Ordinances of the Borough are consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth, and they are designed to protect the rights, safety, and comfort of citizens. Articles X and XXXIII of The Borough Code of Pennsylvania provides for the creation of ordinances, disposition of fines, penalties and costs for any violation or failure to comply with any provision of any Borough ordinance. A violation of local ordinances shall constitute a summary offense.
Ordinances are available for public review from the Borough Secretary.
Citizens with issues regarding ordinances should formally address council at a regular meeting. However, citizens may inform the council of issues by using the Online Citizen Comment form.
The following is a brief summary of common ordinances (see actual ordinance for full explanation).
Open Burning No. 101019 (Replaces No. 02119 & Chapter 660 Open Burning): No outdoor fire or burning of any nature or for any purpose shall be kindled or maintained in the Borough of West Mayfield except as listed in the following subsections: An outdoor fire or ceremonial fire may be maintained if done so pursuant to a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection and if approved by the Borough and the West Mayfield Volunteer Fire Department.
An outdoor fire may be maintained for cooking purposes using charcoal, wood or gas fires in approved closed containers such as metal barbecue grills with covers, covered hibachis or commercial grills which utilize propane or natural gas for combustion.
Open fires may be set for recreational purposes pursuant to the following specific conditions:
(1) Only dry and seasoned tree wood shall be burned, and no excessive smoke is allowed.
(2) Recreational fires shall be contained in a pit made of noncombustible material such as iron, steel, masonry or stone. Said fire pit must be located not closer than fifteen feet to any structure. A recreational fire pit shall be no more than 2.5 feet high and five feet in diameter.
(3) A water hose and/or buckets/sprinkling cans shall be proximal to the recreational fire for purposes of controlling the same.
(4) No recreational fire is allowed to be left unattended. An adult at least twenty one (21) years old must supervise said fire until the last spark goes out.
(5) In cases where smoke and/or hot ashes blow directly into windows and/or roofs of adjacent homes, smoke shall be cleared or fire extinguished.
(6) Recreational fires shall be extinguished thoroughly before leaving the area or at 12:00 a.m.
Speed Limit (Chap 430): Maximum speed limit on all Borough roads is 25 mph, except where posted otherwise.
Parallel Parking (Chap 470): Except where noted, parking on all streets must be parallel and in the direction of travel.
Weight Limits (Chap 450): No vehicle in excess of 20,000 lbs. is permissible on Patterson or Third Avenues.
Pets (Chap 620): No pet shall run at large.
Littering (Chap 630): No person shall dispose of rubbish, waste, or litter upon Borough property.
Sidewalks (Chap 630): All sidewalks must be kept clear of obstructions.
Junk Vehicles (Chap 640): No dismantled, inoperative, or unlicensed vehicle shall be stored except for in an enclosed building or garage.
Curfew (Chap 650): Minors shall not loiter or wander Borough streets after 10pm without legitimate reason/permission as per the ordinance.
Soliciting (Chap 820): No soliciting without a signed permit from the mayor.
Grass/Weeds (Chap 690): Property owners must keep all grass and weeds reasonably maintained.
State Laws Governing Municipalities
In addition to its ordinances, the borough must adhere to state laws.
The Borough Code – The Code is the law providing governance and management capabilities to the Commonwealth’s boroughs.
All Pennsylvania Municipal Codes
