This article is enacted for the purpose of establishing
a registry of multiple-family dwelling units for the compilation of
information relating to such use or uses within the Borough of Bridgeport,
to aid in the assessment of proper rentals for sewer usage and connection
and to aid the Borough in its planning functions. It is expressly
not enacted for purposes of revenue production.
Every owner of any structure or structures within
the Borough, utilizing said structure or portion thereof as a multiple-family
dwelling unit or any owner who has in the past or does now or in the
future modify any structure for the purpose of housing more than one
family, shall register with the Borough Building Inspector on forms
to be provided for such registration.
Registration shall be done from January 1 to
February 1 of each year.
No fee shall be charged for registration in
accordance with this article.
The registration shall state the number of single-family
units within each structure registered, the name or names of the lessees
or tenants and the number of bathroom and kitchen facilities in each
structure.
The Building Inspector is authorized and directed
to conduct inspections from time to time to determine whether there
has been compliance with the registration provisions of this article;
provided, however, that no such inspection shall be made without prior
notice to the owner and occupants of the structure and no inspection
shall be made at times other than during normal business hours unless
authorized by the owner and occupant. For such purpose and subject
to the qualifications herein set forth, the Building Inspector is
authorized, upon justification based upon a reasonable belief of the
existence of a violation, to enter and examine any dwelling or yard,
or part of either, at reasonable times, and every owner shall provide
him access thereto.
[Amended 8-12-1975 by Ord. No. 419, approved
8-15-1975; 3-14-1989 by Ord. No. 507, approved 3-14-1989]
Any person who shall be convicted of a violation
of any of the provisions of this article before any Magisterial District
Judge shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and costs
of prosecution or by imprisonment in the county jail for a term not
to exceed 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The continuation
of such violation for each successive day shall constitute a separate
offense, and the person or persons allowing or permitting the continuation
of the violation may be punished as provided above for such separate
offense.