The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
ACCESSIBLE PROPERTY/STRUCTURE
A property that is accessible through a compromised or breached
gate, fence, wall, etc.; or a structure that is unsecured and/or breached
in such a way as to allow access to the interior space by unauthorized
persons.
APPLICABLE CODES
Includes, but shall not be limited to, the Township's
Code of Ordinances ("Township Code") and the Pennsylvania Uniform
Construction Code.
BLIGHTED PROPERTY
A.
Properties that have broken or severely damaged windows, doors,
walls, or roofs which create hazardous conditions and encourage trespassing;
or
B.
Properties whose maintenance is not in conformance with the
maintenance of other neighboring properties, causing a decrease in
value of the neighboring properties; or
C.
Properties cited as a public nuisance pursuant to the Township
Code; or
D.
Properties that endanger the public's health, safety, or
welfare because the properties or improvements thereon are dilapidated,
deteriorated, or violate minimum health and safety standards or lack
maintenance as required by the Township Code.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Any law enforcement officer, building code official, zoning
officer, code enforcement officer, code official, fire inspector or
building inspector, or other person authorized by the Township's
Board of Supervisors to enforce the applicable code(s).
EVIDENCE OF VACANCY
Any condition that, on its own or combined with other conditions
present, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property
is vacant. Such conditions may include, but not be limited to, overgrown
or dead vegetation; trash, junk, or debris; stored, unused building
materials; any accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers, or notices;
lack of building maintenance; and statements by neighbors, passersby,
delivery agents, or government agents.
FORECLOSED REAL PROPERTY
Any real property located in the Township, whether vacant
or occupied, that has had a lis pendens filed against it by the lender
holding a mortgage on the property, is subject to an ongoing foreclosure
action by the lender, or has been transferred to the lender under
a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
MORTGAGE
A conveyance of title to property that is given as security
for the payment of debt or the performance of a duty and that will
become void upon payment or performance according to the stipulated
terms.
MORTGAGEE
One to whom property is mortgaged, or the mortgage creditor
or lender.
OWNER
Any person, agent, operator, firm, or corporation having
a legal or equitable interest in real property or recorded in the
official records of the commonwealth, county, or Township as holding
title to the property or otherwise having control of the property,
including the guardian of the estate of any such person and the trustee,
executor, or administrator of the estate of such person, if authorized
by law to take possession of real property or if ordered or authorized
to take possession of real property by a court. This term shall also
apply to any person, legal entity, or agent responsible for the construction,
maintenance, or operation of the subject property.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
A local property manager, property maintenance company, or
similar entity responsible for the management and/or maintenance of
foreclosed real property.
REGISTRABLE PROPERTY
(a) Any real property located in the Township, whether vacant
or occupied, that is encumbered by a mortgage subject to an ongoing
foreclosure action by the mortgagee or trustee, has been the subject
of a foreclosure action by a mortgagee or trustee and a judgement
has been entered, or has been the subject of a foreclosure sale where
the title was transferred to the beneficiary of a mortgage involved
in the foreclosure and any properties transferred under a deed in
lieu of foreclosure/sale. The designation of a "foreclosure" property
as "registrable" shall remain in place until such time as the property
is sold to a nonrelated bona fide purchaser in an arm's length
transaction or the foreclosure action has been dismissed; or (b) Any
property that is vacant for more than 30 days or has had a cancellation
of utility or other such service, whichever occurs first.
SEMIANNUAL REGISTRATION
Six months from the date of the first action that requires
registration, as determined by the Township, or its designee, and
every subsequent six months. The date of the initial registration
may be different than the date of the first action that required registration.
SERVICER (MORTGAGE SERVICER)
A company to which borrowers pay their mortgage loan payments
and which may perform other services in connection with mortgages
and mortgage-backed securities. The servicer may be the entity that
originated the mortgage, or it may have purchased the mortgage servicing
rights from the original mortgage lender. The duties of a mortgage
servicer may include the acceptance and recording of mortgage payments;
calculating variable interest rates on adjustable rate loans; payment
of taxes and insurance from the borrower's escrow accounts; negotiations
and modifications of mortgage upon default; and conducting or supervising
the foreclosure process when necessary.
VACANT PROPERTY
Any building or structure that is not legally occupied and
remains so for more than 30 days or has had a cancellation of utility
service, whichever occurs first.