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Disruptive Properties Administration
- Title 6: Conduct; Article VII: Nuisance Properties; Chapter 670: Nuisance Properties-Abatement
- Effective December 1, 2008
- Purpose: Since Disruptive Properties place a substantial threat and burden on the common health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of Pittsburgh, the Public Safety Director is authorized to charge the cost of law enforcement to the property owner in order to deter repeated violations of state and local law; and when a property violation remains unabated for an unreasonably long period of time pursue misdemeanor charges.
- The costs of law enforcement from repeated calls for disruptive activity at a property can be charged to a property owner. These costs include services rendered by the Police, Animal Control, Public Works and Building Inspections.
FAQ
Q: If I need to call the police or fire department in an emergency, will I be charged?
A: Nothing in this Ordinance is intended to deter individuals within the City from requesting public safety services when they are in legitimate need of such. When certain activities violate state and local ordinances for which citations, summons and/or arrests are repeatedly made at the same property then a property owner may be subject to the cost of public safety services.
Q: When is a property declared Disruptive?
A: A property is declared disruptive when the Public Safety Director determines that anyone at a property has either been arrested or issued a citation or summons for Disruptive Activity on three (3) separate occasions within any sixty (60) day period. If law enforcement authorities are not called upon to respond to any disruptive activity within twelve (12) months, then the property will no longer be classified as a Disruptive Property.
Q: What if a property is a rental property?
A: Any disruptive activity by the owner(s), tenant(s), occupants(s) or their invitees(s) of a property which constitutes a violation of any city ordinance or state statute and results in a citation, summons and/or arrest is subject to the Disruptive Property Ordinance. For rental properties containing more than six units, each individual unit shall be considered a property.
Q: Can I appeal a notice of disruptive activity or a notice of cost for public safety services?
A: Any property owner who receives a notice of the issuance of a citation, summons or arrest for a Disruptive Activity at his/her property, a notice declaring a property disruptive, or a notice demanding payment for costs of providing public safety services may appeal to the Disruptive Property Appeals Board. The board consists of five members appointed by the Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh.
For any other questions contact the Department of Public Safety at 412-255-4789.
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