Nether Providence Twp. v. D. Coletta , 133 A.3d 86 ( 2016 )


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  •           IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Nether Providence Township               :
    :   No. 552 C.D. 2015
    v.                           :
    :   Argued: October 5, 2015
    David Coletta,                           :
    Appellant             :
    BEFORE:     HONORABLE RENÉE COHN JUBELIRER, Judge
    HONORABLE PATRICIA A. McCULLOUGH, Judge
    HONORABLE JAMES GARDNER COLINS, Senior Judge
    OPINION BY
    JUDGE McCULLOUGH                                         FILED: January 5, 2016
    David Coletta (Coletta) appeals from the March 6, 2015 order of the
    Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County (trial court), which denied his motion
    to dissolve or modify a preliminary injunction.
    Facts and Procedural History
    Coletta is the owner of improved property located at 316 South
    Providence Road, Wallingford, Pennsylvania (the Property). On October 10, 2010,
    Nether Providence Township (Township) received a report of a fallen tree on
    Coletta’s house. (Reproduced Record (R.R.) at 44-45.) Shortly thereafter, the
    Township Engineer and the Building Code Official each inspected the residence
    and determined that it was unsafe for habitation because there was imminent
    danger of the building’s collapse. The Township notified Coletta of this finding
    and condemned the structure until such time as Coletta retained a professional to
    declare it safe to occupy or prescribed corrective methods necessary to make it safe
    and those methods were carried out to the satisfaction of the Township’s Code
    Enforcement Office. (R.R. at 4-6.)
    On March 19, 2011, Coletta received delivery of modular home
    components at the Property.       Coletta assembled the modular home, attached
    utilities, and moved into the home with his three minor children without permits,
    inspection, or an occupancy certificate. (R.R. at 8-10.)
    On March 22, 2011, the Township notified Coletta that the modular
    home violated Township codes and that citations would be issued each day that the
    Property remained in violation. Coletta did not comply with the Township’s
    directives; although he received numerous citations for the continued violations, he
    continued to occupy the modular home. Subsequently, the Township presented the
    citations to a magisterial district judge and, after a full hearing was conducted,
    Coletta was found guilty of eleven citations resulting from the lack of repair to the
    residence and the placing of an illegal modular home on the Property. Coletta filed
    a timely appeal to the trial court. (R.R. at 1-10, 144, 173-75.)
    By order dated September 30, 2011, the trial court adopted the parties’
    stipulation in which Coletta and the Township agreed that: within five days,
    Coletta would allow Township employees access to the modular home and primary
    dwelling for purposes of inspection; within thirty days, Coletta would file all the
    necessary permits regarding the construction and maintenance of the modular
    home; and, within sixty days, Coletta would submit a written plan setting forth the
    work to be performed on the primary dwelling and a timeline for its completion.
    The stipulation order also provided that, if Coletta failed to comply with the
    2
    agreement, the Township would issue additional citations and seek injunctive
    relief. (R.R. at 172-73.)
    On April 12, 2012, the Township filed a complaint, alleging that
    Coletta was still residing in the modular home without an occupancy certificate
    and failed to repair the dwelling at the Property in violation of Township codes.
    The Township requested damages and injunctive relief enjoining Coletta from
    occupying the modular home until an occupancy certificate is issued and from
    using the Property until the damage to the dwelling is repaired. On that same date,
    the Township filed a petition for preliminary injunction, arguing that it had no
    available remedy at law because Coletta had taken no action to comply with the
    trial court’s stipulation order. (R.R. at 11-12, 133.) Coletta filed preliminary
    objections to the complaint and a response to the petition, arguing that the
    Township failed to establish the necessary elements for a preliminary injunction.
    (R.R. at 15-18.) After two days of hearings, the trial court entered an order on
    June 27, 2012, directing Coletta to immediately vacate the Property and enjoining
    him from using, occupying, or living at the premises. (R.R. at 99.) Coletta
    appealed that order to the Superior Court, and thereafter transferred his appeal to
    this Court, which discontinued his action for failure to pay the filing fee. (R.R. at
    114-15.)
    On several instances, both parties moved to modify the injunction. By
    order dated January 31, 2013, the trial court granted Coletta’s emergency petition
    to modify the preliminary injunction to permit him to access the Property for a
    twenty-four-hour period to retrieve personal belongings.           The preliminary
    injunction resumed at the conclusion of the twenty-four-hour period.
    (Supplemental Reproduced Record (S.R.R.) at 1.)
    3
    By order dated March 28, 2013, the trial court granted Coletta’s
    emergency petition to modify the preliminary injunction to allow him, his counsel,
    and insurance adjusters to access the Property for insurance inspection and
    appraisal purposes. The preliminary injunction resumed at the conclusion of the
    appraisal and inspection but no later than April 1, 2013. (R.R. at 129-30.)
    By order dated August 7, 2013, the trial court granted the Township’s
    emergency motion for modification of preliminary injunction to allow the
    Township to remove an unauthorized dumpster from the Property. (R.R. at 136-
    37.)
    On August 7, 2014, the Township filed an emergency motion for
    modification of the preliminary injunction. The Township asserted that the grass at
    the Property constituted a hazard because it was exceedingly high and invited
    rodents and vermin to the Property, as well as to neighboring properties. The
    Township stated that Coletta allowed the Property to deteriorate so significantly
    that the damaged structure constituted an attractive nuisance.         Moreover, the
    Township asserted that it previously cited Coletta and alerted him through counsel
    of the condition of the grass, but Coletta did not respond and has not engaged
    anyone to remedy the condition of the Property or requested relief from the
    injunction so he could do so himself. The Township requested that the trial court
    modify the injunction to allow the Township to perform grass cutting and weed
    removal, inspect the damaged structure, and take such action from time to time as
    may be necessary to remedy the existing nuisance and prevent a nuisance from
    arising in the future. (R.R. at 178.) Coletta did not file an answer to this motion.
    By order dated September 2, 2014, the trial court granted the
    Township’s emergency motion for modification of the injunction. The next day,
    4
    Coletta appealed that order to this Court. (R.R. at 185-90.) On February 3, 2015,
    this Court dismissed his appeal for failing to comply with our December 23, 2014
    order directing him to file a brief within thirty days. (S.R.R. at 2.)
    On February 10, 2015, Coletta filed a motion to dissolve or modify
    the preliminary injunction. Specifically, Coletta sought an order modifying the
    trial court’s September 2, 2014 order granting the Township’s request for
    emergency modification of the preliminary injunction. Coletta argued that, as
    modified, the order is overly broad and that it essentially gives the Township full
    possession of the Property with the capacity to destroy buildings thereon without
    compensation to Coletta. Coletta also asserted that there is no record evidence
    establishing that the structure on the Property constitutes an attractive nuisance and
    that the Township has never pleaded the same. Coletta further alleged that the
    September 2, 2014 order violated his right to due process under federal and state
    constitutions. (R.R. at 206-08.)
    The trial court denied Coletta’s motion and ordered him to pay
    $100.00 to the Township to compensate for costs expended defending his frivolous
    motion.     Coletta appealed that order to this Court.               In its Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a)
    opinion, the trial court characterized Coletta’s arguments as exceedingly weak and
    frivolous and stated that they were arguments that Coletta should have made on
    appeal of the September 2, 2014 order.                  The trial court concluded that the
    Township established all of the elements necessary to warrant injunctive relief1 and
    1
    A party seeking a preliminary injunction must establish all of the following: (1) an
    injunction is necessary to prevent immediate and irreparable harm that cannot be adequately
    compensated by damages; (2) greater injury would result from refusing an injunction than from
    granting it, and, concomitantly, that issuance of an injunction will not substantially harm other
    interested parties in the proceedings; (3) a preliminary injunction will properly restore the parties
    to their status as it existed immediately prior to the alleged wrongful conduct; (4) the activity
    (Footnote continued on next page…)
    5
    that Coletta set forth no new or changed circumstances that warrant modification
    or dissolution of the injunction. (R.R. at 226-27.)
    On appeal to this Court,2 Coletta argues that the trial court erred in
    denying his motion to dissolve or modify the injunction without conducting a
    hearing. Specifically, Coletta relies on Rule 1531(e) of the Pennsylvania Rules of
    Civil Procedure (Pa.R.C.P.), which states that “[a]fter a preliminary hearing, the
    court shall make an order dissolving, continuing or modifying the injunction.”
    Coletta also argues that the trial court erred in denying his motion to dissolve or
    modify the injunction because no record evidence exists to support the trial court’s
    finding that the dwelling on the Property constitutes an attractive nuisance.
    Discussion
    Initially, we note that “[t]he correctness of the trial court’s application
    of a Rule of Civil Procedure raises a pure question of law.” Harrell v. Pecynski, 
    11 A.3d 1000
    , 1003 (Pa. Super. 2011). “This Court exercises de novo review that is
    plenary in scope when reviewing pure questions of law.” Lamar Advantage GP
    Company, LLC v. City of Pittsburgh, 
    67 A.3d 156
    , 158 n.3 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2013).
    (continued…)
    sought to be restrained is actionable, that the right to relief is clear, and that the wrong is
    manifest, or, in other words, must show that it is likely to prevail on the merits; (5) the injunction
    is reasonably suited to abate the offending activity; and (6) a preliminary injunction will not
    adversely affect the public interest. Summit Towne Centre, Inc. v. Shoe Show of Rocky Mount,
    Inc., 
    828 A.2d 995
    , 1001 (Pa. 2003).
    2
    Our scope of review is limited to determining whether constitutional rights were
    violated, whether an error of law was committed, and whether findings of fact are supported by
    substantial evidence. Ellis v. Unemployment Compensation Board of Review, 
    59 A.3d 1159
    ,
    1162 n.2 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2013).
    6
    The fundamental precepts enumerated in Pa.R.C.P. No. 127 govern
    the interpretation of our Rules of Civil Procedure. When interpreting a Rule of
    Civil Procedure, the principal objective is to ascertain and effectuate the intention
    of our Supreme Court. Pa.R.C.P. No. 127(a). If possible, every rule shall be
    construed to give effect to all its provisions. Pa.R.C.P. No. 127(b). “When the
    words of a rule are clear and free from all ambiguity, the letter of it is not to be
    disregarded under the pretext of pursuing its spirit.” 
    Id. When the
    words of a rule
    are not explicit, other matters may be considered to ascertain the Supreme Court’s
    intention, such as the mischief to be remedied and the consequences of a particular
    interpretation. Pa.R.C.P. No. 127(c).
    In relevant part, Rule 1531 states as follows:
    (a) A court shall issue a preliminary or special injunction
    only after written notice and hearing unless it appears to
    the satisfaction of the court that immediate and
    irreparable injury will be sustained before notice can be
    given or a hearing held, in which case the court may
    issue a preliminary or special injunction without a
    hearing or without notice. In determining whether a
    preliminary or special injunction should be granted and
    whether notice or a hearing should be required, the court
    may act on the basis of the averments of the pleadings or
    petition and may consider affidavits of parties or third
    persons or any other proof which the court may require.
    ...
    (c) Any party may move at any time to dissolve an
    injunction.
    (d) An injunction granted without notice to the defendant
    shall be deemed dissolved unless a hearing on the
    continuance of the injunction is held within five days
    after the granting of the injunction or within such other
    time as the parties may agree or as the court upon cause
    shown shall direct.
    (e) After a preliminary hearing, the court shall make an
    order dissolving, continuing, or modifying the injunction.
    Pa.R.C.P. No. 1531(a), (c)-(e).
    7
    Generally, injunctive relief is an equitable remedy available only in
    actions brought in equity. Barcia v. Fenlon, 
    37 A.3d 1
    , 5-6 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2012).
    The purpose of a preliminary injunction is to preserve the status quo and prevent
    imminent and irreparable harm that may occur before the merits of the case can be
    heard and resolved. Berger By and Through Berger v. West Jefferson Hill School
    District, 
    669 A.2d 1084
    , 1085 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1995). Generally, under Rule 1531,
    an injunction shall be issued only after written notice and a hearing. See WPNT
    Inc. v. Secret Communication Inc., 
    661 A.2d 409
    , 410 (Pa. Super. 1995).
    However, there is no absolute right to a hearing on a preliminary injunction; it is a
    matter of discretion for the trial court. Franklin Decorators, Inc. v. Hende-Jon
    Furniture Showrooms, Inc., 
    489 A.2d 246
    , 247 (Pa. Super. 1985). A refusal to
    grant an evidentiary hearing on a preliminary injunction will only be reversed
    when it constitutes an abuse of discretion. Commonwealth v. Schall, 
    297 A.2d 190
    , 191-92 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1972).
    A party may move at any time to dissolve an injunction. Pa.R.C.P.
    No. 1531(c). An injunction may be modified or dissolved upon a showing of
    changed circumstances that have occurred since the issuance of the injunction.
    Whibby v. Department of Corrections, 
    820 A.2d 829
    , 831 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2003).
    The changed circumstances that may warrant dissolution are a change in the
    controlling facts on which the injunction rested or a change in the law. Three
    Rivers Aluminum Co. v. Brodmerkle, 
    547 A.2d 814
    , 816 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1988).
    Appellate review of a decision to grant, deny, or continue a preliminary injunction
    is limited to determining whether there were any apparently reasonable grounds for
    the trial court’s action.   County of Butler v. Local 585, Service Employees
    International Union, AFL-CIO, 
    631 A.2d 1389
    , 1392 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1993).
    8
    The Township submits that the trial court’s decision is correct and that
    Coletta misconstrues Rule 1531. The Township argues that: Rule 1531(c) only
    authorizes motions to dissolve an injunction, it does nothing more; Rules 1531(d)
    and (e) operate in concert; Rule 1531(d) mandates that an enjoined party have an
    opportunity to be heard after an ex parte injunction is issued, and Rule 1531(e)
    enumerates the actions available to the court after that hearing occurs; and Rule
    1531(e)’s reference to a “preliminary hearing” relates to the ex parte injunctions
    contemplated by Rule 1531(d). The Township also argues that, because Coletta
    presented no new or changed circumstances, there was no practical purpose for the
    trial court to conduct a hearing on Coletta’s motion.
    The Township relies on Greater Nanticoke Area Education
    Association v. Greater Nanticoke Area School District, 
    938 A.2d 1177
    (Pa.
    Cmwlth. 2007), for the proposition that a trial court is not required to conduct a
    hearing on a motion to dissolve a preliminary injunction. The appellant in Greater
    Nanticoke filed a motion to quash an appeal from an order granting a preliminary
    injunction on the ground that it was interlocutory. We held that where a trial court
    exercises its authority under Rule 1531(a) to grant a preliminary injunction,
    Pa.R.A.P. 311(a)(4) provides the right of an immediate appeal, and therefore, the
    trial court’s cancellation of a later scheduled hearing was not relevant to the
    finality of the order. Because Greater Nanticoke did not address the issue before
    us, the Township’s reliance on that case is misplaced.
    Moreover, we conclude that the plain language of Rule 1531 compels
    a contrary result. Rule 1531(d) specifically provides that an injunction issued
    without notice shall be dissolved unless a hearing is held within five days of
    issuance of the injunction. Subsection (d) mandates that a post-issuance hearing
    9
    must occur to determine the propriety of an ex parte injunction. The consequence
    of the failure to conduct a hearing illustrates the Supreme Court’s clear intent that a
    hearing is an essential element for the issuance and continuation of an injunction.
    This intent is further reflected in the plain text of Rule 1531(e), which
    provides the options available to the court after a “preliminary hearing” occurs:
    “After a preliminary hearing, the court shall make an order dissolving, continuing,
    or modifying the injunction.” Pa.R.C.P. No. 1531(e). The language presupposes
    that an injunction is already in place.          However, subsection (e) contains no
    qualifying language which limits its operation or identifies what variety of
    injunction is in place. Because subsection (a) does not require a hearing in every
    case, i.e., when a court determines that irreparable injury would occur before
    notice could be given or a hearing held, subsection (e) cannot be considered a
    response to injunctions issued without a hearing under subsection (a). Moreover,
    subsection (e) contains no cross-reference to subsection (d) indicating that its
    application is limited only to injunctions issued without notice. Neither does
    subsection (d) categorize the hearing which must take place before dissolution
    occurs as a “preliminary hearing.” If the intent was that subsection (e) applies only
    to ex parte injunctions contemplated by subsection (d), there are a number of basic
    textual tools available to achieve that objective that are notably absent here.3
    Instead, Rule 1531(e)’s plain language indicates that the hearing requirement is not
    strictly limited to Rule 1531(d) because Rule 1531(e) contains no language that
    limits its application. An alternative reading imposes an artificial limitation on the
    3
    For example, Rule 1531(e) could have contained an internal cross-reference to Rule
    1531(d). Alternatively, the hearing which must occur after an ex parte injunction is issued
    pursuant to Rule 1531(d) could be categorized as a “preliminary hearing” rather than a
    “hearing.”
    10
    rule because it injects language that was omitted. When the text of a rule is clear
    and unambiguous it may not be disregarded for an alternative reading that is
    inconsistent with the rule’s plain language. Pa.R.C.P. No. 127(b); see also Evans
    to Use of Roadway Express, Inc. v. D’Iorio, 
    519 A.2d 983
    , 984 n.2 (Pa. Super.
    1987).
    In Ogontz Controls Company v. Pirkle, 
    477 A.2d 876
    (Pa. Super.
    1984), an employer filed a complaint alleging that a former employee violated his
    employment contract by using confidential information and trade secrets to
    compete with the employer. Upon the employer’s motion, the common pleas court
    issued an ex parte injunction against the employee and set a date for a hearing on
    the continuance of the injunction within five days in accordance with Rule
    1531(d). At the hearing, the employer presented the testimony of several witnesses
    and the common pleas court entered an order continuing the preliminary injunction
    without allowing the employee to present testimony on his own behalf. The
    employee appealed and argued that the common pleas court’s procedure did not
    constitute a “hearing” as required under Rule 1531(d).        The Superior Court
    determined that the common pleas court’s procedure was defective and denied the
    employee his right to a fair hearing under Rule 1531(d), stating that “allowing a
    preliminary injunction to stand after a hearing which gave only one party an
    opportunity to present evidence is error.” 
    Id. at 879.
                 Although factually unlike Coletta’s circumstance because the hearing
    at issue in Ogontz was the original hearing to determine the propriety of the ex
    parte injunction under Rule 1531(d), the Superior Court’s analysis in Ogontz
    underscores the need for an opportunity to participate in an evidentiary hearing
    before an injunction may be continued.
    11
    Although Rule 1531 authorizes any party to move at any time for
    dissolution of an injunction, an injunction may only be dissolved upon a showing
    of changed circumstances.       
    Whibby, 820 A.2d at 831
    ; see also Philadelphia
    Firefighters’ Union, Local 22, International Association of Firefighters, AFL-CIO
    v. City of Philadelphia, 
    901 A.2d 560
    , 570 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006) (“[a] party seeking
    dissolution of a[] preliminary injunction must demonstrate that circumstances have
    changed since the issuance of the injunction.”). Our Supreme Court has stated that
    a court may dissolve or modify an injunction if: (1) the law, common or statutory,
    has changed, been modified or extended; (2) there is a change in the controlling
    facts on which the injunction rested; or, (3) in its judicially exercised discretion, it
    believes the ends of justice would be served by a modification. Ladner v. Siegel,
    
    148 A. 699
    , 702 (Pa. 1930).
    A motion to dissolve must assert that the controlling facts underlying
    the injunction or the law have changed since the injunction was issued, and
    therefore, the injunction is improper. Three Rivers Aluminum 
    Co., 547 A.2d at 816
    .   The denial of a motion to dissolve without a hearing is, in effect,
    authorization to continue the injunction on the basis of evidence presented at the
    original hearing. The failure to allow a party to present evidence at a hearing
    establishing that changed circumstances exist which warrant dissolution is
    analogous to preventing a party from presenting evidence regarding the propriety
    of the injunction at the original hearing.
    Here, however, Coletta does not allege changed circumstances, but
    rather challenges the trial court’s September 2, 2014 order granting the Township’s
    emergency motion. Specifically, in his latest motion to modify the injunction,
    Coletta asserts that the September 2, 2014 order is overly broad and unsupported
    12
    by the record. Coletta does not identify a change in the controlling facts on which
    the injunction rests, nor does he point to any change in the law that warrants
    dissolution or modification of the injunction. The circumstances Coletta complains
    of were set forth in the trial court’s previous order; they do not constitute changed
    circumstances which occurred subsequent to the issuance of the injunction as
    required to support a modification or dissolution of the injunction.               Coletta’s
    pleading contains no actionable allegations that require development or resolution
    at a hearing; Coletta offered no legal basis for dissolution or modification. A
    hearing on Coletta’s motion would be an exercise in futility because Coletta failed
    to allege any changed circumstances to invoke the court’s authority to modify or
    dissolve the preliminary injunction.         See County of 
    Butler, 631 A.2d at 1392
    (holding that the appellant failed to meets its burden of showing entitlement to
    dissolution of a preliminary injunction because the appellant did not allege any
    change of circumstances that occurred subsequent to the issuance of the
    preliminary injunction). Moreover, unlike the movant in Whibby, Coletta failed to
    allege any change in the statutory law governing the subject matter of the
    injunction.
    This Court’s unreported decision in Commonwealth ex rel. Corbett v.
    Hasan (Pa. Cmwlth., Nos. 150-51 C.D. 2012, filed May 2, 2013), is instructive. In
    Hasan, the common pleas court permanently enjoined appellant from violating the
    Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law4 and entered a final decree
    ordering the appellant to forfeit his right to do business in Pennsylvania until he
    paid full restitution, refunds, and civil penalties. Approximately nine months after
    the final decree was entered, appellant filed a petition to modify the injunction
    4
    Act of December 17, 1968, P.L. 1224, as amended, 73 P.S. §§ 201-1-201-9.3.
    13
    regarding the forfeiture of his right to do business in Pennsylvania, arguing that
    justice would be served if the injunction was modified. The common pleas court
    denied the appellant’s petition to modify the injunction without a hearing. On
    appeal, this Court stated that the common pleas court’s decision was proper
    because the appellant did not allege any changed circumstances that occurred after
    the issuance of the injunction which warrant modification. Instead, the appellant
    challenged the legality of the underlying injunction itself. We concluded that the
    appellant had waived his right to make that argument because he took no action
    until nine months after the final decree was issued and his motion was “nothing
    more than a belated attack on the underlying validity or propriety” of the common
    pleas court’s order issuing the injunction. Slip op. at 4. We held that there was no
    basis for a hearing because “it was apparent from the face of the motion that the
    relief requested was inappropriate . . . .” Slip op. at 5.
    As Schall advises, a trial court’s determination to refuse to conduct an
    evidentiary hearing for purposes of a preliminary injunction will be reversed only
    when no valid reason for refusal 
    exists. 297 A.2d at 191-92
    . Here, Coletta failed
    to allege a necessary prerequisite to the relief he requested, i.e., changed
    circumstances that occurred subsequent to the issuance of the injunction, which
    constitutes a valid reason for the trial court’s refusal to hold a hearing.
    Additionally, we note that Coletta’s own conduct contributed to his
    complained of circumstances.        Coletta’s appeal from the original issuance of
    injunction was dismissed because Coletta failed to pay the filing fee. (R.R. at 114-
    15.) Next, Coletta failed to file an answer to the Township’s emergency motion to
    modify the injunction to allow it to access and make changes to the Property.
    Similarly, Coletta’s appeal from the September 2, 2014 granting the Township’s
    14
    emergency motion to modify the injunction was dismissed for his failure to timely
    file a brief. (S.R.R. at 2.)
    Moreover, contrary to Coletta’s suggestion, he was not deprived of his
    property without a hearing on the propriety of the dispossession in violation of his
    constitutional rights. As evidenced by the instant action, he can appeal the trial
    court’s determination to this Court for a constitutionally adequate hearing on the
    alleged property dispossession. In addition, this Court has held that a preliminary
    injunction “concludes no rights and is a final adjudication of nothing.” City of
    
    Philadelphia, 901 A.2d at 565
    .       Furthermore, “separate and distinct standards
    govern a request for preliminary injunction and a request for a permanent
    injunction.” City of Chester v. Chester Redevelopment Authority, 
    686 A.2d 30
    , 35
    (Pa. Cmwlth. 1996).       “[I]t is inappropriate for a court to treat a preliminary
    injunction hearing as a final injunction proceeding without providing a full
    hearing.” 
    Id. Consequently, Coletta
    would have an opportunity to dispute the
    alleged unlawful dispossession of his property at a full hearing before the
    injunction is made final.
    Therefore, we conclude that the default procedure under Rule 1531 is
    for the trial court to conduct a hearing when a party moves to dissolve or modify
    the existing injunction. However, where, as here, the movant fails to allege a
    necessary prerequisite to dissolution, i.e., a change in the facts underlying the
    injunction or a change in the law, the trial court has not per se committed an abuse
    of discretion and a hearing is not automatically required. A trial court’s decision to
    refuse to conduct a hearing will be reversed where there is no valid reason for the
    trial court’s determination, i.e., when an abuse of discretion occurs. 
    Schall, 297 A.2d at 191-92
    .
    15
    Conclusion
    A reading of Rule 1531 that requires a hearing on a motion to dissolve
    an injunction under subsection (c) is consistent with the rule’s plain language. The
    Township’s reading promotes a procedure that forecloses the opportunity to
    dispute the propriety of continuing an injunction because it bars a movant from
    presenting evidence challenging an injunction at a hearing.          Therefore, we
    conclude that Rule 1531(e) requires that a hearing occur when a party moves to
    dissolve an injunction under Rule 1531(c) and alleges a sufficient change in the
    controlling facts underlying the injunction or a change in the law. Here, however,
    the trial court’s refusal to conduct a hearing on Coletta’s motion to dissolve the
    injunction did not constitute an abuse of discretion because Coletta failed to allege
    any changed circumstances.
    Accordingly, the trial court’s decision to deny Coletta’s motion to
    modify or dissolve the preliminary injunction is affirmed.
    ________________________________
    PATRICIA A. McCULLOUGH, Judge
    16
    IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Nether Providence Township            :
    :    No. 552 C.D. 2015
    v.                        :
    :
    David Coletta,                        :
    Appellant           :
    ORDER
    AND NOW, this 5th day of January, 2016, the March 6, 2015 order of
    the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County is affirmed.
    ________________________________
    PATRICIA A. McCULLOUGH, Judge