Tarentum, PA, adds vacant property registration ordinance to Borough codes

Tarentum, PA: The Borough has created a vacant property registration ordinance to help combat blight effects.
 

The ordinance requires registration for any vacant property within 30 days of the property becoming vacant, with yearly renewal for properties still vacant to be completed by July 15.


The property owner must supply and maintain current contact information, as well as information for a local contact representative for the property that resides within 40 miles of said property. All amendments to information that needs change are required within 30 days of said changes.


The initial registration fee is $150 per property, with first year of vacancy registration fee increasing to $300; second year vacant to $500; third and fourth years, $1,000 per year; fifth through ninth year at $2,500 per year; and tenth and subsequent years at $5,000 per year.


Fees may be waived, if all municipal fees for the property are paid in full, the building is in habitable condition and in compliance with all codes, and a good-faith effort can be demonstrated to show the property is actively being sought to return it to occupancy and within a pricing structure commensurate to similar buildings.


The Borough will also perform an inspection of the property, after initial registration, and again annually until such time as the property is occupied, to ensure the property is in compliance with all codes. All re-inspections must occur within 60 days of registration.


Failure to adhere to the conditions of the ordinance and maintenance requirements are subject to fines of $1,000 and costs of the prosecution for each offense, or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both fine and imprisonment penalties.

 

 

 

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