[Adopted 11-12-2012 by Ord. No. 2-2012]
This article shall be titled and may be referred to as the "Property
Maintenance Code of the Borough of Summit Hill."
Summit Hill Borough hereby adopts, as amended below, the International
Property Maintenance Code, as published by the International Code
Council, as the Property Maintenance Code of Summit Hill Borough as
authorized by 8 Pa.C.S.A. § 1202.
All prior ordinances inconsistent with any provision of this
article are repealed to the extent necessary to give effect to the
provisions of this article. Since this article is meant to consolidate
all prior ordinances relating to the International Property Maintenance
Code, all other Property Maintenance Code ordinances of the Borough
of Summit Hill are specifically repealed.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion
of this article is found to be unconstitutional, illegal or unenforceable,
such section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this
article shall be deemed separate, distinct and independent from the
remainder of this article.
This article shall take effect immediately or on the first day
allowed by law, whichever is sooner, after enactment.
[Adopted 10-14-2013 by Ord. No. 2-2013]
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 and general disorder in a community. These problems
degrade the physical appearance of the Borough, which reduces business
and tax revenue inhibiting economic development. The quality of life
and community pride of the citizens of Summit Hill are negatively
impacted by the occurrences and existence of these activities. Recognizing
these are community problems, the purpose of this article is to promote
the health, safety and general welfare of the Borough by helping to
create a clean environment for the citizens of Summit Hill.
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article,
shall be defined as follows, unless context clearly indicates otherwise:
GARBAGE
The animal or vegetable waste resulting from the handling,
preparation, cooking, and consumption of food.
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 an increase in mortality
or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating illness.
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,
such as 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
Any vehicle which presents a hazard or danger to the public
or is a public nuisance by virtue of its state or condition of disrepair.
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 glass or windows on or in the vehicle.
(3)
Leaking of any fluids from the vehicle or deflated or flat tire(s).
(4)
Unsecured and/or unlocked doors, hood, or trunk.
(5)
Storage or placement of the vehicle in an unbalanced condition,
on concrete blocks, or other similar apparatus.
(6)
Harboring of rodents, insects, or other pests.
B.
The foregoing examples are not inclusive of all conditions which
may constitute a state or condition of disrepair. See also the definition
of "motor vehicle nuisance."
LITTER
Includes, but is not limited to, all waste material, garbage,
trash, i.e., wastepaper, 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 Summit
Hill 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 for more than approximately
10 minutes each hour.
MOTOR VEHICLE
Any type of mechanical device, capable or at one time capable
of being propelled by a motor, in which persons or property may be
transported upon public streets or highways, and including trailers
or semitrailers pulled thereby.
MOTOR VEHICLE NUISANCE
A motor vehicle with one or more of the following defects:
A.
Broken windshields, mirrors, or other glass, with sharp edges.
B.
Broken headlamps, taillamps, bumpers, or grills with sharp edges.
C.
Any body parts, truck, fire wall, or floorboards with sharp
edges or large holes resulting from rust.
D.
Protruding sharp objects from the chassis.
E.
Missing doors, windows, hood, trunks, or other body parts that
could permit animal harborage.
F.
One or more open tires or tubes which could permit animal harborage.
G.
Any vehicle suspended by 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.
H.
Any excessive fluids leaking from vehicle which may be harmful
to the public or the environment.
I.
Disassembled body or chassis parts stored in on or about the
vehicle.
J.
Vehicles that do not display a current valid license and registration.
K.
Such other defects which the Fire Department determines to be
a danger to the general public or property.
L.
Motor vehicles parked, drifted, or otherwise located which may
interfere with flow of pedestrian or automobile traffic or impede
emergency efforts.
MUNICIPAL WASTE
Any garbage, refuse, industrial, lunchroom, or office waste,
and other material, including solid, liquid, semisolid, or contained
gaseous material, resulting from operation or residential, municipal,
commercial, or institutional establishments or from 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 be 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, temporary,
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 OFFICER
Any police officer, authorized inspector, 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.
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, and dust and other
similar materials.
SIDEWALK AREA
The public right-of-way between the property line and the
curbline 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 Summit Hill 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 10 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 quality of
life violation by 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 Summit Hill shall not permit
any waste matter/feces from the animal to collect and remain on the
property so as to cause or create an unhealthy, unsanitary, dangerous,
or offensive living condition. All waste from animals must be cleaned
up on a daily basis.
C. High weeds, grass or plant growth. All premises and exterior property
shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10
inches (254 mm). All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. "Weeds" shall
be defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation. Cultivated
flowers, gardens, trees, and shrubs and woodland/forest areas 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. Painting of vehicles is prohibited unless conducted
inside an approved spray booth.
E. Outside placement of indoor appliances/furniture. It is prohibited
to store or place any/all appliances or 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.
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 Summit Hill, is required to remove
any snow or ice from their sidewalk within 24 hours of the cessation
of said snow and ice falling. Furthermore, they must create a path,
free from any snow or ice, of three feet on said sidewalk. Should
any property be a place of business within the Borough of Summit Hill,
all snow and ice must be removed within four hours of the cessation
of said snow and ice falling. Any property that is deemed a business
must have the entire sidewalk free from any snow and ice. 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 six 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.
Upon finding a quality of life violation, any Public Officer
of the Borough of Summit Hill, may issue quality of life 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 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 may
constitute a separate offense for which a separate fine may be imposed.
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
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 Summit Hill for the costs of prosecution, including the fees of
the Code Official.
At the discretion of the Borough of Summit Hill, 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 Summit Hill 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 Summit Hill, 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 Summit Hill for abatement of a violation
and not paid within 45 days of billing.
The penalty lien and collection provisions of this section shall
be independent, non-mutually exclusive separate remedies, all of which
shall be available to the Borough of Summit Hill 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 Summit Hill 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.
All relevant ordinances, regulations, and policies of the Borough
of Summit Hill, Pennsylvania not amended shall remain in full force
and effect. Any ordinance or part of an ordinance conflicting with
the provisions of this article shall be and the same is hereby repealed
to the extent of such conflict.
This article shall be effective immediately upon passage and
approved in the manner prescribed by law.