City Code, ExplainedBetaPardon our dust while we build this out — expect some changes along the way.

This chapter adopts the International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 edition, as the City's standard for the condition and upkeep of all property, buildings, and structures, and sets local penalties for violations.

Who this affects

Property owners and occupants throughout the city, since it covers maintenance of buildings and structures and can lead to condemnation of structures found unfit for occupancy.

Key rules

• The International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 edition, is adopted as the City's Property Maintenance Code, covering safe, sanitary conditions, supplied utilities and facilities, condemnation of unfit structures, and demolition procedures.
• Section 101.1 is amended to insert "City of Pottsville".
• Section 103.5 is amended to reference § 170-4, Violations and penalties.
• Section 106.4 Violation penalties: each day a violation continues after due notice is served is a separate offense, punishable by a fine of no less than $300 and no more than $1,000 per day.
• Section 112.4 is amended to insert "$300 and $1,000."
• Section 302.4 is amended to insert "In excess of eight inches".
• Section 304.14 is amended to insert "April 1 to December 1".
• Section 602.3 is amended to insert "October 15 to May 15".
• Section 602.4 is amended to insert "October 1 to May 15".
• Ordinance No. 707 (the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code) and any conflicting ordinances are repealed.

Penalties

Any person violating any provision of this chapter "shall be fined not more than $1,000 but not less than $300, and in default of payment of fine and costs, be imprisoned not more than 90 days." Under § 170-2C, each day a violation continues after due notice has been served is deemed a separate offense.

Notable and archaic details

• Nonpayment of the fine can result in imprisonment of up to 90 days.
• The chapter sets specific seasonal date ranges (e.g., April 1 to December 1; October 15 to May 15; October 1 to May 15) for provisions it amends, though the text of those provisions themselves is not included here.