Williamsburg

Pennsylvania

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Ordinance Review for New Homeowners

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Overview of Borough Regulations

The provided documents outline two specific ordinances enacted by the Council of the Borough of Williamsburg, Blair County, Pennsylvania. These regulations govern public nuisances and dog ownership to ensure community safety and comfort.

Ordinance No. 258: Prohibiting Nuisances

This ordinance establishes strict rules regarding property maintenance and public safety.

  • Prohibited Activities: It is unlawful for any person or entity to cause a nuisance on private or public property.
  • Specific Nuisances: The ordinance explicitly bans:
    • Accumulations of ashes, garbage, rubbish, or lumber that create fire hazards.
    • Storage of abandoned or junked automobiles.
    • Disposal of waste from septic tanks or materials causing offensive smells.
    • Accumulations of manure, compost, or fertilizer beyond reasonable gardening needs.
    • Breeding places for vermin.
    • Keeping livestock (horses, cows, swine) or fowl (chickens, pigeons) within Borough limits.
    • Dumping offensive matter in streams or burning noxious refuse in open pits.
    • Dangerous signs, trees, structures, or poles.
  • Permit Process: Before engaging in activities that might otherwise be prohibited, owners must apply to the Borough Council for a permit. The application fee is $1. 00. The Council may refuse permits based on neighborhood nature, safety, and property values.
  • Enforcement & Penalties:
    • Officials may remove dangerous structures or nuisances after five days' notice.
    • Owners are charged for removal costs plus a 10% penalty.
    • Fines:
      • First offense: $100. 00 – $600. 00
      • Second offense: $200. 00 – $600. 00
      • Third offense: $300. 00 – $600. 00
      • Fourth and subsequent offenses: $300. 00 – $600. 00
    • Jail Time: Failure to pay fines may result in a jail term of up to 30 days per offense.

Ordinance No. 149: Williamsburg Borough Dog Law

This ordinance amends previous dog laws to declare certain acts as public nuisances and updates penalties.

  • Property Damage: It is unlawful to allow a dog to damage public or private property.
  • Noise Control: It is unlawful to keep dogs that create audible noises disturbing the sleep or repose of residents between 11:00 P. M. and 7:00 A. M. on two or more successive days.
  • Penalties: Violations are punishable by a fine of not less than $25. 00 and not more than $300. 00, plus costs of prosecution. Each occurrence is considered a separate offense.

Key Dates and Signatures

  • Ordinance No. 258 (Nuisances): Enacted and Ordained on June 6, 2022.
    • Signed by Mayor Theodore R. Hyle and President Donald M. Yocum.
  • Ordinance No. 149 (Dog Law): Amended and enacted on October 7, 1985.
    • Signed by Mayor Harry J. Mardis and President of Council.
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