Thorpe nuisance ordinance will save money, get results

A recently adopted nuisance ordinance has Jim Thorpe Borough hoping it can save on enforcement costs over the long haul.

The ordinance, which went into effect in May, allows the borough’s code enforcement officer to issue a ticket on-site to the owner or occupant of a property as opposed to snail-mailing a citation.

“This is a much more immediate action,” Greg Kurtz, of Barry Isett and Associates, said. “Before I spent hours preparing notices of violation to stick in the mail to people. Now when I get a call to go check out a situation, if someone is in violation, I can issue the ticket in 10 minutes.”

Borough Manager Maureen Sterner said it’s estimated Jim Thorpe could save $7,000 to $10,000 for the year in enforcement costs.

The ordinance states, “the lack of maintenance of properties, improper storage of trash and rubbish, storage of inoperable/nonregistered vehicles, and accumulation of snow and ice are costly problems that contribute to the deterioration of property values and general disorder in a community, and may result in health hazards for citizens.”

“Recognizing these are community problems, the purpose of this ordinance is to prompt health, safety and general welfare of citizens of the borough of Jim Thorpe.”

Topics addressed throughout the ordinance include accumulation of rubbish or garbage, lack of animal maintenance and waste/feces cleanup, high weeds, grass or plant growth, motor vehicle storage and repair, outside placement of indoor applicants/furniture, snow and ice removal from sidewalks, storage containers for waste or trash, maintenance of swimming pools, and prohibited conduct such as fighting or creating unreasonable noise.

“We don’t go around driving trying to rack up tickets or something like that,” Kurtz said. “Basically, all of the violations stem from an initial request for action that comes into the borough. For example, someone might call in and say the neighbor’s grass is too high. If we go out and find that property is in violation, we can issue the ticket right away.”

A first violation is $25, according to the ordinance. Kurtz said if the issue isn’t addressed in 24 hours, the fine rises to $50. In another 24 hours, the fine would increase to $100.

Residents can call the borough if they feel a ticket was issued in error, he added.

“Ultimately, if unpaid, it would go before a magistrate,” Kurtz said.

Weeds, including grass, shall be restricted to less than eight inches in height, according to the ordinance.

Property owners or occupants must also clear snow and ice from sidewalks, enough to create a path of 30 inches, within 12 hours of the end of the storm. Businesses must have sidewalks clear within four hours of the end of a storm. The time limit begins at daybreak if the storm was overnight.

“Right now, we probably average five requests for action a week,” Kurtz said. “Generally, the residents of Jim Thorpe take great care of their properties. It’s a beautiful community.”

A copy of the complete is ordinance is available at https://bit.ly/2KxKLgU.