Scranton regulates rodent and insect infestation through Chapter 360 (Property Maintenance) of the Codified Ordinances, which adopts the International Property Maintenance Code, and through Chapter 373 (Rental Property) inspections. IPMC Section 309 requires extermination of pests by the owner of structures and shared infestations in multifamily buildings; Sections 304.5 and 308 require rodent-proofing of exterior openings and approved garbage containers.
Scranton enforces pest control through Chapter 360 (Property Maintenance) of the Codified Ordinances, which adopts the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), supplemented by bi-annual Chapter 373 (Rental Property) inspections administered by the Department of Licensing, Inspections and Permits (LIPS). IPMC Section 309 ('Pest Elimination') makes pest elimination the responsibility of the owner of any structure or premise infested with insects, rats, vermin, or other pests, and shifts responsibility to the tenant only in single-family rental units where the lease assigns it and only after the unit was delivered free of infestation. In multifamily buildings of two or more dwelling units the owner is responsible for pest elimination in all common areas and in any infestation that affects more than one unit. IPMC Section 304.5 and Section 308 require that exterior openings, basement hatchways, windows, and ventilation openings be rodent-proofed: cracks larger than 1/2 inch must be sealed, vent openings must be covered with corrosion-resistant wire mesh of no more than 1/4 inch openings, and any opening through which a rat could pass must be closed. Section 308 separately requires that all garbage be stored in approved, watertight, rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids. LIPS (Rental Licensing 570-348-4193) inspects on complaint and during Chapter 373 regular inspections. Bed bug infestations in rental units are treated as IPMC 309 infestations triggering owner-funded extermination by a licensed Pennsylvania pesticide applicator under the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act (3 Pa. C.S.A. Section 128).
IPMC violations are enforced by Scranton LIPS through Notices of Violation. Failure to abate within the period stated in the notice (typically 30 days, shorter for severe public-health hazards) can lead to escalating administrative fines and city-contracted abatement charged back to the owner as a municipal lien. Severe infestations in rental units may trigger revocation of the Chapter 373 Rental License and a notice of unfit for human habitation. PA Pesticide Control Act violations can carry separate civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense plus license suspension by the PA Department of Agriculture.
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