An unsafe structure is one that is found to be dangerous to
the life, health, property or safety of the public or the occupants
of the structure by not providing the minimum safeguards to protect
or warn the occupants in event of fire, or because the structure contains
unsafe equipment or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally
unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation, that
partial or complete collapse is possible. IPMC Section 108.1.1.
Unsafe equipment includes any boiler, heating equipment, elevator,
moving stairway, electrical wiring or device, flammable liquid containers
or other equipment on the premises or within the structure which is
in such disrepair or condition that such equipment is a hazard to
life, health, property or safety of the public or occupants of the
premises or structure. IPMC Section 108.1.2.
A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the code official
finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree
to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is insanitary,
vermin- or rat-infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks
ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other
essential equipment required by this code, or because the location
of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure
or to the public. IPMC Section 108.1.3.
An unlawful structure is one found in whole or in part to be
occupied by more persons than permitted under this code, or was erected,
altered or occupied contrary to law. IPMC Section 108.1.4.
For the purpose of this code, any structure or premises that
has any or all of the conditions or defects described below shall
be considered dangerous:
A. Any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, exit or other means of egress
that does not conform to the approved building or fire code of the
jurisdiction as related to the requirements for existing buildings.
B. The walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway, exit or other
means of egress is so warped, worn loose, torn or otherwise unsafe
as to not provide safe and adequate means of egress.
C. Any portion of a building, structure or appurtenance that has been
damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood, deterioration, neglect,
abandonment, vandalism or by any other cause to such an extent that
it is likely to partially or completely collapse, or to become detached
or dislodged.
D. Any portion of a building, or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation
on the exterior thereof that is not of sufficient strength or stability,
or is not so anchored, attached or fastened in place so as to be capable
of resisting natural or artificial loads of 1 1/2 the original
designed value.
E. The building or structure, or part of the building or structure,
because of dilapidation, deterioration, decay, faulty construction,
the removal or movement of some portion of the ground necessary for
the support, or for any other reason, is likely to partially or completely
collapse, or some portion of the foundation or underpinning of the
building or structure is likely to fail or give way.
F. The building or structure, or any portion thereof, is clearly unsafe
for its use and occupancy.
G. The building or structure is neglected, damaged, dilapidated, unsecured
or abandoned so as to become an attractive nuisance to children who
might play in the building or structure to their danger, becomes a
harbor for vagrants, criminals or immoral persons, or enables persons
to resort to the building or structure for committing a nuisance or
an unlawful act.
H. Any building or structure has been constructed, exists or is maintained
in violation of any specific requirement or prohibition applicable
to such building or structure provided by the approved building or
fire code of the jurisdiction, or of any law or ordinance to such
an extent as to present either a substantial risk of fire, building
collapse or any other threat to life and safety.
I. A building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling
purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay,
damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, ventilation,
mechanical or plumbing system, or otherwise, is determined by the
code official to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such
a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease.
J. Any building or structure, because of a lack of sufficient or proper
fire-resistance-rated construction, fire-protection systems, electrical
system, fuel connections, mechanical system, plumbing system or other
cause, is determined by the code official to be a threat to life or
health.
K. Any portion of a building remains on a site after the demolition
or destruction of the building or structure or whenever any building
or structure is abandoned so as to constitute such building or portion
thereof as an attractive nuisance or hazard to the public.
All notifications, placarding, abatements, adjudications and
records shall comply with New Jersey State Laws, for this section
shall comply with New Jersey State Law.