As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from
the context:
OWNER
The legally titled or equitable owner or owners of property,
and any tenant or other occupier of a structure or property who has
been legally or by appearance delegated the duty, authority and/or
responsibility to maintain the property or structures.
PROPERTY
Any piece, parcel, lot, or tract of land.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected with a fixed or ascertainable
location on the ground or in the water, whether or not affixed to
ground or anchored in the water, including but not limited to buildings,
walls, fences, platforms, docks, wharves, billboards, signs, and walks.
TOWNSHIP
Franklin Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania, and its authorized
officers (including but not limited to the Board of Supervisors, the
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and the Code Enforcement Officer).
The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum requirements
applicable to structures and properties in the Township to assure
that the health, safety and welfare of the Township is preserved and
protected from dilapidated, unsound, dangerous, or otherwise unsafe
structures, from pests and disease carrying animals and insects, and
from noxious vegetation.
If the owner of a property does not correct any violation of
this chapter within 30 days after having been provided with the required
notice of the violation, then the Township may make such corrections
as it deems necessary to abate the hazard. If the Township determines
that the violation presents an existing threat to the health, safety
and/or welfare of any person or property, the Township shall have
the right to enter upon the property of the violator to cause such
corrections to be made. The cost of such corrections, plus 10%, shall
be the liability of the owner of the property. The Township shall
be entitled to place a municipal lien on the subject property to cover
such costs, plus 10% and reasonable attorney fees, and to cause execution
on that lien.
Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall,
upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000,
plus reasonable attorney fees. Each day that a violation exists shall
be a separate offense.
In addition to the remedies provided in this chapter, the Township
is authorized to pursue any and all other remedies available at law
or in equity. The Township is further authorized to seek reimbursement
of reasonable attorney fees incurred by the Township in the enforcement
of the provisions of this chapter. The remedies available to the Township
shall not be deemed exclusive, and two or more remedies may be pursued
simultaneously.