Ordinance No. 878: Property Maintenance Amendment
Ordinance No. 878: Property Maintenance Amendment
This ordinance amends the Borough of Hollidaysburg Property Maintenance Ordinance to address health, safety, and welfare concerns raised by citizens and code enforcement officers. It was enacted on February 9, 2017.
Key Changes to Section 606
Section 606 is amended to add new subparts F through J, defining prohibited conditions on exterior properties:
F. Stored Items: Sinks, bathtubs, stoves, refrigerators, water tanks, furnaces, indoor furniture, used piping, cabinets, demolished/unused construction material, and tires must not be stored on any exterior property for more than 10 days or beyond the next regularly scheduled trash pickup.
G. Recreational Structures: Swimming pools, hot tubs, playground equipment, and trampolines must not become structurally unstable.
H. Accessory Structures: Detached garages, sheds, outbuildings, and pavilions must not become structurally unstable or show signs of deterioration (e.g., collapsed roofs, holes in walls, broken/missing windows). Missing windows may be boarded up with wood panels or other acceptable materials.
I. Stagnant Water: Accumulation of stagnant water on exterior properties that attracts mosquitoes or other nuisance insects is prohibited.
J. Driveways/Parking Lots: Conditions creating hazards due to missing concrete or potholes are prohibited.
New Section 606.1: Exterior of Structures (Occupied or Vacant)
A new section is added to prohibit the following conditions on any structure’s exterior:
A. Exterior Walls: Holes, breaks, loose/rotting materials, deteriorated or loose siding.
B. Foundation Walls: Deterioration (cracks/breaks), instability, failure to maintain weatherproofed or coated surfaces.
C. Roofs/Roof Extensions: Structural deterioration, holes, collapse; flashing allowing rain entry; unsecured roof drains/downspouts; breaks/holes in drains/downspouts; discharge creating public nuisance.
D. Decorative Features: Cornices, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings — must not deteriorate or become loose without proper anchorage.
E. Overhang Extensions: Canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts — must not exhibit holes, broken structural elements, or become loose without proper anchorage.
F. Stairways/Decks/Porches/Balconies: Must not become loose without proper anchorage, or have missing boards/steps/railings/appurtenances necessary for safety.
G. Chimneys/Cooling Towers/Smoke Stacks: Must not deteriorate or exhibit missing structural elements needed for stabilization.
H. Handrails/Guards: Must not become loose/unsecured, or have missing/rotting rails.
I. Windows/Skylights/Doors: Must not admit rain, be non-weather-tight, or have broken/cracked/missing glass.
J. Exterior Gates/Gate Assemblies/Hardware: Must not be in disrepair or have latches incapable of securing gates.
Additional Provisions
Severability Clause: If any part of the ordinance is found unconstitutional, illegal, or invalid, the remainder remains in full force. The Council intends to have adopted the ordinance even if parts are removed.
No Other Amendments: Except as specified, no other amendments are made to the Property Maintenance Ordinance. Existing provisions remain in effect unless inconsistent with this ordinance, which are hereby repealed.
Effective Date: The ordinance becomes effective on the earliest date permitted by law.
Certification
The document is certified as a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 878, adopted by the Borough Council at its regular meeting on Thursday, February 9, 2017. It was duly advertised in the Altoona Mirror on Wednesday, January 25 and Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
Certified by Patricia J. Duron, Secretary of the Borough of Hollidaysburg.