This chapter may be known as the "Building and
Property Maintenance Ordinance."
It is hereby found and declared that there exists
in the Borough structures used for residential and nonresidential
use which are, or may become in the future, substandard with respect
to structure, equipment or maintenance, or further, that such conditions,
including, but not limited to, structural deterioration, lack of maintenance
and appearance of exterior of premises, infestation, lack of maintenance
or upkeep of essential utilities and facilities, existence of fire
hazards, and unsanitary conditions constitute a menace to the health,
safety, morals, welfare and reasonable comfort of the citizens and
inhabitants of the Borough. It is further found and declared that
by reason of lack of maintenance and because of progressive deterioration,
certain properties have the further effect of creating blighting conditions
and initiating slums, and that if the same are not curtailed and removed,
the aforesaid conditions will grow and spread and will necessitate
in time the expenditure of large amounts of public funds to correct
and eliminate the same, and that by reason of timely regulations and
restrictions as herein contained, the growth of slums and blight may
be prevented and the neighborhood and property values thereby maintained,
the desirability and amenities of residential and nonresidential uses
and neighborhoods enhanced and the public health, safety and welfare
protected and fostered.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the
public health, safety, morals and welfare by establishing minimum
standards governing the maintenance, appearance, condition and occupancy
of residential and nonresidential premises; to fix certain responsibilities
and duties upon owners and operators; to provide for the repair and
maintenance of deteriorated structures within the Borough; and to
provide penalties for the violation of this chapter.
In addition to or separate from the action for repairs as set forth in §
68-5, any person violating this Chapter or any part thereof may be charged and shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not more than $1,000, and in default of the payment of such fine, shall be imprisoned for a period of not more than 30 days. After the initial notice, each day that the property remains in a state of disrepair shall be deemed to be a separate offense and shall be subject in all respects to the same penalties as the first offense, and separate proceedings may be instituted and separate penalties imposed for each such day's offense.