It is hereby found and declared that there exist
in the Township of Pemberton structures and land used for residential
and nonresidential purposes which are or may become in the future
substandard with respect to exterior property maintenance. Such conditions,
including but not limited to structural deteriorations, lack of maintenance
and appearance of exterior of premises, infestation, accumulations
of junk or inoperable vehicles in residential neighborhoods, existence
of fire hazards or insanitary conditions, constitute a menace to the
health, safety, morals, welfare and reasonable comfort of the citizens
and inhabitants of the Township of Pemberton. It is further found
and declared that by reason of lack of maintenance and progressive
deterioration, certain properties have the further effect of creating
blighting conditions and initiating slums, and that if the same are
not curtailed and removed the aforesaid conditions will grow and spread
and will necessitate in time the expenditure of large amounts of public
funds to correct and eliminate the same, and that by reason of timely
regulations and restrictions as herein contained, the growth of slums
and blight may be prevented and the neighborhood and property values
thereby maintained, the desirability and amenities of residential
and nonresidential uses and neighborhoods enhanced and the public
health, safety and welfare protected and fostered.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the
public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards
governing the exterior maintenance, appearance, condition of residential
and nonresidential premises; to fix certain responsibilities and duties
upon owners and operators and distinct and separate responsibilities
and duties upon occupants; to authorize and establish procedures for
the inspection of residential and nonresidential premises; to fix
penalties for the violation of this chapter; and to provide for the
repair, maintenance and abatement of nuisances on premises by the
Township of Pemberton. This chapter is hereby declared to be remedial
and essential for the public interest, and it is intended that this
chapter be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes as stated
herein.
