[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Health of the Township of Eastampton as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 5-7-1976 by Ord. No. 1973-2 (Ch. 113 of the 1974 Township Code); readopted by reference by the Township Council 1-25-1983 by Ord. No. 1983-01; amended in its entirety 11-28-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-13]]
The purpose of this chapter is to protect and promote the public health through the control, abatement and prevention of nuisances which may present a public health concern. Alleged infractions of the provisions and standards set forth herein will be investigated by an appropriate enforcing official. Wherever there is a question as to the significance of an alleged infraction or the factual existence of an alleged infraction, the existence of a violation will be based upon the prudent judgment of the enforcing official.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDON
To desert, ignore, and fail to maintain a property in a safe, habitable condition.
ACCUMULATION
The gathering together and increasing in amount over a period of time.
ASHES
The residue from the burning of wood, coal or other combustible materials.
ATTRACTIVE NUISANCE
A potentially harmful object on or condition of the land that by its features tends to lure children or others.
BOARD OF HEALTH
The County Board of Health.
BUILDING
As defined in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.
BUILDING CODE
The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq., or current governing code.
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY
Any activity which is not a residential use or activity and includes, but is not limited to, gasoline stations, retail sales, professional activities, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, legal, architectural, accounting, engineering and the like; personal services, including real estate, insurance, barbershops, hairdressers, nail salons, and the like; nurseries, landscaping businesses, farm stands, repair shops of all kinds, and amusements, including, but not limited to, movies, skating rinks, bowling alleys, and the like, regardless of location, and any other nonresidential use or activity.
COMMERCIAL PREMISES
Any real property on which a commercial activity of any kind is conducted.
CONTRACTOR
A person engaged in any business or service, including construction, repairing, refurbishing, remodeling or the demolition of buildings or grounds within the Township.
DEVELOPED PROPERTY
Any real property upon which a structure has been erected or other improvements have been made.
DWELLING
Defined as specified in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.; Regulations for the Maintenance of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings, N.J.A.C. 5:10-1 et seq.; Regulations Governing Rooming and Boarding Houses, N.J.A.C. 5:27-1 et seq.; New Jersey State Housing Code, N.J.A.C. 5:28-1 et seq., as may be the case.
ENFORCING OFFICIALS
Includes the Burlington County Department of Health, registered environmental health specialist, Animal Control Officer, Zoning Officer, Construction Official, fire official, police or other official authorized by the Township Council to enforce this chapter and including employees and officials of the Township of Burlington providing enforcement pursuant to a shared services or similar agreement between the Township and the County of Burlington.
EXTERIOR PROPERTY
Any space located between property boundary lines of the tax lot in question or the boundaries of any contiguous tax lots and any structure on the property.
EXTERMINATION
The control and elimination of insects, mice, rats and other pests by removing or otherwise destroying their harborage places; by removing or making inaccessible materials that serve as their food; by poison spraying, fumigating, and trapping or by any other approved pest-elimination methods.
GOOD REPAIR
The structure is maintained in such a manner that there is no evidence of deterioration or damaged or loose elements and, where appropriate, is capable of preventing the elements (rain, snow, wind) and rodents from entering the interior areas.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Wastes presenting a danger to health and safety by reason of their pathological, explosive, radiological or toxic characteristics.
INFESTATION
The presence, within or contiguous to a structure or premises, of insects, mice, rats, vermin or other pests in quantities large enough to constitute a health threat.
INSECTS
Those insects that have public health significance for disease transmission, property damage or which can present a nuisance.
NOISE
Defined by statute, administrative regulations and as defined in Township ordinances.[1]
NONRESIDENTIAL USER
Any type of commercial, industrial or similar activity, whether or not operating for a profit, within the Township.
NOXIOUS WEEDS
Any plant designated by a federal, state or county government as injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property. A noxious weed may be native or nonnative, invasive or noninvasive, and may also be commonly defined as a plant that grows out of place and is competitive, persistent, and pernicious. Examples include but are not limited to ragweed, poison ivy or oak, thistle, and multiflora rose.
OCCUPANT
Defined as specified in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.; Regulations for Maintenance of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings, N.J.A.C. 5:10-1 et seq.; Regulations Governing Rooming and Boarding Houses, N.J.A.C. 5:27-1 et seq.; New Jersey State Housing Code, N.J.A.C. 5:28-1 et seq., as may be the case.
OWNER
Defined as specified in the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, N.J.A.C. 5:23-1 et seq.; Regulations for Maintenance of Hotels and Multiple Dwellings, N.J.A.C. 5:10-1 et seq.; Regulations Governing Rooming and Boarding Houses, N.J.A.C. 5:27-1, et seq.; New Jersey State Housing Code, N.J.A.C. 5:28-1 et seq.; New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, N.J.A.C. 5:70 et seq., as may be the case.
PERSON
Includes an individual, firm, corporation, association, society, partnership, and their agents or employees.
PREMISES
A house or buildings, together with its land and outbuildings.
PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN
Any matters, conditions or things that cause worry, solicitude, or anxiety for the health, safety and welfare of the public due to their dangerous or unsanitary nature.
PUBLIC REST ROOM
A room equipped with toilet facilities intended for public use in all public facilities and in commercial establishments.
RESIDENT
Any person occupying or maintaining a place of residence within the Township.
RESIDENTIAL USE
A dwelling unit, such as a home, condominium, trailer or a multifamily dwelling of two or more units.
RODENTS
Those rodents that have public health significance for disease transmission and/or property damage.
SOLID WASTE
Any trash, garbage, junk, rubbish, refuse, litter, debris and other materials that when dumped, deposited, accumulated or abandoned create, or have the potential of creating, a condition or conditions which may threaten the public health. This term shall include any animal or vegetable waste solids resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking or consumption of foods; discarded materials, including, but not limited to, glass, wood, yard debris, grass/brush clippings, stone, concrete, plastic, ashes, cloth, rags, paper, metal, tires, street cleanings, dead animals, manure, appliances, furniture, equipment, automobiles, solid market wastes, construction materials, industrial wastes, chemical wastes, recyclable materials and containers, and all discarded appliances.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of Eastampton, County of Burlington and State of New Jersey.
USABLE MATERIALS
Properly stored nonperishable materials intended for new construction, or other items intended to be used within 30 days, which are stored above ground and maintained in such a matter that they do not provide a habitat for insects or rodents.
WATER DRAINAGE AND ACCUMULATION
The runoff, discharge or drainage of water from any premises or building which results in the accumulation of stagnant water other than water retention areas and/or reservoirs approved by the Township Engineer.
WEEDS
The growth, existence or presence of any noxious weeds of any height or the growth, existence or presence of any other weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs; provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers, landscaped areas and gardens.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 343, Noise.
A. 
Any of the following matters, which after investigation by an enforcing official is deemed to be injurious, detrimental or a menace to the public health or environment, or is deemed to be an annoyance, or threatens to interfere with the comfort or well-being of the inhabitants of the Township, is hereby declared to be a prohibited nuisance:
(1) 
A condition or discharge, or release, which causes or threatens pollution of any surface water or subsurface water of the Township.
(2) 
The escape or entrance into open air/outdoor environment from any stack, vent, chimney, process or from any fire of such quantities and duration of smoke, fly ash, dust, fumes, vapors, mists, or gases that tend to be injurious to human health or welfare, animal or plant life or property, or would unreasonably interfere with the enjoyment of life or property throughout the Township.
(3) 
The growth, existence or presence of poison ivy in such quantity so as to cause damage or injury to adjacent properties or to be a public health concern. This shall not apply to any wooded public property.
(4) 
The presence on any plot of land, highway, street, right-of-way or any other public or private place of any solid waste. Composting shall not fall within the meaning of this subsection if the compost pile, mound or area is properly maintained on private property so as not to present offensive odors, the breeding or harborage of flies or other insects, rodents, vermin or any other public health nuisance.
(5) 
The accumulation and maintenance by depositing, dumping or otherwise of any matter or thing which serves as food for insects or rodents and to which they may have access, or which serves or constitutes a breeding place or harborage for insects, rodents or pigeons, thereby creating a public health nuisance.
(6) 
The existence or presence of any water or other liquid in which mosquito eggs, larvae or pupae exist or of any condition which allows water to lie, pond, stand or otherwise accumulate so as to provide a breeding environment for mosquitoes. This subsection shall not apply to fountains or swimming pools, which maintain adequate circulation, or to natural lakes, ponds, streams, and detention or retention basins.
(7) 
The keeping of any animal or animals in such a manner as to cause or present a source of foulness, odors or breeding of insects, rodents or other vermin.
(8) 
The existence or maintenance of any condition which may reasonably constitute a safety hazard, an attractive nuisance or otherwise present a threat to the safety and well-being of any person, such as:
(a) 
Any vacant building which is not adequately secured so as to preclude unlawful entry.
(b) 
Any excavation, depression, hole, shaft, abandoned or unused well, which is of such depth or dimension so as to present a hazard to any person as a result of a lack of or inadequate fencing or sealing.
(c) 
Any improperly secured discarded refrigerator, cabinet, automobile or other piece of equipment or machinery which may present a hazardous attraction to children or others.
(9) 
The willful abandonment of any domestic animal within the boundaries of the Township.
(10) 
Accumulation and storage of solid waste for 14 or more days on any private or commercial property without the approval of the Director of Public Works.
(11) 
Providing shelter and/or feeding feral cats or wildlife on any public or private property.
(12) 
Permitting sewage to flow onto any private or public property.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to commit, maintain or allow any nuisance.
A. 
All premises and property, both developed and undeveloped, shall be subject to inspection by an enforcing official if that official has reasonable cause to believe that there exists a violation of this chapter.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder, obstruct, delay, resist or prevent an enforcing official, upon presentation of proper identification, from gaining access to any property or premises upon which a violation is suspected. In the event that entry to any property or premises is denied by any owner or tenant, the enforcing official shall obtain an appropriate warrant for entry through the Municipal Court.
A. 
Notice of violation.
(1) 
Whenever a nuisance is determined by an enforcing official to exist, a notice of violation, when possible, shall be personally given to the owner, in writing, to remove or abate the same within such time as shall be specified therein, but no less than five days from the date of service. Notice to the owner shall be deemed complete as of the date it is served personally on the property owner. When personal service is not possible, notice to the owner of the violation and the time to abate shall be deemed complete three days after the date of the violation notice, if served by regular first-class mail, or posted at or on the subject premises.
(2) 
If the owner resides out of state, and no other person has been designated by the owner to accept service of notice, such notice shall be left at the premises with the tenant or occupant or posted on the premises, and mailed to the owner, and such action shall be considered proper notification to owner, tenant and/or occupant. Notice to the owner, tenant or occupant of the violation and the time to abate shall be deemed complete as of the date of the violation notice, if served personally on the tenant or occupant. Notice of the violation and the time to abate shall be deemed complete three days after the date on the violation notice, if served by regular first-class mail, or posted at or on the subject premises.
B. 
The cost of abatement shall be borne by the property owner.
C. 
If any person fails to comply with such notice within the time specified therein, the enforcing official may remove, abate or cause the cleanup of the nuisance.
Whenever the owner, tenant or occupant has failed to comply with the notice to abate the nuisance, and the nuisance has been abated or removed under the direction of the enforcing official, any cost or expense incurred for abating or removing the nuisance or condition may be recovered by appropriate judicial action, or upon certification of the actual costs, the Tax Collector may impose a lien against the property. Regardless of how costs are actually recovered, they shall be in addition to and shall not affect the imposition of any penalties.
The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the enforcing officials in the Municipal Court, and all proceedings shall be summary and in accordance with the Penalty Enforcement Law (N.J.S.A. 2A: 58-10 et seq.). Penalties may be imposed in accordance with the general penalty provisions set forth in Chapter 1, Article II, Penalties for Violations.
[Adopted 8-16-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-13]
The Township Council of the Township of Eastampton hereby finds and determines that:
A. 
The smoking of tobacco products is a major contributor to indoor air pollution, and breathing in secondhand smoke is a cause of disease to nonsmokers; and
B. 
The United States Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) has designated secondhand smoke as a Class A carcinogen, as well as a significant cause of respiratory problems in children; and
C. 
In 1986 the United States Surgeon General found that the active smoking of tobacco products and the passive inhalation of environmental tobacco smoke are the most prevalent causes of preventable death, disease, and disability; and
D. 
The United States Surgeon General found that separating smokers from nonsmokers within the same air space does not eliminate the exposure of nonsmokers to environmental tobacco smoke; and
E. 
The New Jersey Legislature finds and declares that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the State of New Jersey and the nation and tobacco smoke constitutes a substantial health hazard to the nonsmoking majority of the public; and
F. 
The State of New Jersey has acknowledged that careless smoking is the leading cause of death from fire; and
G. 
Smoking leads to the inevitable discarding of tobacco products and a source of litter by those who fail to properly dispose of cigarettes; and
H. 
The State of New Jersey entered into litigation against various tobacco product manufacturers and others for the purpose of improving the public's health and adopting policies and programs to achieve a significant reduction in smoking by its citizens, and in particular, by youth, and, as part of a settlement, the State of New Jersey received significant funding for the advancement of public health, including the implementation of important tobacco-related public health measures and restrictions; and
I. 
In 2006, the New Jersey State Legislature enacted the New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act, N.J.S.A. 26:3D-56 et seq., creating an outright ban on smoking in virtually all public indoor facilities and extending such ban to the grounds of any public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school, regardless of whether the area is an indoor or outdoor public place; and
J. 
In 2021, the New Jersey State Legislature adopted the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act,[1] which legalizes personal use of cannabis for adults, subject to state regulations.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 24:6I-31 et seq.
K. 
The Legislature has deemed the control of smoking tobacco and/or use of cannabis products in any form to be a necessary and proper exercise of municipal authority pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:48-1 et seq., 40:48-2 et seq., and N.J.S.A. 2C:33-13 for the preservation of public health, safety, and welfare of the community.
As used in this article only, the following words and terms shall be defined as set forth below. All other terms, words and phrases not defined herein shall be given their customary meaning.
PARK
Any athletic fields, playgrounds, and other active and passive recreation areas primarily of service to youth, owned, leased, operated or under the ownership control of Eastampton Township, to which the general public is invited and youth under the age of 18 may gather.
PERSON
Any individual, partnership, cooperative association, private corporation, personal representative, receiver, trustee, assignee, or any other legal entity.
PUBLIC BUILDING
Any building, structure, facility or complex, including appurtenant parking areas, owned, leased, operated or under the ownership control of Eastampton Township, to which the general public is invited.
PUBLIC PLACE
Any place to which the public has access that is not privately owned; or any place to which the public has access where alcohol consumption is not allowed, including, but not limited to, a public street, road, thoroughfare, sidewalk, bridge, alley, plaza, park, playground, swimming pool, shopping area, public transportation facility, vehicle used for public transportation, parking lot, public library, or any other public building, structure, or area.
SMOKING
For purposes of this article, the burning of, inhaling, exhaling and/or the inhaling and exhaling the smoke and/or vapor from or the possession of a lighted cigar, cigarette, e-cigarette, pipe, battery or electronic smoking device, or other paraphernalia that can be used to consume tobacco, e-liquid, cannabis, marijuana products or a tobacco-like substance. "Tobacco products" encompasses all smokeless tobacco, including, but not limited to, chewing tobacco; loose-leaf tobacco; tobacco pellets; plug tobacco; twist or rope tobacco; dipping tobacco and dissolvable tobacco.
A. 
Except as otherwise provided herein, smoking shall be prohibited in the following places:
(1) 
In every room, chamber, lobby, hallway, and other common areas in and upon any public building.
(2) 
In every park, as defined herein, whether or not children are present.
(3) 
Any entrance or exit areas of any public buildings where smoke may enter the air people breathe through such entrances, exits, windows or ventilation systems.
(4) 
Any vehicles owned and/or leased, in part or entirely, by the Township of Eastampton.
(5) 
Public areas of libraries, museums or the like which are funded or partially funded by government agencies.
(6) 
Any polling places within 100 feet of the public entrances to any polling places during the time at which elections are being conducted.
B. 
Smoking-optional areas. Notwithstanding the prohibitions contained in the foregoing provisions, outdoor smoking areas may be designated by the Township Council by resolution of same. Smoking areas, once approved, shall bear signs specifically designating that they are smoking areas. Smoking areas shall be clear of any public entrance or exit areas of any public buildings where smoke may enter the air people breathe through such entrances, exits, windows or ventilation systems. The smoking of cannabis by any means described herein shall not be permitted within the designated optional smoking area. Except as approved by resolution, no smoking shall be permitted in any other areas of any public buildings and parks.
"Smoking" or "No Smoking" signs, as appropriate, or the international "No Smoking" symbol (a picture of a burning cigarette inside a red circle with a red bar across it, and/or other indication of cannabis use) shall be clearly and conspicuously posted by the owner, operator, manager, employer, or such other person in control of every public building where smoking is controlled by this article. The color of such signs, when not of the international type, shall have letters that are distinct, contrasting to the background and easily read. The "No Smoking" signs shall be posted, at a minimum, on every area which provides an entry to the public building. The sign shall list the ordinance number and applicable fine. The "Smoking" signs shall be posted only in those areas so designated by resolution of the governing body as provided by this article.
The implementation and administration of regulations concerning the Township's designation of the Township's smoking areas shall be approved by resolution as necessary from time to time under this article in accordance with the terms of this section. Prior to implementing any such designations by resolution, the Township Council shall consult with and obtain input from the designated Township staff and advisory boards regarding the proposed designated smoking areas. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this section, any designated areas implemented hereunder shall not contradict the specific terms of this article, nor may the penalties imposed under this article be assessed for a violation of any regulation implemented by the Township Council, unless such violated regulation was, prior to the violation, adopted by an ordinance.
The provisions of this article shall be enforceable by a police officer or employee of the Township of Eastampton, as well as by any other individual. Any person seeking to enforce the provisions of this article shall be authorized to file a complaint in the Municipal Court of the Township of Eastampton.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to smoke in any area where smoking tobacco or cannabis products, as defined herein, is prohibited under this article.
B. 
Unless a greater fine is permitted under N.J.S.A. 26:3D-56 et seq., for smoking in specific areas defined therein, in which case such higher level of fine shall be utilized, any person who smokes any tobacco or cannabis products as defined herein, in an area in which smoking is prohibited, shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense and subject to a maximum fine of $200 for each violation pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:33-13.
C. 
Any person found guilty defacing, tampering with, or removing "No Smoking" or "Smoking" signs, which are required by this article, shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense and subject to a maximum fine of $200, plus the cost of replacing the sign.
D. 
Any juvenile adjudicated to have violated the provisions of this article shall be subject to such penalties, fines or other discipline as may be imposed upon an adult pursuant to this article.
No provision of this article shall be construed or interpreted to allow smoking where it is otherwise restricted or prohibited by other laws.