Common Property Maintenance Code Violations. An illustrated guide

Transcription

1 Common Property Maintenance Code Violations An illustrated guide

2 1) Lawn and Vegetation Overgrown weeds, grass, or vegetation. Vegetation obstructing sidewalks, driveways, and other right of ways. Improper landscaping; allowing weeds to grow into weed trees. Dead or dying trees pose hazards of falling branches. Maintenance

3 Examples of Violations Grass has been cut, property was not trimmed, clippings left in sidewalks and street. Hedges growing out of control, making sidewalks impassable and creating a sight hazard to motorists.

4 Examples of Violations Property overgrown with weeds. Dying tree has many dead branches that may fall, causing property damage, and/or injury.

5 Properties completely overgrown

6 Examples of well maintained properties.

7 2) Sidewalks & Driveways Damaged sidewalk blocks, curbing, driveways. Prohibited parking on grass, and in yards. Maintenance of common alleyways.

8 Examples of violations Damaged sidewalk blocks, curbing, and driveways pose tripping hazards to the public. Tree roots lifting concrete blocks make for hazardous conditions.

9 Improper Parking of Vehicles.

10 Proper Driveway Materials Vehicles parked on gravel or crushed stone, must meet the zoning regulations. Spaces must be maintained free of vegetation, and must be at least the size of the vehicle. The left picture is a violation, the right is an example of compliance.

11 Common Driveway Maintenance Maintenance of paved surfaces by the property owner. Proper disposal of trash and recyclables. Weed, grass, and vegetation control and maintenance.

12 Compare the Conditions of these Driveways

13 Compare the conditions of these properties.

14 3) Accessory Structure Porches, decks, garages, sheds, fences, and retaining walls must be maintained. Compare the conditions of the garages. Maintenance

15 Fences Damaged fence material may pose a hazard, and are unsightly. Well maintained fences increase property values and improve the aesthetics of the neighborhood.

16 Porches These porches are located within a few houses of each other. Structural integrity must be maintained through routine maintenance.

17 Proper Outdoor Furnishings Indoor furniture, appliances, tools, equipment, etc. shall not be stored outside. Porch and/or patio furniture must be made for exterior use.

18 Garages Garages and sheds shall be maintained in good repair. Doors, windows, roofs, and walls shall be maintained. Wood materials shall be properly surface coated or painted to prevent decay or rot.

19 Examples of Violations

20 4) Roofs Roofs shall be maintained in sound condition, free of leaks or other defects. Shingles, gutters, downspouts, capping and flashing shall be maintained.

21 Damaged Shingles Damaged roofing materials do not protect the property from the elements. Create a blight on the neighborhood. May cause significant damage to the building.

22 5) Exterior Walls Exterior walls shall be maintained in a tight, sound, weather tight condition. Walls shall be maintained properly surface coated, and/ or painted.

23 Painted Surfaces Walls, trim, fascia boards shall be properly surface coated and/or painted to prevent decay or rot. Painted surfaces shall be maintained.

24 Siding Siding (wood, aluminum, vinyl, etc.) shall be maintained tight, and weatherproof to prevent moisture infiltration. Damaged or missing siding shall be repaired or replaced.

25 6) Proper Removal of Waste Trash and recyclables shall be disposed of in proper containers. Trash cans shall have tight fitting lids. Premises shall be maintained free from litter, debris, rubbish, etc. Materials

26 Furniture, materials, and other bulk trash require an appointment for disposal. Items shall not be placed at the curb for collection prior to the night before the appointment for removal. Bulk Trash

27 Lawn clippings, leaves, sticks, branches, etc. shall be placed at the curb the evening before the collection date. Yard waste is to be placed in paper bags, placed loose in trash cans, or bundles for pick up, as the material is recycled. Yard waste in plastic bags will not be collected. Yard Waste

28 7) Abandoned Vehicles Vehicles parked on the street and on private property must meet the PA Motor Vehicle Code. Vehicles must have current registration, inspection, tags, and insurance. Vehicles may not be disassembled or inoperable. Vehicles stored in garages are exempt. Vehicles must not create a hazardous condition. (Leaking fluids, broken glass, etc.)

29 Covered Vehicles Vehicles may be covered by approved car covers. When parked on private property. Approved car covers, are covers which were designed to cover a vehicle. Use of tarps, sheets, and other materials are not permitted. Covers shall be held in place using elastic, straps, etc. Bricks, scrap wood, and other items may not be used to hold down a car cover. Car covers shall not hold stagnant water. The vehicle in the top picture is covered with a tarp held in place with a cinder block (not in compliance) The below picture is an example if an approved car cover.

30 Examples of Abandoned Vehicles

31 The Borough of Lansdowne Code Department is responsible for enforcing property maintenance and quality of life concerns. Code Enforcement

32 Code Enforcement To report a property maintenance, or quality of life concern, Please contact: Senior Code Officer John Gould, III X212 gouldj@borough.lansdowne.pa.us 2 nd Floor of Borough Hall