Ordinance Review for New Homeowners
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Overview of Borough Ordinances
The provided documents detail two specific ordinances enacted by the Borough of Williamsburg, Blair County, Pennsylvania. The first is an amendment to the "Williamsburg Borough Dog Law" (Ordinance No. 149), and the second is a comprehensive ordinance prohibiting various types of nuisances (Ordinance No. 238).
Dog Law Amendments (Ordinance No. 149)
Date Enacted: October 7, 1985
This section outlines specific regulations regarding dog ownership and penalties for violations.
- Property Damage: It is unlawful to allow a dog to cause damage to public or private property.
- Nuisance Conditions: Owners must prevent dogs from creating unpleasant or repulsive conditions on private property.
- Noise Control: It is unlawful to keep dogs that create audible noises disturbing the sleep or rest of residents between 11:00 P. M. and 7:00 A. M.
- Penalties: Violations are punishable by a fine of not less than $25. 00 and not more than $300. 00, plus costs of prosecution. Each occurrence is considered a separate offense.
Prohibition of Nuisances (Ordinance No. 238)
Date Enacted: June 6, 2022
This ordinance defines prohibited activities on private and public property and establishes a permit system for certain exceptions.
Prohibited Activities
The following are considered nuisances:
- Accumulations of ashes, garbage, or rubbish.
- Storage of abandoned or junked automobiles.
- Accumulation of lumber or flammable materials creating a fire hazard.
- Unsightly accumulations of materials.
- Disposal of waste from septic tanks or offensive washings.
- Accumulations of manure, compost, or fertilizer beyond reasonable gardening needs.
- Breeding places for vermin.
- Keeping livestock (horses, cows, swine, chickens, pigeons) within Borough limits.
- Dumping offensive matter in streams or water courses.
- Burning offensive refuse in open pits.
- Dangerous signs, trees, structures, or poles.
Permit Requirements
- Application: Parties wishing to engage in activities otherwise prohibited must apply for a permit from the Borough Council.
- Fee: The application cost is $1. 00.
- Approval: Permits are issued at the discretion of the Council based on neighborhood nature, future development, health/safety, and property values.
- Revocation: Failure to abide by permit rules results in termination of the permit and constitutes a violation.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Removal: Borough officials may remove nuisances after five days' notice. Owners are charged for removal costs plus a 10% penalty (minimum $100. 00, maximum $500. 00).
- Fines for Non-Compliance:
- First Offense: Fine of $100. 00 to $500. 00.
- Second Offense: Fine of $200. 00 to $600. 00.
- Third Offense: Fine of $200. 00 to $600. 00.
- Fourth and Subsequent Offenses: Fine of $300. 00 to $600. 00.
- Jail Time: Failure to pay fines may result in a jail sentence of up to 30 days per offense.
- Daily Violations: Each day a violation continues is considered a separate and distinct offense.