Hamburg passes property ordinance on abandoned properties

HAMBURG — Vacant and foreclosed properties will now be held to higher property maintenance standards, as the Hamburg Borough council instituted stronger property maintenance standards for abandoned properties.

Fines can reach as high as $1,500 for each day of the violation.

The state legislature passed laws allowing municipalities to pass ordinances mandating property maintenance standards and the ability to levy fines if those standards are not met. They law also require lien holders to provide the names and contact information to municipalities of whom will be responsible for the maintenance.

The new regulations only apply to foreclosed and vacant residential properties.

The new maintenance codes are only concerned with the exterior maintenance of the property and any zoning violations. Should the standards not be met or responsible party not be provided, the Borough can levy hefty fines against the property.