[Ord. 12/28/76; Ord. #71-7; Ord. #74-7; Ord. 4/27/76; Ord. #77-11; Ord. #78-11; Ord. #86-05; Ord. #88-11; Ord. #89-07; Ord. #90-04; Ord. #92-04; Ord. #98-09; Ord. #2002-21; Ord. #2003-15; Ord. #2006-13]
a. 
There is hereby established in the township a State uniform construction code enforcing agency to be known as the Township of Wantage Construction Code Agency, consisting of a construction official, building subcode official, plumbing subcode official, electrical subcode official, fire protection subcode official, and such other subcode officials for such additional subcodes as the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, State of New Jersey, shall hereafter adopt as part of the State Uniform Construction Code. The construction official shall be the chief administrator of the enforcing agency.
b. 
Each official position created in subsection "a" hereof shall be filled by a person qualified for such position pursuant to P.L. 1975, C. 217 as amended and N.J.A.C. 5:23; provided that, in lieu of any particular subcode official, an on-site inspection agency may be retained by contract pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:23. More than one such official position may be held by the same person; provided that such person is qualified pursuant to P.L. 1975, C. 217 and N.J.A.C. 5:23 to hold each such position.
c. 
The public shall have the right to do business with the enforcing agency at one office location except for emergencies, and unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances.
a. 
The township committee shall contract with any approved on-site inspection agency as may be necessary to serve the needs of the township and to comply with the provisions of the statute and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
b. 
All on-site inspection agencies shall be appointed annually by resolution of the township committee on or before January 31.
a. 
Plan review. The fee for plan review shall be 20% of the amount to be charged for the construction permit fee for the applicable subcodes. Plan review fees shall be credited against the actual cost of the construction permit at the time of issuance of the construction permit.
b. 
Basic construction. The basic construction fee shall be the sum of the parts computed on the basis of volume or cost of the construction, the number of plumbing fixtures and pieces of equipment, the number of electrical fixtures and devices and the number of sprinklers, standpipes, and detectors (smoke and heat), the number of elevators and escalators, at the unit rates provided herein plus any special fees.
All charitable and nonprofit organizations, associations and corporations shall be exempt from the payment of up to $400 per year of any and all local fees otherwise required to be paid under this chapter. Proof of such charitable or nonprofit status shall be provided to the township along with the applicant's construction permit. Additionally, no person shall be charged a fee for any construction, reconstruction, alteration or improvement designed and undertaken solely to promote accessibility by disabled persons to an existing public or private structure or any of the facilities contained therein. No parent or sibling of a disabled person shall be required to pay a fee in order to secure a construction permit for any construction, reconstruction, alteration or improvement which promotes accessibility to his or her own living unit.
This chapter shall take effect on January 1, 1977.
[Ord. #95-03; Ord. #97-08; Ord. #00-10; Ord. #2006-07; Ord. #2008-10; Ord. #2011-06; amended 9-12-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-09]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former section 8-2, Housing Code, previously codified herein and containing portions of Ordinance Nos. 11/9/66, 69-1 and 83-06 was repealed in its entirety by Ordinance No. 95-03.
This section shall be known as the "Minimum Property Maintenance Code of the Township of Wantage" and may be referred to in the short form as the "Property Maintenance Code" or in this section as "this code."
It is hereby found and declared that there exist in the Township structures and vacant lots which are or may become in the future substandard with respect to structural integrity, equipment or maintenance, and further that such conditions, including but not limited to structural deterioration, lack of maintenance of exterior premises and vacant lots, infestation, lack of maintenance or upkeep of essential facilities and utilities, existence of fire hazards and unsanitary conditions constitute a menace to the health, safety, welfare, and reasonable comfort of the citizens and inhabitants of the Township. It is further found and declared that by reason of lack of maintenance and ensuing progressive deterioration, certain properties have the further effect of creating blighting conditions and that, by reason of timely regulations and restrictions, as herein contained, the growth of this blight may be prevented and the neighborhood and property values thereby maintained, the desirability and amenities of dwellings and neighborhoods enhanced and the public health, safety and welfare protected and fostered.
The purpose of this code is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by establishing minimum standards governing the maintenance and condition of the exterior of premises; to avoid, prevent and eliminate the maintenance of or creation of hazards to the public health or safety; to avoid, prevent and eliminate conditions which, if permitted to exist or continue, will depreciate or tend to depreciate the value of adjacent or surrounding properties; to prevent the creation, continuation, extension or aggravation of blight; to establish certain responsibilities and duties upon owners, operators and occupants of properties; and to provide for administration and enforcement of this section.
Every structure and the premises on which the structure(s) are situated in the Township used or intended to be used for single- and multiple-family dwellings, commercial, business or industrial occupancy shall comply with the provisions of this code and, irrespective of any permits or licenses, which shall have been issued for the use or occupancy of the structure or for the installation or repair of equipment or facilities prior to the effective date of this code.
In any case where the provisions of this code impose a higher standard than that set forth in any ordinance of the Township or under the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the standards as set forth herein shall prevail; but if the provisions of this code impose a lower standard than any ordinance of the Township or of the laws of the State of New Jersey, then the higher standard contained in any such other ordinance or law shall prevail.
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to abolish or limit existing remedies of the municipality or its officers or agencies relating to the removal or demolition of any buildings or structures, which are deemed to be dangerous, unsafe or unsanitary.
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the purpose of this section, be defined as follows:
DETERIORATION
The condition of a structure or part thereof characterized by holes, breaks, rot, crumbling, cracking, peeling, rusting or other evidence of physical decay or neglect, lack of maintenance or excessive use.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
The Enforcement Officer in the Township shall be the Construction Code Official, the Zoning Officer or his/her authorized representative.
EXTERIOR OF PREMISES
Those portions of a building or structure which are exposed to public view or are visible from adjoining or adjacent properties, including all outside surfaces and appurtenances thereto, and the open space on the premises outside any building or structure erected thereon.
EXTERMINATION
The control and elimination of insects, rodents or other pests by eliminating their harborage places, by removing or making inaccessible materials that may serve as their food or by any approved pest elimination methods.
FIRE HAZARD
Anything or any act which increases or may cause any increase of the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service of preventing, suppressing or extinguishing fire, or which may obstruct, delay or hinder or may become the cause of an obstruction, delay, hazard or hindrance to the prevention, suppression or extinguishment of fire.
GARBAGE
Animal and vegetable waste resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
NUISANCE
Any public or private condition that would constitute a "nuisance" according to the statutes, laws and regulations of the State of New Jersey, any of its agencies or this code; any physical condition existing in or on the exterior of any premises, which is potentially dangerous, detrimental or hazardous to the health or safety of persons on, near or passing in proximity of the premises where said condition exists.
OCCUPANT
Any occupant, owner, agent, tenant, lessee, caretaker or other person or corporation in charge of the premises of or having actual possession or use of a business, single- and multiple-family dwelling unit or other premises affected by this section.
OPERATOR
Any person, persons or entity not the owner, who has charge, care or control of a structure or a part thereof, with or without the knowledge, consent or authority of the owner.
OWNER
Any person, persons or entity:
a. 
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
b. 
Who shall have charge, care or control of any lot, premises, building, structure or part thereof, as owner or agent of the owner; or
c. 
As fiduciary, trustee, receiver, guardian, lessee or mortgagee in possession, regardless of how such possession was obtained;
d. 
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 purposes of this section and shall have responsibility over that portion of the premises so sublet, leased or assigned.
PREMISES
A lot, plot or parcel of land, including the buildings, structures and improvements thereon.
RUBBISH
All combustible and noncombustible waste materials other than garbage; and the term shall include paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber, leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, mineral matter, glass, crockery and the residue from burning wood, coal, coke or other combustible material and solid commercial and industrial waste. No chemicals such as those used in swimming pools, oil, gasoline or any other chemical which could cause a fire, explosion or obnoxious gas shall be considered "rubbish."
Owners, operators and occupants shall have all the duties, obligations and responsibilities prescribed in this section, and no such person or entity shall be relieved of any such duty, obligation or responsibility hereunder, nor may any such person or entity assert, as a defense against any charge made under this section, that another owner, operator or occupant or any other third person or entity is also responsible therefor and in violation thereof.
Exterior of premises. The exterior of all premises shall be kept free from hazards, which include but are not limited to the following:
a. 
Garbage and rubbish (as defined in this section): only garbage and rubbish resulting from the actual use of the premises may be permitted on the premises.
b. 
Unsafe structures: structurally unsafe or unsound buildings, structures or fences or abandoned, uncovered or structurally unsound wells, shafts, towers, exterior cellar openings, basement hatchways, foundations or excavations.
c. 
Discarded appliances: abandoned refrigerators, boilers, hot-water heaters, television sets and other similar major appliances.
d. 
Natural growth; lawns and shrubs.
1. 
Natural growth. Dead and dying trees and limbs or other natural growth which by reason of rotting or deteriorating condition or storm damage constitute a hazard to persons in the vicinity thereof; trees shall be kept pruned and trimmed to prevent such condition.
2. 
Lawns and shrubs: all lawns shall be maintained; all hedges and shrubs shall be trimmed to a neat appearance.
e. 
Overhangings: loose and overhanging objects, whether natural or man-made, and accumulations of ice and snow, which by reason of location, above ground level constitute a threat to the health and safety of members of the public if caused to fall.
f. 
Ground surface hazards: hidden or uncovered ground or surface hazards, such as holes, sudden depressions, excavations, sharp or jagged projections or obstructions.
g. 
Recurring accumulations of stormwater or other sources of water: stagnant surface or groundwater accumulations which create or are likely to create breeding areas for mosquitoes and other insects.
h. 
Infestation: rodents, vermin, pest infestations, and conditions causing same.
i. 
Nuisances: as defined in this section.
j. 
Inoperable vehicles: vehicles or parts thereof, including boats and trailers, motorized or not, regardless of whether licensed or registered, which vehicles or parts thereof are or have been abandoned, dismantled or are in a state of visible disrepair.
k. 
Structural soundness. Every structure and accessory structure and every part thereof shall be kept structurally sound and in a state of good repair to avoid safety, health or fire hazards, including but not limited to the following:
1. 
Foundation walls: inadequate or unsafe foundation walls, piers and columns and other similarly unsound, damaged or defective load-bearing components which are incapable of supporting the imposed loads safely at all points.
2. 
Exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs and fire escapes: structurally unsound, loose, dangerous, crumbling, missing, broken, rotted or unsafe exterior portions of buildings or structures, including but not limited to porches, landings, balconies, stairways, handrails, steps, walls, overhangs, roofs, fences, supporting members, timbers, abutments, fire escapes, signs and loose, crumbling or falling bricks, stones, mortar or plaster.
3. 
Projecting surfaces: exterior surfaces or parts of buildings or structures containing sharp, rough or projecting surfaces or objects which might cause injury to persons coming in contact therewith.
4. 
Windows, doors, etc., Broken glass or windows, rotten, missing or substantially destroyed window frames and sashes, door frames, exterior doors or other junior exterior component parts of buildings or structures are prohibited.
5. 
Exterior chimneys shall be maintained and kept structurally sound, free from defects and so maintained as to capably perform, at all times, the functions for which they were designed.
6. 
Steps, walks, driveways and parking lots, parking spaces and similar paved areas shall be maintained so as to afford safe passage under normal use and weather conditions. Any holes or other hazards that may exist shall be filled, and necessary repairs or replacement shall be performed promptly.
a. 
Enforcement Officer. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the Enforcement Officer to enforce the provisions of this code as herein provided.
b. 
Coordination of enforcement.
1. 
Inspection of premises and the issuing of orders in connection therewith under the provisions of this code shall be the exclusive responsibility of the Enforcement Officer.
2. 
Wherever, in the opinion of the Enforcement Officer, it is necessary or desirable to have inspections of any condition by any other department, the Enforcement Officer shall arrange for this to be done.
3. 
No order for correction of any violation under this code shall be issued without the approval of the Enforcement Officer, and it shall be the responsibility of the Enforcement Officer before issuing any such order to determine that it has the concurrence of any other department or official of the government concerned with any matter involved on the case in question.
c. 
Inspections. The Enforcement Officer is authorized to enter upon any land at any reasonable time for the purpose of performing his or her duty under this code or by way of a search warrant if required by law.
d. 
Enforcement procedure.
1. 
Notice.
(a) 
Whenever the Enforcement Officer determines that there is or has been a violation of any provision of this section, he or she shall give notice of such violation to the person, persons or entities responsible therefor under this section.
(b) 
Such notice shall be in writing and shall include a concise statement of the reasons for its issuance.
(c) 
Such notice shall be deemed to be properly and sufficiently served if a copy thereof is sent by regular mail to the last known address of the person or entity upon which the same is served, as shown by the most recent tax records of the Township, or a copy thereof handed to said person or persons, or a copy thereof left at the usual place of abode or office of said persons or entities.
(d) 
Notice shall be given as aforesaid within or without the Township and shall state that unless the violation is abated, removed, cured, prevented or desisted within 14 days of the date of service of such notice (exclusive of the date of service), a summons shall be issued for such violation.
2. 
Extension of time for compliance.
(a) 
The Enforcement Officer may extend the period for compliance with the requirements of this section in regard to the violation stated in the notice for a period in excess of the aforesaid 14 days if, in his judgment, the abatement, removal, prevention, cessation or cure of the condition violated cannot reasonably be effected within the fifteen-day period; and, in such cases, the Enforcement Officer shall state such reasonably required extended period in the notice, which shall then be applicable instead of the aforesaid 14 days.
3. 
Issuance of summons.
(a) 
In the event that the violation is not abated, removed, cured, prevented or desisted from or otherwise fully remedied within said fifteen-day period or within such extended period as set forth in the notice, pursuant to the foregoing, a summons shall be issued against the person, persons, entity or entities so notified.
4. 
Any extension beyond 30 days must be approved by the Township Committee.
5. 
Emergency conditions.
(a) 
Whenever the Enforcement Officer finds that an emergency condition in violation of this section exists and that such condition requires immediate attention in order to protect the public health or safety, he or she may issue an order by service of notice as set forth in Subsection d above, reciting the existence of such emergency condition and requiring that such action be taken by the violator as soon as is reasonably necessary to meet the emergency.
(b) 
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section to the contrary, such order shall be effective immediately. Any person to whom such an order is directed shall comply therewith immediately, but, upon objection in writing to the Enforcement Officer, any such person shall be afforded a hearing before the governing body of the Township as soon as is reasonably possible.
(c) 
After such hearing and decision by the governing body as to the existence or nonexistence of the emergency condition, the governing body may continue such order in effect, or modify or withdraw it, subject to the issuance of a summons for violation thereof if such order is continued.
a. 
Any person or entity who shall violate any of the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be punished as follows:
1. 
For the first offense, by a fine of not less than $50 or more than $500 per day a violation exists.
2. 
For a second offense, by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $1,000 per day the violation exists.
3. 
For a third offense or any subsequent offenses, by a fine not of not less than $100 or more than $1,000 per day the violation exists from the date of the first summons.
b. 
Each day that a violation occurs may be considered a separate and continuing violation and it will not be necessary to issue subsequent summons for each violation. A court appearance will be required if a summons is issued.
In any case where a provision of this section is found to be in conflict with or inconsistent with a provision of any other ordinance which establishes a lower standard for the promotion and protection of the safety, health and welfare of its inhabitants, the provisions of this section shall prevail, and such other ordinance or parts thereof are hereby declared to be repealed to the extent that they may be so found to be in conflict with this section.
[Ord. #74-2; Reserved by Ord. #95-03]
[Ord. #91-02]
There is hereby adopted a system of numbering all buildings and lots of land in the Township of Wantage.
Pursuant thereto, the township tax assessor shall prepare a system of numbering which shall provide for official numbers to be assigned for each building and lot of land in the Township of Wantage.
A schedule of the official numbers assigned for each building and lot on each street in the township shall be filed and kept with the township clerk and with the tax assessor of the township and said numbers shall be further placed upon the tax list of the township.
It shall be the duty of every owner of a building to cause to be affixed and displayed on or in front of said building, the street number assigned to said building or lot as indicated in the schedule mentioned in subsection 8-4.1. Such affixed number shall be maintained at all times in compliance with the provisions of this section.
a. 
Size.
1. 
Height of numbers on the house or premises shall be a minimum of four inches and a maximum of six inches.
2. 
Height of numbers on mailbox shall be a minimum of two inches.
b. 
Placement. Numbers shall be permanently and conspicuously placed.
1. 
On the front of the building, and on the mailbox.
2. 
If the house is not visible from the road then the numbers shall be posted no more than five feet from the edge of the travelled way in front of the premises so as to be plainly visible from the center of the abutting street or road.
c. 
Color. The color of the numbers shall be in sharp contrast to the color of their background and reflective, if possible.
The owner of any newly erected building shall obtain the appropriate assigned and designated number from the township tax assessor and affix and display said number in accordance with the provisions of subsections 8-4.2 and 8-4.3 before a certificate of occupancy may be issued.
No building permit shall be issued until a house number is obtained from the issuing agency and placed in accordance with the provisions of subsections 8-4.2 and 8-4.3.
Any person who violates a provision of this section shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding $25. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day on which a violation occurs or continues.
[Added 8-10-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-09]
As used in this section, the following words shall have the meanings indicated:
CREDITOR
A state-chartered bank, savings bank, savings and loan association or credit union, any person or entity required to be licensed under the provisions of the New Jersey Residential Mortgage Act, P.L. 2009, c. 53 (N.J.S.A. 17:11C-51 et seq.), any foreclosing entity subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51 (P.L. 2008, c. 127, Sec. 17, as amended from time to time) and any entity acting on behalf of the creditor named in the debt obligation including, but not limited to, servicers.
VACANT AND ABANDONED
Regarding residential property, means consistent with Ssection 1 of P.L. 2012, c.70 (N.J.S.A. 2A:50-73), residential real estate, where a notice of violation has been issued pursuant to § 8-5.5a of this section and Subsection b of section 1 of P.L. 2014, c. 35 (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.12s), or property which any condition on its own or combined with other conditions present would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property is or has been vacant for three or more months.
a. 
Residential property shall further be deemed vacant and abandoned where a mortgaged property is not occupied by a mortgagor or tenant.
b. 
Such evidence would include, but is not limited to, evidence of the existence of two or more of the following conditions at the property:
1. 
Overgrown or neglected vegetation;
2. 
The accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers or mail on the property;
3. 
Disconnected gas, electric, or water utility services to the property;
4. 
The accumulation of hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials on the property;
5. 
The accumulation of junk, litter, trash or debris on the property;
6. 
The absence of window treatments such as blinds, curtains or shutters;
7. 
The absence of furnishings and personal items;
8. 
Statements of neighbors, association management, delivery persons, or government employees indicating that the residence is vacant and abandoned;
9. 
Windows or entrances to the property that are boarded up or closed off or multiple window panes that are damaged, broken and unrepaired;
10. 
Doors to the property that are smashed through, broken off, unhinged, or continuously unlocked;
11. 
A risk to the health, safety or welfare of the public, or any adjoining or adjacent property owners, exists due to acts of vandalism, loitering, criminal conduct, or the physical destruction or deterioration of the property;
12. 
An uncorrected violation of a municipal building, housing, or similar code during the preceding year, or an order by municipal authorities declaring the property to be unfit for occupancy and to remain vacant and unoccupied;
13. 
The mortgagee or other authorized party has secured or winterized the property due to the property being deemed vacant and unprotected or in danger of freezing;
14. 
A written statement issued by any mortgagor expressing the clear intent of all mortgagors to abandon the property;
15. 
Any other reasonable indicia of abandonment.
OWNER
The titleholder, any agent of the titleholder having authority to act with respect to the vacant property, or any other entity determined by the Township of Wantage to act with respect to the property.
a. 
A creditor filing a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a vacant and abandoned property, or a creditor who has previously filed a summons and complaint to foreclose on a residential property which subsequently becomes vacant and abandoned, or the owner of a vacant and abandoned property, shall within 30 calendar days after the building becomes vacant and abandoned or within 30 calendar days after assuming ownership of the vacant and abandoned property, whichever is later; or within 10 calendar days of receipt of notice from the Township, and annually thereafter, file a registration statement for such vacant and abandoned property with the Municipal Clerk on forms provided by the Township for such purposes. Any failure to receive notice from the Township shall not constitute grounds for failing to register the vacant and abandoned property.
b. 
Each vacant and abandoned property having a separate block and lot number as designated in the official Tax Maps of the Township shall be registered separately.
c. 
The registration statement shall include the name, street address, telephone number, and email address (if applicable) of a person 21 years or older, designated by the creditor or the owner as the authorized agent for receiving notices of code violations and for receiving process in any court proceeding or administrative enforcement proceeding on behalf of such creditor in connection with the enforcement of any applicable code.
d. 
The registration statement shall include the name, street address, telephone number, and email address (if applicable) of the firm and the actual name(s) of the owner of the vacant or abandoned property or the firm's individual principal(s) responsible for maintaining the abandoned and vacant property. The owner or the individual or representative of the firm responsible for maintaining the abandoned and vacant property shall be available by telephone or in person on a twenty-four-hour-per-day, seven-day-per-week basis. The two entities may be the same or different persons. In the case of a creditor, both entities shown on the statement must maintain offices in the State of New Jersey or reside within the State of New Jersey.
e. 
The registration shall remain valid for one year from the date of registration except for the initial registration which shall be valid through December 31 of the year in which it was filed. The owner of the property or the creditor shall be required to renew the registration annually as long as the building remains vacant and abandoned and shall pay a registration or renewal fee in the amount prescribed in § 5.3 of this section for each vacant and abandoned property registered.
f. 
The annual renewal shall be completed by January 1 each year. The initial registration fee shall be prorated for registration statements received less than 10 months prior to that date.
g. 
The owner of the property or the creditor shall notify the Municipal Clerk within 30 calendar days of any change in the registration information by filing an amended registration statement on a form provided by the Municipal Clerk for such purpose.
h. 
The registration statement shall be deemed prima facie proof of the statements therein contained in any administrative enforcement proceeding or court proceeding instituted by the Township against the creditor.
The initial registration fee for each vacant and abandoned property under the provisions of this section shall be $500. The fee for the first annual renewal shall be $1,500, and the fee for the second annual renewal shall be $3,000. The fee for any subsequent annual renewal beyond the second renewal shall be $5,000.
a. 
The owner of the property or a creditor filing a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a residential property within the Township shall be immediately responsible for the care, maintenance, security and upkeep of the exterior of the property, after the property becomes vacant and abandoned as defined in this section.
b. 
Where a creditor is located out of state, the creditor shall be responsible for appointing an in-state representative or agent to act on the creditor's behalf for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of § 8-5.4a of this section. Notice of said representative or agent shall be provided to the municipal clerk pursuant to § 8-5.2c and d of this section and pursuant to Paragraph (1) of Subsection a of Section 17 of P.L.2008, c.127 (N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51).
a. 
The enforcement officers designated in this section shall be authorized to issue a notice to the owner of the property, or a creditor that has filed a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a residential property within the Township, if the enforcement officer determines that the owner of the property, or creditor that has filed a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a residential property within the Township has violated this section by failing to provide for the care, maintenance, security, and upkeep of the exterior of a vacant and abandoned property. Where a creditor is an out-of-state creditor, the notice shall be issued to the representative or agent that has been identified by the creditor pursuant to § 8-5.4b of this section and Paragraph (1) of Subsection a of Section 17 of P.L.2008, c. 127 (N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51).
b. 
The notice referenced in § 8-5.5a of this section shall require the owner or creditor to correct the violation(s) within 30 days of receipt of the notice, or within 10 days of receipt of the notice if the violation presents an imminent threat to public health and safety.
c. 
The issuance of a notice pursuant to § 8-5.5a of this section shall constitute proof that a residential property is vacant and abandoned for the purposes of this section.
The duty of administering and enforcing the provisions of this section is conferred upon the Municipal Clerk, Construction Official, Zoning Officer, Housing Officer, Health Officer, and any other duly appointed representatives.
a. 
The Oowner of a property or a creditor subject to this section that is found by the municipal court of the Township, or by any other court of competent jurisdiction, to be in violation of the requirement to correct a care, maintenance, security, or upkeep violation cited in a notice issued pursuant to this section shall be subject to a fine of $1,500 for each day of the violation. Any fines imposed pursuant to this subsection shall commence 31 days following the receipt of the notice, except if the violation presents an imminent risk to public health and safety, in which case any fines shall commence 11 days following receipt of the notice.
b. 
An out-of-state creditor subject to this section that is found by the municipal court of the Township, or by any other court of competent jurisdiction, to be in violation of the requirement to appoint an in-state representative or agent pursuant to this section shall be subject to a fine of $2,500 for each day of the violation. Any fines imposed on a creditor for the failure to appoint an in-state representative or agent shall commence on the day after the ten-day period set forth in Paragraph (1) of Subsection a of Section 17 of P.L.2008, c. 127 (N.J.S.A. 46:10B-51) for providing notice to the Municipal Clerk that a summons and complaint in an action to foreclose on a mortgage has been served.
c. 
The owner of a property, or a creditor subject to this section, that is found by the municipal court of the Township, or by any other court of competent jurisdiction, to be in violation of the requirement to register a vacant and abandoned property pursuant to § 8-5.2 of this section shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000. Any fines imposed on a creditor under this subsection shall commence 11 days following receipt of notice from the Township pursuant to § 8-5.2a of this section.
d. 
No less than 20% of any money collected by the Township pursuant to this section shall be utilized by the Township for municipal code enforcement purposes.
e. 
Nothing in this section is intended to nor shall be read to conflict or prevent the Township from taking action against buildings found to be unfit for human habitation or unsafe structures as provided in the applicable provisions of the Code of the Township and/or the Uniform Construction Code. Further, any action taken under any such Code provision other than the demolition of a structure shall not relieve the owner from its obligation under this section.
f. 
Municipal powers to rehabilitate abandon property. The Township hereby grants to itself all such powers granted to municipalities by the State of New Jersey for the rehabilitation of abandoned property. Such powers are set forth, inter alia, in the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act (N.J.S.A. 55:19-78 et seq.) and in applicable portions of the New Jersey Urban Development Corporation Act (N.J.S.A. 55:19-1 through -77). These statutory powers are collectively referred to as the "Enabling Statutes."