[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township
of Brick 6-21-2011 by Ord. No. 19-11. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter is to protect and promote the public
health through the control of the growth of invasive plant species.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
All native and non-native vines and vegetation that grow
out of place and are competitive, persistent, and pernicious. These
plants may damage trees, vegetation, or structures. Examples include
but are not limited to bamboo (spreading or running type), ragweed,
multi flora rose, kudzu-vine and poison ivy or oak.
All persons must control the growth of invasive plants. Failure
to control the spread of such vegetation beyond the boundaries of
a resident's property is a violation of this chapter.
All places and premises in the Township of Brick shall be subject
to inspection by the enforcing officer. Such inspections shall be
performed by such person, persons or agency duly authorized and appointed
by the Township of Brick. Such inspection shall be made if that official
has reason to believe that any section of this chapter is being violated.
[Amended 10-7-2014 by Ord. No. 29-14]
A.
Whenever an invasive plant as defined by this chapter is found on
any plot of land, lot or any other premises or place, and is found
to lack appropriate physical barriers to prevent the spread or growth
of the species, or is found to have spread beyond the boundaries of
a property, a violation shall be given to the owner of the property
from which the invasive species has spread, in writing, to remove
or abate the same within 30 days. The cost of all remedies, including
the removal of plantings of invasive plants, shall be borne by the
property owner.
B.
Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction,
be punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000 or community service
as determined by the Municipal Court. 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 such
violation may be punished as provided above for each separate offense.
C.
Notwithstanding any other penalty or fine which may be imposed under
this section, if an owner fails to comply with the removal or abatement
of an invasive plant, the Township may thereafter remove or otherwise
abate the planting and thereafter recover the costs of such removal
or abatement from the property owner by placing a lien against the
property.
[Added 10-7-2014 by Ord. No. 29-14]
All new in-ground plantings of invasive plants are strictly
prohibited. All existing plantings must be contained by appropriate
physical barriers to prevent the growth or spread of existing invasive
species beyond the boundaries of a resident's property.
