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Council adopts ordinance requiring inspections on property resales; members worry about staff workload
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance requiring inspections when residential properties are sold, with inspection criteria limited to section 3368. Council members questioned whether fees will cover added staff time and noted the rule does not apply to transfers between family members.
The council adopted an ordinance to create a residential resale occupancy permit program that requires an inspection when a property is sold in the borough. A staff member said the inspection criteria are limited to those in section 3368 and that the rule applies only upon sale, not to transfers between family members.
The staff member told the council that both “buyer and seller are responsible” in practice for knowing ordinance requirements and that real estate agents typically search for and advise on such obligations. The staff explained that the program has an associated fee intended to cover inspection costs but acknowledged borough staff will perform the inspections.
A council member raised concerns that the new resale-permit requirement, together with the existing rental inspection program, will add workload for borough employees and “ultimately adds cost to our residents in terms of tax rates and levies.” The council member asked whether there had been a demonstrated need for the program; staff said the fee is intended to cover costs but confirmed staff time is required.
The mover brought the ordinance to a vote. The transcript records at least one member voting in opposition; the council proceeded to move the ordinance forward for adoption.
The ordinance text and related fee schedule were advertised for consideration, and staff discussed implementation details, including that buyers would be required to remedy any inspection failures after purchase. The council did not specify an ordinance number in the recorded discussion.
