Chapter 10: Health And Safety

Chapter 10: Health and Safety Regulations (Hollidaysburg, PA)

This document outlines municipal regulations concerning public health and safety, organized into nine parts. It covers weed control, insect management, dangerous openings, motor vehicle storage, property maintenance, littering, aggravated public nuisance, and noise control.

Part 1: Weed Control

• Prohibition: It is unlawful to allow grass, weeds, or other vegetation to become nuisances.
• Large Parcels: Specific rules apply to parcels over two acres.
• Responsibility: Property owners are responsible for removing or trimming vegetation.
• Enforcement: The Borough has the authority to issue notices and remedy violations if the owner fails to act.
• Penalties: Violations carry penalties (specific amounts not listed in the index).

Part 2: Insect Control

• Mosquito Prevention: Collections of water must be treated to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Definitions & Evidence: The ordinance defines "collections of water" and outlines evidence standards for mosquito breeding.
• Treatment Methods: Specific methods for treating water collections are mandated.
• Failure to Comply: If a property owner fails to take measures after notice, the Borough may act.
• Access & Penalties: The Borough has access to premises for enforcement, and penalties apply for violations.

Part 3: Dangerous Openings

• Abandoned Holes: Abandoned holes or openings in the earth are considered dangerous.
• Removal/Filling: Dangerous openings must be removed or filled.
• Owner Responsibility: Property owners are responsible for addressing these hazards.
• Penalties: Violations result in penalties.

Part 4: Storage of Motor Vehicle Nuisances

• Prohibition: Storing motor vehicle nuisances is prohibited.
• Exceptions: Specific exceptions exist for storage.
• Inspection & Notice: The Borough can inspect and issue notices to comply.
• Remedies: The Borough has authority to remedy noncompliance, including hearings.
• Penalties & Liability: Violations carry penalties; remedies are not mutually exclusive.

Part 5: Dangerous Structures

• Public Nuisance: Dangerous structures are declared public nuisances.
• Investigation & Hearing: Procedures for investigation and hearings are established.
• Standards: Standards for repair, vacation, removal, or demolition are defined.
• Enforcement & Emergency: Enforcement procedures and emergency case protocols are included.
• Penalties & Liability: Violations carry penalties; liability provisions are outlined.

Part 6: Property Maintenance

• Scope: Covers yards, open lots, and parking areas.
• Infestation: Requires prevention and correction of infestations.
• Responsibilities: Defines responsibilities for occupants and owners.
• Abatement & Compliance: Procedures for abatement and compliance are set.
• Penalties & Liability: Violations carry penalties; owners are severally responsible.

Part 7: Littering

• Prohibition: Littering is prohibited.
• Penalties: Violations carry penalties.

Part 8: Aggravated Public Nuisance

• Findings & Definitions: Establishes findings and definitions for aggravated public nuisance.
• Prohibition: Aggravated public nuisance is not permitted.
• Notice & Conference: Requires written notice and allows for a nuisance abatement conference.
• Agreement & Complaint: Provides for a nuisance abatement agreement and the right to file a complaint.
• Evidence & Action: Outlines evidence standards and actions to abate the nuisance.
• Judgment & Penalties: Includes provisions for judgment and penalties.

Part 9: Noise

• General Provisions: Establishes general rules for noise control.
• Prohibited Noises: Specific noises are prohibited.
• Exemptions & Administration: Defines exemptions and administrative procedures.
• Special Waivers: Allows for special waivers under certain conditions.
• Enforcement & Penalties: Details enforcement mechanisms and penalties.

Noise Violation Penalties (Detailed)

• Public Nuisance: Any noise violation is declared a public nuisance.
• Procedure:
  • A written warning or citation may be issued.
  • Warnings are effective for 120 days.
  • A citation is issued for any subsequent violation within that 120-day period.
• Measurement: Noise levels are measured in dB(A) using conventional sound level meters on slow response.
• Fines:
  • First offense: $100 to $600.
  • Second offense: $150 to $600.
  • Third offense: $200 to $600.
  • Fourth and subsequent offenses (within any 100-day period): $300 to $600.
• Jail Time: Failure to pay fines can result in jail time not exceeding 30 days per offense.
• Daily Violations: Each day a violation continues is considered a separate and distinct offense.

Ordinance Reference: Ord. 784, 11/7/2002, §5