Property Maintenance Code

View and download the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (PDF)

Homes and properties must be well maintained both inside and outside according to the 2018 IPMC. To keep neighborhoods safe, healthy and vibrant, the code regulations provide minimum maintenance and life safety standards, and applies to residential and commercial properties. Prior to 2018, property maintenance inspections were only performed on a complaint driven basis. Beginning in 2018 the Borough, utilizing Kraft Municipal Group, began performing block by block exterior inspections of every property in the Borough, with the goal of inspecting every property at least once within a two year time period.  An inspection will also be initiated if Kraft Municipal Group receives a complaint about a specific property. Common examples of code violations are provided below.

• Missing, clogged or defective rain gutters and downspouts.
• Peeling, flaking or missing paint on exterior surfaces such as soffits, eaves, roof overhangs, window frames, doors and trim.
• Broken, cracked or missing windows.
• Structural defects to chimneys/decks/porches, etc.
• Porch supports are to be maintained in a safe and sound condition and in good repair.
• Homes should have address numbers (premise identification) displayed on the front of the property
• Accessory structures shall be maintained and in good repair. This includes retaining walls, fences, sheds, garages, etc.
• Grass and weeds must be maintained at a height less than 10 inches. Upon failure to maintain grass/weeds a Borough Contractor will remedy the violation at the homeowner’s expense.
• Storage of trash or rubbish on the exterior of the property. All trash being placed for collection must be stored in a leakproof, watertight container, with a sealed lid.
• The IPMC also provides minimum standards for the interior condition of a property, including the installation and location of smoke detectors, heating, ventilation, lighting, plumbing, mechanical and means of egress. Other than during a routine residential rental permit inspections, it is extremely rare the Borough would conduct an interior inspection of a residential property. Even then it would only be conducted with a property owners permission, or in severe cases, by obtaining a search warrant from the local magistrate.

If a code violation is observed at a property, a letter will be sent via certified and first class mail to the owner and address listed on the tax records. That letter will contain the section of the IPMC there is a violation(s) of, a description of the violation, what must be done to remediate the violation, a time frame for compliance, the penalty for failure to comply and contact information for Borough staff. If you are not able to comply with the notice within the stated compliance time frame due to reasonable circumstances, please contact Kraft Municipal Group to discuss the possibility of a time extension being granted.

When a property owner does not voluntarily comply with a violation notice within the stated compliance period, and has not contacted Kraft Municipal Group to request a time extension, the Borough will file a non-criminal citation with the local magistrate. Applicable fines are set by the magistrate, typically ranging from $100 to $1,000, depending on the nature of the violation and how long the violation has continued. In extreme cases of continued non-compliance, the Borough may file for a court order to enter the property and remediate the violation on behalf of the owner and placing a lien on the property for all associated costs.