[Ord. 1988-1, 8/1/1988]
1.
Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Existing Structures Code of the Borough of Watsontown, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania," hereinafter referred to as the "Existing Structures Code" or "this code."
2.
Scope. This code is to protect the public health, safety and welfare in all existing structures, residential and nonresidential, and on all existing premises as hereinafter provided, by:
A.
Establishing minimum maintenance standards for all structures and premises for basic equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space heating and sanitation; for safety from fire; for space, use and location; and for safe and sanitary maintenance of all structures and premises now in existence;
B.
Establishing minimum requirements for all existing buildings and structures for means of egress, fire-protection systems and other equipment and devices necessary for life safety from fire;
C.
Providing for rehabilitation and reuse of existing structures and allowing differences between the application of the code requirements to new construction and the application of the code requirements to alterations and repairs;
D.
Fixing the responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants of all structures; and
E.
Providing for administration, enforcement and penalties.
3.
Intent. This code shall be construed liberally and justly to insure public health, safety and welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued use and maintenance of structures and premises.
4.
Other Regulations. The provisions in this code shall not be construed to prevent the enforcement of other ordinances or regulations which prescribe standards other than are provided herein.
5.
Application of Other Codes and Ordinances. Any repairs or alterations to a structure, or changes of use therein, which may be caused directly or indirectly by the enforcement of this code, shall be done in accordance with the procedures and provisions of the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, and Electrical Code adopted or used by the municipality.
6.
Existing Remedies. The provisions in this code shall not be deemed to abolish or impair existing remedies of the jurisdiction or its officers or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any buildings which are deemed to be dangerous, unsafe, and unsanitary.
7.
Workmanship. All repairs, maintenance work, alterations or installations which are required for compliance with this code shall be executed and installed in a workmanlike and acceptable manner so as to secure the results intended by this code.