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Borough Services >> Code Enforcement
The Code Enforcement Office is located on the second floor of the Municipal Building. The business hours are 8:00 am to 4:30. The office remains open during the lunch hour for the convenience of the residents. For more information regarding building permits and Borough ordinances, contact the Code Enforcement Office at 948-3000 and request Codes.
Aside from enforcing certain Borough ordinances and codes, the Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for issuing building, electrical, plumbing and demolition permits. It is noted that permits are required for everything except painting, wall coverings, and floor coverings. Residents are required to complete an application form prior to a permit being issued. With the exception of new construction or major reconstruction, most permits are issued within three (3) days of submitting the required application form.
Some of the typical codes enforced are snow removal, grass cutting, and property maintenance. Residents are reminded that all sidewalks must have a 24" wide path cleared within 24 hours after a snowfall; that grass or vegetation must be maintained to a height of six (6) inches or less; and that all premises are to be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition, both inside and outside.
The Middletown Code Book is maintained by General Code
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are inflatable pools exempt from the code regulations?
Inflatable pools equal to or greater than 24 inches in height are defined as "swimming" pools and are governed by the following regulations:
- Borough Ordinance: Chapter 260-114 (see Code Book)
- ICC 2003 International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 39
(available at the Middletown Library)
- International Residential Code (IRC) Chapter 41
Inflatable pools less than 24 inches in height are defined as "wading" pools and are exempt from the Borough Ordinances and accompanying codes.
What are the basic requirements governing a "swimming" pool?
All swimming pools and operating hardware must be enclosed by a secured fence meeting code standards having a minimum height of 4 ft with a lockable gate opening away from the pool and must be positioned a minimum of 10 ft from any structure and/or property line.
Are fences exempt from the code regulations?
Fences are NOT exempt from the Code regulations and are governed by the following regulations:
- Borough Ordinance: Chapter 260-100 (see Code Book)
- ICC 2003 International Building Code (IBC)
(available at the Middletown Library)
- International Residential Code (IRC)
- International Fire Code (IFC)
Do I need a permit to install a fence? If so why?
Yes, a permit is required to install a fence. Generally there are numerous reasons a permit is required to install a fence.
- It serves to place the owner on notice they are responsible to locate their property lines and assures the Borough that the work will be completed in a proper manner.
- State law requires that anyone excavating two feet or more must notify the utility companies by contacting One-Call at 1-800-242-1776.
- The location of the fence must not create additional problems such as sight distance.
Can a fence be installed on the property line?
In short the answer is YES. However, it should be noted that the courts have ruled this to be common property thereby granting both parties the right to use the fence. If the fence is located off the property line it no longer is considered common property.
How far off the property line should a fence be installed?
There is not a fixed distance, but a rule of thumb commonly used is to keep the fence a minimum of 6 inches from the property line.
Curb & Sidewalk Inspection Program
The goal of the Curb & Sidewalk Inspection Program is to identify pedestrian hazards and assist the property owner with the repair process. To accomplish this goal the residential sidewalks shall be inspected upon the sale or transfer of any real property.
Inspection standards are primarily focused on conditions that cause people to trip and fall, such as "stub toes" where the sidewalk is raised. Other hazards may include holes, spalled or chipped areas, wide cracks, deterioration, and areas that are damaged by tree roots.
To assist in the identification of hazards, guidelines have been established for initiating a Notice to construct, reconstruct or repair a concrete sidewalk as per Borough Code of Ordinances, Chapter 235-28 and 29.
The Notice applies to the Borough street right-of-way where there are curbs, sidewalks, driveways, and set back areas, behind the sidewalk and driveway area, that have been improved with concrete, asphalt, or brick.
The Notice will identify the hazard and the area in need of repair and or replacement in accordance with Chapter 235-30 (see Code Book). |
