[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council
of the Borough of Jim Thorpe as indicated in article histories. Amendments
noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 7-9-1987 by Ord. No. 87-4; amended 5-10-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-02]
A.Â
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.Â
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:
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.).
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:
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.
Any and all pieces of furniture which are made for only inside
use including, but not limited to, upholstered chairs and sofas, etc.
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."
The following conditions, if present, are examples of a state
or condition of disrepair:
Rusted and/or jagged metal on or protruding from the body of
the vehicle.
Broken headlamps, tail lamps, bumpers, or grills.
Any body parts, truck, firewall, or floorboards with sharp edges
or large holes resulting from rust.
Broken windshields, mirrors or other glass.
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.
Missing doors, windows, hood, trunks, or other body parts that
could permit animal harborage.
Any fluids leaking from vehicles, deflated or flat tires, which
may be harmful to the public or the environment.
Unsecured and/or unlocked doors, hood, or trunk.
One or more open tires, tubes, or other conditions/objects,
which could permit animal harborage: rodents, insects or other pests.
Disassembled body or chassis parts stored in, on or about the
vehicle.
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.
Motor vehicles parked or otherwise located which may interfere
with flow of pedestrian or automobile traffic or impede emergency
efforts.
Vehicles that do not display a current valid license and registration.
The foregoing examples are not inclusive of all conditions which
may constitute a state or condition of disrepair.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Every natural person, firm, corporation, partnership, association,
or institution.
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.
Any conditions or premises which are unsafe or unsanitary.
Any police officer, authorized inspector, zoning officer,
or public official designated by the Borough to enforce the Borough
ordinances.
The total width of any land used, reserved, or dedicated
as a street, alley, driveway, sidewalk, or utility easement, including
curb and gutter areas.
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.
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.
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.
The public right-of-way between the property line and the
curb line or the established edge of the roadway.
Any waste including, but not limited to, municipal, residual,
or hazardous wastes, including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained
gaseous materials.
Any planting that is cultivated and managed for edible or
ornamental purposes such as vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs, hedges,
flowers, etc.
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.
All grasses, annual plants, and vegetation, which meet any of
the following criteria:
Exceed eight inches in height.
Exhale unpleasant noxious odors or pollen such as ragweed, dandelion,
and miscellaneous other vegetation commonly referred to as weeds or
brush.
May conceal filthy deposits or serve as breeding places for
mosquitoes, other insects, or vermin.
May cause a public nuisance.
Weeds shall not include cultivated and managed vegetation planted
for edible or ornamental purposes such as vegetable gardens, trees,
shrubs, flowers, etc.
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
The provisions of this article shall be enforced by police officers,
zoning officer, or any other public officer authorized to enforce
ordinances.
B.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
In Section 101.1, insert: Borough of Jim Thorpe.
B.Â
In Section 103.5 is deleted.
C.Â
In Section 302.4, insert "eight inches."
D.Â
In Section 304.14, insert "April 1 to October 31."
E.Â
In Section 602.3, insert "October 1 to April 30."
F.Â
In Section 602.4, insert "October 1 to April 30."
G.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Section 111.2.
(1)Â
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)Â
Subsections 111.21 through 111.2.5 inclusive are not affective and
shall remain in full force and effect.
