The Lower Towamensing Township supervisors approved hiring a code enforcement officer to handle short-term rentals.

Following an executive session last week, the supervisors approved bringing in former township supervisor Brent Green to enforce the township’s short-term rental ordinance. Green also does code enforcement of short-term rentals for Weissport.

Short-term rentals are often used as vacation rentals, and owners of these houses are supposed to get a permit from Lower Towamensing Township each year. The ordinance was passed in June 2021.

The township suspects there are several short-term rentals that do not have permits, but hasn’t been able to enforce it. Since the ordinance was passed, a handful of residents ask the supervisors monthly about the status of getting a code enforcement officer. The township explored a partnership with Palmerton, but it didn’t work out.

Green’s term as supervisor ended in December 2023. He said he decided to throw his hat in the ring for the position in late February.

Lower Towamensing Township will be paying Green $25 per hour. After his initial investigation to locate short-term rentals without permits and contacting them, Green will work for the township as needed when there is a complaint, said RoniSue Ahner, the township secretary.

“They thought it was a great fit,” Ahner said about the supervisors’ decision. “He knows the township.”

Green said, “I wanted to help assist the township with enforcement of an issue the township has consistently been requested to tackle. I look forward to bringing several properties in compliance with the township’s short-term rental regulations. The first step is to identify properties operating as a short-term rental and send them a courtesy notice. Work has already commenced, and we have identified 15 properties operating in the township. If residents have complaints from any short-term rentals or are aware of one operating in their neighborhood, please file a written complaint with the township.”

In other business, the supervisors are looking for several candidates for full-time and part-time positions in the Road Maintenance Department. Contact the municipal office at 610-826-2522 for more information.

Roads foreman Robin Cressley received approval from the supervisors to rent a broom for street sweeping in May. The supervisors also agreed to advertise for bituminous seal coat for this year’s road projects. The roads to be worked on this year include:

• Stoney Ridge Road from Forest Inn to Hahns Dairy Road;

• Club Road from Route 248 to Cherry Hill Road;

• Walnut Drive from Hahns Dairy Road to Drift Road;

• Spruce Road from Hahns Dairy to Forest Drive, and;

• Maple Drive from Fireline Road to Hahns Dairy Road.

The roads department also plans to some minor bridge work on two bridges over Hunter Creek this season, Cressley said.