[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township
of Evesham 3-19-2013 by Ord. No.
4-3-2013. Amendments noted where applicable.
GENERAL REFERENCES
Brush, grass and weeds — See Ch. 54.
Dangerous buildings — See Ch. 58.
Fire prevention — See Ch. 75.
Garbage, rubbish and refuse — See Ch. 85.
Clean Community Code — See Ch. 97.
Recycling — See Ch. 118.
Streets, sidewalks and parking lots — See Ch. 133.
Storage of vehicles — See Ch. 151.
Inoperable vehicles — See Ch. 153.
This chapter shall be known as the "Commercial and Residential
Property Maintenance Code of the Township of Evesham" and is referred
to in this chapter in the short form as "this code" or "this chapter."
This chapter is created under the authority of N.J.S.A. § 40:48-1
et seq. The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health,
safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards for the maintenance
of such premises; to fix responsibilities and duties upon owners,
operators, tenants, occupants and financial institutions that have
or take an interest in such properties, as well as owners, users,
occupants or operators of vehicles and equipment located upon said
properties; to authorize and establish procedures for the inspection
of commercial and residential premises; to fix penalties for the violations
of this code; and to provide for the right of access to permit abatement
when necessary. This code is hereby declared to be remedial and essential
for the public interest, and it is intended that this code is liberally
construed to effectuate the purposes stated herein.
The following terms, whenever used herein, shall have the following
meanings unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
Any item used for the construction of building improvements,
including, but not limited to, drywall materials, wood, steel, tiles,
roofing, nails, paint, insulation or debris created by or from construction.
A lot or tract of land which is zoned for commercial or industrial
use or a lot or tract of land, part of which is zoned for commercial
or industrial use.
Any item, whether or not portable without the assistance
of a trailer, which is used for building renovations or building improvements,
whether or not such improvements are interior or exterior, including,
but not limited to, wood chippers, table saws, tile cutters, dumpsters,
cement mixers and lawn and garden tools.
Those portions of a building which are exposed to the public
and visible from adjoining or adjacent lots, including all outside
surfaces and appurtenances thereto and including all signs and fences,
as well as the open land space of any premises which may be unimproved
by any building or structure.
See "owner" below.
Possessions, especially movable objects or personal property;
articles of trade; wares or stockpiles of materials.
Any condition, man-made or natural, which affords a breeding
place or hiding place for rodents, insects or other pests.
Includes any of the following:
Any common law nuisance or as provided by the laws of the State
of New Jersey or the ordinances of the Township of Evesham.
Any nuisance which may prove detrimental to the health or safety
of children, whether in a building or upon a lot. This includes, but
is not limited to, any structurally unsound fences or structures,
lumber, trash, fences, debris or vegetation, such as poison ivy, poison
oak or poison sumac, which may prove a hazard for inquisitive minors
and the general public.
Physical conditions dangerous to human life or detrimental to
the health of persons on or near the premises where the conditions
exist.
Unsanitary conditions or anything unreasonably offensive to
the senses or dangerous to health, in violation of this code.
Whatever renders air, food or drink unwholesome or detrimental
to the health of human beings.
Fire hazards.
Any person residing, living or sleeping in or on the premises
or having actual possession, use or occupancy of a dwelling, premises
or rooming unit, or any person or entity in possession of or using
any premises, or part thereof, whether or not the owner thereof, and
regardless of the duration of time of such possession, use or occupancy.
Any person, persons or entity, not the owner, who has charge,
care or control of a dwelling or premises, or a part thereof, with
or without the knowledge, consent or authority of the owner.
Any natural grass or weeds of a height of six inches in length
or greater. Overgrown grass shall not include areas of natural growth
that are not ordinarily maintained, such as areas containing wetlands
or marshes or densely wooded areas. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited.
Any person, persons or entity, who shall have legal or equitable
title in any form whatsoever to any premises, or part thereof, with
or without accompanying actual possession thereof, or who shall have
charge, care or control of any lot, premises, building, structure,
or part thereof, as owner or agent of the owner or as a fiduciary,
trustee, receiver, guardian, lessee or mortgagee in possession, regardless
of how such possession was obtained. Any person, group of persons
or entity who is a lessee, sublessee or assignee of a lessee of any
part or all of any building, structure or land shall be deemed to
be a co-owner with the lessor for the purpose of this chapter and
shall have responsibility over the portion of the premises so sublet,
leased or assigned. For the purposes of this chapter, "owner" shall
also specifically include any financial institution or entity, whether
individual or corporate, that has begun the foreclosure process to
take legal title to the premises, whether or not such interest is
perfected.
One or more lots, plots or parcels and/or rights-of-way,
including the buildings or structures which may exist thereon and
all vacant or unimproved land in the Township.
All discarded, useless, unusable, unused or worthless solid
waste matter or materials, combustible or noncombustible, including,
but not limited to, garbage, trash, ashes, paper, paper goods and
products, wrappings, cans, bottles, containers, yard clippings, garden
waste, debris, junk, glass, boxes, crockery, wood, mineral matter,
plastic, rubber, leather, furniture, household goods, appliances,
bedding, scrap lumber, scrap metal, construction material, inoperable
machinery or parts thereof, garden or farming implements and supplies,
dead or rotting vegetation, tires, abandoned, inoperative or unusable
automobiles and vehicles and solid commercial or industrial waste.
A unit of housing.
One who resides, occupies or dwells in a unit of housing.
One or more buildings, or part thereof, designed as a unit,
to be occupied by one or more businesses for the conduct of business
and conducted as an integrated planned area development.
The area of land at the corner of a property as further defined by § 62-26 of the Code.
A combination of materials to form a construction for occupancy,
use or ornamentation, whether installed on, above or below the surface
of a parcel of land.
A.
Every commercial and residential premises and building situated thereon
in the Township of Evesham, used or intended to be used for commercial
and/or residential occupancy, shall comply with the provisions of
this code, whether or not such building shall have been constructed,
altered or repaired before or after the enactment of this code and
irrespective of any permits or licenses which may have been issued
for the use or occupancy of any building or structure, or for the
installation or repair of equipment or facilities prior to the effective
date hereof. This code establishes minimum standards for the initial
and continued occupancy and use of all such commercial and residential
buildings or structures and does not replace or modify standards otherwise
established for the construction, repair, alteration or use of such
commercial and residential buildings or structures contained therein.
Where there is mixed occupancy with commercial and residential and
other uses on the same premises, all such uses shall be nevertheless
regulated by and subject to the provisions of this code.
B.
Compliance with this chapter shall not constitute a defense against
any violation of any other ordinance of the Township applicable to
any premises, nor shall any one act of compliance constitute a defense
against any subsequent or other violation of this chapter.
C.
In any case where the provisions of this code impose a higher standard
than is set forth in any other ordinance of the Township of Evesham
or under the laws or regulations of the State of New Jersey or any
of its agencies, then the standards as set forth herein shall prevail;
but if the provisions of this code impose a lower standard than any
other regulation or ordinance of the Township of Evesham or the laws
or regulations of the State of New Jersey or any of its agencies,
then the higher standard contained in any other such ordinance, regulations
or law shall prevail.
D.
Nothing contained in this chapter, or any requirement or compliance
herewith, shall be deemed to alter, impair or affect the application
of the land use ordinances of the Township to the premises in question.
E.
Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to abolish or impair existing
remedies of the Township, its officers or agencies, relating to the
removal or demolition of any buildings or structures which are deemed
to be dangerous, unsafe or unsanitary.
A.
Owners, occupants and operators shall all have the duties and responsibilities
prescribed in this chapter, and no owner, operator or occupant shall
be relieved from any such duty and responsibility, nor be entitled
to defend against any charge or violation thereof, by reason of the
fact that another person is also responsible therefor under this chapter.
B.
Responsibility of owners, occupants and operator.
(1)
All owners, occupants and operators shall have a duty to keep the
premises for which they are responsible under this chapter structurally
sound, in good general repair and sufficiently maintained so as to
prevent and avoid conditions that violate this chapter.
(2)
It shall be a violation of this chapter for a person to occupy as
owner-occupant, or to permit another to occupy or use premises which
do not comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(3)
All premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary
condition, as provided herein, so as not to cause a blighting problem
or adversely affect the public health or safety.
All parts of the premises under the control of the occupant
shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition, and the occupant
shall refrain from performing any acts which would render other parts
of the premises unclean or unsanitary or which would obstruct the
owner or operator from performing any duty required hereunder or maintaining
the premises in a clean and sanitary condition.
The exterior of all commercial and residential buildings, premises
and all structures thereon shall be kept free of all nuisances and
any hazards to the safety of occupants, pedestrians and other persons
utilizing or residing within the vicinity of said commercial or residential
building or premises, and free of unsanitary conditions, and any of
the foregoing shall be promptly removed and abated by the owner, operator,
occupant or resident. It shall be the duty of the owner, operator,
occupant or resident to keep the premises free of hazards, which include,
but are not limited to, the following:
A.
Refuse: broken glass, filth, garbage, trash, litter and debris.
B.
Natural growth: brush, weeds, ragweeds, stumps, roots and obnoxious
growths, including bamboo and poison ivy, dead and dying trees and
limbs or other natural growth which, by reason of rotting or deteriorating
conditions or storm damage, constitute a hazard to persons in the
vicinity thereof. Trees and bushes shall be kept pruned and trimmed
to prevent such conditions. Overgrown grass shall be cut up to and
along any adjacent curbline and/or commencement of paved roadway,
including the main lot or land, that portion of any lot, land or easement
along or adjacent to any sidewalk, curbline, street or alley and includes
that portion of any lot, land or easement located within the limits
of any street, highway, alley or easement.
C.
Overhangings: Dangerously loose and overhanging objects may also
include, but are not limited to, dead trees or tree limbs, accumulations
of ice and snow, or any object, natural or man-made, which could threaten
the health and safety of persons if caused to fall, or other similar
dangerously loose and overhanging objects which, by reason of their
location above ground level, constitute an actual hazard to persons
or vehicles in the vicinity thereof.
D.
Ground surface hazards or unsanitary conditions: holes, broken or
missing pavement, loose stone, excavations, breaks, projections, obstructions,
ice, uncleared snow and excretion of pets and other animals on paths,
walks, driveways, parking lots and parking areas and other parts of
the premises which are accessible to and used by persons on the premises.
All such holes and excavations shall be filled and repaired, walks
and steps repaired and other conditions removed where necessary to
eliminate hazards or unsanitary conditions with reasonable dispatch
upon their discovery. It shall be the responsibility of owners, operators,
occupants or residents to take reasonable steps to discover any such
hazards or unsanitary conditions which may exist on their premises.
E.
Recurring accumulations of stormwater. Adequate runoff drains shall
be provided and maintained to eliminate any recurrent or excessive
accumulation of stormwater. All storm drains must be clean and free
of debris and blockage. This may require that the storm system is
televised to confirm integrity of the system. All basins must be in
approved working order and free of blockage and debris or rubbage.
F.
Sources of infestation.
G.
Rubbish.
H.
Abandoned, uncovered or structurally unsound wells, shafts, towers,
exterior cellar openings, basement hatchways, foundations or excavations.
I.
Abandoned iceboxes, refrigerators, heaters, television sets and other
similar major appliances.
J.
Structurally unsafe or unsound buildings, structures or fences, or
parts thereof.
K.
Animal excrement piles or manure piles within 100 feet of a property
line.
L.
Buried refuse or rubbish.
M.
Stagnant surface water or groundwater accumulations which create,
or are likely to create, mosquito or other insect breeding areas.
This section shall include the maintenance of swimming pools.
N.
Nuisances.
O.
Storage of vehicles, or parts thereof, including boats and trailers,
motorized or not, licensed or unlicensed, registered or unregistered,
which vehicles or parts thereof are or have been junked, abandoned,
dismantled or are in a state of visible disrepair or inoperability.
P.
Rotted, missing or substantially destroyed window frames and sashes,
door frames, exterior doors or other major exterior component parts
of buildings or structures.
Q.
All lighting fixtures must be operable in accordance site plan approvals.
R.
Graffiti.
T.
Maintaining any object or device which causes audible sound which
is loud and unnecessary based upon prolonged time to such an extent
that its volume is disturbing to person on the premises and/or adjacent
premises.
Any alterations to buildings, structures or appurtenances thereto,
or changes of use therein, which may be caused directly or indirectly
by the enforcement of this chapter, shall comply with all applicable
provisions of the Uniform Construction Code and any other applicable
regulations, ordinance or law of the Township, county or state.
A.
All commercial and residential premises shall be kept landscaped,
and grass, lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept trimmed and kept
from becoming overgrown. Trees, grass, shrubs and other plantings
shall be replaced when the same have fallen or died.
B.
Properties with landscaping, lawns, hedges and bushes shall be kept
from becoming overgrown and unsightly where exposed to public view
and from becoming a blighting factor for adjoining properties.
C.
It shall be an affirmative duty of all owners and occupants of parcels
within Evesham Township to ensure that all sight triangles located
on the property are clear of obstructions or growth which would prevent
the clear vision of motorists utilizing adjacent roadways.
A.
All signs, pavement markings and printed matter and pictures or illustrations
contained thereon, permitted by reason of other regulations or as
a lawful nonconforming use shall be maintained in good repair.
B.
Traffic safety maintenance. All traffic flow and control signs, whether
painted on pavement or vertical structures, shall be properly maintained
in a functional condition. Bent and leaning sign poles shall be replaced
or straightened. Painted directional and parking bay strips shall
be maintained in a readable condition. Bent and broken traffic control
guardrail and fencing shall be replaced. Missing, improperly located
or damaged parking bumpers or curbing shall be replaced.
A.
The exterior of every commercial and residential structure or accessory
structure, including fences, signs and storefronts, shall be maintained
in good repair and shall be aesthetically painted, except those constructed
of materials designed to be unpainted, such as, but not limited to,
cedar and redwood. All structural surfaces shall be maintained free
of safety hazards and fire hazards, such as broken windows, loose
and falling shingles and crumbling and falling stone or brick.
B.
The open or outdoor storage of appliances, building materials or
rubbish, equipment, garbage, goods, glass, materials, merchandise,
trash or similar items shall not be permitted, and said items shall
not be maintained or stored on any premises past the next regularly
scheduled trash collection date, with the exception of:
C.
Residential parking requirements. The parking or placement of any
motor vehicles, trailers, campers, utility vehicles, boats or boats
on a utility vehicle or trailer in the front yard area of any residential
structure or accessory structure is strictly prohibited; however,
said motor vehicles, trailers, campers, storage containers, utility
vehicles, and/or boats on a utility vehicle or trailer may be parked
on a driveway, provided that said driveway is constructed of asphalt,
concrete, stone, or a solid continuous parking pad capable of preventing
the undergrowth beneath the vehicle, boat, trailer, or camper. All
aforementioned vehicles, trailers, boats, etc., when not on an approved
driveway location, must be placed in the rear yard area of the residential
lot on a parking pad constructed of materials as stated above, shall
not to be closer than five feet to a side or rear property line. No
more than a total of three of the above-named items or parts thereof,
whether operable or not, may be parked or placed in any rear yard
at any one time.
D.
Commercial and industrial parking requirements. The parking or placement
of any motor vehicles, trailers, campers, utility vehicles, boats
or boats on utility vehicles or trailers must be in conformance with
the approved site plan of the commercial or industrial site. In no
case may any motor vehicles, trailers, campers, utility vehicles,
boats or boats on utility vehicles or trailers be offered for sale
or parked, stored or placed on any commercial or industrial site unless
said site has prior Board approvals for the sale or storage of said
vehicles, etc., and the vehicles have a direct relationship with the
approved use of the commercial or industrial site.
A.
The owner, operator, resident and occupant shall have the duty and
responsibility of removing refuse and garbage at least once per week,
or at least as often as pickup is provided by the Township, whether
or not the Township collects the refuse from the property, but if
pickup once weekly is not sufficient to remove all garbage that accumulates,
removal more often shall be required, at the cost and expense of the
owner, operator, resident and occupant. The terms of this provision
in no way imply that the Township will collect refuse from commercial
ventures.
B.
Garbage and refuse shall be stored in tightly sealed, commercially
produced trash containers to prevent animal infestation and to eliminate
odors. Further, in residential zones and neighborhoods, all trash,
refuse and recycling containers shall be stored inside a main or accessory
structure on the premises, including, but not limited to, attached
or detached garages, or stored next to the property with an expectation
that the property owner will limit visibility from the roadway.
Nonresidential commercial premises (including hotels and motels)
which utilize dumpsters for the disposal of solid waste and recycling
shall, at the property owner's sole cost and expense, locate and enclose
such containers in accordance with the following standards:
A.
The dumpster(s) shall be located in the rear or to the side of the
commercial structure, provided the solid waste haulers can access
the dumpsters and remove the solid waste safely. If a commercial establishment
has access to and can locate a dumpster(s) in the rear of the structure
safely, then the dumpster(s) shall be located to the rear of the structure.
Garbage or trash dumpsters shall not be maintained in front yards
unless permitted by site plan approval from the Planning Board or
Zoning Board of Adjustment for temporary construction or renovation
purposes.
B.
The dumpster(s) shall be appropriately located so as not to interfere
with sight triangles, on-site circulation, required setbacks, landscaping,
parking, and any other requirements that may have been imposed as
part of the site plan approval for the premises, and shall be placed
on a concrete pad.
C.
Each commercial establishment shall provide appropriate enclosures
for each dumpster(s) or container(s), which shall be properly screened
from adjacent property and from the public view.
D.
Each bin must be regularly emptied of its contents so that its contents
cannot be transferred off the lot, directly or indirectly, by natural
forces such as surface water or wind, and so that it does not overflow
and become unsightly and malodorous.
E.
For properties that do not currently locate their dumpsters in the
rear or to the side of the structure, the property owner shall relocate
the dumpster and enclose same, in accordance with the provisions of
this section, within six months of the effective date of this section.
The Zoning Officer for the Township of Evesham shall inspect all commercial
properties after the six-month period has expired to determine whether
this section has been complied with. The Zoning Officer shall have
the authority to determine whether the dumpster(s) have been properly
located in the rear or to the side of the structure, and whether the
dumpster(s) have been adequately enclosed. Commercial property owners
may contact the Zoning Officer to obtain assistance in complying with
this section.
F.
If the Zoning Officer determines that the dumpster(s) have not been
appropriately placed and enclosed, enforcement and abatement shall
take place as generally provided under this chapter, unless the dumpster(s)
are placed within the right-of-way and create an immediate danger
to the public, in which case the Police Department may take immediate
action to cause the removal of the dumpster.
G.
No person shall dump trash or debris in a private dumpster of a commercial
or industrial business without the express written consent of the
business owner or his designee.
A.
In the case of each commercial or residential premises, the owner,
occupant or resident shall be responsible for removing litter from
the sidewalk or other pedestrian areas, if any, in front of the owner's
or occupant's commercial premises or resident's residential premises.
The area shall be swept as often as necessary to maintain it free
of litter, spillage or other debris. The owner or occupant shall be
responsible for maintaining any buffer strip between the sidewalk
and curb line, including, but not limited to, trimming or cutting
of overgrown grass.
B.
Paved areas and driveways. All driveways shall be kept in good repair,
shall be properly maintained and kept free of all litter and debris.
In addition, in commercial and industrial areas, all driveways, parking
areas, loading areas or other paved areas intended for or used by
vehicular traffic shall be paved by bituminous concrete or equivalent
surfacing material and shall be kept in good repair and free of all
litter and debris.
A.
Every owner, operator, resident or occupant shall be responsible
for the elimination of infestation in and on the premises subject
to his control.
B.
Insect and rat control. An owner of a structure or property shall
be responsible for the extermination of insects, rats, vermin or other
pests in all exterior and interior areas of the premises. Whenever
infestation exists in the shared or public parts of the premises of
other than a single-family dwelling, extermination shall be the responsibility
of the owner.
A.
No person shall deposit any litter on the ground in a commercial
or residential premises. Nothing in this section shall in any way
modify the responsibility of owners, occupants, residents under other
provisions of this code for the keeping of commercial premises in
a clean and sanitary condition.
B.
Litter and maintenance of solid waste disposal facilities. All industrial
and commercial sites shall be kept free from noticeable accumulation
of paper and solid waste debris. Common refuse storage areas shall
be kept in a clean and repaired state, in full conformance with the
site plan provisions for such facilities.
The owner and operator of every shopping area shall be responsible
for providing, maintaining and policing the following:
A.
All requirements and obligations mandated by site plan approval.
B.
Means of ingress and egress shall be clearly marked by signs.
C.
Parking spaces shall be clearly indicated by painted lines.
D.
Lanes for the movement of traffic in each direction shall be indicated
by arrows indicating one-way traffic and shall be painted in these
lanes at both ends.
E.
A trash basket with at least a twenty-gallon capacity shall be provided
for each 150 feet of store frontage in the shopping area. These baskets
shall be placed in the walking or pedestrian area, shall be provided
with tight-fitting covers fitted with hinged doors and shall not be
allowed to overflow.
F.
Fire zones should be kept clear of all vehicular traffic and parking,
as designated by the Fire Official. In addition to the obligation
placed herein on the owner and operator of every shopping area, any
individual parking or stopping a vehicle in an area marked as a fire
zone shall be in violation of the provisions of this chapter and subject
to the appropriate penalties provided in the Uniform Fire Code and
other applicable fire regulations.
G.
Stores located in shopping centers that have rear exit doors shall
have the name or names of the occupant shown on the exterior of said
doors in letters at least two inches high.
A.
It shall be the duty of owners, operators and residents, where parking
spaces and lanes are provided for their customers, to see that all
parking is done in conformity with the spaces provided and that the
flow of traffic conforms to the directional arrows painted in the
lanes between the parking spaces. The Police Department, the Fire
Official and Fire Inspectors shall have the authority to issue complaints
to anyone obstructing a marked fire lane.
B.
In residential zone districts and upon all properties used for residential
purposes, in whole or in part, parking spaces shall be on paved or
gravel driveways, constructed, installed and located pursuant to the
provisions of the Zoning Code and other applicable codes, rules and
regulations of the Township. Parking for motor vehicles on areas other
than paved or gravel driveways is prohibited.
C.
In all nonresidential districts and upon all properties used for
nonresidential purposes, in whole or in part, parking spaces shall
be on paved or gravel driveways, parking areas, or surfaces, constructed,
installed, located and maintained pursuant to an approved site plan
and the provisions of the Zoning Code, and other applicable codes,
rules and regulations of the Township. In no event shall any vehicle
be parked in any exterior location other than one approved for parking
as indicated by the approved site plan except in the case of a temporary
emergency or necessity, not to exceed one twenty-four-hour period
in any ninety-day period. No vehicles shall be stored except at an
approved vehicle storage facility. Inoperable vehicles, unregistered
vehicles, or vehicles awaiting repairs or service shall not remain
parked in any exterior location for more than seven consecutive days
in any ninety-day period except at a vehicle storage facility specifically
approved for such purpose, provided that this prohibition shall not
apply to vehicles displayed for sale at a duly approved and licensed
new or used vehicle sales facility, provided such vehicles are parked
on approved spaces.
D.
No vehicle, commercial or otherwise, shall utilize the premises of
another, whether or not permission has been granted by the owner to
park, store, idle or maintain said vehicle overnight where the vehicle
is not loading or unloading cargo, goods or wares for the business
on the premises.
A.
Generally. Used clothing donation steel or similar storage containers
(hereinafter referred to in this section as "bins") are prohibited
in the Township of Evesham.
B.
Exceptions. Registered nonprofit organizations are permitted to place
used clothing bins on nonresidential property in accordance with the
following:
(1)
Nonresidential commercial premises devoted to nonprofit purposes,
and churches, are permitted to have up to three used clothing donation
bins. Used clothing donation containers are not permitted on any other
commercial property unless specifically authorized by the Zoning Officer.
(2)
The bin(s) shall be appropriately located so as not to interfere
with sight triangles, on-site circulation, required setbacks, landscaping,
parking, and any other requirements that may have been imposed as
part of the site plan approval for the premises, and shall be placed
on a concrete surface. The bins shall not be placed in a designated
parking space, unless specifically authorized by the Zoning Officer.
(3)
The bin(s) shall be of the type that are enclosed by use of a receiving
door and locked so that the contents of the bin(s) may not be accessed
by anyone other than those responsible for the retrieval of the contents.
(4)
Each bin shall not cover a ground surface area in excess of five
feet by five feet, nor be more than six feet in height.
(5)
Each bin must be regularly emptied of its contents so that it does
not overflow, resulting in used clothing being strewn about the surrounding
area.
(6)
A permit for used clothing donation bins shall be required and obtained
by the owner of the bins. The permit shall be issued by the Zoning
Officer, but can only be granted when it is determined by the Zoning
Officer that:
(a)
The bin(s) are for use by a duly registered nonprofit organization
(Proof of nonprofit status shall be provided when the permit is submitted.);
(b)
The proper types of bin(s) are being used as described by this
section;
(c)
The bin(s) are being placed in a proper location as described
by this section;
(d)
A letter of authority/permission from the owner of the property
upon which the bins are to be and/or are already located has been
received; and
(e)
The name, address and phone number of the nonprofit organization
or church is displayed on each bin.
C.
If any used clothing donation bins are placed without a permit, or
an inspection reveals that such bins are not in compliance with this
section, enforcement and abatement shall take place as generally provided
under this chapter.
Upon discovery by an occupant of any condition of the premises
which constitutes a violation of this chapter by the owner or operator,
the occupant shall report same to the Director of Community Development,
who shall assign the investigation of the condition.
A.
The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the Police Department,
the Construction Official, the Director of the Department of Community
Development, any Health Officer, the Zoning Officer, the Township
Engineer, the Superintendent of Public Works, the Township Manager,
or any other agent or employee designated by the Township Manager.
Proof of designation shall be satisfied by a memorandum written by
the Township Manager.
B.
Collectively, and individually, the aforementioned are hereinafter
referenced as "Enforcement Official."
A.
All buildings and premises subject to this code are subject to inspection
annually and at the time of change of use or ownership by an enforcement
official. At the time of such inspections, all parts of the premises
must be available and accessible for such inspections, and the owner,
operator, resident and occupant are required to provide the necessary
arrangement to facilitate such inspections. Such inspections shall
be made during regular hours of the business occupying said premises
unless there is reason to believe a violation exists of a character
which is an immediate threat to safety requiring inspection and abatement
without delay.
B.
The Director of Community Development shall develop and approve an
inspection checklist for use in the assistance of enforcement of this
chapter and to clarify for the owner, operator or occupant the results
of the inspection and the steps which are required to abate any violations
of this chapter. Said checklist may be amended from time to time by
the Director without further approval by the Township Council.
Where the violation or condition existing on the premises is
of such a nature as to constitute an immediate threat to life and
limb unless abated without delay, the enforcement official may order
the owner, resident, operator or occupant to correct the violation
or condition within the period of time consistent with the hazard
involved and with the measures necessary to remove the hazard, and
upon the failure of the operator, owner, resident or occupant to correct
said condition, the enforcement official shall cause said condition
to be abated immediately thereafter and place a lien on the property
for the cost of abatement.
A.
A notice of enforcement and abatement shall be served on the owner,
lessor or agent, and the notice shall be posted upon the premises
in a conspicuous place when the owner, lessor, or agent cannot be
found at the address in the registration or in the Township tax records.
Notice may be served by regular and certified mail, national overnight
courier service and/or personal service.
B.
Any of the above-listed enforcement officials shall provide written
notice to owners, operators and occupants found to be in violation
of this chapter which shall be known as an "enforcement and abatement
notice." Said enforcement and abatement notice shall specify:
C.
Any aggrieved owner, operator, or occupant who receives an enforcement
and abatement notice from the enforcement official shall have the
right to appeal the findings, determinations and/or date for correction
and abatement to the Township Council. Said appeal shall be in writing
and must be filed with the Township Clerk and the issuing official
or person within 15 days of receipt of the enforcement and abatement
notice, and specify the findings and determinations being contested.
The Township Council shall conduct a hearing on the appeal upon written
notice to the aggrieved party and the enforcement official. The hearing
shall be held within 30 days of receipt of the written appeal by the
Township Clerk. The Township Council's findings, determinations, conclusions
and decision shall be adopted within 30 days of the date of the hearing.
The Township Council may reverse or affirm the decision of the enforcement
official, with or without the imposition of conditions, which conditions
may include the recommendation that repairs be performed by the Township
and the cost of same become a lien on the property. The date of adoption
of the resolution shall constitute the date of the Township Council's
decision. A copy of the resolution shall be mailed or delivered to
the aggrieved party and the enforcement officer within five days of
the date of adoption of the resolution.
D.
Any owner, operator or occupant who receives an enforcement and abatement
notice who fails to appeal the findings, determinations and/or date
for correction and abatement to the Township Council as provided herein
or who appeals the findings, determinations and/or date for correction
and abatement to the Township Council as provided herein and said
decision is affirmed by the Township Council, and who fails to or
refuses to abide by said decision, shall be subject to receipt of
a summons for violation of this chapter.
E.
In the case of abatement of a violation for failure to cut, trim
or remove overgrown grass, the time for the aggrieved owner, operator
or occupant to appeal such notice is limited to 10 days from receipt
of the notice.
F.
Any aggrieved party that receives an inspection report based upon
a change of ownership or change of use of the premises, and the report
identifies items that are strictly limited to issues concerning compliance
with an approved site plan, may request a waiver of said condition
by the approving land use board. The party shall file notice with
the Township Clerk within 15 days of the receipt of the notice or
inspection report and shall file an application for a request for
the waiver with the appropriate land use board within 25 days of receipt
of the inspection report.
Where abatement of any nuisance, as defined herein, or correction
of a defect on the premises or the maintenance of the premises in
a proper condition to conform to applicable ordinances of the Township
of Evesham or the laws of the State of New Jersey required expenditures
of the Township of Evesham moneys either by the supplying of labor
by Township employees, the furnishing of material by the Township
or the hiring of outside contractors, said expenditures shall first
be approved by the Township Manager of the Township of Evesham. The
enforcement official shall present a report of the work to be accomplished
to the Manager, along with a summary of the proceedings undertaken
to secure compliance, including notice served upon owners, operators,
residents, occupants or their agents, as the case may be, by telephone,
telegram, etc. The Manager shall then approve the expenditures, which
may include reasonable attorney fees. The Township Manager shall report
the same to the Township Council, and the governing body shall assess
the same against the premises collectible as provided by law. A copy
of the resolution approving said expenses shall be certified by the
Township Clerk and filed with the Tax Collector of the Township of
Evesham, who shall be responsible for the collection thereof, and
a copy of the report and resolution shall be sent by certified mail,
return receipt requested, to the owner.
In addition to any costs associated with a lien for abatement,
any owner, operator, occupant or resident shall, upon conviction for
a violation of this chapter, be punishable by a fine not greater than
$2,000, 90 days of community service or 90 days of incarceration,
or combination thereof. Each day's continued violation of this chapter
shall constitute a separate and distinct offense of the provisions
hereof. In the event said violation(s) continues unabated for a period
of five days or if said violation occurs within the same twelve-month
period, said continued or second or more violations shall, upon conviction
thereof, be punishable by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than
$2,000 per day for the continued violation. Temporary or subsequent
compliance with this chapter shall not constitute a defense against
any subsequent or other violation of this chapter. The imposition
of any fine or penalty issued herein shall not prevent the Township
from collection of cost for services through the lien process described
herein.
[Added 9-15-2015 by Ord.
No. 24-9-2015]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish a pilot grant program between the Township and responsible neighborhood associations for the renovation, replacement, and/or maintenance of development entranceway signs. All rules and regulations regarding signs are established in § 160-75 of the Evesham Township Zoning Code.
B.
Eligible properties. Residential developments and/or neighborhoods
which are identified by a sign placed at the development's primary
entranceway shall be eligible to participate in the grant program.
Particular neighborhoods that wish to apply and be considered for
matching funding must be represented by a neighborhood association
of at least one interested resident or a homeowner's association
that is willing to effectuate the restoration and/or replacement of
the entranceway signage.
C.
Eligible improvements.
(1)
The property owner(s) and any person or entity holding an equitable
or legal interest in the property are eligible to make application
for monies under the sign grant program. All applications by any person
or entity other than the property owner shall be supported by a notarized
letter of permission from the property owner stating that there is
no objection to the neighborhood association's restoration and/or
replacement of the entranceway signage and/or landscaping.
[Amended 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 19-11-2019]
(2)
The neighborhood association is required to abide by all maintenance rules as established in § 160-75G of the Township Code and to ensure that all improvements or replacements satisfy any code requirements within the Township, including, but not limited to, zoning and building regulations.
(3)
New signage is required to comport with the design, measurement,
and lighting restrictions originally approved by the Township of Evesham
Planning Board. Any modifications from the original design must be
approved by the Department of Community Development.
(4)
The Township agrees to waive any and all zoning permit application
fees for neighborhood entranceway signs and/or landscaping that are
restored and/or replaced using grant funds pursuant to the terms of
this section.
[Amended 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 19-11-2019]
D.
Grant application.
(1)
An interested neighborhood association will be required to submit
an application to the Department of Community Development of the Township
of Evesham for approval of the proposed sign restoration/replacement
plan and/or landscaping.
[Amended 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 19-11-2019]
(2)
The application, to be provided by the Township, must include and/or
attach the following information in order to be considered by the
Department of Community Development:
(a)
Detailed description of itemized costs of the improvements to
be completed using grant monies and proof of funds collected to cover
the entire cost of restoring/replacing the sign and/or landscaping;
[Amended 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 19-11-2019]
(b)
Design and dimensions of the new proposed sign, including lighting,
measurements, and distance from streets and homes;
(c)
Contact information for two individuals from the neighborhood
association to serve as the point of contact regarding the restoration
and/or replacement project; and
(d)
Notarized letter of permission from the property owner stating
that there is no objection to the neighborhood association's
restoration and/or replacement of the entranceway signage and/or landscaping.
[Amended 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 19-11-2019]
E.
Matching grant amounts.
(1)
The Township will reimburse the neighborhood association an amount, not to exceed $500, for the restoration and/or replacement of one housing or land development sign and/or landscaping, as described in § 160-75K of the Township Code.
[Amended 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 19-11-2019]
(2)
Every application shall be conditioned upon the availability of grant
funds.
(3)
The neighborhood association is solely responsible for collecting
and securing sufficient funds to cover the entire restoration and/or
renovation project.
(4)
The neighborhood association will be required to enter into an agreement
with the Township for a period of five years. After the initial five-year
term, a representative of the Township will evaluate the condition
of the sign, and determine if the neighborhood is eligible to reapply
for the grant program for a second five-year term. Should the Township
determine that the development entranceway sign is in good maintenance
and condition, the parties will enter into a two-year agreement wherein
reevaluation will occur every two years.
F.
Completion of improvements. The neighborhood association shall complete
all improvements, restoration, or replacement of entranceway sign
and/or landscaping within one year from the date that the application
was approved by the Department of Community Development. Failure to
do so will result in the automatic forfeiture of grant funds assigned
to the neighborhood association without any further notice from the
Township.
[Amended 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 19-11-2019]
G.
Disbursement of grant monies. Prior to the disbursement of grant
monies, the neighborhood association shall provide the following to
the Department of Community Development:
(1)
Letter from the Zoning Officer for the Township of Evesham indicating
that the improvements have passed all final inspections required pursuant
to the Township Code;
(2)
Itemized invoice or receipts showing that the project has been paid
in full; and
(3)
Affidavit signed by a representative of the neighborhood association
stating the amount of funds expended by the association to undertake
the restoration and/or replacement of the entranceway sign and/or
landscaping.
[Amended 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 19-11-2019]
