Union property code awaits changes

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Union Township supervisors put off adoption of a new property code until next month because of some changes supervisors wanted and others that will be made because of residents' suggestions.
Supervisor Steve Galizia said an appeals board for code violators will not consist of the board of supervisors as currently stated in the proposed ordinance, but instead will be a three-person board appointed by supervisors.
He also said that the acceptable height of grass will be set at 8 inches. The previous township ordinance was 6 inches, but the new state code specified 10 inches.
Citizen comments also will mean revisions to make penalties and time frames for violations clearer, put more limits on police officers' rights to enter buildings where violations are suspected, and to make requirements for maintenance of building interiors less stringent.
The revised ordinance will be presented for a final public hearing just before next month's meeting, which is tentatively set for Nov. 8.