Code Enforcement 

This is a division of the Licenses & Inspections Department and is responsible for enforcing the minimum maintenance standards and condition of all properties, buildings, and structures in Upper Darby, ensuring the structures are safe, sanitary, and fit for occupation and use. Upper Darby Ordinance 3096 adopts the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code as the standard for the township, which includes 28,000 homes and 150 miles of streets. 

Enforcement responsibilities include minimum maintenance standards for basic utilities, facilities, equipment, light, ventilation, heating, sanitation, and fire safety, as well as the condemnation of buildings and structures unfit for human occupancy and use, and the demolition of such existing structures.

All matters regarding Food & Food Service Establishment Licenses and Inspections are handled by the Delaware County Public Health Department Bureau of Environmental Health 

The Upper Darby team of code enforcement officers are responsible for all phases of property maintenance inspections on all dwellings, both interior and exterior, upholding consistent standards in every neighborhood. The most common property maintenance violations found include: 

• Address numbers not visible from street/alleyway
• Curbs, sidewalks, driveways and aprons
• Dangerous/hazardous trees and shrubs
• Grass/Weeds over 10 inches
• Mattresses being discarded not wrapped in plastic
• Potholes in driveways and alleyways
• Snow/Ice not removed within 24 hours
• Stagnant water
• Trash/debris

Compliance Process

To ensure prompt compliance with ordinances and ensure a safe community for residents and guests, the following process is followed when violations are found:

• Warning: Resident and Property Owner receive a Violation Warning Notice affixed to the front door of the property to address the issue(s) within two (2) calendar days. 
• Ticket: If the Violation(s) are not corrected within two (2) calendar days, a Ticket will be issued to the Resident and the Property Owner. 
• Citation: Failure to pay the ticket and correct the Violation within two (2) calendar days may result in a notice to appear in District Court and Citation Fees ranging from $300 - $1,000 per day

For appeals to violations, Upper Darby has opted into the Delaware County Countywide Board of Appeals for the Uniform Construction Code. Information on how to appeal may be found at https://delcopa.gov/hcd/UCCBoardofAppeals.html  

Common Codes 

Abandoned Vehicles - Upper Darby Ordinance 3096 Section 302.8 from the International Property Maintenance Code references vehicles and is attached for your reference. 

Fire Inspection Program - Fire safety and prevention is one of Upper Darby’s most important priorities and responsibilities. In accordance with Ordinance No. 3096, Section 705 fire safety inspections for commercial properties are required on a regular basis. When your completed application and payment is received, the Upper Darby Fire Department will conduct an unannounced inspection. Complete this form to request an inspection. 

Rental Properties - These are inspected by Code Enforcement Officers both by scheduled annual inspections and in response to complaints filed. The most common issues are typically related to plumbing, electrical, sanitary conditions, exterior and interior maintenance, bug or rodent infestation, heating and ventilation.