[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Jim Thorpe as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Uniform Construction Codes — See Ch. 199.
Solid waste — See Ch. 362.
Streets and sidewalks — See Ch. 383.
Wells — See Ch. 447.
Zoning — See Ch. 500.
[Adopted 7-9-1987 by Ord. No. 87-4; amended 5-10-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-02]
A. 
Lack of maintenance of properties, improper storage of trash and rubbish, storage of inoperable/nonregistered vehicles, and accumulation of snow and ice are costly problems that contribute to the deterioration of property values, general disorder in a community and may result in health hazards for citizens.
B. 
These problems degrade the physical appearance of the Borough, which reduces business and tax revenue thereby inhibiting economic development, and negatively affect the quality of life and community pride of the citizens of Jim Thorpe. Recognizing these are community problems, the purpose of this article is to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the Borough of Jim Thorpe.
Definitions of the following words, terms, and phrases (unless context clearly indicates otherwise) are as follows:
GARBAGE
The animal or vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking, and consumption of food or other nontoxic household waste (bottles, cans, clothing, compost, disposables, food packaging, food scraps, newspapers/magazines, yard trimmings, etc.).
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Any waste material or a combination of solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained gaseous material that because of its quantity, concentration, physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may:
A. 
Cause or significantly contribute to the potential for serious illness, injury or mortality.
B. 
Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of or otherwise managed.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW)
Waste which would be chemically or physically classified as a hazardous waste, but is excluded from regulation as a hazardous waste because it is produced in quantities smaller than those regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and because it is generated by persons not otherwise covered as hazardous waste generators by those regulations. Such HHW materials meet one of the following four classifications: toxic, flammable, reactive, or corrosive. HHW consists of numerous products that are common to the average household, e.g., pesticides and herbicides, cleaners, automotive products, paints, and acids.
INDOOR FURNITURE
Any and all pieces of furniture which are made for only inside use including, but not limited to, upholstered chairs and sofas, etc.
JUNKED VEHICLE/*MOTOR VEHICLE NUISANCE
Any vehicle that presents a hazard or danger to the public or is a public nuisance by virtue of its state or condition of disrepair. *The definition of motor vehicle is "any type of mechanical device, capable of, or at any time capable of being propelled by a motor, in which persons or property may be transported upon public streets or highways - including trailers or semitrailers pulled thereby."
A. 
The following conditions, if present, are examples of a state or condition of disrepair:
(1) 
Rusted and/or jagged metal on or protruding from the body of the vehicle.
(2) 
Broken headlamps, tail lamps, bumpers, or grills.
(3) 
Any body parts, truck, firewall, or floorboards with sharp edges or large holes resulting from rust.
(4) 
Broken windshields, mirrors or other glass.
(5) 
Any vehicle suspended, stored or placed on blocks, jacks, or other such materials in a location which may pose a danger to the public, property owners, visitors, or residents of the property on which said vehicle is found.
(6) 
Missing doors, windows, hood, trunks, or other body parts that could permit animal harborage.
(7) 
Any fluids leaking from vehicles, deflated or flat tires, which may be harmful to the public or the environment.
(8) 
Unsecured and/or unlocked doors, hood, or trunk.
(9) 
One or more open tires, tubes, or other conditions/objects, which could permit animal harborage: rodents, insects or other pests.
(10) 
Disassembled body or chassis parts stored in, on or about the vehicle.
(11) 
Such other defects which the Fire Department, Police, Zoning Officer or any Borough department determines to be a danger to the general public or property.
(12) 
Motor vehicles parked or otherwise located which may interfere with flow of pedestrian or automobile traffic or impede emergency efforts.
(13) 
Vehicles that do not display a current valid license and registration.
B. 
The foregoing examples are not inclusive of all conditions which may constitute a state or condition of disrepair.
LITTER
Includes, but is not limited to: all waste material, garbage, trash, i.e., waste paper, tobacco products, wrappers, food or beverage containers, newspapers, etc., municipal waste, human waste, domestic animal waste, furniture or motor vehicle seats, vehicle parts, automotive products, shopping carts, construction or demolition material, recyclable material, and dirt, mud and yard waste that has been abandoned or improperly discarded, deposited, or disposed.
LOCAL RESPONSIBLE AGENT
Any person residing or working within the Borough of Jim Thorpe designated to accept service on behalf of a legal owner or operator of a rental dwelling unit.
MOBILE VENDOR
A vendor or seller of food and/or goods from a vehicle or other conveyance upon the public streets or alleys of the Borough that does not typically remain stationary.
MUNICIPAL WASTE
Any garbage or refuse: solid, liquid, semisolid, or gaseous material, which is secondary to the operation of residential, municipal, commercial, institutional establishments or community activities and which is not classified as residual waste or hazardous waste as defined herein. The term does not include source-separated recyclable materials or organic waste.
NOTICE OF VIOLATION
A written document issued to a person in violation of a Borough ordinance, which specifies the violation and contains a directive to take corrective action within a specified time frame or face further legal action.
NUISANCE
Any condition, structure, or improvement which constitutes a danger or potential danger to the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of the Borough, or causes a blighting effect in Borough neighborhoods. See also the definition of "public nuisance."
OWNER
A person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title to the property; or otherwise having control of the property including the principals of a limited liability company or officer, director or shareholder of a corporation if that individual is responsible for the management and control of the property; including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court.
PERSON
Every natural person, firm, corporation, partnership, association, or institution.
PRIVATE PROPERTY
Any land and the improvements thereon owned by any person and includes front, side, and rear yards; vacant lots, buildings, and other structural improvements; walkways and alleyways; and parking areas, designed or used either wholly or in part for private residential, industrial, or commercial purposes, whether inhabited temporarily, continuously uninhabited, or vacant, including any yard, grounds, walk, driveway, porch, steps, vestibule, or mailbox belonging to or appurtenant to such dwelling, house, building, or other structure.
PUBLIC NUISANCE
Any conditions or premises which are unsafe or unsanitary.
PUBLIC OFFICER
Any police officer, authorized inspector, zoning officer, or public official designated by the Borough to enforce the Borough ordinances.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
The total width of any land used, reserved, or dedicated as a street, alley, driveway, sidewalk, or utility easement, including curb and gutter areas.
RESIDUAL WASTE
Any discarded material or other waste including solid, semisolid, or contained gaseous materials resulting from construction, industrial, mining, and agricultural operations, excluding municipal water and sewer operations.
RESPONSIBLE PERSON
A person in control of any commercial place which may include, but not be limited to, a property manager, tenant, or owner and an owner or person in control of any private property including, but not limited to, a tenant.
RUBBISH
Combustible and noncombustible waste materials, except garbage; the term shall include the residue from the burning of wood, coal, coke, and other combustible materials, paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass, crockery, dust and other similar materials.
SIDEWALK AREA
The public right-of-way between the property line and the curb line or the established edge of the roadway.
SOLID WASTE
Any waste including, but not limited to, municipal, residual, or hazardous wastes, including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained gaseous materials.
VEGETATION
Any planting that is cultivated and managed for edible or ornamental purposes such as vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs, hedges, flowers, etc.
VIOLATION TICKET
A form issued by a police officer or public officer to a person who violates a provision of this article. The violation ticket is an offer by the Borough of Jim Thorpe extended to a person to settle a violation by paying the fine in lieu of a citation being issued against the violator.
WEEDS
A. 
All grasses, annual plants, and vegetation, which meet any of the following criteria:
(1) 
Exceed eight inches in height.
(2) 
Exhale unpleasant noxious odors or pollen such as ragweed, dandelion, and miscellaneous other vegetation commonly referred to as weeds or brush.
(3) 
May conceal filthy deposits or serve as breeding places for mosquitoes, other insects, or vermin.
(4) 
May cause a public nuisance.
B. 
Weeds shall not include cultivated and managed vegetation planted for edible or ornamental purposes such as vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.
YARD
An open space on the same lot with a structure.
A person, owner, or responsible person commits a public nuisance violation by violating any of the following:
A. 
Accumulation of rubbish or garbage. All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of waste, trash, rubbish, or garbage.
B. 
Animal maintenance and waste/feces cleanup. People owning, harboring, or keeping an animal within the Borough of Jim Thorpe shall not permit any waste matter/feces from the animal to collect and remain on the property, which causes or creates an unhealthy, unsanitary, dangerous, or offensive living condition. All waste from animals must be cleaned up on a daily basis. It is not permissible for animal owners to have their pets' waste matter/feces desecrate or befoul any other private or public property, or person.
C. 
High weeds, grass or plant growth. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of eight inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation. Cultivated flowers, gardens, trees, and shrubs shall not be included as a violation of this article.
D. 
Motor vehicles. It shall be unlawful to store, park, or place any unregistered, uninspected, inoperative, unlicensed, or nuisance motor vehicle on any premises. No vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled. Outdoor painting of vehicles is prohibited.
E. 
Outside placement of indoor appliances/furniture. It is prohibited to store or place any/all indoor appliances or indoor furniture including, but not limited to: ranges, refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, washers, dryers, microwaves, dishwashers, mattresses, recliners, sofas, interior chairs, or interior tables on the exterior of any property for the purpose of sale or any other reason, except for the temporary purpose to perform maintenance on said property, or for placement of garbage disposal (placed no earlier than the day before scheduled pickup).
F. 
Snow and ice removal from sidewalks. Every owner, tenant, occupant, lessee, property agent, or any other person who is responsible for any property within the Borough of Jim Thorpe, is required to remove any snow or ice from their sidewalk, sufficient to create a path of 30 inches, within 12 hours of the cessation of said snow and ice falling. Should any property be a place of business within the Borough of Jim Thorpe, any snow or ice must be removed, sufficient to create a path of 30 inches, within four hours of the cessation of said snow and ice falling. If and/or when the snow and/or ice cessation happens during the hours of darkness, the time limit of removal of all snow and ice begins at daybreak.
G. 
Storage containers for waste or trash. The owner of every premises shall supply approved containers for waste/trash, as well as be responsible for the removal of rubbish. All containers that store waste or trash shall be durable, watertight, and made of metal or plastic. Containers must have tight-fitting covers, and must be kept clean and odor-free at all times. All containers must be stored in a location on the owner's property not within the public right-of-way or readily visible from the public right-of-way. The persons occupying any dwellings are limited to containers not exceeding 50 pounds each and one bulky item not exceeding 275 pounds each. Waste/trash containers may only be placed in front of any property within 24 hours before the day of the scheduled waste/trash pickup day. Once the licensed hauler removes the waste/trash from any property, all containers must be stored so they are not on the public right-of-way or readily visible from the public right-of-way within 24 hours after pickup.
H. 
Swimming pools. Any private swimming pool or wading pool must be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition. It is not permissible for any person to keep or maintain, cause or permit within the Borough a swimming pool which does not meet clear visibility from the water's surface to the pool bottom. Swimming pools shall not be maintained in such a manner as to create a breeding ground for mosquitoes; that is detrimental to the safety and welfare of the public; or causes a blighting effect in Borough neighborhoods.
I. 
Prohibited conduct. No person within the Borough limits shall engage in fighting or threatening or in violent or tumultuous behavior; make unreasonable noise; create a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor.
J. 
Burning: No person may burn garbage, rubbish and/or recycling materials, including building materials and construction debris. For purposes of this section, "burning" is the act of consuming by fire, flame, char or blaze. "Garbage," "rubbish" and "recycling materials" shall have the same definitions as the Borough has adopted in its Borough Code for the collection of garbage and recycling found in Chapter 362 of the Borough Code.
[Added 2-14-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-02]
Upon finding a public nuisance violation, any public officer of the Borough of Jim Thorpe may issue public nuisance violation tickets to the owner and/or occupant of the property at issue or to the individual(s) known to have violated this article.
A. 
The provisions of this article shall be enforced by police officers, zoning officer, or any other public officer authorized to enforce ordinances.
B. 
Any violation of the provisions of this article may be cause for a citation, a violation ticket, and/or a notice of violation to be issued to the violator.
A violation ticket shall be served upon a violator by handing it to the violator, by handing it at the residence of the person to be served to an adult member of the household or other person in charge of the residence, by leaving or affixing the notice or violation ticket to the property where the violation exists, by handing it at any office or usual place of business of the violator, to his/her agent or to the person for the time being in charge thereof, or by mailing the notice to the violator's address of record.
Each day a violation continues or is permitted to continue shall constitute a separate violation for which a separate fine may be imposed.
A. 
Any person or business violating this article is hereby directed to satisfy the Borough of Jim Thorpe and its citizens, upon issuance of a nuisance ticket, by correcting the violation in question, or by commencing with the correction there, within 72 hours of receiving notice of the ticket violation. A public officer is authorized and empowered to cause a violation to be corrected. The cost shall be determined by the Borough Public Officer in order that the Borough shall be compensated for both direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred.
B. 
The Borough of Jim Thorpe and/or its contractor, per the direction of the Borough, reserves the right to abate the violation in question at the expense of the owner. If the Borough has affected the abatement of the violation, the cost thereof may be charged to the owner of the property, tenant, or offending party. A bill/invoice will be generated to the violator for payment separate from the nuisance ticket, which will also be paid separately.
C. 
In all instances where the Borough abates the violation, in addition to the fine set forth in the nuisance ticket, the Borough is authorized to recover from the offending party, the owner of the property, or tenant, the abatement charges and such other charges established by the Borough and the rules and regulations.
D. 
Borough of Jim Thorpe cleanup. The Borough has the right to determine if the abatement will be completed by Borough staff or by a contractor. If completed by Borough staff, the Borough has the right to charge rates based on the Borough's actual costs for labor, equipment (fair rental rates established by FEMA/PEMA) and materials. If completed by a contractor, the Borough has the right to charge 100% of the contractor's bills plus a 20% administration cost for such items as scheduling, clerical, postage, etc.
E. 
Contractor cleanup. The Borough reserves the right to direct a contractor to perform the abatement of the violation in question once 72 hours passes from the date of issuance of the nuisance ticket. Should the violation present imminent danger and/or pose a health hazard and/or risk, the Borough reserves the right to direct the contractor to perform the abatement immediately. The contractor will submit a bill for their work to the Borough of Jim Thorpe and the administration fee in addition to the cost of the contractor.
A. 
For the first of a violation of this article within a twelve-month period, violation tickets shall be issued in the amounts of $25, as set forth on the chart below.
B. 
For the second offense of a violation of this article within a twelve-month period, violation tickets shall be issued in the amounts of $50, as set forth on the chart below.
C. 
For the third offense of a violation of this article within a twelve-month period, violation tickets shall be issued in the amounts of $100, as set forth on the chart below.
D. 
For each offense subsequent to three offenses of this article within a twelve-month period, amounts of violation tickets shall increase in the amount of $100, accumulative for each subsequent offense.
E. 
Any persons who receive a violation ticket for any violation of this article may, within 15 days, admit the violation, waive a hearing, and pay the fine in full satisfaction.
F. 
Any person who violates this article shall pay a fine as set forth herein for each offense, plus all direct and indirect costs incurred by the Borough for the cleanup and abatement of the violation.
Violation
Description
Fine 1
Fine 2
Fine 3+
QOL-001
Accumulation of rubbish or garbage
$25
$50
$100
QOL-002
Animal maintenance and waste/feces clean-up
$25
$50
$100
QOL-003
High weeds, grass or plant growth
$25
$50
$100
QOL-004
Motor vehicles
$25
$50
$100
QOL-005
Outside placement of indoor appliances/furniture
$25
$50
$100
QOL-006
Snow and ice removal from sidewalks
$25
$50
$100
QOL-007
Storing containers for waste or trash
$25
$50
$100
A. 
If the person in receipt of a $25 violation ticket does not pay the fine within 15 days, the person will be subject to a penalty of $10 for days 16 through 30.
B. 
If the person in receipt of a $50 violation ticket does not pay the fine within 15 days, the person will be subject to a penalty of $25 for days 16 through 30.
C. 
If the person in receipt of a $100, or higher, violation ticket does not pay the fine within 15 days, the person will be subject to a penalty of $50 for days 16 through 30.
D. 
Failure of the person to make payment or request a hearing within 30 days of a violation ticket shall make the person subject to a citation for failure to pay.
E. 
If violations are continuous or egregious, Code Officials have the right to issue citations without first issuing tickets, provided notice has been given. Upon issuance of four tickets for the same violation, right is reserved for the Code Officials to issue citation for the fifth and subsequent offenses.
Any person, firm, or corporation who shall fail, neglect, or refuse to comply with any of the terms or provisions of this article, or of any regulation or requirement pursuant hereto and authorized hereby shall, upon conviction, be ordered to pay a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 on each offense, the costs of prosecution including restitution of the fees of the Code Official, or imprisoned for no more than 90 days, or both.
The Magisterial District Judge may order the violator to make restitution to said real or personal property owner and to the Borough of Jim Thorpe for the costs of prosecution including the fees of the Code Official.
At the discretion of the Borough of Jim Thorpe, all tickets for which payment is not received within 45 days of issuance of a ticket for which an appeal is not taken, and 45 days from denial of appeal and monies paid by the Borough of Jim Thorpe for abatement of a violation not paid within 45 days of billing, may be turned over by the Borough to a collection agency for receipt.
At the discretion of the Borough of Jim Thorpe, liens may be placed upon a property against which tickets were issued for which payment is not received within 45 days of issuance of a ticket for which an appeal is not taken, and 45 days from denial of appeal and monies paid by the Borough of Jim Thorpe for abatement of a violation and not paid within 45 days of billing.
The penalty lien and collection provisions of this article shall be independent, nonmutually exclusive separate remedies, all of which shall be available to the Borough of Jim Thorpe as may be deemed appropriate for carrying out the purposes of this article. The remedies and procedures provided in this article for violation hereof are not intended to supplant or replace to any degree the remedies and procedures available to the Borough in the case of a violation of any other Borough of Jim Thorpe Code or codified ordinances, whether or not such other code or ordinance is referenced in this article, and whether or not an ongoing violation of such other code or ordinance is cited as the underlying ground for a finding of a violation of this article.
If any provision, paragraph, word, section, or subsection of this article is invalidated by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions, paragraphs, words, sections, or subsection shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect.
[Adopted 10-8-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-5[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also superseded former Art. II, Adoption of Standards, adopted 4-3-1997 by Ord. No. 97-9.
A certain document, three copies of which are on file in the office of Borough Secretary of the Borough of Jim Thorpe, being marked and designated as the "International Property Maintenance Code, 2006 Edition," as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Property Maintenance Code of the Borough of Jim Thorpe, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for regulating and governing the conditions and maintenance of all property, buildings and structures by providing the standards for supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to ensure that structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use; and the condemnation of buildings and structures unfit for human occupancy and use, and the demolition of such existing structures as herein provided; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Property Maintenance Code on file in the office of the Borough of Jim Thorpe are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this article, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in § 348-11 of this article.
The following sections are hereby revised.
A. 
In Section 101.1, insert: Borough of Jim Thorpe.
B. 
In Section 103.5 is deleted.
C. 
In Section 302.4, insert "eight inches."
D. 
In Section 304.14, insert "April 1 to October 31."
E. 
In Section 602.3, insert "October 1 to April 30."
F. 
In Section 602.4, insert "October 1 to April 30."
G. 
Section 106.3 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
106.3 Prosecution of violation: Any person failing to comply with a notice of violation or order served in accordance with Section 107 shall be deemed guilty of a summary offense and shall be subject to the penalties delineated in Section 106.4. In addition, if the notice of violation is not complied with, the Code Official shall institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.
H. 
Section 106.4. The language in 106.4 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
106.4 Penalty. Any person who shall violate a provision of this code shall, upon conviction thereof, be subject to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days, or both, at the discretion of the court. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
I. 
Section 111.2.
(1) 
The language in Section 111.2 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
111.2 Membership of the Board. The Board of Appeals shall consists of three members who are residents of the Borough of Jim Thorpe. Each member of the Board of Appeals shall be appointed by the Borough of Jim Thorpe and shall serve a five-year term.
(2) 
Subsections 111.21 through 111.2.5 inclusive are not affective and shall remain in full force and effect.