For purposes of this article, the following terms are defined
as set forth herein:
MUNICIPAL OFFICER
The Housing Officer or such official as may be designated
by the Mayor and Council.
[Amended 7-5-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-5]
OWNER
Includes any private title holder, any agent of a private
title holder having authority to act with respect to a vacant property,
any foreclosing entity that has filed a notice with the Municipal
Clerk pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51 (P.L. 2008,
c. 127, Sec. 17, as amended by P.L. 2009, c. 296), or any other entity
determined by the Municipal Officer of the Borough of Penns Grove
to have authority to act with respect to the property. This article
exempts any municipal, county or state owner of a vacant building
or structure.
VACANT PROPERTY
Any building or structure which is not at present legally
occupied or at which all lawful business or construction operations
or residential or other occupancy has substantially ceased, and which
is in such condition that it cannot legally be reoccupied without
repair or rehabilitation, including but not limited to any property
meeting the criteria for abandoned property in N.J.S.A. 55:19-81;
provided, however, that any habitable property where all building
systems are in sound working order, where the building and grounds
are maintained in good condition, and which is being actively marketed
by its owners for sale or rental shall not be deemed a vacant property
for purposes of this article.
[Amended 7-5-2017 by Ord.
No. 2017-5]
The owner of any structure that has become vacant property,
and any person responsible for maintaining any such building that
has become vacant, shall within 30 days of the structure becoming
vacant or 30 days of the owner taking title to the property:
A. Enclose and secure the structure as provided in the applicable code
of the Borough of Penns Grove or as set forth in rules and regulations
adopted by the Municipal Officer to supplement those codes;
B. Ensure that the grounds of the structure, including yards, fences,
sidewalks, walks and driveways, are well maintained and kept free
from trash or debris;
C. Post a sign affixed to the structure with the name, address and telephone
number of the owner and the owner's authorized agent for the
purpose of service of process, and the name, address and telephone
number of the entity responsible for maintenance of the property,
which may be the same as the authorized agent. The sign shall be at
least eight inches by 24 inches in dimension, shall include the words
"to report problems with this building, call..." and shall be placed
in a location where it is clearly legible from the nearest public
street sidewalk; and
D. Maintain the structure in a secure and closed condition, keep the
grounds in a clean and well-maintained condition, and ensure that
the sign is visible and intact until the building is again occupied
or demolished or until repair or rehabilitation of the building is
complete.
The Borough of Penns Grove shall establish a procedure by which
citizens can provide the Municipal Officer with information on unkempt
or unregistered properties that may be subject to this article.