Harrisburg, PA Code Violation Reporting: Response Times (2026)

This page covers the response clocks in Chapter 8-511 of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances, the Residential Rental Unit Registration Program. They apply to units covered by that program, not to every property in the City of Harrisburg. The central deadline sits in § 8-511.9(A): when an inspection discloses exterior area or life-safety violations, the Codes Bureau shall issue a notice of violation within 14 days of the inspection. The Bureau can also placard the property unfit for human habitation at its discretion.

The notice goes to the owner by first-class mail and certified mail, return receipt requested. It must state the street address or description of the property, the date of inspection, the identity of the inspector, a list of the exterior area deficiencies or conditions threatening life, health or safety, and the number of days the owner has to repair. That repair period includes a provision for a reasonable time extension when the owner shows good faith compliance to the Bureau's satisfaction. It must also warn that unrepaired conditions can lead to placarding as unfit for human occupancy, a nontraffic summary citation and/or other legal remedies.

Other printed clocks in the chapter run alongside it. The owner must correct problems within 30 days after a valid occupant complaint or by the notice deadline, whichever is earlier (§ 8-511.5(A)). Reinspection happens when the repair time expires or when the owner reports the work done, whichever is first (§ 8-511.10). A notice of revocation of a certificate of compliance issues within seven days of the revocation (§ 8-511.13(A)). After a second disruptive conduct incident within twelve months, the owner has 15 days to begin eviction before the unit is placarded, and the occupants have 30 days after the placard to vacate (§ 8-511.12(C)). On written request the owner must hand the Bureau a copy of the rental agreement within 10 days (§ 8-511.5(J)). Anyone aggrieved by a ruling or action can appeal in writing to the Building and Housing Code Board of Appeals (§ 8-511.14).