Senate passes measure to prevent spread of blight

HARRISBURG – The Senate unanimously passed a proposal today authored by Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) to shorten the timeframe in which property owners must bring their property into compliance with property maintenance codes.

Under current law, owners whose property is in violation of codes have 18 months to bring their property into compliance or demolish the structure. Senate Bill 942 would shorten that timeframe to 12 months. Municipalities may also enforce shorter compliance than 12 months if the timeframe is established in their property maintenance code.

“Blight is a pervasive problem that can spread block by block, so it is critical to ensure we prevent that problem before it starts,” Argall said. “I’m hopeful that this additional tool will help local municipalities address the problem as quickly as possible.”

The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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