New Occupancy Permit Rules Approved by Canonsburg Council

Canonsburg Council this week approved an ordinance requiring an occupancy permit for all real estate transfers—including change in tenants—within the borough.

"The key components of the ordinance are the right of the borough to inspect the building and a stipulation to name all adults and children who will be residing in the structure," according to borough Manager Terry Hazlett. "These ordinance components will determine whether the homes are single-family or multi-unit structures. A permit will also be required when any new tenant occupancy begins."

The ordinance also stipulates that the building inspector/code official can deny occupancy if there are outstanding building code violations or building permits issued where no required inspection has been obtained or where work was completed with no permit.

The cost of the occupancy permit will be $75.

Violation of the ordinance could result in fines of $300 to $1,000 per violation, Hazlett said.