[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of
Tredyffrin 8-20-2007 by Ord. No. HR-359.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Brush, grass and weeds — See Ch. 77.
Building construction — See Ch. 80.
Nuisances — See Ch. 131.
Solid waste — See Ch. 168.
Zoning — See Ch. 208.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 149, Property
Maintenance, which consisted of Art. I, Nonresidential Property, adopted 5-4-1981
by Ord. No. HR-57 (Ch. VI, Art. 6, of the 1979 General Laws of the Municipality
of Tredyffrin), as amended.
This chapter shall be known as the "Tredyffrin Township Property Maintenance
Code" and may be referred to herein as "this chapter."
The purposes of this chapter are to establish minimum standards of property
maintenance to: (1) protect, preserve and promote the safety, physical and
mental health and social well-being of the citizens of Tredyffrin Township
and the general public; and (2) to reduce environmental hazards to health.
Further purposes of this chapter are to establish the responsibilities of
owners and occupants for compliance with the standards included herein, to
make provision for administration and enforcement and to fix penalties for
violations thereof.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply uniformly to the maintenance
and use of all buildings, structures and premises, including individual residential,
commercial, industrial and institutional uses and uses included in shopping
centers and industrial parks. The provisions shall apply uniformly to existing
premises, buildings and structures, irrespective of when or under what codes
said buildings were originally constructed, altered or repaired, and to all
buildings and structures hereafter constructed.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the
purpose of this chapter, have the meanings indicated in this section. Words
used in the present tense include the future, the singular number includes
the plural, and the plural the singular. Where terms are not defined in this
section but are defined in the Township Building Code, they shall have the
meanings ascribed to them as in the building code. Where terms are not defined
under the provisions of this chapter or under the provisions of the building
code, they shall have ascribed to them their ordinarily accepted meanings
or such as the context herein may imply.
Relatively stable decomposed or decomposing organic matter.
The exterior condition of a building or part thereof, characterized
by holes, breaks, rot, crumbling, cracking, peeling, rusting or other evidence
of physical decay, resulting from neglect, inadequate maintenance or excessive
use.
Any premises or any part thereof, or any building or any part thereof,
which may be lawfully viewed by the public from a public street, sidewalk
or right-of-way.
The control and elimination of insects, rodents, vermin and other
pests.
Putrescible animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling,
preparation, cooking and consumption of food or other organic materials.
The presence of insects, rodents, vermin or other pests on the premises
which constitutes a health hazard.
Any public nuisance known at common law or in equity jurisprudence or
as provided by the statutes or regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
or the ordinances or regulations of Chester County or of Tredyffrin Township.
Any attractive nuisance which may prove detrimental to the health or
safety of persons whether in a building, on the premises of a building or
upon an unoccupied lot. This includes, but is not limited to, abandoned wells,
shafts, basements, excavations, abandoned refrigerators, motor vehicles, or
other equipment, trash or debris, which may prove hazardous to inquisitive
persons.
Unsanitary conditions or anything dangerous to health in violation of
this chapter.
Any person who has charge, care or control of a building premises
or a part thereof, whether with or without the knowledge and/or consent of
the owner.
Open space on the premises outside of any building thereon.
Any person who, alone or jointly or severally with others, shall
have legal or equitable title to any premises, with or without accompanying
actual possession thereof, or shall have charge, care or control of any premises
as owner or agent of the owner or as executor, administrator, trustee, receiver
or guardian of the estate or as a mortgagee in possession, regardless of how
such possession was obtained. Any person who is a lessee subletting or reassigning
any part or all of any premises shall have joint responsibility over the portion
of the premises sublet or assigned by said lessee.
A lot, plot or parcel of land, including the buildings or structures
thereon, which is subject to the provisions of this chapter.
Liable to undergo putrefaction; becoming rotten and foul-smelling.
All putrescible and nonputrescible solid waste (except body wastes),
including but not limited to glass, garbage, rubbish, ashes, street cleanings,
dead animals, uninspected or unregistered vehicles and solid market and industrial
wastes.
Nonputrescible solid wastes consisting of both combustible and noncombustible
wastes, such as paper, wrappings, cigarettes, cardboard, tin cans, yard clippings,
leaves, wood, glass, bedding, crockery and similar materials.
Deterioration, decay, rotting or damage caused by exposure to the
elements.
Any rank vegetative growth, including, but not limited to, poison
ivy, jimsonweed, burdock, ragweed, thistle, nettle, sumac, goldenrod, tall
grasses in excess of twelve (12) inches in height, cocklebur, plants of obnoxious
odors or any other plant or vegetation whatsoever not edible or planted for
ornamental or agricultural purposes. Weeds shall not include trees, shrubs,
crops, cultivated flowers or gardens.
A.Â
Outside premises. All outside premises, whether occupied
or vacant, shall be kept free of unsanitary conditions and of all nuisances
and any hazards to the safety of occupants, pedestrians and other persons
utilizing or exposed to the premises. Unsanitary conditions, nuisances and
hazards include, but are not limited to, the following for any outside premises:
(1)Â
Vegetation, defined as:
(a)Â
Excessive weeds.
(b)Â
Hedges, trees, shrubs or other vegetation that obstruct
the approach sight distance of any highway, street, driveway, traffic signal,
traffic signal sign or crosswalk.
(c)Â
Dead and dying trees and limbs or other natural growth
which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating conditions or storm damage, constitute
a hazard to persons in the vicinity thereof. Trees shall be kept pruned and
trimmed to prevent such conditions.
(2)Â
Loose and overhanging objects and accumulations of ice
and snow which by reason of location above ground level constitute a danger
of falling on and causing injury or damage to persons or property in the vicinity
thereof.
(3)Â
Ground surface hazards or unsanitary conditions, including
holes, excavations, breaks, projections, obstructions, icy conditions, uncleared
snow and excretion of animals on paths, walks, driveways, parking lots and
parking areas, and other parts of the premises which are accessible to and
used by persons on the premises.
(4)Â
Recurring accumulations of stormwater. Adequate runoff
drains shall be provided and maintained to eliminate any recurrent or excessive
accumulation of stormwater.
(5)Â
Sources of infestation. All structures and outside premises
shall be kept free from insect infestation and rodent harborage.
(6)Â
All sidewalks, walkways, public driveways, parking spaces
and similar areas on or abutting the property shall be maintained free from
conditions that are hazardous to pedestrians, including but not limited to
permanent or semipermanent obstructions. Branches or limbs that overhang such
walkways shall be no less than seven (7) feet above the walkway below.
(7)Â
No uninspected or unregistered motor vehicle shall be
stored on an outside premises at any time in a state of major disassembly,
disrepair, or in the process of being stripped or dismantled for longer than
thirty (30) days. Inoperable vehicles may not be stored on an outside premises
for longer than thirty (30) days.
(8)Â
All premises shall be kept free from an accumulation
of rubbish and refuse. The owner of every occupied premises shall supply leakproof
containers with tight-fitting covers for rubbish and garbage, and the owner
of the premises shall be responsible for the removal of rubbish and garbage.
Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of all rubbish and garbage in
a sanitary manner by placing such rubbish in containers. Composting material
placed in piles, ventilated bins or pits shall not be considered garbage,
rubbish or refuse, provided the material is periodically turned or mixed.
Refrigerators and similar equipment not in operation shall not be discarded,
abandoned or stored on an outside premises without first removing the doors.
B.Â
Landscaping. Premises with landscaping and lawns, hedges
and bushes shall be kept from becoming overgrown and unsightly where exposed
to public view, so that they do not constitute a blighting factor to adjoining
property.
C.Â
Exterior of buildings and structures. The following maintenance
requirements shall apply to the exterior of all buildings and structures,
including accessory buildings and structures:
(1)Â
The exterior of every structure or accessory structure
(including fences) shall be maintained in a condition or state of repair which
is free of broken or missing glass, loose shingles, crumbling stone or brick,
excessive peeling paints, rotted wood or other condition indicative of deterioration
or inadequate maintenance to the end that the property itself may be preserved
in good condition, safety and fire hazards eliminated and so rain, rodents,
insects, vermin or other pests or animals likely to cause deterioration shall
be prevented from entering.
(2)Â
Exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs, fire escapes,
banisters, railings and decorative features such as cornices, beltcourses,
corbels, terra cotta trim and wall facings shall be kept structurally sound
and properly maintained.
(3)Â
Foundation walls, columns, posts, piers, chimneys, handrails,
guards and other structural members shall be kept structurally sound and free
from defects and damage.
(4)Â
Windows, exterior doors and basement hatchways shall
be substantially tight, within frames when closed, and kept in sound condition
and repair, without open cracks or holes.
(5)Â
Roofs and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have
defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness
or deterioration. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained
in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged
in a manner that creates a public nuisance.
(6)Â
Swimming pools shall be maintained in good repair and
in a sanitary condition. Private swimming pools, hot tubs and spas containing
water more than 24 inches in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence
or barrier at least 48 inches in height above the finished ground level measured
on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Gates and doors in such barriers
shall be self-closing and self-latching. Where the self-latching device is
less than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall
be located on the pool side of the gate. Self-closing and self-latching gates
shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when
in an open position of six inches from the gatepost. No existing pool enclosure
shall be removed, replaced or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness
as a safety barrier. Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover that complies with
ASTM F1346 or subsequent amendment shall be exempt from the provisions of
this amendment.
(7)Â
In the event that the exterior surface of any structure
or building on any public or private property has been defaced or damaged
by a marking, carving or graffiti, it shall be the responsibility of the property
owner to remove or repair any such marking, carving or graffiti within 10
business days.
D.Â
Maintenance of commercial, industrial and institutional uses. In addition to the maintenance requirements for outside premises and exterior structures of Subsections A through C above, the owner and/or the lessees, assignee or entity responsible by contract for maintenance of any shopping center, industrial park or other commercial, industrial or institutional use shall be responsible for:
(1)Â
Full maintenance, repair and cleanliness of all roadways,
parking areas, lawns, landscaped areas and buffer strips and other outside
premises, including the regular removal of litter and refuse and mowing of
lawn areas.
(2)Â
Repainting or remarking of traffic lines and lanes indicating
parking spaces, traffic flow, fire lanes, pedestrian walkways and other traffic
control designations, so as to be clear and conspicuous at all times.
(3)Â
The maintenance and replacement or repair of paving,
bumper blocks, guide rails and lighting installations in parking areas and
entrances thereto.
(4)Â
The maintenance of any fences in good repair along the
perimeter of the premises.
(5)Â
The prompt removal or abatement of any nuisance and any
hazard to the health and safety of occupants, pedestrians, motorists and other
persons utilizing or exposed to the premises.
(6)Â
The removal and replacement of plantings or other landscaping
features which were required as a condition of site plan or other approval,
but which did not survive.
(7)Â
The maintenance of all signs in good repair. Any sign
which has weathered excessively or faded or the paint on which has excessively
peeled or cracked such that the sign no longer serves its intended purpose
shall, with its supporting members, be removed or put into a state of good
repair. All nonoperative electrical signs shall be repaired or shall, with
their supporting members, be removed. All signs shall comply with Zoning Ordinance
requirements.[1]
(8)Â
The maintenance of any awning or marquee in good repair.
Such awning or marquee shall not show evidence of excessive weathering, discoloration,
ripping, tearing or other deterioration and shall not constitute a nuisance
or safety hazard.
(9)Â
Providing a minimum of one working bathroom and one drinking
facility for employees that are accessible from within the employees'
working area. The floor of every bathroom shall be maintained with a hard,
smooth and nonabsorbent surface to permit such floor to be kept in a sanitary
condition. Drinking facilities shall be a drinking fountain, water cooler,
bottled water cooler or disposable cups next to a sink or water dispenser.
Drinking facilities shall not be located in bathrooms.
(10)Â
Supplying indoor occupiable work spaces with heat during
the period from October 15 to April 15 to maintain a temperature of not less
than 65° F. during the period the spaces are occupied. The required room
temperatures shall be measured three feet above the floor near the center
of the room and two feet inward from the center of each exterior wall.
(11)Â
The maintenance of the electrical system free from hazards.
Any defects relating to inadequate service, improper fusing, improper wiring
or installation, deterioration or damage shall be corrected to eliminate the
hazard.
(12)Â
Providing a safe, continuous and unobstructed path of
travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way. All means
of egress doors and emergency openings shall not be blocked or obstructed
or otherwise made inoperable. All means of egress doors and emergency openings
shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without
the need for keys, special knowledge or effort. Bars, grilles, gates or similar
devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings,
provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the building code
that was in effect at the time of construction, and such devices shall be
releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or
force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape-and-rescue
opening.
(13)Â
Providing adequate handrails and guards. Every flight
of stairs having more than four risers shall have a handrail on one side of
the stair and every open portion of a stair, landing, balcony, ramp or other
walking surface which is more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below
shall have guards. Handrails shall not be less than 30 inches high or more
than 42 inches high measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above
the finished floor of the landing or walking surfaces. Except where exempt
by the building code, guards shall not be less than 30 inches high above the
first floor of the landing, balcony, ramp or other walking surface.
(14)Â
The maintenance of plumbing systems. Every plumbing stack,
vent, waste and sewer line shall function properly and be kept free from obstructions,
leaks and defects. Where it is found that a plumbing system constitutes a
hazard by reason of inadequate service, inadequate venting, cross connection,
backsiphonage, improper installation, deterioration or damage or for similar
reasons, the Code Official shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate
the hazard.
A.Â
Closing of vacant structures. All vacant structures and
premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a safe, secure and
sanitary condition so as not to adversely affect public health or safety.
If a structure is vacant and unfit for human habitation and occupancy and
is not in danger of structural collapse, the Code Official is authorized to
order the structure closed up so as not to be a nuisance. Upon failure of
the owner to close up a vacant premises within the time specified in the order,
the Code Official shall cause the premises to be closed and secured through
any available public agency or by contract or arrangement by private persons,
and the cost thereof shall be charged against the real estate upon which the
structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate and may be
collected by any other legal resource.
B.Â
Emergency measures. When there is imminent danger of
failure or collapse of a building or structure which endangers life, or when
any structure or part of any structure has fallen and life is endangered by
the occupation of the structure, or when there is actual or potential danger
to the building occupants or those in the proximity of any structure, the
Code Official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the
occupants to vacate the premises forthwith. The Code Official shall cause
to be posted at each entrance to such structure a notice reading as follows:
"This structure is unsafe and its occupancy has been prohibited by the Code
Official." It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such structure except
for the purpose of securing the structure, making the required repairs, removing
the hazardous condition or demolishing the same. The Code Official shall order
the necessary work to be done, including the boarding up of openings, to render
such structure temporarily safe and shall cause such other action to be taken
as the Code Official deems necessary to meet such emergency. The Township
may institute appropriate action against the owner of the premises where the
unsafe structure is or was for the recovery of any costs incurred by the Township
in the performance of emergency work.
C.Â
Demolition. The Code Official shall order the owner of
any structure which is so old, dilapidated or has become so out of repair
as to be dangerous, unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation
or occupancy, and such that it is unreasonable to repair the structure, to
demolish and remove such structure; or if such structure is capable of being
made safe by repairs, to repair and make safe and sanitary or to demolish
and remove at the owner's option; or when there has been a cessation
of normal construction of any structure for a period of more than two years,
to demolish and remove such structure. If the owner of a structure fails to
comply with a demolition order within the time prescribed, the Code Official
shall cause the structure to be demolished and removed, either through an
available public agency or by contract or arrangement with private persons,
and the cost of such demolition and removal shall be charged against the real
estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real
estate.
The Director of the Department of Building and Zoning is hereby designated
to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Director of Building and Zoning
shall be appointed by the Township Manager and shall be certified by the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania to serve as the Township's Building Code Official. The
Director may designate building inspectors in the Department to make inspections
and perform such other duties as may be necessary to the enforcement of this
chapter, who shall also be certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under
the Uniform Construction Code Act. The Director of Building and Zoning and
building inspectors shall be referred to in this chapter as "Code Official."
Code Officials shall have the right to issue necessary notices of violations
and orders to abate illegal or unsafe conditions and, in the event of noncompliance,
to institute appropriate actions at law or in equity. Code Officials shall
have the right to enter any property or structure: (1) pursuant to an administrative
warrant; (2) that is abandoned; (3) with the consent of the owner or occupant;
or (4) in the case of exigent circumstances, including imminent danger of
injury to any person or serious damage to property. An administrative warrant
shall be issued by a magisterial district justice or other court of competent
jurisdiction upon a showing of: (1) specific evidence of an existing statutory
or regulatory violation; or (2) a reasonable plan supported by a valid and
neutral public interest.
A.Â
In the absence of specific contractual agreements between
owners and occupants with respect to responsibilities for compliance with
the requirements of this chapter, the following shall apply:
(1)Â
Responsibility for maintaining premises in a clean and
sanitary condition:
B.Â
No owner shall be relieved of responsibility for compliance
nor be entitled to defend against any change or violation thereof by reason
of the fact that he has contracted with an agent to be responsible therefor
or by reason of the fact that the owner's agent or the occupant is also
jointly responsible therefor and in violation thereof.
A.Â
The Code Official shall issue all necessary notices or
orders to ensure compliance with this chapter. Whenever the Code Official
determines that there has been a violation of this chapter or has grounds
to believe that a violation has occurred, notice shall be given to the owner
of the property, the lessee of the property, and/or the person responsible
for the violation as specified in this chapter.
B.Â
The form of such notice shall be in accordance with all
of the following:
(1)Â
Be in writing.
(2)Â
Include the Chester County tax parcel identification
number and address for the real estate.
(3)Â
Include a statement of the violation or violations and
why the notice is being issued.
(4)Â
Include a correction order allowing a minimum of ten
(10) days to make the repairs and improvements required to bring the premises
into compliance with the provisions of this chapter. The number of days granted
for compliance shall be computed by excluding the date of receipt and counting
the last day, regardless of whether the same falls on a weekend or holiday.
(5)Â
Inform the property owner, lessee and/or the person responsible
for the violation of the right to appeal.
(6)Â
Include a statement of the right to file a lien in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter.
C.Â
Such notice shall be deemed to be properly served if
a copy thereof is:
(1)Â
Delivered personally;
(2)Â
Sent by certified or first-class mail to the owner of
record as indicated by the Chester County Tax Department and/or the occupant;
or
(3)Â
If the notice is returned showing that the letter was
not delivered, a copy thereof shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or
about the premises affected by such notice.
D.Â
Said notice requirement to invoke the penalty provisions
of this chapter shall not be required, however, in the event of an emergency
situation where there is imminent danger of substantial harm to property or
threat to human life. In such a situation, personal notice to the owner or
occupant of the property shall constitute the necessary notice required to
invoke the penalty provisions of this chapter.
Any person, firm, corporation, partnership or other entity who or which violates or permits a violation of this article, after notice as set forth in § 149-9 above, upon being found liable in a civil enforcement proceeding, shall pay a fine of not more than $1,000, plus all court costs, including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred by the Township in the enforcement of this chapter. No judgment shall be imposed until the date of the determination of the violation by the District Justice and/or Court of Common Pleas of Chester County. If the defendant neither pays nor timely appeals the judgment, the Township may institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of unlawful occupancy of the premises in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Each day a violation continues after due notice has been served shall constitute a separate offense. Further, the appropriate officers or agents of the Township are hereby authorized to seek equitable relief, including injunction, to enforce compliance herewith.
The Township has formed an ICC Board of Appeals (Board), which Board
shall hear and decide appeals, orders, decisions or determinations made by
the Code Official relative to the application and interpretation of all building
and property maintenance codes, including this chapter. Any person directly
affected by a decision of the Code Official or a notice or order issued under
this chapter shall have the right to appeal to the Board, provided that a
written request for appeal is filed within 30 days after the day the decision,
notice or order was served. An application for appeal shall be based on a
claim that the true intent of the code or the rules legally adopted thereunder
have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this chapter do not fully
apply, or the requirements of this chapter are adequately satisfied by other
means. The members of the Board shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors
and shall be governed by the rules and regulations adopted by the Township.
Appeals of notices and orders, other than notices regarding imminent dangers,
shall stay the enforcement of the notice and order until the appeal is heard
by the Board.
In any case where a provision of this chapter is found to be in conflict
with a provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance
or code of Tredyffrin Township, the provision which establishes the higher
standard for the promotion and protection of the health and safety of the
people shall prevail.
If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter
is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.
The Code Official or any subordinate charged with enforcement of this
chapter, while acting for Tredyffrin Township, shall not thereby be rendered
liable personally and is hereby relieved from all personal liability for any
damage accruing to persons or property as a result of an act required or permitted
in the discharge of official duties, with the exception of conduct that is
intentional, willful, outrageous or malicious. Any suit initiated against
any Code Official in the lawful discharge of duties and under the provisions
of this chapter shall be defended by the legal representative of Tredyffrin
Township until the final determination of the proceedings. The Code Official
or any subordinate shall not be liable for costs in an action, suit or proceeding
that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions of this chapter, and any
employee of the Department of Building and Zoning, acting in good faith and
without malice, shall be free from liability for acts performed under any
of its provisions or by reason of any act or omission in the performance of
official duties in connection therewith.
