Jun 1, 2016 3 min read

A plan by North Strabane supervisors to streamline code enforcement hit a snag Tuesday as several township residents objected to what they say are too-stringent rules and a vague ordinance.

“The ambiguity of this document concerns me,” said resident Jake Dolence.

The board was scheduled to act on property maintenance violations that coincide with a state statute called the Neighborhood Blight and Revitalization Act, but voted to table the matter after hearing from residents.

“I think it’s a bit much,” said Supervisor Marcus Staley.

Points of concern included a length restriction on grass and weeds, a requirement that no more than one unregistered or uninspected vehicle be parked outside and a guideline that no vehicles deemed a nuisance be parked outside. Many residents also disagreed with a rule precluding any outdoor automobile work.

“What if you don’t have a garage?” asked Dolence.

Solicitor Gary Sweat said the ordinance he’s been developing with code enforcement officers is intended to better address unsafe structures and dilapidated buildings. The ordinance streamlines the Uniform Construction Code and International Property Maintenance Code, he said, and gives the township the ability to hold negligent property owners responsible and pursue out-of-state owners.

“This isn’t new,” said Sweat.

A township code ordinance has been in effect since 1994.

Manager Frank Siffrinn said that despite a misunderstanding by some residents, there are no plans to increase the number of code enforcement officers or to change the department. He said there are no plans to go into existing homes to evaluate building code compliance.

At the meeting Tuesday, supervisors also formally adopted the 2016 comprehensive plan update. A committee has been working on the strategy for development and future land use since 2014. Siffrinn said that plan is a broad overview and that staff will work to tie up loose ends, including possible rezoning and changes to sign regulations.

Supervisors unanimously rejected a proposed amendment by Traditions of America to permit age-restricted planned communities as conditional uses in the A-1 agriculture and R-2 residential districts. Approval would have cleared the way for a 187-acre property under sales agreement with Traditions of America, a developer working on a 55-and-older planned community with about 180 detached units on Christy Road.

Current zoning allows single-family units on one-acre lots in A-1 districts. The amendment called for gross acreage, meaning more than one house could be constructed on a single acre.

While that request was denied, the board voted to consider age-restricted planned communities in the comprehensive plan.

Supervisors also authorized Gateway Engineers to perform a soil study at a site near the municipal park for the YMCA building project. Siffrinn and Supervisor Sonia Stopperich have had discussions with the organization about a $14 million, 55,000-square-feet facility close to the park.