[Adopted 4-6-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-03[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the repeal of former Art. IX, Property Maintenance Code, adopted 4-13-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-3.
[Amended 11-5-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-04]
A certain document, three copies of which are on file in the office of Code Enforcement of Swatara Township, being marked and designated as the "International Property Maintenance Code, 2024 edition," as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Property Maintenance Code of the Township of Swatara, in the State 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 Code Enforcement, Swatara Township, 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 § 128-61 of this article.
[Amended 11-5-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-04]
The following sections are hereby revised:
A. 
Section 101.1. Insert "Swatara Township, Dauphin County."
B. 
Section 103.1. Insert "Building and Codes Department."
C. 
Section 107.4. Amend to read: "Violation penalties. Any person who shall violate a provision of this code, or fail to comply therewith, or with any of the requirements thereof, shall be prosecuted within the limits provided by state or local laws. Violators shall be liable for a fine of not more than $1,000.00 per offense. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense."
D. 
Section 108.4. Amend to read: "Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable for a fine of not more than $1,000.00 per offense."
E. 
Section 302.1. Add to the end: "Accumulation of trash, junk, debris, building materials, newspapers, circulars, flyers, notices (except those required by federal, state, or local law), abandoned vehicles, portable storage containers, discarded personal items, furniture, clothing, large and small appliances is prohibited."
F. 
Section 302.4. Amend to read: "Weeds. Premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six (6) inches. Noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Noxious weeds shall be defined as those plants that may give off a noxious odor and weeds listed as noxious by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, as well as bamboo, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term does not include cultivated flowers and gardens, but does include overgrown brush, ground covers, bushes, shrubs, hedges or similar plantings. Dead vegetation and all trimmings shall be removed."
G. 
Section 304.14. Insert "April 1 to November 1."
H. 
Section 602.3. Insert "November 1 to April 1."
I. 
Section 602.4. Insert "November 1 to April 1."
J. 
Section B.101.3. Insert "three (3)."
That Ordinance No. 2016-03 of Swatara Township entitled International Property Maintenance Code 2015 and all other ordinances or parts of laws in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.