Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Address Identification topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews draft update to building-numbering ordinance; legal authority to place signs remains unclear
Summary
Members reviewed the borough's existing building-numbering code (chapter 13.08) and a longer drafted ordinance. Staff said the borough may be limited in placing numbers on private buildings and that monument-post signs in the right-of-way are commonly used and supplied by the volunteer fire department association.
The Public Safety Advisory Board discussed a draft overhaul of the borough’s building-numbering ordinance (chapter 13.08) after a member raised concerns that many properties lack visible address numbers, complicating emergency response.
Board members reviewed the existing city-derived code language that requires property owners to place visible numbers (at least 2½ inches in height) on principal buildings, and that allows the city to place numbers and bill the owner if they do not comply. Members said the code is old, enforcement is inconsistent, and public works no longer monitors compliance.
Staff reported a longer drafted ordinance intended to clarify responsibilities, enforcement and placement, but legal questions remain. Borough attorney Liz (name used in meeting) told staff she needs to confirm whether the borough can place numbers on private buildings; staff said it is likely permissible to place monument-post signs in the public right-of-way but that right-of-way boundaries must be verified before any borough crew installs signage.
The board also discussed the volunteer fire department association’s existing program to supply and install monument-post signs: individual property owners can order signs via a borough web form; current prices cited were $25 for a sign and $35 with a post. Members raised that if the borough relies on volunteers to provide and install signs, the association should be reimbursed for materials so the program can continue.
Board members asked staff to circulate the draft ordinance and submit questions to the attorney for the next meeting. No enforcement action or ordinance adoption occurred at this meeting.
