In Mt. Lebanon, attention to detail has long helped define the look and feel of the community — from residential streets to business districts.
To help maintain those standards, the Commission recently approved an amendment to the property maintenance ordinance, a step intended to clarify expectations, support proactive upkeep and preserve the community character residents value.
“The purpose of it is to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the residents and the property owners, to maintain property value and prevent blight,” said Rodney Sarver, the municipality’s chief inspector and zoning officer. “It’s basically to make sure
that the exterior of the properties is maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.”
The amendment updates Part 4 of Chapter 7 of the municipal ordinance which governs environmental conditions of property. The intent is straightforward: clarify existing standards and make them easier to enforce, particularly for commercial properties.
“We wanted to ensure the general look, quality and character of our community stayed at a high standard,” Planner and Assistant Municipal Manager Ian McMeans said.
To develop the amendment, McMeans reviewed ordinances from 10 communities across the country, compared them with Mt. Lebanon’s existing code and identified areas where updates or clearer language would be helpful.
For residents and property owners, the changes largely reinforce expectations that properties be safe, clean and well maintained. The ordinance also adds clarity in areas where staff have frequently fielded questions or requests for guidance.
Among the highlights:
Landscaping
Properties must maintain landscaping required by approved development plans and keep plantings neat. The ordinance prohibits intentionally planting species designated as invasive by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Parking lots
Maintenance standards now explicitly include parking areas, which must be free of potholes and have clear striping to support pedestrian and vehicle safety.
Storefronts and lighting
Commercial facades must be kept in good repair, and exterior lighting must remain functional to help illuminate nearby sidewalks.
Vacant properties
Unoccupied buildings and storefronts must be kept in “broom clean” condition — meaning free of trash and debris — and secured to prevent unauthorized entry.
Sarver and McMeans emphasized that the ordinance is intended to support proactive maintenance and collaboration, not punishment.
“The goal of code enforcement is not to fine people,” McMeans said. “It’s to make sure that our buildings are safe and well kept.”
The process for handling violations begins with a phone call or an in-person conversation, followed by a first violation notice.
“If there is no response, a second violation notice is sent by certified mail. If the issue still isn’t addressed, a non-traffic citation may be issued for a magistrate hearing,” Sarver said.
If the amendment works as intended, many residents may not notice a significant difference.
“I’m hoping that people don’t see a massive change in their day-to-day lives,” McMeans said. “But that they see the municipality continues to be maintained in a safe and orderly condition.”
In a community where curb appeal and safety are part of the civic identity, the updated ordinance is meant to ensure Mt. Lebanon continues to look and feel like home — well cared for, well maintained and built to last.
The full text of the amended ordinance is available in the municipal code at mtlebanon.org/code [1]. Residents with questions can call Sarver at 412-343-3468.