Time to Comply: Borough to Enforce Ordinances to Reduce Blight

With summer upon us and the calendar turned over to June, the Borough of Ellwood City has released a statement addressing and reaffirming minimum standards for exterior properties within the borough.

To the Residents and Property Owners of the Borough of Ellwood City, Pa:

In the spirit of pride in the community and an effort to protect, increase and maintain property values, the borough has some minimum standards outlined in its ordinances.  The adoption by ordinance of the International Property Maintenance Code 2012 (Ellwood City Borough Code of Ordinances, Chapter 1492) listed below details pertinent sections that relate to residential and commercial property owners. This advertisement shall serve as written notice of having provided proper notice of the Ordinance, its requirements, your obligations and penalties which may be imposed for the violations.

Chapter 3. General Requirements:

 Section 302 Exterior Property Areas.

302.1 Sanitation.  All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition.  The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition.

302.4 Weeds.  All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of (6 inches).  All noxious weeds shall be prohibited.  Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Note: Grass trimmings and the like are not to be discharged onto the public thorofare or to be disposed of in catch basins or storm sewers.

302.5 Rodent Harborage.  All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation. (Note: the exterior and interior shall be free of any accumulation of garbage, debris and rubbish where rodents and vermin can find shelter and food sources).Where rodents are found, they shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes which will not be injurious to human health.  After pest elimination, proper precautions shall be taken to eliminate rodent harborage and prevent re-infestation. (Note: A professional exterminator should be consulted for the proper removal and elimination of rodents at the expense of the property owner).

302.7 Accessory structures. All accessory structures, including (but not limited to) detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.

302.8 Motor vehicles.  Except as provided for in other regulations, no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle shall be parked, kept or stored on any premises, and 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.

Section 303 Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.

303.1 Swimming Pools.  Swimming pools shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and in good repair.

Section 304 Exterior Structure

304.1 General.  The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.

Section 308 Rubbish and Garbage

308.1 Accumulation of rubbish or garbage.  All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.

Penalties and Violations. Any violation(s) that results in charges being filed against the resident and /or property owner or other rightful party may result in fines and penalties being assessed in an amount consistent with state law and local Ordinance.

Chapter 1484.  Street Names and Building Numbers.  To better enhance the 911 system and provide for a uniform County-wide addressing system, the Borough requires all addresses to be posted using 3 inch Arabic characters (reflective style are recommended) and shall be visible at all times.  The property owner is to post and maintain address numbers at all times.  The failure to comply may result in penalties.

This notice serves as a friendly reminder to the responsible, concerned residents and property owners of the Borough of Ellwood City that failure to meet these minimum conditions that might be considered a Code Violation.  We appreciate your cooperation and efforts to preserve strong community standards. In the event you have questions or concerns or would like to report conditions that require the attention of our Code Enforcement Officer or our Building Officials you may feel free to contact the Borough at 724-758-7636.

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