto. A dwelling so located as to be inaccessible to
a Township sanitary sewer shall have the drainage system of the building
connected to a private sewage system which meets the requirements
of the Plumbing Code of Haverford Township.
(4)
Hot and cold water. Every kitchen sink, lavatory basin
and bathtub or shower required by this article shall be properly connected
in conformity with the Plumbing Code of Haverford Township and supplied
with both hot and cold water. The hot water lines shall be connected
with water-heating facilities which are capable of heating water to
a temperature of 120° F. even when the heating facilities required
by this article are not in operation.
(5)
Plumbing fixtures. All plumbing fixtures shall be
properly connected in accordance with the Plumbing Code of Haverford
Township.
(6)
Heating facilities. Every dwelling 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 flame and which use gasoline, kerosene
or gas as fuel do not meet this standard.
(7)
Electrical service. Every dwelling shall be provided
with electrical service. Every habitable room of such dwelling shall
be supplied with at least two separate electric convenience outlets
in the floor or wall or one such convenience outlet and one supplied
ceiling-type or wall-type electric light fixture. Every bathroom,
laundry room, furnace room and public hall shall contain at least
one supplied 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.
B.
Light and ventilation. No person shall occupy, as
owner-occupant, or shall let to another for occupancy any dwelling,
dwelling unit or rooming unit which does not comply with the following:
(1)
Natural light in habitable rooms. Every habitable
room shall have at least one window or skylight facing directly to
the outdoors. The minimum aggregate area available for unobstructed
light shall be not less than 10% of the floor area of such room.
(2)
Light in nonhabitable space. Every stair, hall, cellar,
basement, laundry, furnace room and similar nonhabitable work space
located in a structure used for human habitation shall have either
adequate natural or artificial light available at all times. Every
public hall and stairway in a multiple dwelling shall be adequately
lighted at all times.
(3)
Ventilation in habitable rooms. Every habitable room
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.
(4)
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.
C.
Space use and occupancy. No person shall occupy or
shall let to another for occupancy any dwelling, dwelling unit or
rooming unit which does not comply with the following minimum standards
for space use and occupancy:
(1)
Required space in dwelling units. Every dwelling unit
shall contain at least 600 square feet of gross habitable floor area,
not including stairs and corridors.
(2)
Required space in sleeping rooms. In every dwelling
unit of two or more rooms, every room occupied for sleeping purposes
shall contain at least 120 square feet of floor space, and every room
occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one occupant shall contain
at least 60 square feet of floor space for each occupant thereof.
For the purposes of this subsection, a person under one year of age
shall not be counted as an occupant.
(3)
Required access to bathrooms or sleeping rooms. No
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.
(4)
Required ceiling height. At least 1/3 of the floor
area of every habitable room shall have a ceiling height of at least
seven feet. The floor area of that part of any room where the ceiling
height is less than five feet shall not be considered as part of the
floor area of the room for the purpose of determining the maximum
permissible occupancy thereof.
(5)
Basement dwelling units. No basement space shall be
used as a habitable room or dwelling unit unless:
(6)
Student housing. Student housing shall only be permitted when authorized as a special exception by the Zoning Hearing Board, pursuant to § 182-202B of these General Laws of the Township of Haverford.
[Added 10-10-1989 by Ord. No. 2057;
amended 2-21-2006 by Ord. No. 2463]
(7)
Community living arrangement. A community living arrangement
shall be permitted as a conditional use, provided that the Director
of Code Enforcement shall find that the following standards are met:
[Added 2-25-1991 by Ord. No. 2106]
(b)
A minimum of two paved on-site, off-street parking
spaces located to the side or rear of the premises and not in the
front yard shall be required in addition to those otherwise required
for a single-family dwelling.
(c)
The owner, agent or manager of the CLA shall register such home with the Township as required by Chapter 104, § 104-6, the General Laws of Haverford Township, entitled Housing Standards, and shall comply with the requirements of said chapter, including the yearly registration provisions. If such CLA is not registered in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 104, the conditional use permit shall expire and the CLA use shall be unlawful.
D.
Safe and sanitary maintenance. No person shall occupy,
as owner-occupant, or shall let to another for occupancy any dwelling,
dwelling unit or rooming unit in a structure which does not comply
with the following minimum standards for safe and sanitary maintenance:
(1)
Structural condition. Every foundation, wall, ceiling
and roof shall be structurally sound; shall be effectively weathertight,
watertight and rodentproof; and shall be kept in good repair.
(2)
Openings to the exterior. Every window, exterior door,
hatchway or skylight shall be effectively weathertight and watertight
and shall be kept in sound working condition and good repair.
(3)
Stairways, porches and balconies. Every stairway,
porch 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.
A.
In addition to any specific contractual agreements
between owners and occupants with respect to responsibilities, the
following shall apply:
(1)
Maintenance of premises. Every adult occupant of a
dwelling unit or rooming unit shall be responsible for maintaining
in a clean and sanitary condition the premises which he occupies or
controls. Every owner of a building containing two or more dwelling
and/or rooming units shall be responsible for maintaining in a clean
and sanitary condition the shared or public areas within and around
such building and premises.
(2)
Maintenance of equipment. Every occupant of a dwelling
unit or rooming unit shall be responsible for the exercise of proper
care in the use and operation of all plumbing fixtures, appliances
and equipment therein. Every owner of a building containing two or
more dwelling and/or rooming units shall be responsible for keeping
supplied facilities in proper operating condition.
(3)
Waste disposal. Every occupant of a dwelling unit
or rooming unit shall dispose of rubbish, garbage and other refuse
in accordance with the regulations of Haverford Township governing
such matters. In a structure containing three or more dwellings and/or
rooming units, it shall be the responsibility of the owner to assure
that adequate rubbish and garbage containers are provided.
(4)
Extermination. The renter-occupant of a dwelling containing
a single dwelling unit shall be responsible for the extermination
of any rodents, vermin or other pests therein or on the premises.
In a structure containing two or more dwelling and/or rooming units,
the occupant shall be responsible for such extermination whenever
his unit is the only one infested. When, however, infestation of any
unit is caused by failure of the owner to maintain such unit in a
rodentproof condition or when two or more units within a structure
are infested, extermination shall be the responsibility of the owner.
(5)
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 article to be removed from, shut off from or discontinued for
any occupied dwelling unit or rooming unit, except for necessary repairs,
alterations or emergencies.
(6)
Occupancy of vacant units. No person shall occupy
or permit to be occupied by another any vacant dwelling unit or rooming
unit unless or until it is in good repair, clean, sanitary, in habitable
condition and in full compliance with all the provisions of this article.
B.
Every owner of a building containing two or more dwelling
and/or rooming units shall be responsible for providing every window,
door or other opening to the exterior with effective protection against
mosquitoes, flies and other insects.
C.
Minimum level of heat. Every owner of a building containing
two or more dwelling and/or rooming units shall be responsible for
maintaining the temperature in every occupied unit in such building
at not less than 68° F. during the hours from 7:00 a.m. until
10:00 p.m.
D.
Registration of occupants. Every owner, operator,
agent or occupant of any dwelling unit shall be responsible for the
registration with the Director, Department of Code Enforcement, of
all occupants of any dwelling unit where occupants number more than
two unrelated persons.
[Added 2-10-1975 by Ord. No. 1595; amended 12-14-1981 by Ord. No.
1818; 6-30-1986 by Ord. No. 1960]
[Amended 6-30-1986 by Ord. No. 1960]
The Board of Commissioners of the Township of
Haverford may direct the Director of Code Enforcement and such deputies
and assistants as are necessary to enforce the provisions of this
article. Such positions may be combined with another position or positions
established in the Township. In order to determine compliance with
and enforce the provisions of this article, the following shall apply:
A.
Inspection and access to dwellings. The Director of
Code Enforcement or his agents are hereby authorized and directed
to make inspections of the conditions of dwelling units, rooming units
and premises located in the Township of Haverford. Upon display of
proper identification and official authorization by the Director of
Code Enforcement to inspect a specifically identified unit, the inspector
is authorized to enter, examine and survey such units and premises
on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00. p.m. or at such other time
as may be necessary in an emergency or as mutually agreed upon by
the occupant and the Director of Code Enforcement or one of his agents.
B.
Access for repairs. Every occupant of a dwelling unit
or rooming unit shall grant to the owner or his agents or employees
free access to it at reasonable times for the purpose of making repairs
or alterations to effect compliance with this article.
C.
Notice of violation. When the Director of Code Enforcement
determines that there exists a violation of any provision of this
article, he shall serve written notice of such violation to the person
or persons responsible therefor as hereinafter provided.
(1)
Such notice shall:
(a)
Be put in writing.
(b)
Include a statement of the reasons why it is
being issued.
(c)
Allow a reasonable time for the performance
of any act it requires.
(d)
Be served upon the owner or his agent or the
occupant, as the case may require, provided that such notice shall
be deemed to be properly served upon such person if a copy thereof
is served upon him personally or if a copy thereof is sent by registered
or certified mail to his last known address or if he is served by
any other method authorized or required under the laws of this commonwealth.
(2)
Such notice may contain an outline of remedial action
which, if taken, will effect compliance with the provisions of this
article and with rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
D.
Appeals from notice of violation. Any person affected
by any notice which has been issued in connection with the enforcement
of any provisions of this article or of any rule or regulation adopted
pursuant thereto may request and shall be granted a hearing on the
matter before the Director of Code Enforcement of Haverford Township,
provided that such person shall file in the office of the Director
of Code Enforcement a written petition requesting such hearing and
setting forth a brief statement of the grounds therefor within 14
days after the day the notice was served. Upon receipt of such petition,
the Director of Code Enforcement shall set a time and place for such
hearing and shall give the petitioner written notice thereof. At such
hearing, the petitioner shall be given an opportunity to be heard
and to show why such notice should be modified or withdrawn. The hearing
shall be commenced not later than 10 days after the day on which the
petition was filed, provided that, upon application of the petitioner,
the Director of Code Enforcement may postpone the date of the hearing
for a reasonable time beyond such ten-day period if, in his judgment,
the petitioner has submitted sufficient reason for such postponement.
After the hearing, the Director of Code Enforcement may sustain, modify
or withdraw the notice of the violations on the basis of the findings
of the hearing and shall give the petitioner written notice thereof.
Such proceedings shall be summarized, in writing, and shall become
a matter of public record in the office of the Director of Code Enforcement.
Such record shall also include a copy of every notice or order issued
in connection with the matter. Any person aggrieved by the decision
of the Director of Code Enforcement may seek relief therefrom in any
court of competent jurisdiction as provided by the laws of this commonwealth.
E.
Effective date of notice,of violation. Any notice served pursuant to Subsection C of this section shall automatically become an order if a written petition is not filed in the office of the Director of Code Enforcement within 14 days after such notice is filed.
F.
Variance from terms of Article. The Director of Code
Enforcement may authorize a variance, upon written application, from
the terms of this article when, because of special conditions, undue
hardship would result from literal enforcement and when such variance
is consistent with the spirit of this article. In any instance where
the Director of Code Enforcement considers a request for such variance,
the Director of Code Enforcement shall determine whether the unique
circumstances for which the variance is sought were not created by
the present or former owners of the property and are not due to or
the results of general conditions in the district in which the property
is located.
G.
Emergency action. Whenever the Director of Code Enforcement
finds that there exists any violation of this article which creates
an emergency requiring immediate correction to protect the health
or safety of any occupant of a dwelling or the public, he may issue
an order reciting the existence of such an emergency and requiring
that such action be taken as he deems necessary to meet the emergency.
Notwithstanding the other provisions of this article, such order shall
be effective immediately. Any person to whom such order is directed
shall comply therewith immediately, but, upon petition to the Director
of Code Enforcement, shall be afforded a hearing as soon as possible.
After such hearing, depending upon the findings of the Director of
Code Enforcement as to whether the provisions of this article and
of the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto have been complied
with, the Director of Code Enforcement shall continue such order in
effect or modify it or revoke it.
H.
Dwellings unfit for human habitation.
(1)
Whenever the Director of Code Enforcement finds that a dwelling constitutes a serious hazard to the health or safety of the occupants or to the public because it is dilapidated, unsanitary, vermin-infested, rodent-infested or lacking in basic facilities and equipment required by this article, he shall report such dwelling to the Director of Code Enforcement, which may designate such dwelling as unfit for human habitation. Such designation shall be posted on the dwelling and shall specify the reason for such a finding. A notice of violation shall also be served in accordance with the provisions of Subsection C of this section. Any dwelling so designated shall be vacated within a reasonable time as specified by the Director of Code Enforcement and shall not again be used for human habitation until the hazard or violation has been eliminated or corrected, and the Director of Code Enforcement has removed the designation and given written approval for occupancy.
(2)
The Director of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized
to make inspections to determine the condition of dwellings, dwelling
units, rooming units and premises located within the Township in order
that he may perform his duty of safeguarding the health and safety
of the occupants of dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and of
the general public. For the purpose of making such inspection, the
Director of Code Enforcement is hereby authorized to enter, examine
and survey at all reasonable times all dwellings, dwelling units,
rooming units and premises. The owner or occupant of every dwelling,
dwelling unit and rooming unit or the person in charge thereof shall
give the Director of Code Enforcement free access to such dwelling,
dwelling unit, rooming unit and its premises at all reasonable times
for the purpose of such inspection, examination and survey. Every
occupant of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit shall give the
owner thereof or his agent or employee access to any part of such
dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit or its premises at all reasonable
times for the purpose of making such repairs or alterations as are
necessary to effect compliance with the provisions of this article
or with any lawful rule or regulation adopted or any lawful order
issued pursuant to the provisions of this article.
[Added 5-10-1971 by Ord. No.423]
I.
Abatement of violations. If a violation has not been
corrected within the time designated for such compliance and the Director
of Code Enforcement finds that the continuation of such violation
constitutes a public nuisance or hazard, he may order the correction
of such violation using Township funds or Township personnel to accomplish
such correction and may charge the cost thereof to the violator. He
may collect such cost by lien and/or otherwise as may be authorized
by the laws of this commonwealth.
[Amended 11-11-1968 by Ord. No. 1345; 6-30-1986 by Ord. No.
1960; 6-13-1988 by Ord. No. 2019; 3-12-2012 by Ord. No. 2660]
Any person who violates any provision of this
article or any provision of any rule or regulation adopted by the
Director of Code Enforcement pursuant to authority granted by this
article or fails to correct in a reasonable time the defects for which
the dwelling or dwellings have been cited shall, upon summary conviction
before any District Justice of the Peace, pay a fine not exceeding
$1,000 and costs of prosecution; and in default of one payment of
the fine and costs, the violator may be sentenced to the county jail
for a term of not more than 90 days. Each and every day in which any
person, firm or corporation shall be in violation of this article
or the rules or regulations shall constitute a separate offense.
[Amended 6-30-1986 by Ord. No. 1960]
The Director of Code Enforcement is authorized
to make and adopt such procedural rules as he may deem necessary for
the proper enforcement of this article, provided that such procedural
rules and regulations shall not be in conflict with the substantive
provisions of this article. Such rules and regulations shall have
the same force and effect as the provisions of this article, and the
penalty for violation thereof shall be the same as the penalty for
violation of the provisions of this article.
[Amended 2-14-1972 by Ord. No. 1453]
A.
After the effective date of this article, no person
shall lease or rent any dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit in
Haverford Township without first making application to and obtaining
from the Director of Code Enforcement a permit to rent or lease such
dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit. Such application shall set
forth the name of the applicant, together with the address of the
dwelling, the dwelling unit or units or the rooming unit or units
which are or will be offered for rent, and such other information
as may be required by the Director of Code Enforcement, such application
to constitute an agreement between the applicant and the Director
of Code Enforcement for the faithful compliance by the applicant and
all agents, servants, employees or representatives of the applicant
with all ordinances of Haverford Township and all rules and regulations
of the Director of Code Enforcement now in effect or hereafter adopted
relating to the basic equipment, physical condition, maintenance and
occupancy of dwellings and dwelling units. A permit fee shall be paid
by the applicant at or before the issuance of the permit, said fees
to be set by resolution of the Board of Commissioners as amended from
time to time, which permit fee shall be paid annually.
[Amended 3-8-1976 by Ord. No. 1636; 1-30-1978 by Ord. No.
1696; 12-14-1981 by Ord. No. 1818; 6-30-1986 by Ord. No. 1960; 2-21-2006 by Ord. No. 2463]
B.
The applicant shall promptly inform the Director of
Code Enforcement, in writing, of any change made to a property which
alters the information provided in the application for permit. Unless
previously revoked or suspended, such permit shall expire as of the
first day of March following its issuance, at or prior to which time
application shall be made for renewal of all such permits for a further
period of 12 months.
[Amended 3-13-1972 by Ord. No. 1463; 6-30-1986 by Ord. No.
1960]
C.
All housing license fees must be submitted to the
Department of Code Enforcement by March 1 of each year. A penalty
of $50 will be added if payment is received after March 1 of the permit
year.
[Added 10-9-1979 by Ord. No. 1755; amended 12-14-1981 by Ord. No.
1818; 2-21-2006 by Ord. No. 2463]
[Added 5-14-1973 by Ord. No. 1518; amended 1-30-1978 by Ord. No.
1696; 12-14-1981 as Ord. No. 1818; 2-8-1993 by Ord. No. 2168; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2965-2022]
No person shall occupy, or permit to be occupied
by another, any vacant rental dwelling unit or rental rooming unit
until an inspection is performed by the Code Enforcement Department
to insure that the rental property meets all of the requirements of
the Code of the Township of Haverford, including, but not limited
to, the International Property Maintenance Code, the Uniform Construction
Code, the International Fire Code and any and all other applicable
provisions of the Code of Haverford Township or the laws of the Commonwealth.
The Code Department shall have discretion to schedule inspections
of such properties consistent with this chapter. Failure to comply
with a notice from the Code Department regarding the scheduling or
conduct of an inspection under this chapter may result in suspension
and/or revocation of any or all residential rental license permits
of the property owner. Inspections under this chapter shall be subject
to such fees and charges as set by the Township for inspections and/or
re-inspections as fixed by resolution of the Board of Commissioners,
as may be amended.
[Added 12-29-1971 by Ord. No. 1445;
amended 3-13-1972 by Ord. No. 1462]
A.
All presently existing multifamily dwellings and apartment
house buildings in the Township of Haverford and all such structures
hereinafter constructed shall be provided with self-closing locks
on all doors giving entrance to any part of said structures. For purposes
of this article, a self-closing lock shall be one encompassing a device
which will ensure closing after having been opened for use and which
may only be opened by one entering such a structure by a key.
B.
Each multifamily dwelling or apartment housing building
shall have an intercommunication system or bell system connected to
each multifamily dwelling unit or apartment house unit or shall have
a security guard to patrol the premises.
[Added 12-11-1972 by Ord. No. 1492]
[Added 7-10-1972 by Ord. No. 1477; amended 6-30-1986 by Ord. No.
1960; 5-14-2012 by Ord. No. 2663; 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2965-2022[1]]
A.
Fire extinguishers, as designated by the Director of Code Enforcement
and/or Chief Fire Code Official, shall be placed in all residential
rental properties in the Township of Haverford. These fire extinguishers
shall be so located that a person will not have to travel more than
50 feet from any point to reach the nearest fire extinguisher. At
least one fire extinguisher shall be required for each 2,500 square
feet of floor area. Additional fire extinguishers may be required
as directed by the Director of Code Enforcement and/or Chief Fire
Code Official.
B.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of new and existing one-
and two-family dwellings to install smoke detectors powered by the
building's primary power or a nonremovable (sealed) ten-year
battery. Smoke detectors must be installed as follows: one on each
level of the dwelling and one in each bedroom. In addition to the
required smoke detectors, the dwelling must be equipped with a carbon
monoxide (CO) detector located outside the entrance to any bedroom
or sleeping area. Combination smoke/CO detectors are permitted.
C.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of new and existing multiple-family
dwellings (buildings containing three or more apartments units) to
install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in each
unit in the same fashion as described for one- and two-family dwellings.
In addition to the requirements for each unit the buildings common
areas shall be equipped with a monitored fire alarm system consisting
of a fire alarm panel, system smoke detectors, manual pull stations
and audible horn/strobe devices. All fire alarm systems must be inspected,
tested, and certified each year by a qualified licensed fire alarm
inspector. Copies of the certification must be kept on site for Township
inspection.
D.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of new and existing mixed-use
occupancies [residential unit(s) located above nonresidential buildings]
to install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in the
residential unit in the same fashion as described for one- and two-family
dwellings. In addition to the requirements for the residential unit(s),
one smoke detector must be interconnected with the nonresidential
unit(s) smoke detection system.
E.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of new and existing multiple-family
dwellings (buildings containing three or more units) to equip all
doors providing access to interior corridors or stairs with a self-closing
device that will ensure closing after having been opened. It shall
also be the duty of the owner of a multiple-family dwelling, which
is required to be equipped with self-closing doors, to keep and maintain
such doors in good repair.
F.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of new and existing multiple-family
dwellings (buildings containing three or more units) to install exit
signs to identify the means of egress from each floor. These signs
are required to be illuminated at all times by both a normal and emergency
power source.
G.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of new and existing multiple-family
dwellings (buildings containing three or more units) to install lighting
in common corridors, stairways and the exit discharge (exterior) to
provide a light level of one footcandle at the floor. This lighting
must be on a circuit independent of any dwelling unit and have an
emergency power source.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also changed the section title
from "Fire extinguishers and exit signs required in multifamily dwellings"
to "Fire and life safety requirements."
[Adopted 9-11-1968]
B.
HOUSING ORDINANCE
As used in this article, the following terms shall
have the meanings indicated:
The Housing Ordinance of the Township of Haverford regulating
supplied facilities, maintenance and occupancy of dwellings and dwelling
units.
No dwelling or dwelling unit shall be deemed
to comply with the requirements of the Housing Ordinance relating
to plumbing and plumbing fixtures unless:
A.
All plumbing is so designed and installed as to prevent
contamination of the water supply through backflow, backsiphonages
and any other method of contamination.
B.
All plumbing is so designed and installed that no
potable supply line or plumbing fixture is directly connected to a
nonpotable water supply.
C.
Every water supply line is so constructed that there
is no possibility of a cross-connection between a potable and nonpotable
water service.
D.
Every water supply line is in good working condition,
and every valve is in good working condition.
E.
Every water supply inlet is located above flood level
of any installed sink, lavatory, bathtub or automatic washing machine
and similar water-using fixture or above some unobstructable overflow
thereof and there are no submerged inlets, except submerged inlets
with a vacuum breaker of a type approved by the Plumbing Inspector.
F.
All plumbing and plumbing fixtures are maintained
in good working condition, and all plumbing fixtures are kept clean.
G.
No water closet is of the so-called "flush-hopper,"
"frostproof-hopper" or similar type.
H.
Water pressure is adequate to permit a proper flow
of water from all open water faucets at all times.
A.
When the dwelling or dwelling unit is heated by a
central heating system, the unit shall be in good operating condition.
Every heat duct, steampipe and hot-water pipe shall be free of leaks
and shall function so that adequate heat is delivered where intended.
Every seal between sections of a hot-air furnace shall be in good
repair.
B.
Every coal-burning space heater shall have a fire-resistant
panel beneath it. Every coal-burning space heater located close to
a wall shall be equipped with insulation sufficient to prevent overheating
of the wall. Every coal-burning heater smoke pipe shall be equipped
with guards made of metal or other nonflammable material at the point
where the pipe goes through a wall, ceiling or partition.
C.
Every smoke pipe and every chimney shall be adequately
supported, reasonably clean and maintained in such good condition
that there will be no leakage or backing up of noxious gases.
A.
No wiring shall be less than No. 12 gauge, and outlets
shall not be less than 20 amperes.
B.
Every exposed electric wire shall have insulation
which is good condition.
C.
Every switchplate and outlet plate shall be properly
fastened in position.
D.
No short circuit or break shall exist in any electrical
line.
E.
Every fixture and outlet shall function properly and
shall be properly fastened in place and must have an Underwriters'
Laboratories, Inc. label.
F.
No obvious shock hazard shall exist.
G.
No temporary wiring shall be used except extension
cords which run directly from portable electric fixtures to convenience
outlets and which do not lie under floor-covering materials or extend
through doorways, transoms or other similar apertures through structural
elements.
H.
No, electrical circuit shall be overloaded as a result
of connecting appliances which operate at high wattages to outlets
supplied with wire of inadequate size.
A.
The foundation elements shall adequately support the
building at all points.
B.
Every floor shall be free of holes and wide cracks
which might admit rodents or which constitute a possible accident
hazard.
C.
Every floor shall be free of loose, warped, protruding
and rotting floorboards.
D.
Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks,
loose or rotting boards and timbers and any other conditions which
admit rodents, rain or dampness to the interior portions of the wall
or to the interior spaces of the dwelling.
E.
Every interior wall and ceiling shall be free of holes
and large cracks.
F.
Every interior wall and ceiling shall be free of loose
plaster and other structural material, the collapse of which might
constitute an accident hazard.
G.
Plaster, paint and other surface materials shall be
of such character as to be easily cleanable and shall be reasonably
smooth, clean and tight.
H.
The roof shall be tight and have no defects which
admit rain.
A.
Every window shall be fully supplied with window panes
which are without open cracks or holes.
B.
Every window sash shall be in good condition and fit
reasonably tight within its frame.
C.
Every window, other than fixed windows, shall be capable
of being easily opened and held in an open position by window hardware.
D.
Every exterior door, door hinge and door latch shall
be in good condition.
E.
All windows and doors and their frames shall be constructed
and maintained in such relation to wall construction as completely
to exclude rain and substantially to exclude wind from entering the
structure.
F.
Every basement hatchway shall be so constructed and
maintained as to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain and surface
drainage water into the dwelling.
A.
Every flight of steps, and porch shall be free of
holes, grooves and cracks which are large enough to constitute a possible
accident hazard.
B.
Every stairwell and every flight of stairs which is
more than two risers high shall have rails not less than two feet
six inches, measured vertically from the nose of the treads to the
top of the rail, and every porch which is more than two risers high
shall have rails not less than three feet six inches above the platform.
C.
Every rail and balustrade shall be firmly fastened
and maintained in good condition.
D.
No flight of stairs shall have settled more than one
inch out of its intended position or have pulled away from supporting
or adjacent structures.
E.
No flight of stairs shall have rotting or deteriorating
supports.
F.
The treads of every flight of stairs shall be uniform
in height.
G.
Every stair tread shall be sound and securely fastened
in position.
H.
Every stair tread shall be strong enough to bear a
concentrated load of at least 400 pounds without danger of breaking
through.
I.
Every porch shall have a sound floor.
J.
No porch shall have rotting or deteriorating supports.
A.
Rubbish stored outdoors shall be stored in one or
more rubbish storage containers which are flytight, rodentproof, nonflammable
and waterproof.
B.
Rubbish stored in the basement or cellar or in an
enclosed structure, such as a shed, shall be stored in nonflammable
containers.
C.
No loose rubbish shall be placed upon or strewn about
on the floor of any basement or cellar or other part of any dwelling
or on the ground surrounding any dwelling.
D.
Garbage shall be disposed of in a garbage incinerator
located within the dwelling and installed and operated in a sanitary
manner or in disposable units located and installed according to the
Haverford Township Plumbing Code[1] or wrapped and stored in one or more flytight and watertight
metal garbage storage containers equipped with tightly fitting metal
covers, no one of which is smaller than 10 gallons in capacity or
larger than 30 gallons in capacity.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 132, Plumbing.
E.
Every outside garbage storage container shall be so
maintained and so located on the premises that no odors will permeate
any dwelling or dwelling units.
F.
No loose garbage shall be placed upon or strewn about
on the floor of any basement or cellar or any other part of any dwelling
or on the ground surrounding any dwelling.
