Ordinance on property inspection questioned as too invasive; supervisors agree to limit scope
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, CoatesvilleTimes.com
WEST BRANDYWINE – Residents spoke out in protest of a real estate ordinance at Thursday’s board of supervisors meeting.
The ordinance was brought to public attention at last month’s board of supervisors meeting. As part of the International Property Maintenance Code, the ordinance has been on record for several years but has remained unenforced. Currently, the ordinance requires the township to conduct inspections on properties.
Vice Chairman Thomas J. McCaffrey reiterated his position on the ordinance, stating that it was not the place of government to be involved in private business transactions.
“The government is supposed to be here to do things that we can not do for ourselves,” said McCaffrey.
Residents agreed with McCaffrey, expressing concern that the ordinance was an overstepping of the township’s boundaries.
“What business is it of the township’s? If someone is buying a home they get an inspection, that’s on them,” said resident Bonney Ruggeria.
Former board supervisor Carl Lindborg attended the meeting and expressed his own concerns over the ordinance, which he had previously voted on not enforcing.
“It’s a bad omen when the township is considering getting into people’s business when there’s no reason and no benefit to them,” said Lindborg.
Board supervisor William E. Webb brought forth an amended draft of the ordinance that produced a specific list of items that must be met before sale, transfer or rental. The revised ordinance does include special exemptions for “as-is” sales and homes with an age of 150 years or more in hopes of making the ordinance less restrictive to sellers.
“This is actually a lot less restrictive than what West Brandywine currently has,” said Webb.
Residents, however, were unimpressed by the revisions. Many felt that, rather than revising, the ordinance should be completely repealed.
“It’s setting a bad precedent. We don’t want it, just get rid of it,” said resident Sun Bowar.
Township Manager Ronald A. Rambo Jr. reminded the audience that the township must still comply with the International Property Maintenance Code, specifically in relation to the use of sump pumps and sewer systems.
After much debate, the board eventually decided to consider repealing the ordinance and to draft new ordinances that comply solely with the requirements outlined within the International Property Maintenance Code.
Despite the charged debate in the room, residents felt optimistic about the board’s decision, applauding their willingness to listen to and cooperate with residents.
“The people came here tonight to express their opinions, the board was flexible, I think we can leave here tonight feeling good about this,” said Lindborg.
The West Brandywine Board of Supervisors will hold their next meeting on Mar. 15.
