The City’s Neighborhood Action Team (NAT) will continue inspections again this Friday September 4th, 2020. The NAT will focus its efforts on JOHNSON and RIVER Streets.
The City formed the NAT to address blight, property maintenance issues and quality of life in a concerted effort in the neighborhoods under the City and Redevelopment Authority’s Neighborhood Housing Initiative. Members of the Code Enforcement, Police, Fire, EMS, Administration, Public Works Departments, and Office of Community Development comprise the NAT.
Property owners receiving notices are required to contact Code Enforcement within 24 hours of a notice to develop a plan of action. They are given up to 24 hours to correct violations such as high grass and up to 30 days (or more) to address more substantial issues. No actual fines or citations are issued during NAT sweeps (except possibly habitual offenders). The purpose of the sweeps are to improve the neighborhoods and quality of life of our residents, and to remind homeowners of their obligation to maintain their properties in a safe and code compliant manner. The City utilizes the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as published by the International Code Council for these standards. The International Code Council is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes. More information about the IPMC may be found at https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/collections/I-Codes.
Homeowners that have code-deficient properties are encouraged to contact the Commission on Economic Opportunity at 570-826-0510 or the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittston at 570-654-4601. Income eligible residents may qualify for programs to help make required repairs to their home. Rules and regulations apply and funds are limited.
The Police enforce parking regulations and abandoned vehicles. An abandoned vehicle is one that does not have a current inspection. Vehicle owners are given 7 days to obtain an inspection before further enforcement action occurs.
The City and its officials are mindful of the COVID pandemic and the limits it has placed on all of us and will be willing to work with everyone on any issue they may have in this respect. The importance is to communicate this to the appropriate officials if you are notified of a violation.