ORDINANCE 2010-9

An Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Interior Furniture Outside of a Structure

WHEREAS, the Code of Ordinances of the City of Hazleton contains Chapter 183 entitled “Property Maintenance” in order to protect and promote the health and safety of the citizens of the City; and

WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Hazleton has determined that the utilization of furniture designed for interior use in exterior areas, where it is exposed to the elements and susceptible to infestation by insects and rodents, poses an unreasonable health and safety risk.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Hazleton hereby ORDAINS and ENACTS the following:

     1.  Prohibited Furniture:  Interior type furniture which would be adversely affected by the elements and/or susceptible to
          infestation by insects, rats, or other vermin is prohibited from being placed outside a structure. Such prohibited furniture
          shall include, but is not limited to upholstered couches and chairs or other fabric-covered articles not designed or
          intended for exterior use; and

     2.   Removal of Abandoned or Prohibited Furniture:  When the Code Enforcement Officer determines that the prohibited or
           abandoned furniture is located in an exterior property area, the Code Enforcement Officer shall cause the owner or
           other responsible person to be notified in accordance with the City Code. If the prohibited or abandoned furniture is not
           removed within the time set forth in such notice, the City of Hazleton may cause the abandoned or prohibited furniture
           to be removed and the owner to be billed for the cost thereof in accordance with the provisions of the City Code. If the
           cost of removal is not paid within fifteen (15) days, the City of Hazleton may impose a lien for the costs of said removal in
           accordance with the applicable provisions of the City Code.

This Ordinance shall supersede all prior Ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the terms of this Ordinance, and all such prior Ordinances or parts thereof are hereby repealed to the extent of any such inconsistency.

Furthermore, this Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon passage and approved in the manner prescribed by law.

ORDAINED and ENACTED this 1st day of September, 2010.