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Ordinance Enforcement

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1. What constitutes an ordinance violation?

State College Ordinance Enforcement officers may issue violations for noise, dogs off-leash, failure to remove snow from sidewalks, tall grass or weeds (greater than 6 inches), failure to recycle, failure to properly store refuse, accumulated litter/refuse, junk vehicles and open burning. Additionally, rental housing units may accumulate points for nuisance ordinance violations that can result in rental permit suspension. Over-occupancy violations may also result in the suspension of a rental permit.

2. How do I notify municipal officials about a possible code violation?

You may file a complaint about a possible code violation in person, in writing, by phone at 814-234-7191 or by filling out an anonymous online form. Please be prepared with specific information, such as:

• The address of the property,
• Detailed description of the situation,
• The length of time you have observed the situation,
• You do not have to identify yourself, but having your name will assist us with follow-up and ensure we have all the information we need to resolve the situation.

3. What am I required to do after a snow event?

Within 24 hours of a snow event, property owners are required to removal all snow from sidewalks adjacent to their property.

4. What are the local laws and regulations on junk vehicles?

Vehicles not displaying a valid registration (license plate) and/or valide inspection sticker are not permitted to be kept or stored outside of buildings for more than 30 days.

For questions regarding junk vehicles, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at 234-7109.

Questions regarding lawn parking violations should be directed to the Department of Parking Enforcement at 278-4769. This includes private property.

5. What are the rules and regulations regarding noise?

Noise disturbances are a serious problem in Borough neighborhoods. Noise violations are strictly enforced by the Police Department. The ordinance can be enforced 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. If the noise is considered unreasonable, a citation may be issued at any time. The ordinance can be enforced when officers receive complaints for unreasonable noise or when officers encounter unreasonable noise. Questions regarding noise should be directed to that Department at 234-7150.

6. What constitutes over-occupancy in rental units and how is it enforced?

All rental housing must have a permit and must adhere to local codes regarding the number of individuals that can live in the unit, which is typically based on how many square feet. If you have questions, about how many occupants are allowed in your unit, call the Centre Region Code Administration at 234-3812.

One- and two-family homes in residential zoning districts have an occupancy limit of three unrelated individuals, regardless of the number of bedrooms or square feet.

Additionally, in certain residential zoning districts, a single family home that has more than one student living in it requires a special “Student Home” permit and must adhere to separation distances from other registered student homes.

Questions regarding occupancy in one- and two-family rental units should be directed to the Zoning Officer at 234-7109.

7. What are the rules and regulations on open burning?

Burning outdoors is permitted for recreational purposes ONLY when using an approved container. Cord wood, hour logs and charcoal are the only acceptable materials, which may be used for burning. Fires must be contained within the diameter of the container. Camp fires and bonfires are prohibited. Gas and charcoal grills can be used for outdoor cooking.

Questions regarding open burning and permits should be directed to the State College Department of Ordinance Enforcement and Public Health at 234-7191.

8. What are the rules and regulations on litter and refuse?

Borough ordinance requires all household refuse to be stored in appropriate containers. The ordinance requires properties to be maintained free of accumulated refuse and provides for fines for those in violation. Party materials - cans, cups, bottles, etc.- should be cleaned up immediately after a party. Person(s) who accumulate refuse will be held responsible for its cleanup. When then person(s) are not known, then the property owner will be held responsible.

Questions regarding the ordinance should be directed to the Department of Ordinance Enforcement and Public Health at 234-7191.

9. What is the process for the suspension of rental housing permits?

Rental housing that causes a nuisance in a neighborhood by violating local ordinances and state laws may have the rental housing permit suspended. Violations are assigned a point values and when 10 points accumulate at a rental property, the suspension process is initiated. Rental property owners are typically notified prior to accumulating 10 points as a warning.

Questions regarding the permit suspension may be directed to the Department of Ordinance Enforcement & Public Health at 234-7191.