For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED REAL PROPERTY. Any real property located in the borough whether vacant or occupied, that is in default on a mortgage, has had a lis pendens filed against it by the lender holding a mortgage on the property, is subject to an ongoing foreclosure action by the lender, is subject to an application for tax deed or pending tax assessor’s lien sale, or has been transferred to the lender under a deed in lieu of foreclosure. The designation of a property as “abandoned” shall remain in place until such time as the property is sold or transferred to a new owner, the foreclosure action has been withdrawn or dismissed, and any default on the mortgage has been cured. ABANDONED PROPERTY shall also include any and all real estate located in the borough which remains uninhabited for a consecutive period in excess of 90 days.
APPLICABLE CODES. Includes, but not be limited to, the borough zoning ordinance (as codified in Chapter 154), quality of life ordinance, Property Maintenance Code (§§ 150.015 and 150.016) and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) (§ 150.030), including, but not limited to, the UCC International Building Code and International Fire Code.
BLIGHTED PROPERTY. Any real property that has broken or severely damaged windows, doors, walls or roofs which create a hazardous condition and encourage trespassing; or any real property whose maintenance is not in conformance with the maintenance of other neighboring properties causing a decrease in value of neighboring properties; or any real property cited for a public nuisance pursuant to applicable codes; or any real property that endangers the public’s health, safety or welfare due to the dilapidation or deterioration of such property, or any real property, the condition of which has violated minimum health and safety standards or lacks maintenance as required by applicable codes.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. Any law enforcement officer, Building Code Official, Zoning Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, Fire Inspector or Building Inspector, or other person authorized by the borough to enforce the applicable code(s).
OWNER. Any person, legal entity or other party having ownership interest whether legal or equitable, in real property. This term shall also apply to any person, legal entity or agent responsible for the construction, maintenance or operation of the property involved.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE COMPANY. A local property manager, property maintenance company or similar entity responsible for the maintenance of abandoned real property.
VACANT PROPERTY. Any building or structure that is not legally occupied and has been unoccupied for a period in excess of 90 consecutive days.
(Ord. 3-2016, passed 10-10-2016)