Pennsylvania Statutes Title 53 P.S. Municipal and Quasi-Municipal Corporations § 22743. Jurisdiction over structures erected by public service corporation;  purpose of act;  advice to private property owners;  complaints from citizens

The Art Commission, acting by a quorum of appointed members, shall have the like power and jurisdiction over any arch, bridge, building, fence, or approach which is to be the property of, and is proposed to be erected or placed by, any public service corporation in any street, highway, or public place, for any purpose of such corporation, and within the lines of any street, avenue, park, or public place, and visible to the eye.  It is among the purposes of this act to secure, so far as may be reasonably practicable, the free light, air and prospect of the streets and open spaces of the city, and to prevent the obstruction of the same by unsightly structures, though lawfully erected, and for that purpose the Art Commission is authorized to devise, and recommend for adoption by ordinance of councils, such designs and regulations as may tend to prevent the unsightly occupation of such streets and open spaces, and, so far as may be practicable, to promote the beautification of such streets and open spaces.

The commission may volunteer advice or suggestion to the owners of private property in relation to the beautification of the same;  and any citizen or person, who may be about to erect any building or make any improvement, may submit the plans and designs thereof to the Art Commission for advice and suggestion.  And the Art Commission may receive and act upon the complaints and suggestions of citizens or voluntary associations having such objects and purposes in view as are aforesaid;  and in acting upon the recommendations of the Art Commission the councils of the city may make full exercise of the police power, by ordinance.