Rules to deter squatters are officially on the books in Springdale.

Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance against squatting — a situation where people take over an often-vacant structure or property without permission to be there.

Council President Mike Ziencik referenced nearby communities that have had issues with squatters when explaining why Springdale pursued the ordinance.

Fox Chapel police accused a man of squatting in a large home in 2021; a nonjury trial in that case is scheduled for Sept. 25.

Other reported squattings include incidents within the past year in New Kensington, Jeannette and East Huntingdon.

Springdale officials say squatting poses a significant threat to the safety and security of homeowners. For example, the Jeannette squatting incident occurred in a home officials in that city called a “prime spot” for illegal activity.

Springdale’s ordinance defines a squatter as a person who occupies land or premises of another who is not, nor has ever been, a tenant on that property.

It authorizes borough police to investigate squatting complaints or determine themselves if someone is squatting.

Police or the code enforcement officer then have the ability to apply for a search warrant to investigate the property, the ordinance states, and arrest people accused of squatting.

Violators would be found guilty of a summary offense and be subject to fines ranging from $300 to $1,000.

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