Code Enforcement

Buyer Notification/Certification of Occupancy

BUYER NOTIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY

Buyer Notification and Certification of Occupancy are consumer protection programs that The City of Wilkes-Barre provides through the Code Enforcement Department to ensure public safety and for informing present or future residents/businesses of the City of the code standards.  Residential/commercial properties purchased are rated on a scale of green, yellow, and red.  The guideline for inspection of properties under this clause is through the Wilkes-Barre City Housing Ordinance.  Properties that are given a GREEN card, are properties that show no signs of code infractions and can be inhabited at the discretion of the new purchaser.  The second rating for buyer notification is a YELLOW card.  A yellow card represents the fact that the property inspected does have minor code infractions located throughout, but it is habitable.  The final type of card The City of Wilkes-Barre issues is the RED card.  The red card indicates that at the current condition of the residence, that it is not livable.  *Buyer Notification and Certification of Occupancy does not prevent the sale of any property.  This statute focuses on habitation of the property only.*  Once the new owner of the property signs an approved Buyer Notification card he/she will then receive the Certification of Occupancy.  A Request for Buyer Notification Inspection must be filled out and submitted prior to setting an appointment. The approved permit will be filed at the City of Wilkes-Barre Code Enforcement Department. 

Request for Buyer Notification Inspection

Pricing for Buyer Notification depends upon the amount of units located at the property in question.  The cost is based on a standard $75.00 per unit charge.  For example, a new construction residential home would cost $75.00.  If the inspection was to be performed on a two unit apartment building or larger, the price would be based on a standard $75.00 per unit price.  If found in violation of this ordinance any residential/commercial owner can be subject to fines up to and including $1000.00 per unit and the deed will not be filed at Wilkes-Barre City Hall.  Commercial properties that are 6000 square feet or less are subjected to a $100.00 general fee plus a $75.00 fee per additional unit.  For example, a 5000 sq. ft. warehouse would cost one fee of $100.00, where as the same warehouse with an apartment attached would cost $175.00 in total.  Commercial buildings greater than 6000 sq. ft are subjected to a fee of $200.00, and are also subjected to the additional per unit fees.