Borough of Highland Park, NJ Article II Removal of Brush, Weeds and Debris

[Adopted by Ord. No. 898 (§ 3-4 of the 1987 Code)]

§ 303-6 Procedure for removal.

The owner or tenant of lands lying within the limits of the Borough where it shall be necessary and expedient for the preservation of public health, safety and general welfare, or to eliminate fire hazard, shall remove from such lands brush, weeds, dead and dying trees, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash and debris, within two days after notice to remove same. If the owner or tenant of the premises shall refuse or neglect to remove the same within the time provided herein, the Sanitary Inspector for the Board of Health or other official of the Borough duly designated by the Mayor and Council is hereby authorized to provide for the removal of the same. In addition, if the owner or tenant of the premises shall refuse or neglect to remove the same within the time provided herein, the Sanitary Inspector or other duly designated official of the Borough of Highland Park is hereby authorized to sign a complaint in accordance with § 303-8.

§ 303-7 Removal by the Borough; assessment.

[Amended by Ord. No. 1478]

A. In all cases where brush, weeds, dead and dying trees, stumps, roots, obnoxious growths, filth, garbage, trash and debris are removed from any lands under the direction of the Sanitary Inspector for the Board of Health or other duly designated official of the Borough, such officer shall certify the cost to the Borough Council. Whenever Borough forces are used for the removal of materials cited hereinabove, the Sanitary Inspector or other designated Borough officer shall certify the costs herein authorized on a time-and-materials basis. In all cases, however, a minimum fee of $100 shall be charged whenever Borough forces are used.

B. The Borough Council shall examine the certificate, and if found correct, shall cause the cost as shown to be charged against the lands. Such cost shall be added to and become a part of the taxes next to be assessed and levied upon such lands, to bear interest at the same rate, and be collected and enforced by the same officers in the same manner as taxes.

§ 303-8 Violations and penalties; service of notice.

[Amended 2-7-1989 by Ord. No. 1178]

A. Any person who shall violate any provision of this article shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than the penalty established in Chapter 1, General Provisions, Article III, General Penalty.

B. Such notice as specified above shall be deemed to be properly served upon such person if a copy is delivered to him personally; or by leaving the notice at his usual place of abode with a competent member of his household of the age of 14 years or over then residing therein, who shall be informed of the contents thereof; or by certified or registered mail addressed to the owner at his last known address with return receipt requested.