South Whitehall commissioners have unanimously approved a property maintenance code designed to regulate and govern the condition and maintenance of all property, buildings and structures in the township.

The ordinance, designed to ensure structures are safe, sanitary and fit for human occupancy, prescribes condemnation and demolition of buildings not fit to be occupied or used by humans.

Administration and enforcement of the code by township staff through fines and prosecution are provided in the ordinance, along with creation of a board of appeals.

South Whitehall's ordinance adopts the 2009 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments.

The code spells out specific requirements for exterior and interior building maintenance, regulations for swimming pools and hot tubs, mechanical and electrical requirements, and more.

Specific regulations are established for the protective treatment of outside surfaces to prevent peeling, flaking and chipped paint, and all metal surfaces must be coated to inhibit rust and corrosion.

Other regulations have seasonal connotations, such as having Insect screens installed in windows and doors between April 1 and Oct. 31.

In addition, heat must be available in rental units from Sept. 15 to May 15.

Every property with basement windows is required to have storm windows or approved protection against rodents.

Inside specifications include minimum room widths, such as habitable rooms other than kitchens not being less than seven feet in any direction and a clear passageway of at least three feet must be maintained between appliances and counter fronts or walls.

Sam Sacco, 1898 Blue Barn Road, found the ordinance frightening and urged commissioners not to approve it.

"To me this seems to be very restrictive to the property owner," Sacco said, at the Feb. 4 board meeting.

Solicitor Joseph Zator explained the value of the ordinance.

"This is a tool for staff to deal with properties," Zator said. It's important to have legal authority to take action," stated Zator.

Commissioner David Bond noted whether we like it or not, government is looking out for public safety.

"If a 100-year-old chimney collapses at a building, it could cause a fire or other hazard to residents of the adjacent properties," said Bond.

Township Manager Howard Kutzler commented on the benefits of the maintenance code.

"The old ordinances on the book are too vague to deal with problem properties," Kutzler said. "It's very difficult for our people to gain compliance. These tools are easily accessible so residents can see what the requirements are.

"This is a modern national code. It's very important that we are up to date. We don't have the tools to secure a building.

"This provides a clear, more contemporary mechanism."