Property Maintenance Code

Adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code

The West Norriton Township commissioners have adopted the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code along with its amendments. The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) is a model code that regulates the minimum maintenance requirements for existing buildings.

The IPMC is a maintenance document intended to establish minimum maintenance standards for basic equipment, light, ventilation, heating, sanitation, and fire safety. Responsibility is fixed among owners, operators, and occupants for code compliance. The IPMC provides for the regulation and safe use of existing structures in the interest of the social and economic welfare of the community.

Please review Chapter 10 of the township's Code of Ordinances.

Code Enforcement Officer

Responsibilities

The code enforcement officer is charged with the responsibility for enforcing the code. Distressed and poorly maintained properties quickly lose value and that reduced value is reflected in the value of adjacent properties. One of the greatest benefits of the implementation of a property maintenance inspection program is the ability to maintain property values throughout the township.

Inspections

The code enforcement officer performs regular inspections for common violations and attempts to make verbal contact with the responsible party. If contact cannot be made or if the violation persists, the officer may issue a warning letter and may ultimately issue citations if violations are not resolved within a reasonable period of time.

Common Code Violations

Some of the most common property maintenance code violations include:

• Distressed or poorly maintained structures
• Unlicensed and/or inoperable vehicles
• Tall grass and weeds
• Grass clippings blown into the street
• Weeds growing along the curb line
• Sidewalks in poor condition
• Overgrown bushes obstructing the sidewalk or limiting sight distance at an intersection
• Missing house address numbers