Lower Paxton, PA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Lower Paxton Township Code § 148-1
- Adopted code
- 2009 International Property Maintenance Code
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 per violation
- Daily offenses
- Each day after due notice is a separate offense
- Appeals
- Zoning Hearing Board of Lower Paxton Township
- Rental licensing
- No separate rental chapter in the Code
Summary
Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, has no rental-specific habitability chapter. Chapter 148 adopts the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code for all buildings and structures, which reaches rental housing. Violations are summary offenses with fines up to $1,000 per violation, and appeals go to the Zoning Hearing Board.
That a certain document, one copy of which is on file in the office of Lower Paxton Township, being marked as the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code, as published by the International Code Council, Inc., be and is hereby adopted as the Property Maintenance Code of Lower Paxton Township, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; for the control of buildings and structures as herein provided; and each of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of said Property Maintenance Code are hereby referred to, adopted and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this chapter, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in § 148-2 of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
The Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors adopted Chapter 148, Property Maintenance, on 8-17-1999 by Ord. No. 99-08. Section 148-1 adopts the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code, published by the International Code Council, as the Property Maintenance Code of Lower Paxton Township for the control of buildings and structures. The chapter does not single out rental units; it applies to every building and structure, so a landlord's property is held to the same standard as an owner-occupied home. The model code text is adopted by reference and is not reprinted in the Township Code.
Section 148-2 lists the Township's changes. Section 101.1 names Lower Paxton Township as the jurisdiction. Section 103.5 sets the fee schedule by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. Section 106.4 replaces the penalty clause: a violator faces action before a district justice as a summary offense, with criminal fines not to exceed $1,000 per violation and/or imprisonment to the extent allowed by law, and each day a violation continues after due notice has been served is a separate offense. Section 112.4 applies the same penalty to anyone who continues work after a stop work order, except work directed to remove a violation or unsafe condition.
The Township also fills in date and size blanks in the model code. Section 302.4 inserts 10 inches for weeds and plant growth, Section 304.14 inserts May 1 to November 1, and Sections 602.3 and 602.4 each insert October 1 to April 30.
Section 111 appeals do not go to a separate property maintenance board. The Zoning Hearing Board of Lower Paxton Township hears appeals of decisions, notices or orders of codes officials, and the application fee is the same fee charged for a zoning variance application. Under § 148-2, Section 302.8.1 also bars parking or storing any vehicle, regardless of condition, in the front yard of premises zoned R-1, R-2 or RC, except on an established driveway. The Code reviewed contains no rental licensing or rental inspection chapter.
Violations & Fines
Section 106.4 as revised by the Township makes a violation of the Property Maintenance Code a summary offense heard before a district justice. Criminal fines may not exceed $1,000 per violation, and imprisonment is available to the extent the law allows for summary offenses. Each day a violation continues after due notice has been served is a separate offense. Section 112.4 sets the same ceiling for working after a stop work order is served.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lower Paxton Township have a rental habitability code?
What is the fine for a property maintenance violation in Lower Paxton Township?
Who hears appeals of property maintenance orders?
Can a tenant park a vehicle in the front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lower Paxton
Compare Lower Paxton to another location·View the Pennsylvania rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.