The result stands as one of the largest ordinance enforcement penalties in the Borough's history
Pottstown Borough, PA - Following three days of trial on a summary appeal, High Swartz LLP attorney Michael Luongo secured a $62,250 court-ordered fine for the Borough of Pottstown. The rental enforcement penalty makes it clear that chronic noncompliance comes with serious financial consequences.
The Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas found the defendant guilty of three repeated violations of the Borough’s rental ordinance in the matter. The trial judge determined that despite receiving ample notice and opportunity to remedy the violations, the defendant failed or refused to meet the obligations under the ordinance for a period of at least 249 days. The court imposed a fine of $250 per day for each day the violations remained unaddressed.
“This is one of the largest, if not the largest, fines the Borough has ever secured in an ordinance enforcement case. This outcome reinforces that the Borough remains serious about enforcing its ordinances, particularly where there is prolonged or habitual noncompliance.”
Justin Keller, Borough Manager, Borough of Pottstown
The verdict reflects Pottstown Borough’s stepped-up approach to longstanding ordinance offenders, particularly in matters involving the health, welfare, and safety of residents. Borough officials emphasized that the case serves as an unequivocal message to property owners: excessive noncompliance will not be tolerated, and courts are prepared to impose significant daily fines for each applicable infraction.
“Our residents expect, and deserve, safe and well-maintained properties. Too often, initial notices of violation are ignored or dismissed by negligent property owners. The Borough is responding proactively to those concerns through more stringent and enforceable legal measures.”
Justin Keller, Borough Manager, Borough of Pottstown
Attorney Luongo credited the collaborative work of the High Swartz team for achieving this outcome. Matthew Hovey, a partner at High Swartz, currently serves as Pottstown Borough’s Solicitor. His institutional knowledge of the Borough’s enforcement history and ordinance framework was key to the legal strategy.
Luongo also touted High Swartz legal assistant Heather Lorenz, whose contributions were instrumental to the team’s success.
The Borough credits its Department of Licensing & Inspections, working in coordination with the Solicitor’s office, for advancing the matter. It also notes that property owners who receive notices of violation should act promptly to avoid escalating enforcement action.
High Swartz LLP represents municipalities and public entities throughout the greater Philadelphia. The firm’s municipal law practice includes code enforcement, zoning, solicitor services, and related litigation.