1.
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To restrain, correct or remove the violation or refrain from
any further execution of work;
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2.
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To restrain or correct the erection, installation, or alteration
of such structure;
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3.
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To require the removal of work in violation; or
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4.
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To prevent the occupation or use of the structure or part thereof
erected, constructed, installed or altered in violation of, or not
in compliance with, the provisions of this code, or in violation of
a plan or specifications under which an approval, permit or certificate
was issued.
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1.
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For existing billboards, the first inspection must be performed
by December 31, 2021. For all other billboards, the first inspection
shall be conducted, and the required report shall be filed with the
Lower Merion Building and Planning Department, within two years after
the certificate of occupancy was issued.
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2.
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Following the initial inspection, a billboard shall be reinspected,
and the required report shall be filed every two years based on the
original schedule.
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1.
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Before inspecting a billboard, the retained professional shall
review previous reports, inspections, and evidence of repairs made
in the past year, including confirmation that all areas determined
to require remediation in the previous year have been addressed.
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2.
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The inspection shall be conducted by or under the supervision
of the professional and performed to the best of his/her knowledge
and belief. The professional shall determine the extent of the inspection
required, based upon the known history of the billboard, the nature
of the materials used, and the conditions observed. The professional
shall determine methods employed in the inspection but need not be
physically present at the location where the inspection is made, provided
adequate photos or video recordings are submitted to the design professional
to document the conditions and prepare the required inspection report.
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3.
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The methods used to inspect a billboard shall permit a physical,
hands-on inspection of the structure. The professional may use other
methods of inspection as deemed appropriate.
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4.
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The professional shall employ the appropriate professional standard
of care to detect distressed conditions such as corrosion, delaminating,
separating, splitting or fracturing of material or components as well
as movement or displacement indicative of unsound materials or loss
of structural support. If a distressed condition is identified, the
professional shall order any other inspections and/or tests that may
be required to determine the significance and probable cause of the
observed distress.
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5.
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During the course of the inspection, photographs shall be taken
and/or sketches made to properly document the location of all conditions
observed that are either unsafe or safe with a repair and maintenance
program.
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6.
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Upon discovery of any unsafe condition, the professional shall
immediately notify the owner of the structure by electronic mail;
and shall, within 12 hours of discovery, notify the Code Official
in writing and by electronic mail.
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1.
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The professional shall submit to the owner of the billboard
a written report as to the result of each inspection, certifying that
the inspection was performed and completed in accordance with this
code, and detailing all conditions not classified as Safe. The professional
shall also submit a summary of the written report to the Code Official
in a form determined by the Code Official. The Code Official may by
regulation impose a processing fee, not to exceed $100, that must
be paid upon submission of the summary of the written report. If the
report identifies an unsafe condition, then the professional, within
24 hours of completion of the report, shall file the full report with
the Code Official in writing and in an electronic format determined
by the Code Official. The owner or its agent shall retain all written
reports submitted pursuant to this section and keep them readily available
for inspection by the Code Official.
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2.
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The report shall include, on the front page, the name and license
number of the professional and shall be signed, sealed and dated by
the professional in accordance with the professional registration
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and shall include:
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(a)
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The address and the location from the nearest intersection.
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(b)
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The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the owner
of the billboard and of the owner's agent or person in charge,
possession or control of the billboard, if any.
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(c)
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A description of the billboard, including height, plan dimensions,
age and type of construction.
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(d)
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A brief history of any repairs, if available.
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(e)
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The date of the start and completion of the inspection, a detailed
description of the procedures used in making the inspection, and the
extent and location of all physical inspections performed.
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(f)
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A report of all conditions, including but not limited to significant
deterioration and movement observed. The report shall classify each
such condition as Safe, unsafe, or safe with a repair and maintenance
program.
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(g)
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If repairs are required, the probable causes of the reported
conditions.
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(h)
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The status of the maintenance.
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(i)
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For any conditions listed in the previously filed report (if
any), whether such conditions have been repaired and/or maintained
as recommended in that report.
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(j)
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Recommendations for repairs or maintenance, if appropriate,
including the recommended time frame for the repairs or maintenance
to be performed.
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(k)
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The classification of the billboard according to the following
scheme:
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(i)
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"Unsafe," if there is at least one unsafe condition.
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(ii)
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"Safe with a repair and maintenance program," if there is a
condition that is safe with repair and maintenance program and there
are no unsafe conditions.
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(iii)
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"Safe," in all cases other than Subsection 2k(i) or (ii).
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(l)
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Photographs and/or sketches documenting the locations of any
conditions that are either unsafe or safe with a repair and maintenance
program.
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(m)
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A statement by the professional indicating which repairs and/or
maintenance require the obtaining of work permits prior to their commencement.
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(n)
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A statement signed by the owner or agent of the building, acknowledging
receipt of a copy of the report and acknowledging all required repairs
and/or maintenance (if any) and the recommended time frame for performing
such repairs and/or maintenance.
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(o)
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The professional's certification that the physical inspection
was performed in accordance with applicable rules and regulations
and within the appropriate professional standard of care.
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(p)
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The professional's seal and signature.
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(q)
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Such other matters as the Code Official may by regulation require.
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3.
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If the initial report is amended, the professional shall submit
an amended report within thirty (30) days of the initial submission.
The amended report shall clearly indicate any change from the initial
report and all reasons for such changes.
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1.
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Within 24 hours of being notified of an unsafe condition by
a professional, the owner of a billboard shall take any actions necessary
to protect public safety, such as closing sidewalks, providing fences,
and/or safety netting. Such actions shall be considered as an effort
to remedy an emergency situation, and appropriate permit applications
shall be submitted within the next three days to the Code Official.
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2.
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Within 10 days of the receipt or filing of a report identifying
an unsafe condition, the owner of a billboard shall commence work
to correct the condition, and work shall continue without interruption
until the unsafe condition has been corrected, unless there has been
an unforeseen delay (e.g., weather, labor strike). Within two weeks
after the unsafe condition has been corrected, the professional shall
reinspect the billboard and file with the Code Official a detailed,
amended report stating the condition of the billboard.
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3.
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If the condition of the billboard represents an immediate hazard
and the potential for an imminent collapse, the owner and the Township
shall be notified immediately, and any safeguards to protect the area
shall be started immediately.
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1.
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The Code Official may grant an extension of time of up to 90
days to begin the repairs required to remove an unsafe condition or
to repair a safe with repair and maintenance program condition, after
receipt and review of an initial extension application submitted by
the professional which includes:
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(a)
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Proof that the premises have been made safe.
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(b)
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A copy of the contract indicating the scope of work necessary
to remedy the unsafe condition(s).
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(c)
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The professional's estimate of the length of time required
for repairs, and a notarized affidavit by the owner of the billboard
or its agent that work will be completed within such time.
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2.
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A further extension of time will be considered by the Code Official
only upon receipt and review of a further extension application which
details that one of the following is met:
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(a)
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The work has been substantially completed, but there has been
an unforeseen delay (e.g., weather, labor strike).
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(b)
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Unforeseen circumstances.
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(c)
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The nature of hazard requires more than 90 days to remove.
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(1)
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Processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling
or special temperature conditions.
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(2)
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Areas in which persons are primarily engaged in vigorous physical
activities.
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