Township of Towamencin, PA Chapter 117 Property Maintenance

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Towamencin 5-8-2013 by Ord. No. 13-02.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Brush, grass and weeds — See Ch. 49.

Change of occupancy — See Ch. 59.

Construction codes — See Ch. 62.

Garbage and other solid waste — See Ch. 84.

Nuisances — See Ch. 104.

Subdivision and land development — See Ch. 136.

Zoning — See Ch. 153.

[1] Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 117, Property Maintenance, adopted 12-20-2000 by Ord. No. 00-17.

§ 117-1 Adoption of International Property Maintenance Code, 2009 Edition.

A certain document, three copies of which are on file in the office of the Manager of Towamencin Township, being marked and designated as the International Property Maintenance Code, 2009 Edition, as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Property Maintenance Code of Towamencin Township 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 Manager of Towamencin Township are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof as if fully set out in this chapter, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes prescribed in § 117-2 of this chapter.

§ 117-2 Additions, insertions and changes.

The following sections of the Property Maintenance Code are hereby revised:

A. Section 101.1, insert "Towamencin Township" for the name of jurisdiction. Insert the following sentence at the end of the paragraph: "Towamencin Township is hereinafter referred to as "the Township."

B. Add new Section 101.5 as follows:

101.5 Applicability. This code shall apply along with the provisions of the adopted building codes and the codes of Towamencin Township. If the provisions of this code overlap with any other, then the more stringent of the requirements shall apply.

C. Section 103.5, delete the heading and paragraph in its entirety and insert the following:

103.5 Fee schedule. Applicants for permits under this code shall pay at the time of application to the Township the fees set forth on the then current fee schedule which shall have been adopted by resolution by the Board of Supervisors. When a permit fee is based on cost of construction, the valuation of the subject work shall be the fair market value of all of the construction work. The Code Official shall be satisfied as to the accuracy of the estimate both initially and at final completion should changes occur as the work progresses.

D. Section 106.4, insert the following after the first sentence: "Any violation of this code shall be considered a nuisance as detailed in Chapter 104 of the Code of Towamencin Township."

E. Section 111, delete section, including all subsections, in its entirety and insert the following:

SECTION 111 MEANS OF APPEAL

111.1 Procedure. An appeal from any decision of the Code Official may be taken to the Board of Supervisors. Such appeal shall be made in writing, verified by an affidavit, within 10 days after such decision has been made, and shall be filed with the Township Secretary. The appellant or his representative shall have the right to appear and be heard by the Board. The Board shall render a prompt decision on such appeal. In making the decision, the Board may vary or modify any provision of this code, where there are practical difficulties in the way of executing the strict letter of the code, or to permit the use of innovative procedures or materials, provided that the spirit of the code shall be observed, public safety secured and substantial justice done. Such variation or modification shall be the minimum necessary in order to grant relief. Every action of the Board on such appeals shall be by resolution, copies of which shall be certified to the Building Official and the appellant. The decision of the Board shall in such cases be final.

F. Section 202, add the following definition:

BOARD or BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. The governing body for Towamencin Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

G. Section 302.4, delete the paragraph in its entirety and insert: "Weeds and plant growth shall be maintained as detailed in Chapter 49 of the Code of Towamencin Township."

H. Section 304.14, delete the words "During the period from [DATE] to [DATE]" and replace with the following: "As required based on outdoor temperatures."

I. Section 602.3, delete the words "during the period from [DATE] to [DATE]" and replace with the following: "as required based on outdoor temperatures."

J. Section 602.4, delete the words "during the period from [DATE] to [DATE]" and replace with the following: "as required based on outdoor temperatures."

K. Section 702 Means of Egress: add the following new section:

702.5 Stairway identification. A sign with bold-type six-inch reflective number and letters designating the floor level shall be installed on each floor level within all interior stairways, smoke and fire towers. The signs shall be provided on all levels above or below the level of exit discharge. The signs shall be located on the wall at the opening side of the door within 12 inches of the floor. The level of exit discharge shall be clearly marked with approved exit signage.

L. Add new Section 704.5 as follows:

704.5 Testing. These systems shall be tested at least annually. Records of the test results and the necessary repairs made shall be maintained on site, for a period of two years. These test results shall be made available to the Code Official upon request.

M. Chapter 8. Add the following codes to the list:

Pennsylvania's statewide building code, generally known as the "Uniform Construction Code (UCC)," as amended.

§ 117-3 Savings clause.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect any suit or proceeding now pending in any court or any actions required, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action incurred or existing, under any act or ordinance repealed hereby. No right or remedy of any character shall be lost, impaired, or affected by this chapter.