[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township
of Union 10-9-2000 by Ord. No. 114. Amendments noted where applicable.]
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or entity
owning, occupying or having any legal interest in any real estate
in the Township located in districts designated as R-1, R-2, R-3,
C-1, C-2 or C-3, which is located within 50 feet of any dwelling house
or occupied structure, to permit grass, weeds or similar vegetation,
not generally considered edible nor planted for some useful or ornamental
purpose, to grow to a height in excess of six inches and to remain
on the premises in such condition. All such vegetation is hereby declared
to be a nuisance and detrimental to the health, safety, cleanliness
and comfort of the inhabitants of the Township.
Township Zoning Officer, or any other officer or employee of the Township so designated, is hereby authorized to give notice, by personal service or by United States mail, to the owner or occupant, as the case may be, of any premises whereon grass, weeds or other vegetation is growing or remaining in violation of the provisions of § 89-1 of this chapter, directing and requiring such owner or occupant to remove, trim or cut such grass, weeds or vegetation within seven days after issuance of such notice so as to conform to the requirements of this chapter. Whenever, in the judgment of the Township or its designee, it shall appear to be impracticable to give notice as above provided, either because the owner or occupant cannot readily be found or because a search for the owner or occupant would entail unreasonable delay or expense, the Township or any officer or employee of the Township so designated, may give notice by posting conspicuously on the property where such nuisance exists a notice directing and requiring that such nuisance be abated within seven days.
Should any such person, firm, corporation or entity, after the
expiration of the time period stated above, permit grass, weeds or
other vegetation to grow or remain on the real property contrary to
the provisions of this chapter, then the Township may cause such grass,
weeds or other vegetation to be removed or cut, and the cost thereof,
together with any penalties provided by law, shall be collected by
lien or in any other manner provided by law from the person or upon
the real property responsible therefor.
Any person who violates or permits a violation of this chapter
shall, upon conviction in a summary proceeding brought before a Magisterial
District Judge under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure,
be guilty of a summary offense and shall be punishable by a fine of
not more than $1,000, plus costs of prosecution. In default of payment
thereof, the defendant may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term
not exceeding 90 days. Each day a violation exists shall constitute
a separate offense. Further, the appropriate officers or agents of
the Township are hereby authorized to seek equitable relief, including
injunction, to enforce compliance herewith.
