It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee, agent or tenant
of lands in the Borough of Raritan to permit any growth of grass in
excess of eight inches in height or any growth of ragweed, poison
ivy, poison sumac and all other plant or vegetable growth that may
affect the health of residents.
In the event that the owner, lessee, agent or tenant fails to
comply with such notice, then the Building Inspector or authorized
representative, or such labor as may be employed for such purpose,
shall cut and remove such grass, weeds, brush, dead or dying trees
and all other plant or vegetable growth. Such cost shall be computed
at the rate of $100 per hour, or fraction thereof, and shall constitute
a valid assessment against such lands and shall be duly certified
to the Tax Collector for collection on the tax duplicate in the same
manner as all other taxes and assessments.
A fine in an amount of no less than $100 and up to a maximum
of $1,000 may be levied upon any violating property owner, lessee,
agent or tenant of lands who are in violation of this article.
The imposition and collection of the fine provided in this article
shall not constitute any bar to the right of the Borough of Raritan
to collect the expenses as certified for the removal of weeds, etc.,
in the manner herein authorized.
The Fire Chief, Chief of Police or any member of the Police
Department, Public Works Superintendent, Public Works Supervisor,
Construction Official, Building Inspector, Housing Inspector, Property
Maintenance Inspector, Health Officer or any authorized representative
shall be considered the proper officers to investigate the above-described
hazards.