Community Development Township of Upper St. Clair: Code Enforcement

Code Enforcement

Code enforcement in Upper St. Clair ensures that the properties in the Township are maintained in a safe and code compliant manner. The Department of Planning and Community Development strives to effectively resolve property maintenance issues while remaining responsive to residents' questions.

The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for working with property owners explaining the Township regulations on vegetation growth, storage of materials and recreational vehicles, residence number identification, noise, litter and other related issues.

These regulations, as adopted by the Board of Commissioners, are intended to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community and its residents.

Below are some frequently asked questions relating to code enforcement:

Can I park my recreational vehicle on my property? My parents are visiting for a few days and they have a Winnebago. Can they park it in my driveway?

The definition of a recreational vehicle is "a single-axle or multiple-axle non-self-propelled structure mounted on wheels or otherwise capable of being made mobile, and other types of vehicles, including but not limited to travel trailers, mobile homes, motor homes, tent trailers, boats, and boat trailers and horse trailers, and self-propelled motor homes, or campers; used for any purpose (for example commercial, residential, recreational); but not including a municipal or governmental purpose."

The Township Code [Chapter 102] allows for parking of a recreational vehicle on a residential property for a period not to exceed ninety-six (96) hours. Beyond that, RVs should be stored in a garage or completely enclosed structure.

It is suggested that if you are considering purchasing an RV, you find off site storage if you cannot accommodate storage on your property as required by the Code.

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My home was recently built and I was wondering where I could locate my mailbox? (Township Code Chapter 112, Article XI)

Install mailboxes: [see Illustration of Mailbox Placement]

in front of and on the same side of the street as your residence
so that the bottom of the box is 3-1/2 feet to 4 feet above the cartway of the road
on a semiarch or extended arm-type of support assembly, which, if struck will bend or fall away from the striking vehicle instead of severely damaging the vehicle and injuring its occupants
so that the front of the mailbox is even with the back of the curb, edge of pavement or edge of paved berm, and the base of the support shall be at least 1 and 1/2 feet from the back of the curb, edge of pavement or edge of paved berm. Support assemblies shall not interfere with drainage facilities or sidewalks
to meet the minimum requirements of the U.S. Postal Service

I got a notice that my house numbers aren't in the correct place. What does the Code require?

In order for fire department, paramedic and police departments to find you during an emergency, the Township Code requires that house numbers be visible from the street and be Arabic numerals at least 4 inches high, clearly identifiable from the background on which they are mounted and in close proximity to the door facing the street. Supplemental numbers on mailboxes and the curb as well as script identification are permitted, however they cannot be substituted for numerals in proximity to the door facing the street. When a building is not visible from the street, the numbers should be placed on another part of the residence, clearly visible from the street, or in an alternate manner approved by the Township. (Chapter 104 of the Township Code).

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Does the Township have a noise ordinance?

Yes, Chapter 89 of the Code addresses noise. However most people really want to know if the Township limits the hours of operation of heavy equipment. Permitted hours of operation for heavy equipment (not including lawnmowers or rototillers) are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Does the Township have a grass ordinance?

The control brush, grass and weeds is addressed in Chapter 48 of the Code. Generally, grass is to be maintained at 6 inches or less and should be cut twice a month between the months of April and October. Shrubbery and other growth which may cause sight distance hazards are also prohibited.

My neighbor has all kinds of junk stored on the side of his house. Is this allowed?

Chapter 80 of the Code addresses junk and states that it is unlawful for any person to place or leave on any property in the Township any old scrapped or used appliances, fixtures, automobile parts, machinery or similar materials or discarded, unused or unusable materials which are unsightly. This includes unlicensed vehicles. An inspector will check the property and if it is determined that the property is not in compliance with the Code, a notice of violation will be sent to the property owner. If not corrected within the time specified, the owner is subject to a fine, which is handled through court action. Failure to pay a fine will result in a lien being placed against the property.

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