Board authorizes advertisement of sewer-lateral inspection ordinance after residents raise timing concerns

Lower Providence Township supervisors voted to authorize advertising a proposed sewer-lateral inspection ordinance after staff and the Sewer Authority described the measure as a way to protect buyers and reduce infiltration to the sewer system.

Eric Fry, speaking for the Sewer Authority, told the board that the ordinance would require an inspection ‘‘anytime a property is sold with some exceptions’’ so buyers are not surprised by major repair bills after closing. Fry said the requirement also helps the authority by addressing infiltration that originates in lateral connections not owned by the authority.

A resident at the meeting described a recent experience in which urgent sewer work cost more than $12,000 shortly after moving in and warned that short application windows could hold up sales. The resident asked whether township or authority staff would supervise contractor inspections and whether the ordinance’s timing could be relaxed. Fry and township staff said inspections would be performed by private contractors and reviewed by the authority; staff described temporary sewer certificates and escrow as mechanisms to permit closings to proceed while repairs are scheduled.

Staff explained proposed changes to the draft ordinance’s timing language so applicants would file ‘‘a reasonable time in advance of the proposed closing date’’ rather than a fixed short notice that could delay transactions. Supervisors said the goal is to alert buyers and sellers early in the sale process and avoid last-minute requests that would be difficult to schedule.

Chair Darby moved to authorize advertising the ordinance for public notice; the motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote. The advertisement starts the formal public-notice period and will be followed by a public-comment opportunity before any final adoption vote.