This chapter shall be known as the "Property
Maintenance Code of the Township of Montville" and may be referred
to in this chapter in the short form as "this code."
It is hereby found and declared that there exists
or may exist in the future in the Township of Montville buildings
and premises which are or may become substandard with respect to structural
integrity, equipment or maintenance and, further, that such conditions,
including but not limited to structural deterioration; lack of maintenance
and appearance of exterior of premises; lack of essential heating,
plumbing, storage or refrigeration equipment; lack of maintenance
or upkeep of essential utilities and facilities; existence of fire
hazards; inadequate provisions for light and air; and unsanitary conditions,
constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals, welfare and reasonable
comfort of the citizens and inhabitants of the Township of Montville.
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 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 blight may be prevented and the neighborhood and property values
thereby maintained, the desirability and amenities of the properties,
uses and neighborhoods enhanced and the public health, safety and
welfare protected and fostered.
The purpose of this code is to protect the public
health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing
the maintenance, appearance, condition and occupancy of all premises
situated in the Township; to establish minimum standards governing
utilities, facilities and other physical components and conditions
essential to making such premises fit for human habitation, occupancy
and use; to fix certain responsibilities and duties upon owners and
operators; to prevent blighting conditions and deterioration of property
values; to authorize and establish procedures for the inspection of
such premises; and to correct violations or to fix penalties for the
violations of this code. This code is hereby declared to be remedial
and essential for the public interest.