Residential Properties Use & Occupancy Checklist
 
  1. House numbers must be affixed to or painted or carved upon such building or upon a permanent standard, base or support between such building and the street. Each number will be at least three (3) inches high, and shall be of such color and material to be visible from the street;
    If you have a shared driveway, numbers on your mailbox will not be sufficient. The need for numbers on your house is to ensure that emergency personnel are able to locate your house as quickly as possible.

  2. Smoke detectors are to be installed and in working condition with at least one (1) unit on each occupied floor, including the basement. A unit located on floors with sleeping quarters shall be placed in or near the area intended or likely to be used for sleep. If the unit is powered by electricity, it shall be primarily or secondarily powered by battery and shall be constructed so as to give off an audible or visual signal that its batteries require replacement or recharge;
    Check the batteries in your smoke detectors prior to the inspection to ensure that the smoke detectors are operable. Hard-wired smoke detectors are required to be equipped with a battery backup system in the event of a power outage. Smoke detector systems that are connected to a central monitoring station - CONTACT YOUR ALARM AGENCY AND ADVISE THEM OF THE DATE AND TIME OF YOUR INSPECTION.

  3. Sidewalks and curbs are in good condition. Any sidewalk block which is fragmented and/or deteriorating, excluding hairline cracks, must be replaced. Curbing which is deteriorating or missing must be replaced;
    This applies to all types of curbing (rolled gutter, upright and depressed). The portion of sidewalk being inspected is the portion parallel to the street, however, the sidewalk which services the individual dwelling units will also be inspected to ensure it is safe and does not present any “trip hazards”.

  4. All hot water heaters and boilers must have the relief valve extended to within six (6) inches of the floor elevation;
    Check the top or side of your hot water heater and boiler. If you see a brass fitting that has threads inside, that is more than likely your pressure relief valve. This must be extended to within 6” of the floor. The reason for this is safety, small children have been seriously burned by overheated water heaters.

  5. Every flight of stairs which is four (4) or more risers high shall have a hand rail on at least one (1) side of the stair. Handrails shall not be less than thirty-four (34”) inches high nor more than forty-two (42”) inches high, measured vertically above the nosing of the stair tread;
    Every stairway in the dwelling AND each stairway used to enter or exit the house will be inspected. Handrails must be continuous without breaks from the top step to the bottom step.

  6. Every open portion of any stair, landing, or balcony which is more than thirty (30”) inches above the floor or grade shall have guard rails. Guard rails shall be not less than thirty-four (34”) inches high above the stair landing or balcony;
    A guardrail system is comprised of vertical and horizontal members that when installed will prevent small children from falling through. The guardrail system is required on the open side of all porches, decks, balconies, stairways, landings, etc., that are over 30” above the height of the floor or grade. Most guardrail systems are comprised of spindles or balusters spaced such that a 4” sphere cannot pass through. (Lattice is an acceptable alternative to installing spindles, etc., provided the openings prohibit a 4” sphere from passing through)

     EXCEPTION: Unfinished basements that have open sides on the stairway will only be required to have handrails installed.

  7. In the case of additions, alterations, repairs or changing use to which the BOCA National Building Code, as approved and adopted by the Township of Upper Providence, applies, that the building or structure is in compliance with the requirements of the said BOCA National Building Code;
    Do you have a Building, Plumbing or Mechanical Permit which remains active with the Township? Check with the Administrative staff when making Application.

  8. There are no known violations of any Township Ordinance pertaining to the subject property that have not been resolved including the full payment of any and all costs and fines assessed against the owner of the property.