§ 55-1. Definitions and word usage.

§ 55-2. Height limitation.

§ 55-3. Vacant lots in residential developments.

§ 55-4. Exempt areas.

§ 55-5. Notices of violation; failure to comply.

§ 55-6. Violations and penalties.

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the
Township of West Manchester 2-28-1991 as Ord. No.91-01.
Section 55-6 amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1,
General Provisions, Art I. Other amendments noted where ap-
plicable.]

Outdoor burning - See Ch. 63.
Streets and sidewalks - See Ch 117.

§ 55-1. Definitions and word usage.

The following words, when used in this chapter, shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in this section except where the context
clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:

PERSON - An individual, association, partnership or corporation.

TOWNSHIP - West Manchester Township or the elected
officials of West Manchester Township or the officers and
employees of West Manchester Township.

§ 55-2. Height limitation.

No person owning real estate within West Manchester Township
shall permit the growth of any grass, weeds or similar vegetation
exceeding a height of eight (8) inches within one hundred fifty (150)
feet of any developed parcel or tract of land or within three hundred
(300) feet of any occupied structure unless such premises is physically
separated by a public street, railroad, stream, wooded area, hedge
row or similar type separation.

§ 55-3. Vacant lots in residential developments.

Within a residential development, no owner of a vacant building lot
shall permit grass, weeds or similar vegetation to grow to a height in
excess of eight (8) inches, regardless of the distance from developed
parcels or tracts of land.

§ 55-4. Exempt areas.

The following types of areas are exempt from the provisions of this
chapter:

A. All areas containing crops planted for some useful purpose.

B. All wooded areas.

C. All erosion control filter strips as defined by the Township
     Zoning Ordinance.1

D. All areas planted with vegetation designed to prevent erosion
     of steep slopes.

E. All state game lands.

F. All cultivated fields and similar areas used for agricultural
    purposes.

G. All areas adjacent to streams [within twenty (20) feet].

H. All mature hedge rows.

I. All areas containing wildflowers and other ornamental
   plantings.

J. All areas determined to be wetlands.

K. All stormwater management areas maintained
     as natural areas.

1 Editor's Note: See Ch. 150, Zoning.

§ 55-5. Notices of violation; failure to comply.

The township is hereby authorized to give notice of the
violation of the terms of this chapter, by personal service or by
United States mail, to the owner of the tract or parcel of land
whereon the violation occurs. The notice to the owner of the
premises shall direct the owner to remove, trim or cut the grass,
weeds or vegetation so as to conform to the requirements and
provisions of this chapter. The notice shall require the owner to
comply with the provisions of this chapter within five days of
the date of the notice. In the event that any person shall
neglect, fail or refuse to comply with the provisions of this
chapter within the time provided in the notice or shall
thereafter permit any further violation of this chapter the
township may remove, trim or cut the grass, weeds or
vegetation, and the cost thereof, together with any additional
penalty authorized by law, may be collected by the township
from such person by the filing of a municipal lien or by an
action of assumpsit or in any other manner as may be provided
by law for the enforcement and collection of municipal claims. It
is the intent of this chapter that only one notice of violation
need be given to any person during the same growing season
and that no additional notices shall be required before penalties
for violation of the provisions of this chapter may be imposed.

§ 55-6. Violations and penalties. [Amended 11-14-1991 by
            Ord. No. 91-09;  5-9-1996 by Ord. No. 96-14;
            6-26-1997 by Ord. No.97-15]

Any person who shall violate or fail, neglect or refuse to
comply with any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon
conviction thereof in a summary proceeding before a District
Justice, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $600,
together with costs of prosecution, and, in default of payment of
such fine and costs, to imprisonment for not more than 30 days.
Each day that grass, weeds or similar vegetation exceeds eight
inches in height shall constitute a separate offense.