Mars Borough has written a first draft of its proposed disruptive property ordinance that would target residences and other properties that police are repeatedly called to for various reasons.

The potential ordinance was proposed by police chief Mark Lint last month in response to a series of incidents at the Martian Arms complex on Hook Street, but the drafted ordinance does not specify that it will be used for rental properties.

As written, the ordinance would apply to all properties in the borough, not just rental properties. Penalties included in the ordinance would take effect if a tenant were to commit a third disruptive conduct offense in a 60-day period.

Buffalo Township and the City of Butler have similar ordinances. In Butler, a property is officially dubbed a disruptive property if disruptive activity has occurred on three separate occasions within a one-year period. Butler is able to revoke an occupancy permit for public nuisance properties until the property owner has fixed the issue fully. In rental situations, that requires an eviction.

Buffalo Township defines a disruptive property as any property that has been the site of three police citations or arrests in a two-month period. Disruptive property owners are fined $600. The township specifies that domestic violence and restraining ordinance calls are not subject to the ordinance.

However Mars ultimately chooses to structure this ordinance, the reasoning behind it is clear — more and more municipalities are working to force landlords and other property owners to hold their tenants to a higher standard that does not disrupt the remainder of the community.

This is just part of what municipalities are seeking from landlords in growing numbers — gone are the days when landlords from out of town could let properties fall into disrepair and become havens for disruptive behavior. This is about the quality of life for all residents — including those who live in disruptive situations.

— KL